To all who read,

I have contemplated the traditional gamut of modifications (airbox, headers, exhaust, camshafts, stroking, etc.) for my 2002 vehicle, but after speaking to my mechanic, I am averse to the installation of so insignificant an item as a low-temp. thermostat. My mechanic has advised me that all such changes to the stock vehicle have the potential to cause any number of problems ranging from fouled oxygen sensors, persistent check-engine lights, and prematurely expiring catalytic converters to failed emissions tests. He did not say problems will occur for all individuals, but his experience is that 90% of his customers who have modified their vehicles have had problems. The mechanic is an independent servicer of all makes and models of vehicles from economy cars to exotics and builds drag-racing motors in his spare time; I can think of no reasonable motivation on his part for a bias against performance modifications for a street vehicle. He straightforwardly told me that to modify a street vehicle hazards imperfect operation.

I plan to heed this advice but also look to you, a sagacious community of enthusiasts, for any information you may have with respect to the problems (or the lack of problems) you may have experienced after modifying your vehicles. I am particularly interested to hear from those who have installed Mugen, Spoon, and Toda parts. I will sincerely appreciate your input.

Best regards,

autophile84

 

It completely depends on how extensive the modifations are. An s2k with an intake will run just as long as any other s2k, while a 5 second funny car needs a rebuild every other pass. My advice is to start researching parts your interested in, install them if you think they suite your needs, and go from there.

 

I wouldn't trust the advice of someone making such a sweeping generalization as "90% of all modified cars have problems". First of all, if I modify my car but have a problem with a completely unrelated aspect of the vehicle is that part of the statistics? If so, they're flawed as the modification had nothing to do with the problem. Secondly, did he actually show you numbers that he based his assertions on or did that 90% figure come out of his anus? Third, THOUSANDS of people have done some level of modfiication to their S2000 and in most cases the modifications haven't caused problems, even for those of us who track our cars extensively. You should consider finding a new mechanic.

 

^ what he said.

 

ya know, it all depends on what kind of work you're looking at doing, who is doing the work, and how much work you're willing into ensuring it's done right.

i'm nearing $20k worth of mods on my car, and the only time i've had my CEL was when i did my SC install, and i had that fixed in a day. my car runs great, and gets a lot of looks. hell! i thought it got a lot stock. now, i'll occassionally have a crowd if i'm stopping by checkers to get some cleaning supplies. or just about any place for that matter.

 

I am part of the whole, therefore I, too, must be sagacious!