There are 1900 miles on my 02. From day one I've wondered about the sound that occurs when moving forward from a stop in 1st at 2k to 3k RPM. I hear a vibration-rumble coming from the drive train or exhaust. It gives the impression that the car is not well built. Is this sound a normal S2K exhaust note? I've done a search on the S2000 Intl. forums and have not seen a reference to this kind of sound. There is nothing in the trunk and the spare tire is firmly in place. I was thinking about checking with the dealer at the first oil change, but I doubt if they have enough experience with S2k's to know if this sound is normal.

 

If the spare tire is tight you may be hearing the passenger seatbelt against the door (try buckling it and see if it goes away) or the exhaust manifold heat shield may be loose....try retorqing bolts. Both of these problems have been traced to sounds such as you describe.....

Utah

 

I HAD THIS SAME NOISE!!! A couple nights after it started I put the car on a lift to clean inside the wheels and I found that the dealer never removed the spring spacers. I can't explain why this made that noise, but as soon as the dealer took them out, it was a ok.

 

Is the sound you hear like a marbly rattle uppon starting to move and sound like it is between the seats? If it is, this is a normal noise. You are hearing the input shaft of the trans and the throughout bearing. This is normal and my 2002 does this. My 94 Z28 did this and my friends vette makes this same noise.

 

I have this SAME EXACT noise and i thought something came loose. i originally thought it was the sparkplugs because everyone seems to have problems with those.