For me, the thing that was most memorable was learning how this car just loves to hang out at 7k RPM all day long. I had to get used to the idea that it was gonna be wailing long and loud before I had to upshift. That took awhile to adjust to.

Most surprising was the amount of grip my tires had and how much I could just trust this car. It gave plenty of warning at the limit (remember... AP2 here) and I could run this thing just as hard as the school cars at FastLane on Streets of Willow and it could handle it just fine. Well, okay, I admit I dialed it back a little because I really didn't want to go off into some seriously rocky dirt in the car which I knew had to bring me home that night (I saved the real thrashing for the school cars), but I sure didn't coast any. And then there was saving my life at a track day at Laguna Seca... now that is a day that I'll remember forever. No, I didn't nearly crash, but I had a good bit of "oh dear" moments and one WOOHOO! four wheel drift through turn 4 that had even my mentor for the day wondering how it was going to shake out. It was a good birthday present to myself; one I'll never forget and I'm glad I let someone talk me into it even though I was scared sh!tless to go.

Most annoying: well, there was that squeaking noise mentioned in this thread already. LOL! I think lack of rearward visibility, particularly with the top up, was/is most annoying. At 5'4" tall and what little height I have being in my legs, there is no point in me even trying to look over my shoulder to back up. Useless. Completely useless. Gotta rely totally on the mirrors, or maybe add a backup camera some day if I can find an elegant solution for the display portion (rearview mirror display is probably the best in this car, imo).

 

1) Most memorable - Nothing can compete with the high of driving the S2000 to one’s limit at the race track, even if it means realizing you didn’t have the skill set to be an F1 driver. I recall one night after a day at the track pulling off and parking on the way home (track was 100 miles away) to regain myself because I was so mentally and physical exhausted I could not make it home. I was so drained I had thoughts I might never make it home and yet I was still smiling.

2) Most surprising (in a good way) – There is no way a race engine that found its way into a production vehicle should last like these do. I never believed the 9000 rpms that sold me on this car could last. I bought my first ever-extended warranty because I was sure it could not last. And yet, 12 years later, after all my fun with it, I see my neighbor still driving it, smiling and waving when he goes by. Well-done Soichiro’s team. Realizing I would still be associating with fellow owners a dozen years later even after selling the car is equally surprising.

3) Most unexpectedly annoying? - There were a few things as no car is perfect but the damned notchy 2nd to 3rd gearshift in my car was the single most disappointing aspect of the car. It did not help reading numerous reports that this was the smoothest shifter ever. I never had to pull the engine but if I had I would have replaced the syncros as mine never worked right from the beginning between 2-3. I took extra pains to place it just so and at just the right rpms or I rev'ed the crap out of it and jam it.... but neither approach should have been necessary.

 

All the friends that I have made due to this car (and my magnetic personality!)......

After 13 years.... still love this car like I did day 1 of ownership.....

The placement of the cup holder, or should I say a cupholder in a position where it could actually be used!

 

The first thing that popped into my head was Granny and the secret compartment. Safe to say she was one of those who had a delayed revelation. I'm about the rest, but the main one is how the car changed my life after I bought my first one and found S2Ki.

 

I remember all the informative posts from XViper that really aided me in keeping my first S2k up to par. There was so much to learn back then. I had no idea what I had until I made my first meet in June of 02 with the Mid-A group in Charlottesville. Great, great people and what a learning experience! That was the first time I v-teched and the rest was history. I cannot remember all the things that I'd have never experienced had it not been for the S, but I do know that the 2 S2000s I owned were the most enjoyable cars I've ever owned. They also brought me to what I hope are forever friendships with some fabulous folks.

 

Check out my Gallery photos. I solved that a decade ago. I'm not sure where the thread is but it was a very popular aftermarket option.

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/index.php...=user&user=957

 

The only thing I wish the ap1 had is a visible clock. The coolest thing I learned was how to set it so the air conditioning so it doesn't come on when you run the defrosters. I've built several cars over the years. This was my first Japanese one. I've had a good time messing with my car.

Like many others I bow at the feet of Xviper. He was my mentor whether he knew it or not.

fltsfshr

 

Most memorable first spin on R compound tires Had to go both feet in when I ran out of talent, steering and ideas at the same instant

annoying has to be the buzzing from the tonneau cover strap at speed as it vibrates

Most memorable #2 is being told by a guy trying to impress his girl friend I did not know what kind of car it was even though I was sitting in the drivers seat

 

Put a twist in the strap... no more buzzzz.

fltsfshr

 

Thanks why didn't I thing of that Oh I know rarely have it installed That's my story and I'm sticking with it