It's a beaten to death topic with all sorts of varying opinions. I'm looking for feedback from people who track their cars. I have about 80-100 track days on my car, and it seems that my SuperTech Ti kit is starting to go bad.

I need to replace them, but i'm not sure if I should go back to AP2 OEM or an afterket non-Ti kit with dual valve springs. I want some mechanical over-rev protection in case of a money shift. Power is pretty basic and will remain that way - exhaust, test pipe, OEM airbox with snorkel, OEM tune.

Latest oil report below:

 

The OEM AP2 stuff lasts the life of the car in the AP2 so why wouldn't it do the same in an AP1? I bought an AP1 with 45k, changed them at 50k. It's got 99k now and it's all Autox, track days, and driving to/from events. Hammer the rev limiter without fear and never look back. Aftermarket parts may have a performance advantage in some areas, but very few can beat OEM for reliability and service life.

 

For an AP1:

-OEM ap1 springs
-oem ap2 retainers and keepers

ALL aftermarket head components are garbage (for the S2000 at least)

 

Yeah. I figured as much. I know the aftermarket stuff isn't designed for longevity. I'll take solace in believing that my current kit has saved me from a few money shift zings over the years.

I was considering the SPRK-H1021D from supertech, which i believe is steel, but i'll just go OEM AP2 and call it a day.

 

What about oem ap2 retainers and keepers along with toda springs for revving the ap1 9300-9400?

 

What problem are you trying to rectify?

 

I essentially want to survive revving to 10K on a missed down shift/upshift. I'm not the best driver and have definitely done a couple of 2-1 upshifts (missed 3) while heavily laterally loaded.

In any case, I already ordered a full set of AP2. Assuming no future miss-shifts, I wonder how long this motor will continue going. I'll be happy with another 80 track days on the motor. I intend to keep the motor as is - OEM tune, snorkel on OEM airbox, 63mm test-pipe, and exhaust.

 

Raising the valve spring pressure is not necessary and will only increase noise, and wear.

AP2 retainers and keepers and thats it. Safe to 10k in an over-rev.

Find a way to not mis shift. Number one cause is holding the shifter tight (death gripping)

Relax, drive fast, shift slow. Upgrade your skills instead of downgrading the engine.

 

I used to have a big problem with miss-shifting a few years ago. I went back to the OEM shift knob, instead of countersunk Moddiction Anvil 2, and haven't miss-shifted yet. The throw on the S2000 is so short that any shorter and the risk of miss-shifting gets considerably higher.

The worst cases are 2-3, 3-4, and 5-4. Each has a different way of positioning your hand in order to avoid miss-shifting on this car, which I'm sure you already know about.

 

Yeah. I've since switched to an under-hand grip (for 2-3 and 4-5) using a light-weight delrin shift "lever" raised 2" instead of a knob. It's rectified my issues. Essentially, learn to shift better...