I need to find out for sure what the deal is with the uk ap2 cars, are the uk 2004 cars ap2s and if so do they share all the same changes with the American ap2s? Im assuming everything is the same except the uk cars have the f20c i.e we get the revised ap2 gearbox ratios with carbon synchros, strengthened diff, chassis changes including additional bracing, geometry changes with revised spring and damper rates etc? Also ive heard the ap2 f20c had improvements is this true and what were they?

 

There is NO UK AP2 S2000, and never has been, AP2 refers to the American car with the 2.2L engine, all our cars are AP1 whatever anyone tells you, some call the post 04 facelift cars AP2 but they are wrong. AP2 refers to the engine/chassis designation NOT the car.

Look at the tech FAQ to see the changes year by year, no change to the gearbox, why should they it's the same engine.

FROM THE FAQ's

Model Year differences

There are a few differences between the MY99 - MY01 models and the MY02 - MY03. The MY04-MY05 and MY06-MY07 have further changes and a slight facelift from the earlier models. Note: The wind deflector became standard from MY01 onwards.


MY02 differences

• Glass Rear Screen
• Cd player with tweeters built into the door
• Slightly restyled polished alloys
• Chrome rings around the rear lights and chrome front light surrounds
• A softer suspension setting which makes the car slightly less "pointy"
• Repositioned headlamp washer switch

Some like the suspension changes and others do not, it is probably best to try both cars if you are in the market for a used S2000.


04 Differences

• New front and rear bumper design
• 17" wheels with different Bridgestone tyres
• New front and rear lights
• Facelifted interior
• Some suspension changes which include a slight ride height change and a little softening of the rear end.
• Colour coded headlamp washers
• Factory fitted alarm
• New colours...


06 Differences

• New Colours - Deep Burgundy Metallic, Bermuda Blue Metallic
• New Interior Colour - Brown Leather
• Drive-By-Wire Throttle System. Ues a computer sensor to input throttle as opposed to pulling on the throttle cable
• Vehicle Stability Assist (VSA) with traction control. A combination of computer controlled throttle and individual wheel braking to control sudden changes in vehicle behavior. VSA has a turn-off switch where the defrost button (moved) used to be.
• 20 lbs heavier
• Redesigned road wheels
• Redesigned steering wheel
• Brake Assist, which helps drivers apply full braking pressure in an accident avoidance situation via the ABS actuator. Braking pressure is maintained momentarily after the driver's initial braking action to help the driver stop promptly. It deactivates when the driver releases pressure on the brake pedal
• Exterior temperature gauge
• New seats (interfaced to air bags for weight and position)
• 4 of the 8 speaker audio system are integrated roll bar speakers
• New intake manifold, fuel rail, intake support bracket, and injector cover
• Only one cam sensor
• New style map sensor
• IAT sensor has moved to the rubber intake tract
• Fuel line at engine is now a quick-release type
• Air pump, associated lines and and control valve, have been eliminated
• Fan switch in the radiator has been replaced with a second CTS, in turn the fans are now computer controlled
• HO2S in the header is now referred to as an Air fuel ratio sensor
• New exhaust center section

 

I had already read that however it seems strange we do not get the chassis changes, changed steering ratio with improved feel or improvements to the brakes etc?

 

We got whats on the list.

 

Ah ok thanks thats a little disappointing

 

has anyone on here driven both the AP1 & AP2? It would be interesting to hear a real world comparison of them.

 

Why disappointing?, we got break assist, no need for chassis changes, there were minor changes on '04 cars setup and theres nothing wrong with the steering ratio, it was probably changed on the USA cars beacause they don't do corners.'
Some may argue they don't like the DBW throttle, I'm fine with it and with the softer VTEC transition that helpsyou not to end up in a ditch if it kicks in when you get your right foot wrong.

 

Might be worth posting on the USA forum for that.

 

Disappointing as we dont get closer gearing with an improved shifter, stronger diff, extra chassis bracing, improved steering feel, improved brake feel etc Also are you saying they changed vtec engagement to be smoother in the later uk models?

 

Have you driven one yet?

If not, have a try before being disappointed