ld97

Hi,

I purchased a 2008 S2K around a week ago and I'm loving it so far - I can't stop driving it, but I do have some questions . I'll list some details about the car first as it will probably help any experts here who know a fair bit:

• 2008, Facelift - 59,000 Miles
• Hasn't been driven all that much in the last few years - around 10k Miles since Nov 2016
• Nov 2018 - had Gearbox and Diff oil changed (not changed before this), a "short" service and spark plugs
• Mostly Had regular oil changes every MOT (around every 6K miles)

Can't post without an obligatory picture of course . It still needs a proper wash.



However, I do have some questions, mostly related to a couple of noises I hear while driving. From what I understand (tell me if I'm wrong), these are generally more "noisy" cars. It's my first Honda so go easy

• In 1st and 2nd Gear, there's a "whirring" in the very low rev range - easily heard from a standstill or just when accelerating after switching into 2nd. It fades out shortly after accelerating. I've not heard it from any other gear. Not sure if it's differential, gearbox etc. There's no vibration, just noise.
• In 2nd Gear, there seems to be hesitation to accelerate. This is not noticeable when accelerating in "sunday driver" mode. However, sometimes when I want to put my foot down for a blast, there's a good half-second delay before anything happens. If I work my way up to the power over a good 2 seconds, it feels fine. I know my model is drive-by-wire, and I suspect it's something to do with that if I were guessing - Not sure though.
• I can hear a "clicking" somewhere at the back around 1 of the wheels - Sounds like back right Was worried it was the diff but doesn't seem to be coming from under the car.

I am aware the TCT has not been changed and this is only the real main failure point engine-wise for these cars so I'm open to suggestions on when I should replace and what Items are a good choice

Thanks

Chuck S

Back in 2014 when I adopted my 2006 I was advised to not up-shift 1-2 or 2-3 until 4300 rpm.

Whine could be just your unfamiliarity with the car (but I don't hear it with mine).

The AP1 engine has little torque or power at low rpm. Unless you're in VTEC which doesn't engage until 6000rpm don't expect any "blast" of power just flooring it. Ya gotta downshift. The engine and gearbox were seemingly designed to force the driver to drive the car not just aim it. Find an old Fast and Furious movie on TV and note the gear shifts. Yeah that's an exaggeration, The AP2 engine which never got beyond North America and Japan was a direct response to this lack or torque and is marginally better,

Rear axle click could be low torque on the axle nuts. There's information here how to tighten them. Basically just another 60° -- one flat on the 6-sided nut.

Your DBW car can be tuned to lower VTEC. Mine is dropped to 3600 rpm. Don't have to shift gears quite as much. Requires a high flow catalytic converter which may not pass MOT.

-- Chuck

Nottm_S2

Might be a small bearing in the gearbox https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...level-1173428/

that doesn't sound right, could be O2, check for codes


Hub nuts as he said /\

chrispayze

Do you know which fluids were used for the diff and gearbox? The gearbox is a little sensitive to different fluids. OEM Honda, Amsoil MTF and Redline are popular.

ld97

I should get to looking for a North East based specialist as I don't feel to confident on it myself. Do you know of any threads with reputable garages or specialists?
I whip my standard OBD2 out but not sure if it will have a profile for the car. It's only a cheapy thing.
Yeah I saw a video online and sounds exactly like this. Should be an easy fix.
Thanks for the help.

I don't but I keep this in mind for when I find a garage as I'll probably get everything done at once. It's been more than 36 months so both are due a change. Thanks

S2000_sam

Enjoy your new car. Miles of smiles, which you seem to noticed.

S2000_sam

Being an 08/9 MY your car has the JDM Type S suspension setup. Very well honed, offering great compliance and yet even a smattering of comfort. (Comfort in a sportscar being relevant)

S2000_sam

Re your throttle “hesitation”. A friend encountered the same thing on his 08/9 car. The dealer fix was cable tying the electrical clip type fitting on top of the throttle body. It seems to have fixed the issue. I’m thinking it wasn’t making a good enough contact. Regardless, I wouldn’t get overly concerned by it, he drove it for quite a while before he got it resolved.

Chuck S

Maintenance interval for the gearbox is an oil change every 90,000 miles -- yep, ninety thousand! But smoother operation is universally reported immediately after the gearbox oil change. Just change it. Less than 2 quarts so a quick refresh with Honda MTF will answer some questions right away. Note the rear differential needs changing very frequently in these cars and needs a specific 90 grade GL5 hypoid gear oil (it's in your manual). Favorite oils will vary by availability and market.

-- Chuck

mat-i-

I have the whirring noise in my 08- decided to live with it for the time being as it’s only driven as a summer weekend car.