Hello folks.

I've been a long time creeper of the forum, not posting much, just coming on time to time looking through build threads. I still enjoy looking through old forums even though there is less activity these days due to Facebook. So thought I would start my own thread and document my s2000 journey.

It all started back in 2015 when I joined this forum to get myself familiar with s2000s and what to look out for. At this time a was driving an ek9 which I had for several years and it was time to park it up, move onto another platform.



2015 turned into 2016 as I was skimming through for sale ads, looking for the perfect s2000, convincing myself why not to buy this 1 and that 1 etc.... Worried about rust issues, seized bolts, basically winter salt abuse, I came to the decision to try to import one from Japan. Having imported my ek9 through FastJapCars (Duncan) which some people might remember, I knew I wouldn't need to worry about these issues and generally the condition is fantastic, no rust, well maintained and the possibility of a few JDM goodies.

I contacted torque-gt to help me source an s2000. Having discussed a budget, milage, spec etc they went about looking through the auctions to see what was available. Several Ap1s went through the auctions which ticked the right boxes and bids where made, but it wasn't meant to be as they sold for well above my budget. Several months had passed, several cars had escaped me, I gave up and purchased an fd2 which torque-gt had just imported.




So the FD2, I enjoyed it for the time I owned it, doing some modifications, track days, driving around Europe, Nürburgring. But I still found myself looking through adverts for S2000s or getting excited if I saw one on the road (rare occasion) and knew I still needed to scratch that itch. 2018 had now come, 3 years since I first started looking for an S2000. Torque-gt where contacted once again to see how the prices have changed and what's available in Japan. By shear luck they had an s2000 in stock which they had imported in, it was meant to be. The deal was done for my FD2 and the s2000 was bought.

2005 AP2 Honda S2000
Grade 4 B
GPW
Type S front lip
Mugen rear wing
Toda manifold
ASM 60mm single exhaust



So this is where my s2000 journey begins. (2018)

 

That's a strong starting point - I hope you continue to fit ASM & Mugen products.

 

In at the deep end then.

 

Nice walk through your car history.

 

Incidently, is she a late 05 built 06 MY car? I was expecting you to say she was 06 or 07. AP2 and those alloys were 2006. I’m aware they released the next model year (MY) late on in the previous year, as the case may be with yours.

 

I've fitted some parts since this, maintenance/performance items which I felt the car needed due to age/upgrades.... the car doesn't need much, it drove pretty well in this state. Will update soon.

Yes, the model change (Japan facelift ap1 - ap2) started in November 2005 and came with these alloys until late 2007 where it changed again to the 5 spoke design. Some would say its an '06 model but early ones like this are 2005.

 

So, finally got the s2000. Only took me 3 years from initially looking, but it was worth the wait.







1st impressions was fantastic, handling felt like my ek9, sharp, nimble, better than the FD2. It felt like I could dive into corners and the car would just rotate unlike the Fd2. Despite being a new platform for me (rwd) I knew it was a good move. Yes I know to respect and learn how to drive this chassis as it has a tendency to snap and catch people out (still learning ). Power wise it felt slower than the Fd2, this could be due to the fact that the FD2 is lighter or the low quality cabin materials inside made the FD2 made it sound/feel quicker but I didn't care. The overall experience from the s2000 excited me and still does. I just enjoyed the s2000 in its current form, driving in good weather around costal routes, sailing across to Scotland to drive around the lakes up north and enjoying the car on sprinted drives.

Like my previous cars I knew to fully enjoy what they had to offer and to learn how they react I had to take it on track. So I booked my first track day for the s2000 at my local track, excited and nervous being rwd I had no experience in controlling the car if things got side ways . I did my usual checks on the car prior to going to any track day, bolts/ brakes/ fluid/ tyres. I changed the fluid to my usual ATE brake fluid and got 2 new pilot sport 4s for the front to match the rears. Alignment was set to factory settings and I was good to go.

1st track day was a success, car came home in 1 piece and I got plenty of track time. Yes there was a few times when the back end stepped out and I was like 'oohh shitt' with my hands going all shapes around the wheel but its needed to get familiar with this chassis, to feel relaxed in these situations. I was impressed with the s2000, felt good in turns and pulled strong down the back straight of the track. Time wise I was a few seconds behind my FD2 times but I was being cautious, not pushing beyond comfort and getting a feel for the car. Only criticism really was the suspension felt soft and was alot of body roll. PS4 tyres to my surprise held up reasonably well despite not being a 'track day tyre' and having the softest sidewall. I usually run ad08 or r888 in my previous cars for track days but just thought I would give these ago as the internet seems to rate them highly.

 

Sounds like you had fun, one thing, only one lake in Scotland btw, the rest are lochs.

Love the gold plug cover, does that mean it’s a 2:2?

 

Why one lake while all the rest are lochs?

AP2 got the gold plug cover.

 

I dunno but it’s called Lake of Mentieth, quite near Stirling, Nick Nairn the chef has a cook school and restaurant there.

Edit, explanation. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cate...h%3A%20low%29.