I'm picking up a Jan 2005 (MY04?) car this week, and having fully digested the faq's and tech info on here I still have a few newbie questions:

- I read that it'll use oil. What type/grade do you use?
- The brand new S2ks on the official honda site apparently have Thatcham cat1 alarms. Will my 3 yr old one have the same?
- I have a Pioneer head unit to go in, just a straight swap for the standard CD for the moment. All the HU how-to's involve dismantling gearsticks and trim - will I be able to just remove the HU fold-down cover & do the swap, or is more work inevitable? I understand the dash buttons won't work until I get a magic box (UK source for these?).
- Would you rate the locking centre console very secure?!
- Do I need to run it on super unleaded?

And finally...
- Anybody use a bike rack on one?! If so, which one - standard or otherwise? Whilst we still have a 'utility' Toyota, I do endurace cycle events all over the south and undoubtedly they'll be a day when my missus needs the Toyota. S2000 not practical...who said that?

 

Oil - there's a can of worms! People will argue over what's best. But generally a 10W40 semi synth, or 5W40 fully synth will be fine.

I think the Thatcham alarms are on 04+ or maybe 02+, so yours is fine (assuming it's not an import)

It's difficult to remove the radio door on an 04+ without at least pulling up the centre console trim (very easy, 6 clips, just pull upwards!). Then it should be a straight swap, assuming you've got the right harness etc. My Pioneer went straight in, 4 screws.

'Magic Box' for Pioneer - Best is the Modifry DCI (from the US, but no probs with posting here). It gives more functionality to the dash controls, and adjusts volume to speed etc.

The glovebox isn't bad. The RAC couldn't get it open when I locked my keys in the boot but they were trying not to damage it.

Being an 04+, it won't 'need' SUL, but it will run better on it. I reckon I get a good enough improvement in MPG to warrant paying the extra anyway. People seem to rate VPower and Tesco 99. I usually use the latter, because it's generall cheaper. I have run the occasional tank of 95RON (normal unleaded) and the S didn't mind it, but it lost a little 'sparkle'.

I use a Saris Bones Bike rack. The bumper is a little soft and squashes down under the weight, so next time I'll put the bottom feet on the back of the boot instead. Works a treat though, very stable.

Hope that helps

Chris

 

Hello, and warm welcome to a new owner

Im using Shell Helex Ultra 5W-40 Fully Syn

My car is a UK version 04 plate and it has the Cat1 alarm fitted as standard, so i assume yours will be the same.

Tbh, nothing is secure enough if some1 wants to break into your car. Best not to put valuables in there. However with the size of the compartment, you cant really fit much in there anyway. (The most I manage to fit my Tom Tom One XL with its charger and windscreen holder, and a pair of glasses.)

No you do not have to. Howerer the SUL is recomended. I also notice that running on SUL seems to give me more mpg. I have been testing this for about a month and a full tank of SUL gives me about more 15miles than a full tank of UL. (Differ depends on your driving style ofc )

 

The CAT 1 alarm was OEM from 04 onwards.