Since I sold my black 03, I missed the car so I went to see an 05 model as I prefer the newer fresher look.

First of all some history:

24,000 genuine miles
FHSH
Clutch changed at 20K miles

Car has been tracked some 3 or 4 times.

Car had a supercharger fitted for half its life which is now removed . Fuel pump I think has been upgraded.

Has MF10s fitted with AVON slick tyres.

Standard brakes, braided hoses and spoon struts. Spoon throttle body, Js manifold and de catted.

Problems:

1. On starting the starter remains engaged for around 3 seconds:
its like when you start a car and leave the key in the ignition position without releasing it.

2. Low end rattling - definitely not the tappets.
Big end????????? Or because it was cold?

Car is otherwise in Ok condition.

I want some genuine replies as otherwise I will walk away. Not many S2000 for sale here in Malta so kindly convince me to buy it if you think these are not potential problems.

 

24,000 miles and the clutch changed at 30K?

 

Sorry was thinking in Kms for the clutch as here we work in Kms.

So it has 38k kms and clutch changed at 32k kms.

Or 20k miles approx.

 

Well it sounds like a car which has had a very hard life, but it's got a lot of nice bits on it.

The starter solenoid may be sticking, so it might not be a big issue.

The rattle doesn't sound good. What does the seller say about it? I'd get a profesional inspection done.

 

Hi MB

Yes its a nice car.

And pretty well specced.

The solenoid sticking is not an issue? Any idea of the costs to rectify it?

The low end rumble am not sure. The car was cold so it could be till it warms up a bit.

Maybe it was one of the engine tensioners but it did not sound right.

COuld the SC have had an impact?

AFAIK the engine is standard.

The owner has no idea.

 

Starter motor sticking is either a new one ... or a recon one ... or strip and clean the existing one.

have seen them second hand for 50 pounds and reconditioned for a shade under 100.

A clutch at 20k is not a good sign though ....

 

Could this not be Mikeys old car?

 

Could have been an upgrade for the SC

My starter, as does a few others make that noise in the cold...I just get on with it...one day I'll change it

Does the noise go away when warmed up?

 

Thats a good question. (re big end noise going away when warm).

I will investigate it on Thursday when I drive it.

Today it was pissing with rain.

The lack of expertise on an S2000 engine leaves me baffled as to who to ask regarding the low end noise.

Thanks for the prices re the starter motor.

I wonder if the problem related to the flywheel when the clutch was changed.

Its not Mikeys old car as its a Maltese car

 

Mikey ran the standard clutch on his setup but was quite gentle on it, regardless with the power he was running bound to have needed a replacement at some point.