Honda S2000: JDM Patrons Information — JDMbuysell.com

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Most likely second on any Honda fanatic’s want listing, trailing the legendary NSX, is the S2000. This reasonably priced, high-revving, and enjoyable to drive 4-cylinder coupe made a splash when it was first launched in 1999. Its 2-liter, naturally aspirated engine (N/A) put out 237hp (247 in Japan). For the time, that was fairly an accomplishment and held the title of the very best horsepower (hp) to liter ratio of any mass-produced, N/A engine. Even by at present’s requirements, 124hp/liter continues to be a powerful quantity. Through the years, the S2000 received reward for its reliability and efficiency from revered publications comparable to Highway&Monitor, Automotive and Driver, Jalopnik, and J.D. Energy and Associates to call a couple of.

Whereas the engine is the spotlight of the S2000, generally known as the “S2K”, there may be extra to this little coupe. It got here with a tuned suspension and a 50/50 weight distribution that gave it glorious dealing with traits. Consequently, S2K’s are standard to today amongst automotive lovers and racers alike and SCCA kind monitor occasions are the place this automotive shines. Additionally, there are many aftermarket components accessible from delicate to wild to squeeze each little bit of energy out its 2-liter (later 2.2) engine. Thus, in case you are in search of a monitor warrior or weekend enjoyable automotive, the S2000 won’t disappoint.

Professionals and Cons

Professionals:

• Enjoyable to drive and spectacular energy from an N/A 4 cylinder
• Good dealing with traits
• Reasonably priced and fairly priced, clear used fashions might be discovered for lower than $20,000 USD
• A number of aftermarket efficiency components accessible
• Fairly dependable regardless of being a sports activities automotive

Cons

• Underpowered by fashionable requirements however might be fastened with a supercharger package
• Clear, unmodified, and accident-free S2000’s have gotten dearer and tough to seek out
• Might be considerably unforgiving for inexperienced drivers, vulnerable to fishtailing. Poor traction in moist circumstances
• Pretty stiff journey which is likely to be uncomfortable for some
• Some components and repairs might be costly, particularly engine and transmission

Frequent Points

S2000 are fairly dependable. Most points are normally associated to how effectively the automotive was maintained (or lack thereof) and the way it was pushed. Clearly, an S2K that has been modified or raced is more likely to have extra issues than a inventory one. To not point out, accident injury is frequent and like several used automobile, it ought to be inspected prior to buy. With that stated, listed here are some continuously reported points with the S2000.

Excessive oil consumption is a recurring theme for a lot of 1999-2003 fashions. Consuming a quart per 1000 miles shouldn’t be extraordinary though many instances that is associated to driving habits as VTEC motors are inclined to devour some oil at greater RPM’s. Nonetheless, it is also an indication the motor is due for a rebuild which might be pricey. Oil consumption points have been largely fastened by 2004 and didn’t have an effect on the two.2-liter (F22C1) engine.

A second drawback which affected the early manufacturing 2-liter (F20C) have been cracked consumption valve retainers because of overrevving the engine. Normally, it was a cumulative impact over time however ought to the retainer fail, count on to be in for some costly engine repairs. Luckily, the answer is pretty straightforward and low-cost, with components costing lower than $200 and might be executed with fundamental hand instruments in your storage. It’s normally suggested to interchange the valve retainers when shopping for a used 1999-2003 S2K. The F22C1 got here with improve retainers and didn’t have this problem.

Lastly, is the timing chain tensioner, particularly on high-mileage motors. Just like the valve retainers, it’s a reasonably cheap and straightforward repair. Luckily, you’ll normally have an audible warning comparable to a ticking or tapping sound coming from the engine at idle effectively earlier than it fails. There are stronger, aftermarket tensioners accessible that addressed this problem as effectively.

Common Costs

The S2000 has held its worth and can probably develop into dearer over time as demand will increase. Clear, accident-free, and unmodified fashions together with the Membership Racer and the JDM-only Kind-V and Kind-S promote for a premium. Pricing sometimes ranges from $15,000-$25,000 USD.

View all Honda S2000 listings for sale.

Comparable Alternate options

There usually are not many instantly comparable alternate options that have been convertible and got here with an N/A 4-cylinder engine within the $30,000 worth vary when new. The closest spec’d competitor is the Mazda MX-5, nevertheless, it was cheaper and had much less horsepower. The BMW Z4 and Nissan 370 Fairlady are related by way of efficiency and have been accessible as convertibles however had 6-cylinder engines.

Fashions and Specs

The S2000 was produced from 1999-2009 with two engines supplied relying on the 12 months and market. Horsepower specs have been as follows: 237 for the 2-liter (F20C) utilized in NA from 99-03 and the EU from 99-09, 247hp for JDM fashions from 99-05. The two.2-liter (F22C1) 237hp engine was utilized in all North American fashions from 04-09 and 239hp for JDM fashions (06-09). A 6-speed handbook transmission was the one possibility accessible.

AP1 (1999-2003)

All variations obtained the F20C with JDM fashions having an additional 10hp because of a barely greater 11.7:1 compression ratio.

Over the course of 4 years, there have been a number of minor adjustments. Beginning in 2001, an aluminum hardtop was now accessible. This was adopted in 2002 with the plastic rear window being changed with glass, the stereo was upgraded, and there have been some minor suspension tweaks.

Additionally, there was a JDM-only Kind V produced from 2000-2007. The primary characteristic of this mannequin was an non-compulsory variable gear ratio steering (VGS). What this did was constantly change the steering ratio relying on the automobile pace which improved dealing with and made parking simpler. The suspension was barely modified to enrich the VGS as effectively.

AP2 (2004-2009)

In 2004, the S2K obtained a refresh with a number of updates. The North American fashions now obtained the bigger 2.2-liter engine adopted by Japan in 2006. All different markets continued to obtain the F20C by way of 2009.

The wheel measurement elevated from 16” to 17” and the suspension was tweaked once more, primarily the shocks and spring stiffness. The entrance lip and rear bumper have been redesigned together with the headlight and taillight assemblies. Beginning in 2006, a drive by wire throttle and digital stability management have been launched.

For 2008, a Membership Racer (CR) mannequin was supplied within the US. This was basically a track-ready model of the S2K. The primary options of the CR have been: a decrease ratio steering rack, darker coloured wheels, stiffer suspension, weight discount mods, chassis braces, and a revised physique package and rear spoiler. By way of weight financial savings, the stereo and A/C have been non-compulsory, the spare tire and jack have been eliminated which made the CR roughly 90lbs lighter than an ordinary S2K. All fashions have been hardtop convertibles and a complete of 699 have been made in 2008 and 2009.

A JDM-only model often called the Kind S got here with the above choices though the suspension was barely softer because it was extra supposed to be a streetcar. A complete of 1755 of those have been produced from 2008-2009.

Gross sales Numbers

Calendar 12 months	US	Europe	Japan	Canada
1999	3,400	1,179	7,209	332
2000	6,797	3,955	3,422	412
2001	9,682	2,197	1,913	401
2002	9,684	2,537	1,471	336
2003	7,888	2,095	961	238
2004	7,320	2,036	1,087	250
2005	7,780	1,795	981	212
2006	6,271	1,474	1,225	146
2007	4,302	1,116	997	123
2008	2,538	709	1,228	65
2009	795	680	1,122	49
2010	85	20	42	21
2011	5

It ought to be famous 2010 and 2011 gross sales numbers have been leftover 2009 fashions that have been nonetheless on seller tons.

FAQ

Sources

The right way to Import a Honda S2000

Learn our final information, How to Import a Car from Japan.

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