JFReturns' Honda S2000
Discussion
Hi all,
Not a project thread as I'm keeping the car relatively standard, but nevertheless I thought I would maintain a thread with my experience.
So here she is, a 2003 S2000 GT (called, erm.... Wanda) with 80,000 miles on the clock:
I've owned it for around six weeks now and what a great sports car. Manic performance once the VTEC kicks in from 6,000rpm, but surprisingly brisk performance can still be made below that. Not as comfortable and refined as I was expecting, even compared to my beloved MK1 MX5. The steering feels weighty but along with the chassis does not offer a great deal of feedback, but then I was spoiled by the '5.
Paintwork is in great condition, and needs very little correction. So far I have just lightly clayed, polished and sealed it until I have time to get the DA polisher out. Service history was full, but due one so the first thing I did was a full level 4 service at Gatwick Honda. Oh, and some windscreen wipers from Halfrauds (which were awful to fit!).
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
The service came with a free MOT which it passed easily, with advisories on the rear breaks and tyres all round (no worries there, budgeted). They also mentioned the timing chain was noisy, which costs around £1100 to replace
. Further investigation reveals that the plastic runners can become worn causing the noise, but otherwise does no damage. The car was sat at the garage for a while and after putting some miles on it the chain sounds fine, so I won't worry about that.
The dealer mentioned the clutch 'didn't feel right', but they would need to take the gearbox out to check it. It does feel quite stiff, but loosens up when warm and especially after spirited driving. I have budgeted for a replacement clutch but there is no judder or slipping, and the biting point is not right at the top of the pedal travel. I also want to top up the coolant as it is not on the MAX line.
Apologies for waffling, and well done if you read this far. So I have a few questions:
- What coolant does Honda advise / use, and where can I buy it?
- Is there anything other than a worn clutch that would cause a heavy, sticky action?
- Does anyone else have a noisy engine chain that quietened after being used?
Thanks in advance, and any other comments or questions are welcome
J.
Not a project thread as I'm keeping the car relatively standard, but nevertheless I thought I would maintain a thread with my experience.
So here she is, a 2003 S2000 GT (called, erm.... Wanda) with 80,000 miles on the clock:
I've owned it for around six weeks now and what a great sports car. Manic performance once the VTEC kicks in from 6,000rpm, but surprisingly brisk performance can still be made below that. Not as comfortable and refined as I was expecting, even compared to my beloved MK1 MX5. The steering feels weighty but along with the chassis does not offer a great deal of feedback, but then I was spoiled by the '5.
Paintwork is in great condition, and needs very little correction. So far I have just lightly clayed, polished and sealed it until I have time to get the DA polisher out. Service history was full, but due one so the first thing I did was a full level 4 service at Gatwick Honda. Oh, and some windscreen wipers from Halfrauds (which were awful to fit!).
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
The service came with a free MOT which it passed easily, with advisories on the rear breaks and tyres all round (no worries there, budgeted). They also mentioned the timing chain was noisy, which costs around £1100 to replace
. Further investigation reveals that the plastic runners can become worn causing the noise, but otherwise does no damage. The car was sat at the garage for a while and after putting some miles on it the chain sounds fine, so I won't worry about that.The dealer mentioned the clutch 'didn't feel right', but they would need to take the gearbox out to check it. It does feel quite stiff, but loosens up when warm and especially after spirited driving. I have budgeted for a replacement clutch but there is no judder or slipping, and the biting point is not right at the top of the pedal travel. I also want to top up the coolant as it is not on the MAX line.
Apologies for waffling, and well done if you read this far. So I have a few questions:
- What coolant does Honda advise / use, and where can I buy it?
- Is there anything other than a worn clutch that would cause a heavy, sticky action?
- Does anyone else have a noisy engine chain that quietened after being used?
Thanks in advance, and any other comments or questions are welcome
J.
Edited by JFReturns on Tuesday 7th June 20:36
Edited by JFReturns on Tuesday 7th June 21:23
I like that. Also, agree with your sentiment about the Impreza. I did my first track day last weekend, and it now seems entirely pointless driving the thing on the public roads. You just have to be so tame with the car - you don't even start to get anywhere near what the thing can do!
If only I had more cash, then I would have a car for every occasion.
Stick a louder exhaust on it, and you wont be able to hear the chain
-P
If only I had more cash, then I would have a car for every occasion.
Stick a louder exhaust on it, and you wont be able to hear the chain
-P
paulmoonraker said:
Stick a louder exhaust on it, and you wont be able to hear the chain
-P
The exhaust is on my list, but they are so expensive! A cat back for my MX5 was £160, the S2000 ones cost triple that! -P
ady_GTi said:
Car looks tidy, really considering one to replace the mx5, good to hear some more opinions.
No expert on s2k's but perhaps a clutch bleed or a slave cylinder is causing the stiffness?
The S2000 is a great replacement for an MX5. The reason I sold my '5 was I wanted something a bit faster and also safer. Not very PH I know, but I did worry about the lack of protection. For me, the S2000 feels like a bigger, more grown up MX5 (the MK3 MX5 does not appeal...).No expert on s2k's but perhaps a clutch bleed or a slave cylinder is causing the stiffness?
Bit of an update. First thing, the coolant - after a bit of reading I discovered:
- Not to mix coolants
- Use Honda approved coolant as there is aluminium in the cooling system
- No need to add water, most are ready mixed 50 /50
£18 later, I got four litres from my local Honda garage and given it a tiny top up. Should last me ages!
Next job was to replace a metal bracket in the engine bay that had rusted. This holds down a rubber seal but water had got underneath causing it to perish. Replacement bracket = £20 from main dealer (screws were £4.20 EACH so I decided to re-use the old ones, whilst the rubber seal was fine). I soaked the screws in WD40 the night before to aid removal.
Before:
After:
In another thread, someone recommended I take the air filter box off and go for a drive. All I can say is WOW - the induction sound is fantastic! When I got back, I took a (poor quality) video to try and capture the sound which you can view here. I've put the cover back on for now, as I'm a bit worried about heatsoak.
Next was fitting my first mod
And finally, a gratuitous shiny shot:
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
- 4 Litres of Honda coolant: £18
- Seal bracket: £20
- PH smiley: £10
- Not to mix coolants
- Use Honda approved coolant as there is aluminium in the cooling system
- No need to add water, most are ready mixed 50 /50
£18 later, I got four litres from my local Honda garage and given it a tiny top up. Should last me ages!
Next job was to replace a metal bracket in the engine bay that had rusted. This holds down a rubber seal but water had got underneath causing it to perish. Replacement bracket = £20 from main dealer (screws were £4.20 EACH so I decided to re-use the old ones, whilst the rubber seal was fine). I soaked the screws in WD40 the night before to aid removal.
Before:
After:
In another thread, someone recommended I take the air filter box off and go for a drive. All I can say is WOW - the induction sound is fantastic! When I got back, I took a (poor quality) video to try and capture the sound which you can view here. I've put the cover back on for now, as I'm a bit worried about heatsoak.
Next was fitting my first mod
And finally, a gratuitous shiny shot:
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
- 4 Litres of Honda coolant: £18
- Seal bracket: £20
- PH smiley: £10
Edited by JFReturns on Sunday 12th June 16:14
Small update. The oil was showing low on the dip stick after a long run; I paniced and searched furiously for a leak but couldn't find one. Should have RTFM
It is entirely normal for an S2000 to consume a litre of oil every 600 miles and just need topping up. I used Mobil fully synthetic 5w40 as this is what was used at the last oil change. For reference, 10w30 is preferred for improved fuel economy (it needs to say "API service SJ or SL"), and 5w40 is normally used if the temperature in your area goes down to -20! Oh well, 5w40 it is - £40 delivered.
Really impressed with the fuel economy of the S2000 on a run:
Eventually got around 340 miles before the fuel light came on. Not sure what MPG that equates to, but it is twice as frugal as my Scoob managed!
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
- 4 Litres of Honda coolant: £18
- Seal bracket: £20
- PH smiley: £10
- 5 litres oil: £40
It is entirely normal for an S2000 to consume a litre of oil every 600 miles and just need topping up. I used Mobil fully synthetic 5w40 as this is what was used at the last oil change. For reference, 10w30 is preferred for improved fuel economy (it needs to say "API service SJ or SL"), and 5w40 is normally used if the temperature in your area goes down to -20! Oh well, 5w40 it is - £40 delivered.
Really impressed with the fuel economy of the S2000 on a run:
Eventually got around 340 miles before the fuel light came on. Not sure what MPG that equates to, but it is twice as frugal as my Scoob managed!
Costs so far
- Level 4 service: £324
- Wipers: £20
- 4 Litres of Honda coolant: £18
- Seal bracket: £20
- PH smiley: £10
- 5 litres oil: £40
iphonedyou said:
Regarding the noisy timing chain. Does the noise disappear when you press the clutch?
If so it could be the clutch release bearing. It makes a whiny rubbing noise that, in my experience, could be confused with a noisy timing chain.
Could well be. I'm taking it to a Honda specialist soon for a look over and will bring it up then. Cheers.If so it could be the clutch release bearing. It makes a whiny rubbing noise that, in my experience, could be confused with a noisy timing chain.
Hi, just bought an S2000 myself but frustratingly recovering from an operation so can't drive for 6 weeks. Regarding the clutch issue I am certain that I read an article on the official S2K forum (perhaps in the 'FAQs' section) about stiff clutches. Apologies for not remembering the exact details but brain is still not working 100%!
Here you go http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/301506-technical-f... you'll need to scroll down to find the bit on the clutch issue
Here you go http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/301506-technical-f... you'll need to scroll down to find the bit on the clutch issue
Edited by WBC on Monday 4th July 13:22
"The S2000 is a great replacement for an MX5. The reason I sold my '5 was I wanted something a bit faster and also safer. Not very PH I know, but I did worry about the lack of protection. For me, the S2000 feels like a bigger, more grown up MX5"
Great looking car in my favourite colour for the S2000. Can you offer any more input on changing from your MX5 to the S2000 as I am considering trading up from my Mk2 1.8 MX5.
After dreaming of a Triumph Stag, I was initially thinking Boxster 2.5 but potential problems and costs are scaring me off so am now considering one of these.
Thanks
Great looking car in my favourite colour for the S2000. Can you offer any more input on changing from your MX5 to the S2000 as I am considering trading up from my Mk2 1.8 MX5.
After dreaming of a Triumph Stag, I was initially thinking Boxster 2.5 but potential problems and costs are scaring me off so am now considering one of these.
Thanks
WBC said:
Hi, just bought an S2000 myself but frustratingly recovering from an operation so can't drive for 6 weeks. Regarding the clutch issue I am certain that I read an article on the official S2K forum (perhaps in the 'FAQs' section) about stiff clutches. Apologies for not remembering the exact details but brain is still not working 100%!
Here you go http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/301506-technical-f... you'll need to scroll down to find the bit on the clutch issue
How frustrating! It will be the sweetest drive when you have recovered though. Here you go http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/301506-technical-f... you'll need to scroll down to find the bit on the clutch issue
Edited by WBC on Monday 4th July 13:22
Thank you for the information, that is a great guide which I will mention to my mechanic to try first!
PlayersNo6 said:
"The S2000 is a great replacement for an MX5. The reason I sold my '5 was I wanted something a bit faster and also safer. Not very PH I know, but I did worry about the lack of protection. For me, the S2000 feels like a bigger, more grown up MX5"
Great looking car in my favourite colour for the S2000. Can you offer any more input on changing from your MX5 to the S2000 as I am considering trading up from my Mk2 1.8 MX5.
After dreaming of a Triumph Stag, I was initially thinking Boxster 2.5 but potential problems and costs are scaring me off so am now considering one of these.
Thanks
Where to start! First off, I think you are correct in choosing an S2000 over an older 2.5 Boxster. A 2.7 or S would be a harder decision, mind.Great looking car in my favourite colour for the S2000. Can you offer any more input on changing from your MX5 to the S2000 as I am considering trading up from my Mk2 1.8 MX5.
After dreaming of a Triumph Stag, I was initially thinking Boxster 2.5 but potential problems and costs are scaring me off so am now considering one of these.
Thanks
So, back to MX5 vs S2000 (my experience is of a MK1, I believe they will be valid for a MK2). Firstly, the S2000 does not offer anywhere near the communication the '5 does in terms of steering and chassis feedback. To steal a cliche, I could run over a fifty pence piece in the '5, and tell if it was heads or tails
Jokes aside, it was soooooo easy to feel what the front wheels were doing through the steering, and the rears through the seat. I KNEW when it was about to lose grip, even in the wet. The S2000 is not so transparent, and though the steering is weighty it has little feel. Well, actually, the steering is pretty good but I am comparing it to the '5, and not much else this side of an Elise/VX220 will be better. I won't cover aesthetics as they are subjective and you can make your mind up, but I do miss my pop ups! Gear change is fantastic on both, the best I've experienced. The '5 has a stubby lever and shorty throw, but the S2000 is so mechanical and precise; there is no rubbery-ness, you slot the gear and is stops. Nice and clean, crisp and accurate. Heel and toeing in both is easy, fun and rewarding in terms of smooth gearchanges. None of this computer aided, perfect blip on downshift, wipe your butt nonsense - you don't match the revs, you get a jerky, crap change. Get it right, and
Engine. You will have read that the S2000 can be frustrating to drive, and has to be thrashed to make any progress whatsoever. This is b
ks, especially if you are coming from an MX5. I would describe the speed as being exactly like your '5, with the added advantage of going ballistic at 6,000rpm. It does not feel like turbo lag (of which I have experience), just a smooth transition into a rortier, meaner and harder engine. You will love it - the feeling of revving to the change up point in your '5 then realising you have another 3,000rpm to go does not get old.I imagine you have also read that the S2000's handling is dangerous, and will chew you up and spit you out with no hesitation. Again, b
ks. The horror stories likely arise because they are cheap enough for young idiots who drive them like a FWD hatch, with predictable consequences. Give it the respect it deserves, especially in the wet, and you will be fine.The insurance will be higher than your '5, can't hide that. For reference, I paid £300 ish for the '5, and £650 for the S2000. Servicing and maintenence will be more expensive, but overall reasonable (and less than the Boxster).
As previously mentioned, the S2000 does feel like a more grown up, faster version of the '5. It is (surprisingly) not much more refined though - lots of engine noise, tyre noise and overall high NVH. Something to consider if you do a lot of motorway miles (though I found it great, feeling fresh and ache free at the end of the journey). The stereo is pretty crap. In addition, you don't get any toys (trip computer, cruise control etc) and the steering wheel does not adjust. Nevertheless, I found it easy to get settled into a good position and I don't doubt you will too. One of the things I love is how the dash and layout is centred round the driver. All controls are a hands breadth away, from the gear stick to the heater controls.
Similar fuel economy, so long as you don't stray into the VTEC too often. Obviously the S2000 is safer than my old '5, with airbags etc.
I'm sure I've missed loads out, but don't want to waffle too much more (though I could!). Overall, I believe the S2000 is a much more natural progression from a MK1/2 MX5 than any other car, MK3 included. Whilst it does not handle or communicate as well as the '5, it trumps it in every other area and I recommend it in a heartbeat.
I still miss my '5 though, badly!
Thanks for the reply JF (not Sebastian is it?), most informative.
Reasons for wanting to trade up from my MX5 :
More power
Better gearing
A/C
No rust to worry about
I use my 5 as a dry weather/summer car but would like to use its replacement in the wet, does the S2000 have any terminal rot issues?
What does the S2000 rev at motorway speeds in sixth (my work commute is 30 miles)?
Despite what I've read about having to rev it hard to get into the 'VTEC zone' I would imagine its acceleration is still pretty healthy anyway.
What is the engine's reputation like for longevity? I gather it's chain driven. Is it worth paying a premium for a low miler?
With the VTEC being a 'sophisticated' engine so to speak (compared to the MX5) I'm guessing a FSH, on schedule, and using the correct oil is a must. I'd look for this in any car however.
Is the Group 20 insurance solely down to the BHP output?
I gather there are some issues with the soft top getting tatty.
Apols for the numerous questions. I've not really done any proper research into these cars yet as I was considering a Boxster until recently. I really should get out and drive both although head is already saying Honda.
Thanks
Reasons for wanting to trade up from my MX5 :
More power
Better gearing
A/C
No rust to worry about
I use my 5 as a dry weather/summer car but would like to use its replacement in the wet, does the S2000 have any terminal rot issues?
What does the S2000 rev at motorway speeds in sixth (my work commute is 30 miles)?
Despite what I've read about having to rev it hard to get into the 'VTEC zone' I would imagine its acceleration is still pretty healthy anyway.
What is the engine's reputation like for longevity? I gather it's chain driven. Is it worth paying a premium for a low miler?
With the VTEC being a 'sophisticated' engine so to speak (compared to the MX5) I'm guessing a FSH, on schedule, and using the correct oil is a must. I'd look for this in any car however.
Is the Group 20 insurance solely down to the BHP output?
I gather there are some issues with the soft top getting tatty.
Apols for the numerous questions. I've not really done any proper research into these cars yet as I was considering a Boxster until recently. I really should get out and drive both although head is already saying Honda.
Thanks
Edited by PlayersNo6 on Friday 8th July 20:33
Edited by PlayersNo6 on Friday 8th July 21:31
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