Discussion
mikey k said:
Drac - you might regret that last line 
JFReturns said:
I accept your point, you seem to know more about it than I do. However, your part highlighted is not strictly true... if you search for Austec racing you do indeed hit the TVR specialist site, but their s2000 one is hondas2000tuning.co.uk/.
Whether they are known in the S2000 community is another issue....
They are based in Crawley, which is about 10/15 minutes from where I live and I'd not heard of them before that article.Whether they are known in the S2000 community is another issue....
Anyway, I've got the article in front of me. Here's a quick summary of my comments:
"2004 facelift cars (designated AP2 instead of AP1)" - Incorrect. They mention AP2 some more in the article too.
No mention of seized bushes.
"Aluminium suspension arms" - they're not
"They all burn a lot of oil" - some burn a bit, some don't. My 1st one (MY00) didn't burn any at all, my current one does a little (MY03) and I top it up every now and again.
I understand that their description of suspension changes over the years is wrong.
Am rather sceptical of comments that torque is up 25lb ft, Honda certainly don't claim that and many other dynos may not support it too, depends on how they are comparing it and how the dyno is calibrated I suppose.
Part prices are from Austec, not Honda. Front pads, for example, are about £45 from Honda but £75 from Austec. Honda servicing prices differ from theirs too. Just had a basic service for £97 on mine. About £400 for a major. Mostly it will be about £100/£150, more for the 27k and the biggy at 54k (where plugs are replaced, valve clearances checked etc.). They quote £300 and £500 but don't say what those services entail.
Don't get me wrong, it's not completely a *bad* article but there's key bits of inaccurate info, OK in a quick review but this sort of thing you expect to get right in a buyers guide. Austec themselves may well be a good tuner/garage (I assume they're more involved with racing rather than servicing/maintaining standard cars) but to be fair to them, I will reserve judgement. There are a few other specialists well known by S2000 owners that I would have first asked for this guide.
Quoting specialist dealer s2000-4u is a bit of a joke IMO, there's a *long* running thread on s2ki.co.uk, have a read then decide if you would buy from them.....
Edited by Dracoro on Friday 8th April 16:29
Dracoro said:
alock said:
Dracoro said:
alock said:
Split hood. It's a vinyl roof, it will split eventually. You either live with a couple of little holes or budget £800 every 8-10 years for a new hood.
Some tough tape/duck tape on the inside of the roof where the frame rubs when lowered can stop wear. I have done this preventative measure and my roof shows no sign of wear at all.I'm talking about the split/cut that appears just above your shoulder. When the roof is down the frame rubs against it, with some tape there it prevents wear, quite simple. Smoothening rough edges on the frame can help too.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evidence_of_absence
Having tape on your frame and your hood not splitting is not proof that the tape prevented the split. My opinion is that this one of those cases where 'the wisdom of internet forums' is wrong. Mine split exactly where you described on the nearside. I followed the accepted forum wisdom and wrapped the frame on my offside. 18 months later, my offside has now split.
Hang on, I didn't wrap the frame (not sure that would work either).
I saw where the frame was rubbing against the hood (slight wear to the hood above the shoulder) and I stuck some strong black tape to the underside of the hood, the frame rubs the tape instead, preventing wear to the actual hood. I know someone, a few years ago, who had the splits there and had to replace the hood, so I took these preventative measures and no more wear (as it would have to wear through the tape first).
I saw where the frame was rubbing against the hood (slight wear to the hood above the shoulder) and I stuck some strong black tape to the underside of the hood, the frame rubs the tape instead, preventing wear to the actual hood. I know someone, a few years ago, who had the splits there and had to replace the hood, so I took these preventative measures and no more wear (as it would have to wear through the tape first).
Dracoro said:
They are based in Crawley, which is about 10/15 minutes from where I live and I'd not heard of them before that article.
Anyway, I've got the article in front of me. Here's a quick summary of my comments:
"2004 facelift cars (designated AP2 instead of AP1)" - Incorrect. They mention AP2 some more in the article too.
No mention of seized bushes.
"Aluminium suspension arms" - they're not
"They all burn a lot of oil" - some burn a bit, some don't. My 1st one (MY00) didn't burn any at all, my current one does a little (MY03) and I top it up every now and again.
I understand that their description of suspension changes over the years is wrong.
Am rather sceptical of comments that torque is up 25lb ft, Honda certainly don't claim that and many other dynos may not support it too, depends on how they are comparing it and how the dyno is calibrated I suppose.
Part prices are from Austec, not Honda. Front pads, for example, are about £45 from Honda but £75 from Austec. Honda servicing prices differ from theirs too. Just had a basic service for £97 on mine. About £400 for a major. Mostly it will be about £100/£150, more for the 27k and the biggy at 54k (where plugs are replaced, valve clearances checked etc.). They quote £300 and £500 but don't say what those services entail.
Don't get me wrong, it's not completely a *bad* article but there's key bits of inaccurate info, OK in a quick review but this sort of thing you expect to get right in a buyers guide. Austec themselves may well be a good tuner/garage (I assume they're more involved with racing rather than servicing/maintaining standard cars) but to be fair to them, I will reserve judgement. There are a few other specialists well known by S2000 owners that I would have first asked for this guide.
Quoting specialist dealer s2000-4u is a bit of a joke IMO, there's a *long* running thread on s2ki.co.uk, have a read then decide if you would buy from them.....
Thanks for the reply, especially regarding s2000-4u - looks like I dodged a bullet there as I was going to drive 60 miles to view one of their cars!Anyway, I've got the article in front of me. Here's a quick summary of my comments:
"2004 facelift cars (designated AP2 instead of AP1)" - Incorrect. They mention AP2 some more in the article too.
No mention of seized bushes.
"Aluminium suspension arms" - they're not
"They all burn a lot of oil" - some burn a bit, some don't. My 1st one (MY00) didn't burn any at all, my current one does a little (MY03) and I top it up every now and again.
I understand that their description of suspension changes over the years is wrong.
Am rather sceptical of comments that torque is up 25lb ft, Honda certainly don't claim that and many other dynos may not support it too, depends on how they are comparing it and how the dyno is calibrated I suppose.
Part prices are from Austec, not Honda. Front pads, for example, are about £45 from Honda but £75 from Austec. Honda servicing prices differ from theirs too. Just had a basic service for £97 on mine. About £400 for a major. Mostly it will be about £100/£150, more for the 27k and the biggy at 54k (where plugs are replaced, valve clearances checked etc.). They quote £300 and £500 but don't say what those services entail.
Don't get me wrong, it's not completely a *bad* article but there's key bits of inaccurate info, OK in a quick review but this sort of thing you expect to get right in a buyers guide. Austec themselves may well be a good tuner/garage (I assume they're more involved with racing rather than servicing/maintaining standard cars) but to be fair to them, I will reserve judgement. There are a few other specialists well known by S2000 owners that I would have first asked for this guide.
Quoting specialist dealer s2000-4u is a bit of a joke IMO, there's a *long* running thread on s2ki.co.uk, have a read then decide if you would buy from them.....
Dracoro said:
They are based in Crawley, which is about 10/15 minutes from where I live and I'd not heard of them before that article.
Anyway, I've got the article in front of me. Here's a quick summary of my comments:
"2004 facelift cars (designated AP2 instead of AP1)" - Incorrect. They mention AP2 some more in the article too.
No mention of seized bushes.
"Aluminium suspension arms" - they're not
"They all burn a lot of oil" - some burn a bit, some don't. My 1st one (MY00) didn't burn any at all, my current one does a little (MY03) and I top it up every now and again.
I understand that their description of suspension changes over the years is wrong.
Am rather sceptical of comments that torque is up 25lb ft, Honda certainly don't claim that and many other dynos may not support it too, depends on how they are comparing it and how the dyno is calibrated I suppose.
Part prices are from Austec, not Honda. Front pads, for example, are about £45 from Honda but £75 from Austec. Honda servicing prices differ from theirs too. Just had a basic service for £97 on mine. About £400 for a major. Mostly it will be about £100/£150, more for the 27k and the biggy at 54k (where plugs are replaced, valve clearances checked etc.). They quote £300 and £500 but don't say what those services entail.
Don't get me wrong, it's not completely a *bad* article but there's key bits of inaccurate info, OK in a quick review but this sort of thing you expect to get right in a buyers guide. Austec themselves may well be a good tuner/garage (I assume they're more involved with racing rather than servicing/maintaining standard cars) but to be fair to them, I will reserve judgement. There are a few other specialists well known by S2000 owners that I would have first asked for this guide.
There were two companies operating out of the Austec building,the specialist Japanese part was a company called AFR Tuning(www.afrtuning.co.uk) set up by Matt Hosier.Anyway, I've got the article in front of me. Here's a quick summary of my comments:
"2004 facelift cars (designated AP2 instead of AP1)" - Incorrect. They mention AP2 some more in the article too.
No mention of seized bushes.
"Aluminium suspension arms" - they're not
"They all burn a lot of oil" - some burn a bit, some don't. My 1st one (MY00) didn't burn any at all, my current one does a little (MY03) and I top it up every now and again.
I understand that their description of suspension changes over the years is wrong.
Am rather sceptical of comments that torque is up 25lb ft, Honda certainly don't claim that and many other dynos may not support it too, depends on how they are comparing it and how the dyno is calibrated I suppose.
Part prices are from Austec, not Honda. Front pads, for example, are about £45 from Honda but £75 from Austec. Honda servicing prices differ from theirs too. Just had a basic service for £97 on mine. About £400 for a major. Mostly it will be about £100/£150, more for the 27k and the biggy at 54k (where plugs are replaced, valve clearances checked etc.). They quote £300 and £500 but don't say what those services entail.
Don't get me wrong, it's not completely a *bad* article but there's key bits of inaccurate info, OK in a quick review but this sort of thing you expect to get right in a buyers guide. Austec themselves may well be a good tuner/garage (I assume they're more involved with racing rather than servicing/maintaining standard cars) but to be fair to them, I will reserve judgement. There are a few other specialists well known by S2000 owners that I would have first asked for this guide.
Edited by Dracoro on Friday 8th April 16:29
Matt set AFR up & rented space inside the Austec building & had his own team of technicians.AFR moved out around Aug last year with their technicians to new premises in Horsham. I have no idea who the Japanese specialist is supposed to be now at Austec, which may explain the inaccuracies mentioned.
AFR are more well known in the Supra fraternity but Matt certainly knows his Jap cars and specialises in rolling road mapping.
Hope that info helps
Bodders
mikey k said:
Drac is spot on
However much people dislike s2ki the FAQ in the UK sections is one of the best on the Web any one buying and S ahould read it at least 10 times
I agree. I personally only stick to the UK sections and there are tons of members who are willing to answer a question or two.However much people dislike s2ki the FAQ in the UK sections is one of the best on the Web any one buying and S ahould read it at least 10 times
Hmmm. Okay, I've checked with two dealers (Barretts in Canterbury and Drake & Fletcher Maidstone) and they offer a "cheaper" level alternative (Barretts prices vs. Drake & Fletcher):
Level 1: £149 - £99
Level 2: £199 - £175
Level 3: £299 - £235
Level 4: £459 - n/a
Apparently they do not use Honda parts but use a cheaper 'alternative'. Is there really that much difference? Do Honda really manufacture their own spark plugs etc??
The level 4 service includes tappet adjustment, which I want to do (if it hasn't been done before..)
Level 1: £149 - £99
Level 2: £199 - £175
Level 3: £299 - £235
Level 4: £459 - n/a
Apparently they do not use Honda parts but use a cheaper 'alternative'. Is there really that much difference? Do Honda really manufacture their own spark plugs etc??
The level 4 service includes tappet adjustment, which I want to do (if it hasn't been done before..)
What age/year is the car. What were previous services?
I don't think ANY manufacturer makes most of their own service parts (plugs, oil, oil filter etc.). Ask what oil they use for example, Mobil 1 5/40 probably. Filter should be the correct one!
Many dealers do a 4 level service (gatwick honda prices below)
Level 1 (£97) - A load of checks plug oil/filter change.
Level 2 (£147) - As above but checking all the suspension (which an mot would do anyway)
Level 3 (£220) - Plugs, pollen filter, more checks
Level 4 (£324 incl mot) - tappets, brake fluid, gearbox oil, fuel filter, tracking
I've just had mot so most of suspension has been checked (I've just sorted bushes out too) and got Honda to do Level 1 service and full GEO for about £220 including courtesy car.
I don't think ANY manufacturer makes most of their own service parts (plugs, oil, oil filter etc.). Ask what oil they use for example, Mobil 1 5/40 probably. Filter should be the correct one!
Many dealers do a 4 level service (gatwick honda prices below)
Level 1 (£97) - A load of checks plug oil/filter change.
Level 2 (£147) - As above but checking all the suspension (which an mot would do anyway)
Level 3 (£220) - Plugs, pollen filter, more checks
Level 4 (£324 incl mot) - tappets, brake fluid, gearbox oil, fuel filter, tracking
I've just had mot so most of suspension has been checked (I've just sorted bushes out too) and got Honda to do Level 1 service and full GEO for about £220 including courtesy car.
mikey k said:
DO NOT use anything other than the genuine oil filter fitted correctly.
There is a history of none OEM's coming off and several people have lost engines because of it.
There is a history of none OEM's coming off and several people have lost engines because of it.
Dracoro said:
What age/year is the car. What were previous services?
I don't think ANY manufacturer makes most of their own service parts (plugs, oil, oil filter etc.). Ask what oil they use for example, Mobil 1 5/40 probably. Filter should be the correct one!
Many dealers do a 4 level service (gatwick honda prices below)
Level 1 (£97) - A load of checks plug oil/filter change.
Level 2 (£147) - As above but checking all the suspension (which an mot would do anyway)
Level 3 (£220) - Plugs, pollen filter, more checks
Level 4 (£324 incl mot) - tappets, brake fluid, gearbox oil, fuel filter, tracking
I've just had mot so most of suspension has been checked (I've just sorted bushes out too) and got Honda to do Level 1 service and full GEO for about £220 including courtesy car.
80,000 miles and last serviced January 2010. It hasn't done many miles (~2000) since that service but is obviously due one in terms of time. I checked the oil and it is still golden.I don't think ANY manufacturer makes most of their own service parts (plugs, oil, oil filter etc.). Ask what oil they use for example, Mobil 1 5/40 probably. Filter should be the correct one!
Many dealers do a 4 level service (gatwick honda prices below)
Level 1 (£97) - A load of checks plug oil/filter change.
Level 2 (£147) - As above but checking all the suspension (which an mot would do anyway)
Level 3 (£220) - Plugs, pollen filter, more checks
Level 4 (£324 incl mot) - tappets, brake fluid, gearbox oil, fuel filter, tracking
I've just had mot so most of suspension has been checked (I've just sorted bushes out too) and got Honda to do Level 1 service and full GEO for about £220 including courtesy car.
I've been on the phone to Honda all morning and they DO use genuine parts (including the oil filter). They use semi-synthetic 10/40 oil.
I've just confirmed the above prices with Gatwick Honda, and Barratts in Canterbury would not price match and did not include an MOT or tracking. So I've canceled, and gone with Gatwick instead - the extra distance is well worth it!
EDIT: Forgot to say thanks for the info
Helpful stuff, currently looking myself. I don't have much more than 5-6k to spend so not a huge amount of choice, have to buy carefully 
The seized geo bolt is a worry, but one it seems that crossed fingers are required for.
In terms of registration year, what is the cut-off date for the facelift? Given the apparent geo/suspension changes I would rather have a post-02 if possible- I am assuming it will apply to anything upwards of 02 reg?
The seized geo bolt is a worry, but one it seems that crossed fingers are required for.In terms of registration year, what is the cut-off date for the facelift? Given the apparent geo/suspension changes I would rather have a post-02 if possible- I am assuming it will apply to anything upwards of 02 reg?
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