RE: PH Heroes: Honda S2000

[Robmarriott]

How are they for tall people? I'm 6'2 and driving my mx5 used to bother me , even with a roll bar.

We're now looking for a track car which is similar to drive so this is on the list but I don't know if its 'tall' enough

[rtz62]

Surprised nobody has yet mentioned the turbo or supercharged examples that loiter darkly around, owned by masters of the dark arts; I'm sure they have found the alchemy to fill the big hole in the torque curve....

[Badgerboy]

Decibel said:

Bought mine in December (phase 2 model) to exploit the lovely roads in Northern Ireland.

I absolutely love it...



Things i'd change would be the lack of cup holders, the lack of a glove box (although the boot is surprisingly big) and the exhaust as the GF has a Mk 3 MX-5 sport which is louder than mine and its denting my man hood.

Edited by Decibel on Friday 22 February 11:23

Edited by Decibel on Friday 22 February 11:25

Sir - Let me direct you here;

http://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/944056-exhaust-mod...

Effectively a free, non droning, good sounding exhaust note. (Of course tied to a K&N FIPK it sounds even better!)

[2hondadave]

Robmarriott said:

How are they for tall people? I'm 6'2 and driving my mx5 used to bother me , even with a roll bar.

We're now looking for a track car which is similar to drive so this is on the list but I don't know if its 'tall' enough

It depends

I know some people of that height have no issues. I however have 2 friends about that height but differing builds, one can't get his knees under the steering wheel, the other can't get his head under the roof. He was a passenger in mine and was looking OVER the windscreen!!

You need to get in one to find out... though you can get different rails to lower the seat... it is higher than some would like. Luckily I am of a typically Japanese/Italian build, even though I'm Scottish!

[MIP1983]

I love mine. I have changed bits over the years, got KW v3 suspension and a different exhaust. Definitely worth using a reputable place for four wheel alignment, makes a world of difference to the grip and feel.

Have a gratuitous video of it screaming round Nur:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dJiuI-C6yg&lis...

[W124]

Interestingly enough, I once drove one of these back from the old Honda center in Slough to the Honda depot at Watlington. I was driving a Facelifted car with the chassis revisions (apparently - I know there were a few revisions over time) - I was following a co-worker in a older car. We took the scenic route. Man, he was all over the place and I know he was a very good driver - My car was ok but it truly terrified me coming down the old A40 at Stokenchurch. I JUST caught it. Just. The back end just went, 911 style. I thought it might do it so I was ready but it went very quickly. Great cars, but well scary in the damp. You can slide them though, if you are committed. I'd buy one - don't think I'm a good enough driver to enjoy it really.

[ikarl]

foxspeed said:

300bhp/ton said:

PistonHeads said:

the F20C could only muster 153lb ft (162 in the stat panel),

Would PH be able to show me another 2.0 n/a petrol engine that makes significantly more torque than this?

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 22 February 10:41

Edited by 300bhp/ton on Friday 22 February 10:42

my renaultsport clio makes 158lb ft at 5550rpm....2.0l n/a

but i would love a 9000rpm redline

Toyota MR2 3sge (by Beams) = 155ft lb
Altezza = 162ft lb

[J4CKO]

I love the look of the S2000, it looks so right, the right balance between lithe and purposeful, not too gender specific either, anyone can drive one and not look out of place.

I was kind of considering one as a replacement for my 944 S2 cab, which I love dearly but it living outside isnt doing it any favours, I get the impression these probably wont suffer the same.

Anyone driven both, suspect the S is a bit quicker outright but the 944 is a lazier drive but still with a decent top end, the steering on the 944 will be better based on the reports as it really is very nice. 944 has a bit of scuttle shake, I am guessing that as a purpose built soft top the Honda wont be afflicted at all or at least not as badly.

Insurance wise I can get it for £280 which isnt much more than the 944.

[RichwiththeS2000]

Robmarriott said:

How are they for tall people? I'm 6'2 and driving my mx5 used to bother me , even with a roll bar.

We're now looking for a track car which is similar to drive so this is on the list but I don't know if its 'tall' enough

I'm 6"2 and came from an MX5 - had the same issue with the mazda, just felt too small.

The fit in the S2k is relatively snug but feels pretty good. On my first S2k I had a lowered seat rail which drops the seating position about 2" - makes a big difference and feels more like you are "in" the car.

I will probably get one again (about £300).

Best is to try though and see how you get on

[havoc]

petrolhead888 said:

Hmmmm...

Never have I ever been so disappointed with a car that I really wanted to love as when I bought one of these.
...

Now all my cars are always rear drive as I like to play, so at the first sign of rain I like to find a couple of deserted roundabouts and find out the handling balance so that i know what i`m dealing with.

On every car previous including a MK2 MR2 Turbo with 350 bhp I could slide the back end under complete control and learn the characteristics of the car.....

Nope not this... The S2000 snapped straight into an uncontrollable low speed spin no matter how quick I was with the steering (which gave no feel whatsoever)

Interesting. I'm not as good a driver as you - never learned the black-art of sustained 'oppo', and even less so when I bought the S2000 7-8 years ago! But I found the car more accessible than I expected it to be.

I won't say it was the most progressive car, but I got the geo sorted on mine early-on, and on the "test-drive" home after Chris Franklin had done his magic, it was completely different - I could feel the back end loading up through corners and in 3+ years NEVER span the car (did have 1 tank-slapper in pouring rain, due to catching the white line on the edge of the road with the rear wheel when exiting a r'bout slightly too enthusiastically).

The only modification I made, which also helped with the feel of the car, was additional bracing (front upper and lower, rear lower).


I do agree with the steering comments though - desperately needed feelsome, hydraulic PAS.

[paulmnz]

Squirrelofwoe said:

A couple of years back I gave serious consideration to trading my DC2 in against a used S2000- the reason being that I didn't need the extra practicality of the Integra's back seats/rear hatch etc and the insurance worked out almost identical.

I loved the looks, loved the screaming V-tec engine in the Integra and I guess I had kind of decided in my head that the S2000 would basically be a faster, RWD, convertible Integra.

But after driving a few examples it just didn't live up to what I had imagined. It didn't feel noticably quicker than my DC2, didn't sound as good, bizarrely felt like a bigger/heavier car, and just didn't feel like it offered as much grin-inducing fun.

So I didn't make the switch in the end, but I think this disappointment was likely more to do with going from an extremely well sorted DC2, and less to do with any short-comings on the S2000.

And this is probably why, a year after selling my DC2, I am longing for some more V-Tec goodness (and better fuel economy than the Starion) and I'm now back looking at S2000s all over again!

Although I am very slightly leaning towards an Accord Type-R this time...

I'm lucky enough to have a 1999 Milano Red DC2 and a 2001 Formula Red S2000 at the same time. I had similar expectations to you thinking the S2000 would be a RWD convertible integra, but they are very different cars for sure.

The DC2 is a lot lighter (200+ KG in my case), and my DC2 is around 200bhp so it feels a bit faster than the S2000. I think the gearing is way too long on the S2000 although much better for motorways etc, the 5 speed integra is using 4th in places I'm still in 3rd in the S2000.

I don't think I'll ever sell the DC2 as I've had it for 5 years and although cosmetically not great (going pink), it's mechanically 'just so' and I'd never get another one like it, plus they aren't worth much atm.

My DC2 is mapped so it doesn't have a VTEC 'Kick' anymore as the cross-over is optimised, so it just changes engine note, so the 'kick' in the S2000 is nice to still have. The DC2 also has a 8900rpm limiter now and an ultalight flywheel so revs faster than the S2000, but the S2000 engine I think sounds slightly better - its a tough call, both sound fantastic.

The S2000 is a better looking car, I always thought the DC2 a bit of an ugly duckling...

In terms of handling, I'm very impressed with the rigidity of the S2000 esp with the top down compared to the MX5 and E36 M3 but it is a handful if you drive it hard particularly on damp, poor surface roads, I think the rear of the car suffers from a lack of suspension travel and control and the diff is quite aggressive.. coupled with the quick steering rack you really need to be on your game if your driving it hard, but it is really engaging if your in the mood. however, in my mind the integra has a better chassis - helped by the huge reduction in weight for sure.

If I am picking a car to drive interesting b-roads, or for example going to the nurburgring, I'd take the integra every time... In the summer on a fast A-road or for cruising around, the S2000 is awesome fun... and in tunnels... either, but no roof does give you the full surround sound experience. I drive in the alps and southern france a lot in the summer - the S2000 is an N85 route-de-napoleon type car, the Integra more a col de turini rally-stage type car.

The fact they are both unbelievably reliable (DC2 has 131,000 miles, S2000 is on 127,000 miles) and you can buy both for less than £4k just makes it that much more enjoyable to own them.

PS, insurance isn't too bad from specialist brokers - S2000's are about the same as an early 2.5 boxster.

Is the S2000 a 'keeper' like the DC2? not sure yet... need to have a decent summer to find out!

[GS88]

if you're short on exhaust ideas:

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=Gba-WIJ51UM

[Denyo]

I'd like to think of myself as a 'driving enthusiast' (though far from professional, let alone able!) but I have to say the S2000 was one of my all time favourite cars. If you are going to provoke it on a wet roundabout then yes, it's going to bite. But it is not as if others haven't warned you!

The engine, gearbox, driving position, all are fantastic. And there is just so much character. I am v tempted to sell the 996 turbo, put some cash in the bank (well ok, buy a M5 touring, family and all...) and get another one. Won't be as fast, obviously, but boy can you enjoy trying. I also think they've aged very well. And relatively bulletproof.

Each to their own, mind!

[crispyshark]

Finally! Have been waiting for these to be recognised by PH....last time i campaigned for them it got lumped in an 'Honest Guv' article.

Anyhow, proud to say i owned one, loved it and would like to think it taught me a bit about driving! Had a 2000 model with nothing to help but ABS!

These are everything the UK sports market should have been!

[Craikeybaby]

I'm sure PH read my mind about cars I'm thinking of when writing these articles!

I'm thinking of an S2000 as a next step up after owning MX-5s for the last 8 years, so this has been an interesting read.

[Bonefish Blues]

Craikeybaby said:

I'm sure PH read my mind about cars I'm thinking of when writing these articles!

I'm thinking of an S2000 as a next step up after owning MX-5s for the last 8 years, so this has been an interesting read.

Drive one, of course - and for a while, I suggest. And then consider FI for the Mk 3.5

[JaguarsportXJR]

I'd like to try one of these. I've always liked them and have considered taking one out a couple of times, but for some reason the other half is very anti-convirtable. Between that and the fact that I almost certainly won't fit, I've always backed down and decided better not to try it fall in love.

Difficult to argue with a 9000 rpm red line though!

[Squirrelofwoe]

paulmnz said:

I'm lucky enough to have a 1999 Milano Red DC2 and a 2001 Formula Red S2000 at the same time. I had similar expectations to you thinking the S2000 would be a RWD convertible integra, but they are very different cars for sure.

The DC2 is a lot lighter (200+ KG in my case), and my DC2 is around 200bhp so it feels a bit faster than the S2000. I think the gearing is way too long on the S2000 although much better for motorways etc, the 5 speed integra is using 4th in places I'm still in 3rd in the S2000.

I don't think I'll ever sell the DC2 as I've had it for 5 years and although cosmetically not great (going pink), it's mechanically 'just so' and I'd never get another one like it, plus they aren't worth much atm.

My DC2 is mapped so it doesn't have a VTEC 'Kick' anymore as the cross-over is optimised, so it just changes engine note, so the 'kick' in the S2000 is nice to still have. The DC2 also has a 8900rpm limiter now and an ultalight flywheel so revs faster than the S2000, but the S2000 engine I think sounds slightly better - its a tough call, both sound fantastic.

The S2000 is a better looking car, I always thought the DC2 a bit of an ugly duckling...

In terms of handling, I'm very impressed with the rigidity of the S2000 esp with the top down compared to the MX5 and E36 M3 but it is a handful if you drive it hard particularly on damp, poor surface roads, I think the rear of the car suffers from a lack of suspension travel and control and the diff is quite aggressive.. coupled with the quick steering rack you really need to be on your game if your driving it hard, but it is really engaging if your in the mood. however, in my mind the integra has a better chassis - helped by the huge reduction in weight for sure.

If I am picking a car to drive interesting b-roads, or for example going to the nurburgring, I'd take the integra every time... In the summer on a fast A-road or for cruising around, the S2000 is awesome fun... and in tunnels... either, but no roof does give you the full surround sound experience. I drive in the alps and southern france a lot in the summer - the S2000 is an N85 route-de-napoleon type car, the Integra more a col de turini rally-stage type car.

The fact they are both unbelievably reliable (DC2 has 131,000 miles, S2000 is on 127,000 miles) and you can buy both for less than £4k just makes it that much more enjoyable to own them.

PS, insurance isn't too bad from specialist brokers - S2000's are about the same as an early 2.5 boxster.

Is the S2000 a 'keeper' like the DC2? not sure yet... need to have a decent summer to find out!

Cheers for that, and that sounds a pretty epic 2-car garage!

That pretty much confirms what I thought though. My DC2 was nudging past 200bhp too which probably explains my disappointment on the S2000 performance. That's also interesting regarding the B18 revving faster than the S2000- I had thought this too but suspected at the time I that I was just imagining it.

I got the impression the S2000 would be more rewarding to the better driver, whilst the DC2 you could just get in and be smiling the instant you pressed the loud peddle to the floor.

I have considered going back to another DC2 I miss mine that much, but as you also alluded to I just know I would struggle to find another as well sorted (and with smilar modifications/spec) as mine had, in the condition mine/mileage was at. The fact that a chap from Holland snapped my hand off to come over and buy it at full asking price the day it went up for sale should have told me it was a keeper

So I keep thinking that if I go back to the S2000 now, having not had a Honda for a year, it might engage me in a way that it simply didn't whilst I had the DC2.

But at the same time I also REALLY love the idea of an ATR...

[Hellbound]

Really gone off these. It seems the car isn't set up straight out of the box so you need to make some changes to the rear suspension, get the right tires on and make sure you keep on top of alignment every time you get into it. Just seems a bit, I don't know...ruined now.

I think it has a poor accessible bang for buck ratio.

[RocketRabbit]

I drive a 240bhp Westfield now, and it makes you appreciate how good a driver's car the S2000 is.

Basically, Honda created an extremely focused car and then tried to dumb it down because people were throwing them off the road. People still do throw them off the road, but that's a possibility with a car that has its major masses inside the wheelbase. Just like when a figure skater draws their arms in they spin faster, the S2000 wants to rotate and is not a car for the Pub ammo warlord.

The biggest problem with these cars is cold tyre syndrome. People complain it's the wet, but it's all down to cold tyres, inparticular the standard fit Bridgestone RE050s don't work from cold.

I never had a problem with steering feel and loved how consistent the S2000 steering was compared to the hydraulic systems on DC2/EG6s etc.

I appreciate it's not for everyone, but it's definitely a drivers car and a great one at that