The dream that became the reality; S2K ownership
Discussion
Ok so this thread has been a long time in waiting. I'm not really sure what took so long as I've wanted to shout out about it for a while now but regardless I've read the PH forums for a few years and finally bit the bullet this evening to post about my dream motor.
I won't keep it from you any longer... It's my 2003 Honda S2000.
Year 2000
In 2000 I read an article in the paper about the Honda S2000 and the article got me hooked - I was only 11 years old but the car defined what I thought a sportscar should look, sound and drive like. I watched reviews as I got older and kept reading forums as I learnt to drive but soon realised that maybe this was a dream too far for me to reach.
Year 2015
As I matured in my late 20's I watched the market closely and noticed that the price for the S2000 really wasn't going down to Mk1 MX5 levels that I had predicted and I started doing some research into modern classics.
As 2015 approached I was keen to buy an S2000 and make it my own and no longer keep dreaming.
I had however heard horror stories of crazy insurance prices, the car being a widow maker, expensive parts, rust and general cars being thrashed about. I decided I would spoil this car in the same way I had spoilt my previous track car and ensured it would be a garage queen only coming out in the March until September on nice dry days.
March 2016
By now I had already wittled down my (now) wife to the point of no return - she wanted me to shut up and buy the S2000. I got online and began the usual search. I decided I wanted a early S2K with drive by cable not drive by wire but as late as possible before the 2004 models started. Colour wise I wanted either a silverstone grey car with red interior and black dash or Royal Navy Blue with a black interior.
A 2003 Silverstone grey came up in Leicester with one previous owner. I purchased it with approx 80k on the dials and it was everything I hoped it would be - I was so excited that it felt too good to be true.
The tyres were brand new but were clearly bought to get through it's MOT and sell on (admitted by the owner). I quickly got on Blackcircles and ordered 4 T1Rs ready for the day of collection of the S2K.
Day 1
Conscious that this was my first on the road experience of high power RWD LSD driving I was tip toeing around the power band to get home. I pulled into the garage for the tyre change.
On leaving the garage a little old lady had just had her MOT in hey Hyundai i10. On following behind her she waited at the junction and noticed she was blocking the path for a lady to cross the road - she wacks the little Hyundai into Reverse and before you can say hyperdrive the i10 reverses the 5m or so into the front of the S2K and cracks the paintwork on the bumper. The damage was minimal but I had owned the car less than 24hours!
I. Was. Gutted.
This had never happened to me in my motoring career. I was ready to unleash hell. I'd waited 17 years for this car! When I saw it was a little old woman in the Hyundai I understood mistakes happen and sorted it like a gentleman and suppressed my inner demon. It turned out the woman was rather well off and she asked me if I would be able to get the bumper fixed that very weekend - I drove off and got some quotes. Next thing I knew the front bumper was resprayed. Good as new.
Week 5
Fast forward to week 5 in April 2016 and I was preparing the car for it's first trip to Cornwall. I fitted new discs and pads and I was very happy with still learning the cars limits.
In May 2016 I drove my (now) wife to a special lighthouse and we got engaged. The drive back was calm, collected... roof down staring at the stars. Perfect.
A photo on one of many frantic drives:
20160509_180609 by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
Week 10
By now the TCT was beginning to annoy me. I did a further oil change to Castrol Edge 5w40 and fitted a brand new TCT from H-Tune.
August 2016
20160810_110042_zps0o9vtm60 by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
By August two very good friends of mine were to be wed and asked if I would drive the groom to the church from the venue. Informed him it would be top down the entire way and that I would plan an amazing route for him to enjoy his last minutes of freedom. The car was perfect and he instantly fell in love; echoing home my feelings I had as a little boy the first time I saw an S2000.
IMGP2861_zpspjby9f42 by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
September 2016
By now I was getting to grips with the limits of the vehicle. Taking the S2K for the occasional blast down my favorite roads and driving it on a friday the "fun" way to work and back. I decided I wanted a trip to exploit it's abilities so headed to Wales on a walking trip with my best mate and soon to be best man. The weather threw everything at us making the driving experience very interesting indeed.
October 2016
The car was put to bed and dry stored in my garage.
March 2017
Like a kid at Christmas I could not wait to get my S2K on the road again! Out came the Castrol 5W40 and filter, along with some race blue brake fluid for a clutch drain and after unsticking the rear caliper the S2K was road worthy again and passed it's MOT with flying colours. That day I probably wasted more fuel than I need to but it was worth it. The sun was shining and I had nowhere better to be than at the wheel of my motor.
Outside Althorp by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
June 2017
Time flew and I headed to the Nurburgring in June with some mates in my Octavia VRS. The S2K was performing effortlessly and only required the occasional clean. The car did no wrong. Ultimately I had done next to no mileage inbetween rugby days (very hard to get in and out of a S2000 after a rugby session) and I blame the lack of use on next to no big trips due to saving money as the wife and I prepared for our big day.
August 2017
The wife and I said "I do". I had stayed overnight at a cheap hotel with the guys from the stag do. My ushers and best men were there. I drove my best man and I over sweeping back roads to the church where the S2000 sat waiting for my return the next day (the car was going to be used for our wedding car but sadly the dress' train would have interfered with the driving experience).
The honeymoon arrived and the wife and I stayed in Achintraid. We were exactly opposite Applecross pass.
Since the age of 18 I had dreamt of driving up applecross. I had figured it would have been in a focus or similar let alone an S2000. The fact my wife wanted to do this with me filled me with joy.
On the fourth day of our trip we went up Applecross; what a road it was. The views are stunning and even at a fraction of the pace I know alot of people could do this road at it's amazing. The road is perfect and felt everything I knew it could do. The S2K was sublime.
IMGP4908_zpswatjz08l by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
IMGP4911_zps0t7ogovq by Sean Grammer, on Flickr
Much like my S2K I'll head to bed now (Although probably not until the March) and wait for when I wake to give you some more info
I won't keep it from you any longer... It's my 2003 Honda S2000.
Year 2000
In 2000 I read an article in the paper about the Honda S2000 and the article got me hooked - I was only 11 years old but the car defined what I thought a sportscar should look, sound and drive like. I watched reviews as I got older and kept reading forums as I learnt to drive but soon realised that maybe this was a dream too far for me to reach.
Year 2015
As I matured in my late 20's I watched the market closely and noticed that the price for the S2000 really wasn't going down to Mk1 MX5 levels that I had predicted and I started doing some research into modern classics.
As 2015 approached I was keen to buy an S2000 and make it my own and no longer keep dreaming.
I had however heard horror stories of crazy insurance prices, the car being a widow maker, expensive parts, rust and general cars being thrashed about. I decided I would spoil this car in the same way I had spoilt my previous track car and ensured it would be a garage queen only coming out in the March until September on nice dry days.
March 2016
By now I had already wittled down my (now) wife to the point of no return - she wanted me to shut up and buy the S2000. I got online and began the usual search. I decided I wanted a early S2K with drive by cable not drive by wire but as late as possible before the 2004 models started. Colour wise I wanted either a silverstone grey car with red interior and black dash or Royal Navy Blue with a black interior.
A 2003 Silverstone grey came up in Leicester with one previous owner. I purchased it with approx 80k on the dials and it was everything I hoped it would be - I was so excited that it felt too good to be true.
The tyres were brand new but were clearly bought to get through it's MOT and sell on (admitted by the owner). I quickly got on Blackcircles and ordered 4 T1Rs ready for the day of collection of the S2K.
Day 1
Conscious that this was my first on the road experience of high power RWD LSD driving I was tip toeing around the power band to get home. I pulled into the garage for the tyre change.
On leaving the garage a little old lady had just had her MOT in hey Hyundai i10. On following behind her she waited at the junction and noticed she was blocking the path for a lady to cross the road - she wacks the little Hyundai into Reverse and before you can say hyperdrive the i10 reverses the 5m or so into the front of the S2K and cracks the paintwork on the bumper. The damage was minimal but I had owned the car less than 24hours!
I. Was. Gutted.
This had never happened to me in my motoring career. I was ready to unleash hell. I'd waited 17 years for this car! When I saw it was a little old woman in the Hyundai I understood mistakes happen and sorted it like a gentleman and suppressed my inner demon. It turned out the woman was rather well off and she asked me if I would be able to get the bumper fixed that very weekend - I drove off and got some quotes. Next thing I knew the front bumper was resprayed. Good as new.
Week 5
Fast forward to week 5 in April 2016 and I was preparing the car for it's first trip to Cornwall. I fitted new discs and pads and I was very happy with still learning the cars limits.
In May 2016 I drove my (now) wife to a special lighthouse and we got engaged. The drive back was calm, collected... roof down staring at the stars. Perfect.
A photo on one of many frantic drives:
20160509_180609 by Sean Grammer, on FlickrWeek 10
By now the TCT was beginning to annoy me. I did a further oil change to Castrol Edge 5w40 and fitted a brand new TCT from H-Tune.
August 2016
20160810_110042_zps0o9vtm60 by Sean Grammer, on FlickrBy August two very good friends of mine were to be wed and asked if I would drive the groom to the church from the venue. Informed him it would be top down the entire way and that I would plan an amazing route for him to enjoy his last minutes of freedom. The car was perfect and he instantly fell in love; echoing home my feelings I had as a little boy the first time I saw an S2000.
IMGP2861_zpspjby9f42 by Sean Grammer, on FlickrSeptember 2016
By now I was getting to grips with the limits of the vehicle. Taking the S2K for the occasional blast down my favorite roads and driving it on a friday the "fun" way to work and back. I decided I wanted a trip to exploit it's abilities so headed to Wales on a walking trip with my best mate and soon to be best man. The weather threw everything at us making the driving experience very interesting indeed.
October 2016
The car was put to bed and dry stored in my garage.
March 2017
Like a kid at Christmas I could not wait to get my S2K on the road again! Out came the Castrol 5W40 and filter, along with some race blue brake fluid for a clutch drain and after unsticking the rear caliper the S2K was road worthy again and passed it's MOT with flying colours. That day I probably wasted more fuel than I need to but it was worth it. The sun was shining and I had nowhere better to be than at the wheel of my motor.
Outside Althorp by Sean Grammer, on FlickrJune 2017
Time flew and I headed to the Nurburgring in June with some mates in my Octavia VRS. The S2K was performing effortlessly and only required the occasional clean. The car did no wrong. Ultimately I had done next to no mileage inbetween rugby days (very hard to get in and out of a S2000 after a rugby session) and I blame the lack of use on next to no big trips due to saving money as the wife and I prepared for our big day.
August 2017
The wife and I said "I do". I had stayed overnight at a cheap hotel with the guys from the stag do. My ushers and best men were there. I drove my best man and I over sweeping back roads to the church where the S2000 sat waiting for my return the next day (the car was going to be used for our wedding car but sadly the dress' train would have interfered with the driving experience).
The honeymoon arrived and the wife and I stayed in Achintraid. We were exactly opposite Applecross pass.
Since the age of 18 I had dreamt of driving up applecross. I had figured it would have been in a focus or similar let alone an S2000. The fact my wife wanted to do this with me filled me with joy.
On the fourth day of our trip we went up Applecross; what a road it was. The views are stunning and even at a fraction of the pace I know alot of people could do this road at it's amazing. The road is perfect and felt everything I knew it could do. The S2K was sublime.
IMGP4908_zpswatjz08l by Sean Grammer, on FlickrIMGP4911_zps0t7ogovq by Sean Grammer, on FlickrMuch like my S2K I'll head to bed now (Although probably not until the March) and wait for when I wake to give you some more info
Edited by ShoooRn on Wednesday 3rd January 09:34
Nice! Glad you got what you wanted 
I guess I've only felt this way about two cars... Renault 5 GT Turbo, and RX-7. I got a GT Turbo but it was a pile of poo unfortunately and I just didn't have the time to get it back to where it should be. RX-7's just cost too much now.
I've actually always liked the S2000 too, probably my favourite convertible, but with a kiddie now I don't think I'll ever be getting one! We already have two cars in the family and I can't deal with getting any more.
I guess I've only felt this way about two cars... Renault 5 GT Turbo, and RX-7. I got a GT Turbo but it was a pile of poo unfortunately and I just didn't have the time to get it back to where it should be. RX-7's just cost too much now.I've actually always liked the S2000 too, probably my favourite convertible, but with a kiddie now I don't think I'll ever be getting one! We already have two cars in the family and I can't deal with getting any more.
Thanks for all the wonderful comments guys!
Applecross is one of my dream drives and I'm so glad I did it on such a special occasion in such a special car. Still dream of that road and those views.
We're actually expecting in October and we're both over the moon but of course this does make the S2000 a little impractical. The wife wants me to keep it as originally planned and use it as a Date night and just the toy it's intended to be and I am more than happy to oblige. We'll see how long she feels like this.
It's March...
Which means today is MOT time. I've got my service kit all ready and the fluids were kept in check whilst in storage. The S2K will be given it's first drive in a few minutes and hopefully the rear brake will be less sticky this year (always sticks after storage even with the handbrake off).
I'll let you know how it goes!
Applecross is one of my dream drives and I'm so glad I did it on such a special occasion in such a special car. Still dream of that road and those views.
kayzee said:
I've actually always liked the S2000 too, probably my favourite convertible, but with a kiddie now I don't think I'll ever be getting one! We already have two cars in the family and I can't deal with getting any more.
Ha! I know the feeling I have five cars on the property (the wifes Lupo 1.4, My saxo track car, my mothers Mitsubishi Spacestar which needs an alternator, my S2000, my Octavia VRS daily) two of which are on the way out (Saxo and Spacestar). The wife is very keen to see the back of what are expensive drive ornaments. We're actually expecting in October and we're both over the moon but of course this does make the S2000 a little impractical. The wife wants me to keep it as originally planned and use it as a Date night and just the toy it's intended to be and I am more than happy to oblige. We'll see how long she feels like this.
It's March...
Which means today is MOT time. I've got my service kit all ready and the fluids were kept in check whilst in storage. The S2K will be given it's first drive in a few minutes and hopefully the rear brake will be less sticky this year (always sticks after storage even with the handbrake off).
I'll let you know how it goes!
ShoooRn said:
Thanks for all the wonderful comments guys!
Applecross is one of my dream drives and I'm so glad I did it on such a special occasion in such a special car. Still dream of that road and those views.
We're actually expecting in October and we're both over the moon but of course this does make the S2000 a little impractical. The wife wants me to keep it as originally planned and use it as a Date night and just the toy it's intended to be and I am more than happy to oblige. We'll see how long she feels like this.
It's March...
Which means today is MOT time. I've got my service kit all ready and the fluids were kept in check whilst in storage. The S2K will be given it's first drive in a few minutes and hopefully the rear brake will be less sticky this year (always sticks after storage even with the handbrake off).
I'll let you know how it goes!
Well?Applecross is one of my dream drives and I'm so glad I did it on such a special occasion in such a special car. Still dream of that road and those views.
kayzee said:
I've actually always liked the S2000 too, probably my favourite convertible, but with a kiddie now I don't think I'll ever be getting one! We already have two cars in the family and I can't deal with getting any more.
Ha! I know the feeling I have five cars on the property (the wifes Lupo 1.4, My saxo track car, my mothers Mitsubishi Spacestar which needs an alternator, my S2000, my Octavia VRS daily) two of which are on the way out (Saxo and Spacestar). The wife is very keen to see the back of what are expensive drive ornaments. We're actually expecting in October and we're both over the moon but of course this does make the S2000 a little impractical. The wife wants me to keep it as originally planned and use it as a Date night and just the toy it's intended to be and I am more than happy to oblige. We'll see how long she feels like this.
It's March...
Which means today is MOT time. I've got my service kit all ready and the fluids were kept in check whilst in storage. The S2K will be given it's first drive in a few minutes and hopefully the rear brake will be less sticky this year (always sticks after storage even with the handbrake off).
I'll let you know how it goes!
We're waiting you know.
Great story OP.
One bit of advice though get some really good tyres. T1Rs are poor, if it is dry use only get some Yokohama AD08Rs and it will be even better.
I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
One bit of advice though get some really good tyres. T1Rs are poor, if it is dry use only get some Yokohama AD08Rs and it will be even better.
I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
Brett748 said:
Great story OP.
One bit of advice though get some really good tyres. T1Rs are poor, if it is dry use only get some Yokohama AD08Rs and it will be even better.
I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
I second that advise...ran AD08’s on mine absolutely tonnes of grip One bit of advice though get some really good tyres. T1Rs are poor, if it is dry use only get some Yokohama AD08Rs and it will be even better.
I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
Cheers for all the comments lads and ladies.
I want to change to something like the AD08Rs or R888s but worry about useability if the wife and I were caught in a downpour in Scotland/Wales/Cornwall etc.
UPDATE:
I took the car for it's first spin and my worry about the caliper sticking was more evident than ever. The rear right caliper despite having no handbrake applied for 6 months was well and truly getting stiffer. After some fettling and a ridiculous amount of effort to wind back I knew it was new caliper time; nevertheless I took the car to the garage for it's MOT after warming up the Cat and blasting out the cobwebs.
The news came in and a new caliper and new pads would be required. Luckily I had already ordered a new caliper in the waiting room.
On that weekend (Easter weekend 2nd April) I fitted new sidelights as mine were getting old. I also changed the HID in the passenger side to match the drivers side as when I changed the drivers side ballast I only had time for the one HID and never got round to changing. The front end looked ten times better with matching Phillips Whitevision HIDs. Whilst there I changed the oil (which whilst still golden needed to be done) and Castrol 5w40 was ran through with a Blue HAMP Honda oil filter fitted.
Next Wednesday came round and the new caliper was fitted - retest complete and one more year of MOT was granted.
Friday allowed for the first proper drive to work and back in the sunshine... and the question why I don't drive the S2K everyday arose in my head once more...
Cheers for reading.
RS Grant said:
.... leaves some very fond memories to look back on. 
Could not agree more. I've been very blessed in that every journey has been eventful creating tons of smiles per mile and makes me think back to those special days when I first started to drive and was intent on exploring everywhere in Britain.Brett748 said:
... One bit of advice though get some really good tyres. T1Rs are poor, if it is dry use only get some Yokohama AD08Rs and it will be even better.
I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
I thought about AD08Rs at the time of purchase but ultimately I wanted something that would offer good traction from the get go and allow a little controlled slip where possible but still be useable in the wet should I get caught on holiday in a downpour.I’ve always admired the S2K. It is a perfectly proportioned little two seater with what feels like a motorbike engine. Properly special little car.
I want to change to something like the AD08Rs or R888s but worry about useability if the wife and I were caught in a downpour in Scotland/Wales/Cornwall etc.
TR4man said:
Well?
We're waiting you know.
Ok so update just in.We're waiting you know.
UPDATE:
I took the car for it's first spin and my worry about the caliper sticking was more evident than ever. The rear right caliper despite having no handbrake applied for 6 months was well and truly getting stiffer. After some fettling and a ridiculous amount of effort to wind back I knew it was new caliper time; nevertheless I took the car to the garage for it's MOT after warming up the Cat and blasting out the cobwebs.
The news came in and a new caliper and new pads would be required. Luckily I had already ordered a new caliper in the waiting room.
On that weekend (Easter weekend 2nd April) I fitted new sidelights as mine were getting old. I also changed the HID in the passenger side to match the drivers side as when I changed the drivers side ballast I only had time for the one HID and never got round to changing. The front end looked ten times better with matching Phillips Whitevision HIDs. Whilst there I changed the oil (which whilst still golden needed to be done) and Castrol 5w40 was ran through with a Blue HAMP Honda oil filter fitted.
Next Wednesday came round and the new caliper was fitted - retest complete and one more year of MOT was granted.
Friday allowed for the first proper drive to work and back in the sunshine... and the question why I don't drive the S2K everyday arose in my head once more...
Cheers for reading.
lovely car, but, an s2000 on T1rs? You're a much braver man than I.
I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
designforlife said:
lovely car, but, an s2000 on T1rs? You're a much braver man than I.
I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
I have T1Rs on 16s for track/mucking about and they are not the grippiest...especially when they have a bit of heat in them I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
This is a good illustration of the defacto tyre choice: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
trails said:
I have T1Rs on 16s for track/mucking about and they are not the grippiest...especially when they have a bit of heat in them
This is a good illustration of the defacto tyre choice: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
You're alive!! This is a good illustration of the defacto tyre choice: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/uk-ireland-s2000-commu...
designforlife said:
lovely car, but, an s2000 on T1rs? You're a much braver man than I.
I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
I was desperate for some Bridgestone Potenzas when I bought the car (I was going for OEM everything) but sadly no where (local) had any in stock within the week I bought the car so did some research on alternatives; the general consensus was the T1R was the best for my needs at the time due to mainly warm weather use and occasional easy drives in the rain should the missus and I get caught out. I run Pilot sport 4s on my Integra, if you are after a blend of road and performance tyre for most conditions, they're pretty much spot on. You'll probably notice better handling too, sidewalls on the T1Rs are far far too soft for their own good.
I'll be honest the T1Rs have been great but I do have the PSI a little higher to increase sidewall stiffness. The car does have mountains of grip and the T1Rs lets go progressively but I am very interested to get the S2K on a softer compound to see how it handles and ultimately I do want to do some sprints/hillclimbs and a track session in the S2K at some point but at present the car is too immaculate to get stone chips.
trails said:
I have T1Rs on 16s for track/mucking about and they are not the grippiest...especially when they have a bit of heat in them
Yeah they're not the best when really hot they turn to "mush" quicker than most tyres. My old Saxo track car had Yoko A539's on them which took abuse lap after lap at Blyton/Silverstone/Mallory etc but my god did they suffer in the heat.That said I do currently run the T1R on my daily (Octavia VRS 200bhp fwd) and the sidewalls are ten times worse on the Octy then they are in the S2K at the limits of grip; this could be due to the octy being somewhat heavier than the S2K however but does ensure you reign it in when pushing on.
I ran T1R on my old mx5 and a few PSI over...they were ok in the dry but a bit scary in the wet. I then ran them on a fwd mitsubishi (it came with them on, with a load of tread) and they felt like driving on sponge cake!
Learnt my lesson after that, tried PS4s on the DC5 and haven't looked back.
That said, if you want to do a bit of drifto, they're a cheap enough tyre to sacrifice!! And i always liked the tread pattern on the toyos.
Learnt my lesson after that, tried PS4s on the DC5 and haven't looked back.
That said, if you want to do a bit of drifto, they're a cheap enough tyre to sacrifice!! And i always liked the tread pattern on the toyos.
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