I watch these S2000 videos everyday. I just mix them up. These videos made me realize this is the car i sold my NA miata and kinda regretted it but wanted something w a bit more sport flavor and man this is the car bro.
Sold my AP1 S2000 and got an NA Miata, really felt like the S was the bigger, faster, sharper sister but so similar too. Really would love an F20C in the MX5 but since steering geometry must be altered the K is the way lol one day
Ironic. I went with a brand new Subaru BRZ. Best car I’ve ever owned. Very reasonable monthly + financing. Not cheap, by any means. But very shortly I’m going to own a fantastic, fully paid off sports car, that I’ve owned since new.
Not sure how keen you are into modifying the car further, but a 4.56 final drive was undoubtedly the best modification I've done on my ap1. Removing that low rpm bog makes driving around town so much less boring.
@@MeltingRubberZ28 It's a bit higher but conveniently avoids the drone range if you have an exhaust like I do haha. I didn't notice mpg going down much if at all either.
@fengstar1 what's the scoop on the AP1 vs AP2? I know the 2 different motors, 2L that revs to 9k vs 2.2 that revs to 8 I think? If I were to get one for just a fun street car that I wanted to keep for a while (let's assume a decade)...what would you recommend and why?
Got the opportunity to drive a 718 GT4 (PDK) over the weekend back to back on the same roads with my AP1 (2002). GT4 was amazing but I had dramatically more fun in the S.
This stoppers drove me crazy on my Jazz, the break light was on 24/7 (had to disconect my battery every time) until I found a video saying to see the floormate and see if I found it, and it was there torned up! I paid 50cents, replaced it and boom, fixed
For the money, a clean example of an ap1/ap2 s2k is about the same price as a clean example USDM e36 m3. And with a little bit more money, an average conditioned e46 m3 without the big three maintenance items completed, can be thrown into the conversation. Out of the three cars and their respective price ranges, what would you choose for pure driving experience?
Currently dealing with a total loss of my brz I owned for 9 years and asking myself all the same questions. I think an S2K is the best bet, other than valve adjustment and timing chain tensioners which are not costly and easy to do they don’t have any Achilles heel. F’ing Hondas man. They just rip for decades. Those m cars probably offer more in an all round street car but will drain your resources.
I miss mine. Had a 2004 AP2 in yellow. Drove it for 50k miles then one night a golden retriever from the nearby neighborhood ran out into the main road and I avoided hitting by getting two wheels off the road which ended spinning me out since grass was wet equaling totaling. 😢
Did you also replace the harder to reach upper clutch switch stopper? This one, if broken, when the clutch is pushed down won't allow you to start the car and is responsible for many stranded s2ks
@@TheTopherthere are 3 of them, same p/n. 2 on the clutch (one for cruise one for starter interlock) and one on the brake pedal that can cause the brake lights to be on all the time. Also, highly recommend a shifter rebuild with a kit from LHT performance. That with the new mounts will be nirvana. Also, also, in my opinion, the rear twitchiness and LSD issues mentioned in the AP1’s can be remedied with a SOFTER rear sway bar (06+). The CR came with a much softer rear and essentially an early year AP1 (very stiff) front sway bar. IMO, with a stiff rear bar, there is not enough suspension articulation from left to right so the mechanical LSD cant properly lock up due to the stiff bar making the rear behave more like a solid axle.
It's weird how when these were in production, enthusiasts stayed away from it to the point that global production numbers for these peaked at launch year and were basically on the decline for the entire run. Honda rightly pulled it because they saw from sales numbers that there were not much interest in it. Now that the car is not being produced anymore, enthusiasts are clamoring for them, to the point that good condition ones will sell for around new MSRP.
@@MeltingRubberZ28 Yeah, they should, but I doubt they will. After nixing the S2000 and the NSX, Honda has become boring. They're trying to make Type R and Type S relevant, but it's just not the same. I can't really blame them though, they tried and people weren't buying. Enthusiasts crapped on the 2nd Gen NSX too, they did not sell that many in that car's run.
That shift knob needs to go imo. It has a bit too much patina. Also this car definitely deserves some better looking wheels even if you stay with 16. Otherwise the car is fairly clean except under the hood.
Hey TheTopher, I was wanting to get into making car POVs/Reviews how to do you get dealerships to give you a car to review? do you just ask or book a test drive? Thanks Lunar,
@ I have a 2002 with 170k miles on it. Going the Lighter route before adding power. Do the a Science of Speed lightweight flywheel while replacing the clutch. I’d recommend their 325 clutch kit in case you wanna add power later on. Cheers bro! Love the content.
Got a new 2024 GR86 Trueno edition MT thinking this 20 years newer car must be better than my old, high mileage 2001 AP1 S2000 for canyon driving. In reality, they are not even close and it lies behind their design philosophy. The S2000 engine is far superior in terms of response, smoothness in the higher RPM and the 9000rpm redline Vtec engine that screams like a motorcycle. It is a special occasion every time you rev it out versus the normal Subaru family engine in the GR86 that lack response and specialness. The gearbox is precise and provides natural feel in the S2000(shift smoothly without thinking about it), while the GR86 gearbox feels unnatural, weird clutch biting point, rev hang, 1st to 2 gear resistance and overall, a cheaper made feeling gearbox, lacking the precision and the fine tuning in the S2000. The sporty chassis in the S2000 is a lot more engaging, emotional and sporty feeling thanks to the much thicker sway bars and the use of double wishbone suspension. In comparison, the GR86 suspension is more comfortable, but dull and lifeless, less confident inspiring with more body roll with thin sway bars. After owning the new GR86 Trueno for about 6 months, I can see the philosophy behind this car. This car is designed for the masses, it is inclusiveness to new car enthusiasts, is more comfortable, usable, day to day car, if you want to change the favor, you can modify to fit your liking. The S2000 on the other hand is a far more engaging car to drive from the factory, where the end goal was clear -to make the most thrilling, fun roadster at the time that driving enthusiasts are looking for.
It revving an extra 3k more than my brain anticipates never gets old
North of 7K is just heaven. The Porsche GT engines do that little secondary tone thing, too.
the sound of the engine is beautiful!
I watch these S2000 videos everyday. I just mix them up. These videos made me realize this is the car i sold my NA miata and kinda regretted it but wanted something w a bit more sport flavor and man this is the car bro.
Sold my AP1 S2000 and got an NA Miata, really felt like the S was the bigger, faster, sharper sister but so similar too. Really would love an F20C in the MX5 but since steering geometry must be altered the K is the way lol one day
I'll never get rid of my '06 Civic Si Coupe.
I consider it a poor man's FWD S2000 😊
You influenced my Lexus GX purchase, and now you might influence an S2000 purchase 😭
A GX and an s2000 is a great combo (ask me how i know)!
watched these videos for years to end up purchasing a 2000 sienna because i didnt wajt to deal with a car payment
I mean as long as it gets you from A to B but you coulda got a 2000 miata and still not had a car payment lol
@@LucefieDmaybe he has a family? Either way, a payment is a major financial burden.
Ironic.
I went with a brand new Subaru BRZ. Best car I’ve ever owned. Very reasonable monthly + financing.
Not cheap, by any means. But very shortly I’m going to own a fantastic, fully paid off sports car, that I’ve owned since new.
Delayed gratification is key.
There is nothing like a S2K.
"the top doesnt leak, the engine doesnt leak" i wish i could say the same about my miata 💀
Not sure how keen you are into modifying the car further, but a 4.56 final drive was undoubtedly the best modification I've done on my ap1. Removing that low rpm bog makes driving around town so much less boring.
What's factory ratio?
@@MeltingRubberZ28 4.10
@fengstar1 how are the RPMs on the highway with that rear end gear?
@@MeltingRubberZ28 It's a bit higher but conveniently avoids the drone range if you have an exhaust like I do haha. I didn't notice mpg going down much if at all either.
@fengstar1 what's the scoop on the AP1 vs AP2? I know the 2 different motors, 2L that revs to 9k vs 2.2 that revs to 8 I think? If I were to get one for just a fun street car that I wanted to keep for a while (let's assume a decade)...what would you recommend and why?
can’t wait for the winter drifting videos in this thing!!
Snow tires go on this week!
Got the opportunity to drive a 718 GT4 (PDK) over the weekend back to back on the same roads with my AP1 (2002).
GT4 was amazing but I had dramatically more fun in the S.
You say it isn't "winning any beauty contests", but boy howdy... this is way cleaner than the average S2k I see at a meet.
You should look into the shifter rebuild with the LHT kit as well to further improve shifting feel
Oh yeah… I had to do that part replace on my 2005. I feel the pain Topher haha. It’s always the small parts that cause the headaches
watching chris drive instead of chris was like a glimpse into an alternate universe
Love the S2000 🔥🔥
This stoppers drove me crazy on my Jazz, the break light was on 24/7 (had to disconect my battery every time) until I found a video saying to see the floormate and see if I found it, and it was there torned up! I paid 50cents, replaced it and boom, fixed
For the money, a clean example of an ap1/ap2 s2k is about the same price as a clean example USDM e36 m3.
And with a little bit more money, an average conditioned e46 m3 without the big three maintenance items completed, can be thrown into the conversation.
Out of the three cars and their respective price ranges, what would you choose for pure driving experience?
S2k all the way. More reliable, more fun
Currently dealing with a total loss of my brz I owned for 9 years and asking myself all the same questions. I think an S2K is the best bet, other than valve adjustment and timing chain tensioners which are not costly and easy to do they don’t have any Achilles heel. F’ing Hondas man. They just rip for decades. Those m cars probably offer more in an all round street car but will drain your resources.
I’m convinced that I’ll never be able to afford one of these in my lifetime.
Now that you've replaced all the mounts on the car, swap out the suspension bushings with spherical ones. You'll be in for a treat!
I miss mine. Had a 2004 AP2 in yellow. Drove it for 50k miles then one night a golden retriever from the nearby neighborhood ran out into the main road and I avoided hitting by getting two wheels off the road which ended spinning me out since grass was wet equaling totaling. 😢
Did you also replace the harder to reach upper clutch switch stopper? This one, if broken, when the clutch is pushed down won't allow you to start the car and is responsible for many stranded s2ks
Yep, replaced them both!
@@TheTopherthere are 3 of them, same p/n. 2 on the clutch (one for cruise one for starter interlock) and one on the brake pedal that can cause the brake lights to be on all the time.
Also, highly recommend a shifter rebuild with a kit from LHT performance. That with the new mounts will be nirvana.
Also, also, in my opinion, the rear twitchiness and LSD issues mentioned in the AP1’s can be remedied with a SOFTER rear sway bar (06+). The CR came with a much softer rear and essentially an early year AP1 (very stiff) front sway bar. IMO, with a stiff rear bar, there is not enough suspension articulation from left to right so the mechanical LSD cant properly lock up due to the stiff bar making the rear behave more like a solid axle.
So i experienced the same problem with the brakes being stuck on in my 2006 Acura TL, can also confirm a zip tie works as a temporary fix lol
Damn Im gonna have to buy those stoppers lol. Makes sense why I was driving away from a meet and someone said my brakes were on lol.
It's weird how when these were in production, enthusiasts stayed away from it to the point that global production numbers for these peaked at launch year and were basically on the decline for the entire run. Honda rightly pulled it because they saw from sales numbers that there were not much interest in it. Now that the car is not being produced anymore, enthusiasts are clamoring for them, to the point that good condition ones will sell for around new MSRP.
Bring it back!
@@MeltingRubberZ28 Yeah, they should, but I doubt they will. After nixing the S2000 and the NSX, Honda has become boring. They're trying to make Type R and Type S relevant, but it's just not the same. I can't really blame them though, they tried and people weren't buying. Enthusiasts crapped on the 2nd Gen NSX too, they did not sell that many in that car's run.
Exicted for this
That shift knob needs to go imo. It has a bit too much patina. Also this car definitely deserves some better looking wheels even if you stay with 16. Otherwise the car is fairly clean except under the hood.
for the longest time i thought they were the same person
good fix!
might wanna fix your description "Vehicle was provided by the manufacturer for testing and review."
That downshift into first tho 👌
Why did you have to replace the seats, you didnt say? My ap1 gets 27-31 mph on highway, depents on elevation changes.
Hey TheTopher, I was wanting to get into making car POVs/Reviews how to do you get dealerships to give you a car to review? do you just ask or book a test drive? Thanks Lunar,
How come your ap1 doesn’t have the clutch buzz?
It does, just comes and goes
Sandpaper hands 😂💯
Do the fuel economy test
That's a beaut
how tall are you to fit comfortably in an S2000?
im 5'11, same as substitute topher, and have sat/driven my friends s2k before. i'd say anyone thats like under 6ish feet should fit fine?
Im buying mine next year idc
So are you and tedward connected or related at all?
How much did you pay for your s2000 ?
how much money have you put into it?
Actually quite a lot, we bought it for $12k. Have about $8k in maintenance, etc. and now it needs a new clutch
@ I have a 2002 with 170k miles on it. Going the Lighter route before adding power. Do the a Science of Speed lightweight flywheel while replacing the clutch. I’d recommend their 325 clutch kit in case you wanna add power later on. Cheers bro! Love the content.
Got a new 2024 GR86 Trueno edition MT thinking this 20 years newer car must be better than my old, high mileage 2001 AP1 S2000 for canyon driving. In reality, they are not even close and it lies behind their design philosophy. The S2000 engine is far superior in terms of response, smoothness in the higher RPM and the 9000rpm redline Vtec engine that screams like a motorcycle. It is a special occasion every time you rev it out versus the normal Subaru family engine in the GR86 that lack response and specialness. The gearbox is precise and provides natural feel in the S2000(shift smoothly without thinking about it), while the GR86 gearbox feels unnatural, weird clutch biting point, rev hang, 1st to 2 gear resistance and overall, a cheaper made feeling gearbox, lacking the precision and the fine tuning in the S2000. The sporty chassis in the S2000 is a lot more engaging, emotional and sporty feeling thanks to the much thicker sway bars and the use of double wishbone suspension. In comparison, the GR86 suspension is more comfortable, but dull and lifeless, less confident inspiring with more body roll with thin sway bars.
After owning the new GR86 Trueno for about 6 months, I can see the philosophy behind this car. This car is designed for the masses, it is inclusiveness to new car enthusiasts, is more comfortable, usable, day to day car, if you want to change the favor, you can modify to fit your liking. The S2000 on the other hand is a far more engaging car to drive from the factory, where the end goal was clear -to make the most thrilling, fun roadster at the time that driving enthusiasts are looking for.
nice
Ugh, its time to sell the miata
Hit me up when you sell, i'm local to your michigan and i'll buy.
You gotta loose those side view mirror add ons, the car is small if you need those get your eyes tested😂
Title actually is click bait.
Engine doesn't leak. Meanwhile my VW a month after purchasing new: 🛢