Drove an S2000 yesterday

[kingston]

My boss used to have one, and I've test-driven a few since driving his. I like them...but I don't love them. They're very clinical. Also, as stated, NO low-end torque. They feel quick, but not fast, if that makes sense. I do think that they're nice-looking cars, but there's ZERO storage in the cabin. I really like the steering, and LOVE the gearbox. SNIKC SNICK!

[10/10ths]

They feel quick, but not fast, if that makes sense.

I understand you and I agree, BUT, looking at lap times on popular tracks tells me that the S2k has what it takes.

At my local track (Putnam Park), a momentum track with a medium straight, never huge braking and a highish average speed, the S2000 is seconds a lap faster than the spec E30's that run here. A spec E30 is no slouch either.

Same for autocross, mine is a reasonably quick DSP prepped car but given equal rubber, an S2000 can beat me fairly easily. Not trying to brag but I can work an autocross course pretty well, but some S2000 drivers are at another level of speed.

I'm not trying to compare the E30 to the S2000 but If I buy another car I do want it to be faster.

[nando]

you could always turbo the M20 :p

although I guess since you're in a more centralized location, SCCA classing matters a lot more than it does here.

[10/10ths]

although I guess since you're in a more centralized location, SCCA classing matters a lot more than it does here.

an understatement for sure, lol.

If I were to continue developing the E30, really the last (and biggest) step would be to go with wide fenders and super wide tires. It's the only thing that keeps my car from being nationally competitive in DSP.

Another reason the S2000 looks so good, it's fast "as is". I can run in the stock class and not only compete in class, but go for FTD as well.

[trackjunkie21]

Ap2 with the 2.2 is where it's at, the ap1's had problem with valve guides after continuously revving to the moon and back.

[Mike The Bavarian]

funny that you posted this, i've wanted an s2000 for so long now. And everyone i know that's driven one says that the steering response is crazy.

[Jean]

Steering response is awesome it's just night and day compared to e30 slow racks....

[nando]

yeah, someday I'll solve that problem. 4:1 ratios FTL

[agile30]

My brother owns a ap1. He's had it for 4 years now. Nice car very nimble. But the rear ends are complete shit. He's had it done 3 times already. And at one point it was only months apart......and dealer was the ones who did the job too.

[merrrr]

s2000's are sick. one of my best freinds has one turbo'd it was making 535whp with stock internals. he just built his motor and upgraded turbos and is running e85 ethanol making somewhere in the 700's. the car was fast even before the turbo. this is it on the dyno http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bb9fVwRKokE

[Brandon12V]

^ That's fucking ridiculous, lol. I've been wanting my buddy to rotrex his years now. what kind of clutch is he using? did he weld the fork?

[10/10ths]

Ap2 with the 2.2 is where it's at, the ap1's had problem with valve guides after continuously revving to the moon and back.

From what I have learned, what you say is true AND your more likely to find a cleaner, lower miles AP2 simply because they are newer.

But, then you "only" have 8k to work with. More low end torque though.

[airkhin]

i had one a few years back, i miss it greatly. the snap oversteer wasnt too bad when you get used to it, it is VERY easy to maintain and everything on it is about as simple as it can be. i loved every minute of mine, but for daily driving/commuting, it did get a little uncomfortable at times. (especially sitting in la traffic). space is VERY limited, i basically would only carry around my books and laptop in the trunk if i had anyone in the car with me. i will get one again, no doubt about it.

ap1's mainly have the cracking in the valve guides because they were a slightly thinner design, if you do some searching around the s2k forums, LOTS of people just swap the guides to the newer ap2 style and dont have any problems really. there are some slight differences between the years, just pick and choose what you like, you can always convert later down the line.

mine was an ap1 and i converted to ap2 lights, absolutely miss it.

[AndrewBird]

I have the original S2000/Miata. ;)

[Wh33lhop]

Yeah they are a stout handler. They are not actually that light (3000lbs) mainly because Honda went to so much trouble to eliminate cowl shake and strengthen up the chassis.

As I recall a lot of guys who lower them actually detract from the handling since they are so well tuned from the factory suspension-wise.