Getting to know the 2001 Honda S2000 - POV Ownership Impressions
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 ต.ค. 2024
- Tires: 205/55R16 Bridgestone Potenza RE71RS (F/R)
Brakes: Hawk HPS 5.0 Pads, HP660 Fluid
Factory Airbox Mod
Billman Timing Chain Tensioner
143k miles
Engine: DOHC inline-4, aluminum block and head, port fuel injection
240 hp at 8300 rpm, 153 lb-ft at 7500 rpm
6-Speed manual transmission
Curb weight: 2,809 lbs
Tire size: Front: P205/55R16, rear: P225/50R16
Wheel size: Front 16″ diameter, 6.5″ width; rear 16″ diameter, 7.5″ width
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you know bro is a serious car enthusiast when he titled this like he's going out on a date with a car
Next video: “why I swiped right on my S2000.” 😂
Getting to know the 2001 college girl - POV ownership impressions
gotta say you guys got a killer deal. I see VERY few s2000s under 20k. clean AP2s are in the 30-40k range and AP1s 20-30k. i think people realize the s2000 is going to be a future classic.
They did very well indeed.
these have aged very well. Although, these cars were pretty expensive when new ~30k back in 2002 equates to GR Supra money today
@@Thumplepuss Honda caught a lot of flack for somewhat conservative styling of this car back in the day. Clearly the car's designers are having the last laugh as time moves on. While the S2000 was not cheap in terms of the overall market, it was much less expensive than the cars it was built to compete against like the Porsche Boxster and the BMW Z3.
@Thumplepuss I'd rather have an s2k than a GR supra 🤷🏻♂️
@@ayowser01don’t worry you’ll grow up one day
Love the subtle turning on the headlights at 7:45 to hide the speedometer 😆😆
It was for safety purposes, obviously. ;)
I don't understand why TH-camrs do this. It's not like they're going to get arrested because they're shown speeding in a video.
@@verdict1163I believe it's happened before, or they've at least gotten some hefty tickets for it.
He’s a magician. A couple seconds before he made a car disappear
@@verdict1163 People can report them, as there's proof of the person speeding. That's why some TH-camrs write some excuse in the video/description, like "the speedometer isn't working properly" or something.
My 2001 was deeply dependent on tires and pads. Grease your shifter and get new plastic bits. 👍👍
9:30 Warmed up
11:30 Take-off again
12:30 Handling w square setup
17:30 Another pull
20:00 Ideal weekend car
AP2 transmission was one of the best mods I did with my Ap1. just a little tighter ratio gearing really helps alot with these
good mod! iirc they upgraded the syncros in the ap2 tranny for smoother shifts.
That what I keep hearing
not to mention the shorter gearing would make up for the torque deficit in an AP1 quite nicely
What a blast watching this video. The car is so raw and the engine so special. The fact that it's got some wear and tear from age makes it more special. Enjoy the ride!
It is always a good day when TheTopher uploads
As a 22 year owner, I can tell you the thumbs-ups and stares from onlookers has never stopped. Sorry to see the wear and tear on yours. Mine is reaching 100,000 miles and still on the original clutch and brakes, has cost me nothing to maintain except a master clutch cylinder. The 20 year old Mugen titanium exhaust is the only mod and still looks and sounds like new. Despite people saying the car has no torque, I can easily leave it in 3rd gear and drive it from a intersection through the mountain roads and not come home with a headache. Up until this car, I was switching out every 2 or 3 years. Still can't see myself wanting a different car. ❤Honda.
I’d reconsider the Uk spec alignment. It calls for much more rear toe-in than I think you would need based on your driving experience.
And for the gas cap, if you haven’t already tried, grab the cap by the edges and give it another turn. It binds in one spot a little so you’re probably not getting it to close all the way. That should let you close it all the way. I did that with my ap1 for ~50k miles and never saw the check engine light again
Agreed, the tire wear trade off is not worth it.
The uk spec’s rear toe settings are a band aid solution to some other fundamental “issues” with the ap1, especially on square setup:
Rear toe arm curve is spikey under bump load
Rear bar is stiff
This combo leads to a wayward rear end, but for someone on 200tw who can drive like thetopher, that ain’t a bad thing
The sound is so awesome! Not too obnoxious. With 140k miles sure there's always things to be tinkered with and repaired. But mainly having a running solid car is all you need. Aesthetics are superficial and don't really detract from the actual experience.
Looking forward to seeing how this will come along!
so happy for you, i know youve wanted this car for so long and i cant wait to see what future plans you have for it
Top down is the best. Looking back on things I can't help but wish that Honda had produced more than just a handful of genuine sports car models over the years. When most people think of Honda, cars like the Civic and the Accord come to mind - they are genuinely surprised to learn that Honda built a car like the S2000. Your gamble of buying this car sight unseen really paid off (you guys bought it for a song by today's standards). Glad to know that you are benefitting from the vast amount of knowledge out on S2KI.
I took mine out for a spin earlier today! Especially after not driving it for a week, it's just as enjoyable as when I first bought it. Also AP2 retainers and keepers are definitely a must. I sleep better at night having that done
What are the retainers and keepers for? And where.
I just bought one ❤
love the simplicity of the interior. you look down and it reminds you, nothing to see here, driving is what you really want to focus on here
and that shifter is shorter than short!
Aside from an R35 Gtr, the S2000 and DC5 Type R integra are my dream cars.. There's just something about driving a Honda.. Love my little Civic 😊
Can you please document the paint restoration on this? I think your viewers would love to see that
The sound of VTEC never gets old! :)
A easy way to get those brake disk retaining screws off is to use a drummel tool to cut a line to fit a large flathead screw driver. Then just turn it like a screw. I do this all the time and it works every time.
LHT performance is the knowledge s2000 source!
13:29 Props to you for slowing down for the truck on the shoulder. Not many people do that :(
Had a 2001 S2k as well. LOVED that machine. Now I own a ND2 Miata that I do love equally but differently. The Honda was the equivalent to my high school sweetheart, but the Miata is the one I ended up marrying. I still look back fondly of those memories… nothing like your first (manual transmission).
Classic Vtec sound. This car fits topher like a glove. I wish Honda would try to do something special again
This was such a fun time for Honda -- loud, hi-revving screamers! I owned an AP1, and later, a K20 Civic Si. I just left the Si a few years ago, and as they say, you don't know what you've got until it's gone. I really miss the way it sounded as if you engaged an entire second engine at VTEC.
I'll never sell my '06 Fg2 Civic Si Coupe.
I consider it a FWD S2000 😅
The K20Z3 is basically a "de-tuned" version of this engine.
Seeing the quality this is in makes it clear why people are blown away by my mother's '03 Civic. Similar year, materials, and miles to this yet look perfectly new, and this is seemingly in decent quality. Have no idea how you can wear a car this much, honestly (like the knobs and steering wheel).
Seeing you drive crazy cars around where I live is super cool!
Berk high flow cat and UK Exhaust mod is a great combo btw.
Congrats!! The car is amazing and great for your channel to allow all of us to watch the progress with you!
Love the POV review! I have an AP2 and it's crazy to me how much of a difference that 1K makes in the AP1. It's unreal!
Since i bought the fl5 i started to love my 2001 s2k even more . Now its a real weekend car. The 2001 has as good alignment option as the ap2 cr version
All you need for this car are honestly tires, alignment, brake pads, and rigid collars. (maybe steering wheel and buckets for that extra FEEL), but Stock car is PLENTY fast once you learn to hold the slip.
Great choice: I went from a 2013 BRZ to a 2003 S2000 and it really gives the character that I felt was missing from the BRZ's engine (though it is a tad more twitchy/less friendly than the BRZ).
You can clip a wire for the convertible top control (which senses the speed and prevents the top from operating if the car is moving) which will allow you to operate the top with the e-brake up a single click (useful for getting the top up or down at a stoplight/stop sign, without being at a full stop).
Glad I caught this early. I know the go-to suggestion is Öhlins Road & Tracks (I have them on my AP2), but might I suggest Motion Control Suspension 1WNR coilovers? They're an American brand (I'm patriotic and like to support USA made 🇺🇸), and they make suspension for some of the greatest racing teams in the world with wins in racing series spanning from Indy to WEC. If I could do it again, I'd get the MCS. Also, for brake cooling, get the brake air guides that mount to the front lowers and you can also get the Porsche GT3 rear brake cooling ducts that connect to the rear lowers. Change your engine mounts! If they're split, going into VTEC will put stress on the clutch guide bearing sleeve. Also get the LHT brake booster brace that stops the flex in the firewall under hard braking. If you're ever in SoCal, I'd love to let you drive mine in the LA canyons! I've spent most of my time replacing bearings, bushings, etc. and on suspension/brakes so it's mechanically sorted.
Edit: based on how much your shifter is shaking when you hit bumps check your engine mounts 100%. Also, your suspension sounds blown, but these cars also rattle like crazy so it could also just be that. Make sure you check your wheel bearings as these things eat bearings. If your rear brake calipers need replacing, just get the Stoptech BBK as the rear brake calipers are getting hard to find.
Instant classic, can't go wrong with an s2000. She sounds great.
One of my dream cars for sure
I remember your video on the supercharged S2000 you did awhile ago. Was such a cool sound. Keep the updates coming on this thing!! Looks like it’s running great!
absolutely amazing! dream car for sure
It’s a fun day when TheTopher uploads manual videos.
When you do the Ap2 retainer swap done with a valve adjustment, you'll notice a massive difference in power. Another extremely important mod with the F20, **replace the oil jet bolts to the Ap2 design** Ap1s had a 2 port jet while the Ap2s and a 4 port jet bolt, allowing for more oil flow. the springs break and can fry your cylinder walls. Great video. Enjoy!
I’ve been driving manuals exclusively since 2009… still need to learn how to shift like you man, well done. Great car too!
My s2k tires were just as sticky! All the rocks hitting bring back memories.
Loved my S2000 when i had it. Sold it because i was too tall for it but i did get to enjoy it for many years
Love that there’s no need to blur the speedo in post. Simply switch off the gauges
The sound is always going to make me think of the first fast and furious movie since that was the first intro to the s2k I had.
Good to see someone falling in love with the S2000. Get a K&N FIPK - much better throttle response than a gutted box. Also, be mindful if you unclip the air box cover while the car is running - those metal clips can spring loose and get into the serpentine belt.
I’m debating between an AP1 or a new ND2 Miata, the S2000 has always been my most attainable dream car but I’ve never had a newer car and the ND2 was a blast when I test drove one. S2000 would be an investment at this point, keep up the awesome informative content @TheTopher
Can’t go wrong with either!
I’d go nd2 👌🏻
S2k VTEC + 9000rpm is otherworldly
I own a AP1 and will NEVER sell it…soooo pick the S2000
s2k now, keep saving, grab nd2 when they bottom out and turn that into a track car
Great video! And congratulations 🎉
It just needs a decent exhaust system and that's it !! 🤙
Once you fall in love with an S2000, it’s easy to smile when someone else is experiencing the same.
Great video man
The s2000 is a cult classic
This guy is living the dream!
I let you drive my S2000 one time - you're the 3rd person to go buy one after driving it. :)
What a wonderful machine these things are. You may want to rebuild the shifter with the mileage so high. Mine only had 30k last year when I bought it and still made a huge difference. LHT performance has a kit you can buy.
Thanks
You're welcome!@@iknowgood2403
Peak motoring right here. Regret trading in my AP1 for a F87 M2C---> 986--->GR Corolla. S2000 trounces them all!
Man I miss my 04. Loved it!
first time I've seen a POV of one of these and never been in one but it blew my mind when he started accelerating
I thought its gonna be a very civil and old car but sounds pretty wild
What's great is you think you're going like 150 with the engine screaming at 9,000 RPM and then you look at the speedometer and you're only going 60 🤣
with an intake and exhaust the car screams
Re Clutch pedal feel - highly recommend changing out the clutch master and slave cylinders, then flush fluid every oil change. My AP1 clutch was overly heavy for the first year I owned it then I realized it the CMC was gunked and leaking. Now it’s lighter than an ND2 Miata clutch
I bought my 01 s2k back in 2006 its been my main daily since
i like the induction sound! I'd love to add some to my 22 BRZ once it's out of warranty.
these cars are great. i love these cars. never liked the miata but i love this
When I bought my ap1 in august last year my clutch was grabby weird and would sometimes grind into second. I adjusted the clutch play on the master cylinder to zero and it fixed everything. If you haven’t done that already.
second gear has been grinding on mine for a while and just recently looked it up and people were mentioning the fix you just talked about. I definitely need to go try that out and hope it fixes it.
Hehe, I have broken quite a few impact screwdriver bits trying to remove Honda rotors. No idea why I keep putting those retainer screws back in, lol. My RSX Type S had a really annoying intermittent clutch rattle that I tracked down to a broken plastic clip for the clutch line that was right next to the trans vent causing the line to bump into stuff and chatter and that sent the rattle all the way to the pedal somehow. I just had the car worked on before that and while searching for that noise I also found out the little cover for the trans vent was gone too. Lucky I was in there looking. Replaced the little clip and haven't heard the noise again after years. Like $10 for the clip and the vent cover from Acura.
16:36 it does NOT get better than that for 12k, absolute missile wow
rotor retaining screws are super easy to drill out. just drill off the heads and you don't have to replace them
4.56 final drive definitely made city driving much more enjoyable, no more dead zones before 3-3.5k
hurts highway cruising but who really does that in their S
-02 ap1 with 150k
Boy that shifter is rattling something serious lol. Sick car
AP2 is better overall in my experience and rarely uses oil if you take care of it....retaining screws on the rotors require an impact driver (hand tool not pneumatic)
if the top is still the OEM vinyl top - put some Aerospace 303 on it - it will get rid of the faded look it has now. Use the 303 on the dash, interior and exterior black trim parts.
My best friend brought one of these things before the prices got, he had a cherry-red clean Honda S2000 2001 just like yours. It had 56k on it, no accidents, ppf already installed, and it was just sublimine. I love driving that car around. And he only paid 17k for it! Too bad it got stolen 🥺
Ugh, that's heartbreaking. I had a special car stolen many years ago, it sucks. As S2000's continue to increase in value, more owners whose cars are in nice condition will need to consider classic car insurance, the sort with "agreed value" policies like those offered by Hagerty or Grundy for example (as opposed to stated value policies that the typical insurers offer).
One of the best cars ever made!
I am now planning to buy an s2000 to accompany my 8th gen civic si..
Curious to know if they are resurrecting the S2000, and if they are really making it electric. Nothing against electric, but I think that will make these even more sought after. Thanks for taking us along.
This rumor has been around for years and it's never amounted to anything more than TH-cam channels and websites trying to generate views. In reality it is far easier for Honda to build a performance car using an existing platform like that of the Civic than to produce an entirely new dedicated sports car platform as they did with the S2K. Given that emissions requirement will only become more strict over time, the best one could reasonably hope for would be a S car with a turbocharged engine rather than a naturally aspirated unit. But more than likely a new S car would be electric given Honda's commitment to killing off the ICE by 2040.
Fyi, you can use rubbing alcohol on the silver shifter surrounding area to give it a nice chrome finish. I miss my s2k...
Only complaint is the 'wiper blade holders' sit up so high, wish they were flush.
Have a '06 Fg2 Civic Si Coupe, same 'Galaxy Grey' color as Pattieboi.
Too bad he has since sold it 😮
How close your finger got to the spinning belt pulley when you pulled off the air intake box raised my anxiety levels lol.
Yeah, I was being extra careful! Haha
k now I want an s2000...
That screaming F20C
You're naughty for speeding.
The ap1 is almost perfect, just needs a hydraulic steering rack
New gas cap sometimes wont fix the CEL. You may have to replace the filler neck.
I've heard Honda S2000's are really easy to work on like a motorcycle car..
Watching this sitting in my 2001 ap1
Cool little car. Those wheels may look old and worn but with those spokes it's easy to clean. I always see those small blind spot mirror you put on your vehicles. Where do you get them?
I just did my pads and rotors and agree the rotor retaining screws are a huge PITA to get off cleanly. The s2k, like all otherJDM cars, use JIS (not Philips!) screw heads. You need a Vessel impact driver to get those sukkers out.
Used a impact 🪛 to get mines out. Didn't put them back in.
This was literally the first car I learnt to drive standard in when I was underage in a big parking lot thanks to a friend's older bf who had infinite trust in me. He eventually looked to sell the then-3 year old S2000 for something more practical and to this day I kick myself for not scrounging the money to buy it off of him.
I would recommend a rear diff upgrade and if you also want more pep, a different ratio. I know there is a shop in florida that specializes in s2k diffs. That is one of the weak points of this car. My ap2 developed a nasty diff whine with a stock powered engine. Stock is very fragile and I believe they are manufactured by hyundai
Hi Mate, I used to have a 2013 Subaru BRZ and after 7 years ownership, I change it into a 2012 Mazda NC2. How you feel about the differences between those cars to the S2000, as I am in Australia, the S2000 price holds very high, it is about DOUBLE the price of the similar miles 2012 Mazda NC2 or 2013 BRZ, do you think overall it is worth to change into S2000, is it really that good to pay DOUBLE the price of NC2 and BRZ? Thanks a lot mate.
keep making content
That is one of the weirdest air filters ive seen
My cousin got a 2k but he sold it but i loved the sound
205 square setup? Stock rear was 225 S02s... but they actually measured 255mm... be careful with running 205s in the rear, we already know the rear end is snappy.... if you get new tires, be sure to go 225fr/255rr
If you visit germany, then you dont need to turn off the lights! 🙂
Would you say a s2000 is worth 35k for a low mileage one or would you recommend a gr86 /ND2 for that price??😅
Just from personal experience, its not a great idea to wait too long on those misc. interior parts, Honda seems to be making less and less of them, so if you wait too long, they may no longer exist. However, I can tell you that climate control knobs are still available, mine did the same thing as yours and flaked off eventually, until I replaced them with new ones. Also, I wished I could do downshifts as smoothly and quickly as you can.
I want one now
I've owned my s2000 10+ yrs and I can tell you the clutch is supposed to be quite heavy compared to other cars. It is normal.
Mine is nice and soft.
@@samsaambaig696 Although soft may seem nice, it is for a s2000 not normal, although everything is relative I guess. A soft clutch can indicate a worn out clutch. You may also want to check the master cilinder. I didn't mean overly heavy like ferrari, but heavier than a toyota yaris or so.
you got a good deal at $16,000
i couldnt imagine needing 8000rpm to hit peak hp
As an owner with the same Moonstone grey colour, I’m very interested in your impressions,