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Author Subject: Honda S2000 test drive
docwra

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Post #76
Fair enough mate, everyone I know who has had a 2K hasnt shut up about the fuel consumption, and I was suprised when I borrowed my brothers one ........ maybe its the noise you get with the filterbox cover off that promoted heavy right feet Wink

The only thing Id add is that my experience of a 4 hour test drive on empty roads with the roof down was a lot more positive than using my bro's as a commuter for a couple of weeks, I finished up looking forward to giving him the keys back Whistle:

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Posted 14th Dec 2011 at 18:08
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SteviePut

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Post #77
With regards to fitting an S2000 lump to a 306 - I don't know why you'd want to do thatDunno It's be more hassle than it's worth IMO You'd be better off transplanting a Ford Duratec lump to it (more power in NA tune and much better torqueYes)

I'm sure I've read that that lump would be difficult transplant anyway as it's RWD configuration for a start and also (I'm could be wrong here) it turns in the wrong direction for most FWD gear boxes. However should you be talking of making a 306 RWD then fill your boots. I'd be very interested in the resultsSmile But again I think you'd be better off with the Ford lump.

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Posted 14th Dec 2011 at 18:27
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gman

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Post #78
docwra wrote:
Fair enough mate, everyone I know who has had a 2K hasnt shut up about the fuel consumption, and I was suprised when I borrowed my brothers one ........ maybe its the noise you get with the filterbox cover off that promoted heavy right feet Wink

The only thing Id add is that my experience of a 4 hour test drive on empty roads with the roof down was a lot more positive than using my bro's as a commuter for a couple of weeks, I finished up looking forward to giving him the keys back Whistle:


That's interesting, as I was under the impression that most people were averaging around 28mpg. I don't think I drive slow, but I always seem to average better MPG than most on the cars I've had.

Out of interest, why were you keen to give your brother the keys back?

________________________________________

1992 Onyx Black 205 GTI-6
2005 Honda S2000 (Sold)
2002 Audi S3 (Sold)
2005 Clio 182 Trophy (sold)
Posted 14th Dec 2011 at 21:35
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charley says

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Post #79
I drove an S2000 for an afternoon and loved it but it can be addictive revving the guts off it, heres a transplant that works for the S2K.

Odd mix

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Posted 14th Dec 2011 at 22:41
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123456

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Post #80
Really S2000's are not that great.

Elise would be a good choice after owning a 6 or similar as they are seriously nimble and very good looking boxster would be my 2nd choice.

You wont be able rag around in the S2000 if you live in fairly busy area cause once the vtech kicks you will be driving at silly speeds not wanting the wizardry to stop.

Plus you will look like a wimp never seen a hard looking fella driving a honda Whistle

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Posted 14th Dec 2011 at 23:22
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docwra

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Post #81
gman wrote:
Out of interest, why were you keen to give your brother the keys back?


I just found I couldnt ever relax in it, it was always demanding your attention when driving where my 350 is a natural cruiser.
Overtaking usually involves changing down 2/3/4! gears and revving the nuts off of it, theres always loads of feedback going on from steering/suspension/seat, the cabin was cramped for long journeys and it ended up that I was only loving the noise and the gearbox, if you are in traffic it was just tiring.

My current daily is a Mk3 MR2 and while it has a lot of the same characteristics I enjoy it a whole lot more, its almost like I felt the S2K was always challenging me to go faster, where my MR2 is just as happy at 30mph as it is racing.

Dont get me wrong, I bloody love S2K's, they are great cars, but wouldnt recommend one as a daily, certainly not over a 350 anyway. Thumbs up

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Lots of Nissans, two 306 GTI-6's. They are catching up! Big grin
Posted 15th Dec 2011 at 11:43
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si_man306

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Post #82
(Apologies for not reading the whole thread)

I've had several experiences with the S2000. The original AP1 version revs to 9k (delimit will see 10k but revs were later limited to 8k- AP2) and I think feels far more raw/ fast than the AP2. There are lots of other changes over the years to make the later cars less of a ditch-finder (mostly suspension set up). This I think robs them of their character though.

The AP1 I drove was leggy and the test drive was on my own on a sunny day. Made me grin...it wasn't about the SPEED but the chink-chink-chink gear box (renowned as being one of the best), superbly direct steering and being that low to the gound+ those revs (even after the exige which rev'd high).

The twitchyness of rwd though you do get used to- and it's a completely different story in the summer, you learn to play with it and with a balanced car like that it is teriffic fun. Just gotta be careful in the wet. Tyres make a huge difference too- type/ wear and temp at the time.

I bought a lightly modified 350z (50/50 weight distribution+ lsd+ power makes a great car) partly because after the exige I knew the s2000 wouldn't be as chuckable in the winter and I would be worried about loosing traction when I didn't want to! The wall of torque from 2500rpm is teriffic too, means that you've always got the 'shove' there when you're at lower revs in the lanes etc. The exige/ gti6 and the S2000 would be off the boil at those revs which could get frustrating.

If I had to chop my car in for another model though, it would be an early S2000 and i'd probably do something silly like fit throttle bodies LOL

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Posted 15th Dec 2011 at 14:37
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si_man306

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Post #83
docwra wrote:
CUJ wrote:
Could anyone (Chet/Docwra) advise on the respective running costs of an S2k and 350z please?


350Z - not bad. I see about 28/30 MPG in mine a;lthough that goes right down with a bit of hard pedal action, servicing is between £250 and £500ish for a main dealer, they are generally reliable but some parts are scary 'spensive - a headlight unit is £1200 odd, air flow meter was £500 and clutches, brakes etc arent cheap either.

S2K - not good. Fuel economy is horrific (a mate went from an S2K to a Monaro and noticed a significant improvement!), insurance is a lot (IIRC my brother went from a 2K to an Evo8 and saved) but that said they dont go wrong very often, there was a rumour 5 or so years ago when I was looking at one that they hadnt had an engine failure at all Shock

You have to be pretty committed to get the best out of an S2000, whereas a 350 is a decent daily IMO, the lack of back seats is the only thing that stops it taking over the world Big grinUnsure


Ditto with my £350z. Have seen 36 mpg on a motorway run (70-80mph) 28-30 is totally achieveable even with a good drive here and there. Regarding servicing, as with all these sports cars, there tends to be a good specialist and something that nissan quoted me £500+ for (which included the diagnostic check despite knowing what the problem was) I got my specialist (Nissan mechanic for 15 years) to do for £20 with the genuine nissan part! Interestingly the Nissan main dealer chap had "Never worked on a 350z"...

S2000- got very close to buying and despite reliability claims (which i'm sure are mostly spot on) so many I saw needed a new hood (~£1500?) new clutch (£500) and the usual bits that wear over time.

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Posted 15th Dec 2011 at 14:41
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chet

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Location: London [NW]

Registered: 31 May 2006

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Post #84
si_man306 wrote:
(Apologies for not reading the whole thread)

I've had several experiences with the S2000. The original AP1 version revs to 9k (delimit will see 10k but revs were later limited to 8k- AP2) and I think feels far more raw/ fast than the AP2. There are lots of other changes over the years to make the later cars less of a ditch-finder (mostly suspension set up). This I think robs them of their character though.

The AP1 I drove was leggy and the test drive was on my own on a sunny day. Made me grin...it wasn't about the SPEED but the chink-chink-chink gear box (renowned as being one of the best), superbly direct steering and being that low to the gound+ those revs (even after the exige which rev'd high).

The twitchyness of rwd though you do get used to- and it's a completely different story in the summer, you learn to play with it and with a balanced car like that it is teriffic fun. Just gotta be careful in the wet. Tyres make a huge difference too- type/ wear and temp at the time.

I bought a lightly modified 350z (50/50 weight distribution+ lsd+ power makes a great car) partly because after the exige I knew the s2000 wouldn't be as chuckable in the winter and I would be worried about loosing traction when I didn't want to! The wall of torque from 2500rpm is teriffic too, means that you've always got the 'shove' there when you're at lower revs in the lanes etc. The exige/ gti6 and the S2000 would be off the boil at those revs which could get frustrating.

If I had to chop my car in for another model though, it would be an early S2000 and i'd probably do something silly like fit throttle bodies LOL


FYI - the UK never got the AP2 model. AP1 only.

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Posted 15th Dec 2011 at 19:02
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ash

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Post #85
I've driven a S2k and was impressed with the engine but not the ability to put the power down. I'd recommend an E39 M5 for outrageous power and sublime damping but an incredible cost if the engine fails. I'm tempted with a cheap S2k, ITR, CTR or even ATR and then s'charging it as 500bhp is achievable without rebuilding the engine. I've got a manual 335i M Touring and the mechanical grip is mind-blowing especially in the wet when the M5 began to be a concern with another chunk of power to harness with its older heavier chassis. Avoid the auto 335i although the auto 335d (have to get 330d for manual) is nearly as quick in a straight line but the extra nose weight hinders the handling and the wall of torque renders fast driving impossible in the wet.
Posted 15th Dec 2011 at 20:50
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si_man306

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Post #86
chet wrote:
si_man306 wrote:
(Apologies for not reading the whole thread)

I've had several experiences with the S2000. The original AP1 version revs to 9k (delimit will see 10k but revs were later limited to 8k- AP2) and I think feels far more raw/ fast than the AP2. There are lots of other changes over the years to make the later cars less of a ditch-finder (mostly suspension set up). This I think robs them of their character though.

The AP1 I drove was leggy and the test drive was on my own on a sunny day. Made me grin...it wasn't about the SPEED but the chink-chink-chink gear box (renowned as being one of the best), superbly direct steering and being that low to the gound+ those revs (even after the exige which rev'd high).

The twitchyness of rwd though you do get used to- and it's a completely different story in the summer, you learn to play with it and with a balanced car like that it is teriffic fun. Just gotta be careful in the wet. Tyres make a huge difference too- type/ wear and temp at the time.

I bought a lightly modified 350z (50/50 weight distribution+ lsd+ power makes a great car) partly because after the exige I knew the s2000 wouldn't be as chuckable in the winter and I would be worried about loosing traction when I didn't want to! The wall of torque from 2500rpm is teriffic too, means that you've always got the 'shove' there when you're at lower revs in the lanes etc. The exige/ gti6 and the S2000 would be off the boil at those revs which could get frustrating.

If I had to chop my car in for another model though, it would be an early S2000 and i'd probably do something silly like fit throttle bodies LOL


FYI - the UK never got the AP2 model. AP1 only.


Apologies, never realised this- apparantly the improvements were still made to the car although it was never redesignated 'AP2' was still called AP1. It seems a lot of forums refer to the AP2 as the car with the improvements which confuses it a bit.

Geek details here... click here

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Posted 16th Dec 2011 at 10:22
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idnan

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Post #87
ash wrote:
I've driven a S2k and was impressed with the engine but not the ability to put the power down. I'd recommend an E39 M5 for outrageous power and sublime damping but an incredible cost if the engine fails. I'm tempted with a cheap S2k, ITR, CTR or even ATR and then s'charging it as 500bhp is achievable without rebuilding the engine. I've got a manual 335i M Touring and the mechanical grip is mind-blowing especially in the wet when the M5 began to be a concern with another chunk of power to harness with its older heavier chassis. Avoid the auto 335i although the auto 335d (have to get 330d for manual) is nearly as quick in a straight line but the extra nose weight hinders the handling and the wall of torque renders fast driving impossible in the wet.


Ash is your 335i standard? I'm running 410bhp and 480 ftlbs in my 335i manual and it is really struggles in the wet (quite obvious I guess) and sometimes in the dry. I've been told that even with standard power a Quaife LSD is a must have. I've wisely switched my remap back to standard boost levels with the winter weather.
Posted 16th Dec 2011 at 11:14
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CUJ

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Post #88
Interestingly, one of the guys on the DC5OC has just taken an S2k in part-ex for his Teg.

New S2K owner wrote:
"Probably the worst time of the year to get a rear wheel drive car without traction control but its sooooo much fun!! Back end steps out effortlessly! Some wider wheels is first on the mod list.

It definately doesnt feel as quick as the Dc5 and vtec crossover is very subtle. It feels very smooth and undrematic. Slightly dissapointing realy. It will take a while to get over the teg"


Hmm

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Posted 16th Dec 2011 at 22:09
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gman

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Post #89
CUJ wrote:
Interestingly, one of the guys on the DC5OC has just taken an S2k in part-ex for his Teg.

New S2K owner wrote:
"Probably the worst time of the year to get a rear wheel drive car without traction control but its sooooo much fun!! Back end steps out effortlessly! Some wider wheels is first on the mod list.

It definately doesnt feel as quick as the Dc5 and vtec crossover is very subtle. It feels very smooth and undrematic. Slightly dissapointing realy. It will take a while to get over the teg"


Hmm


That's exactly what I thought! When I first floored it in my 205 gti6, I thought that it was quick but not much quicker than my S3. But the 205 compared to the S2000 was quite a bit quicker, although at least it seemed it and it certainly would be day to day, as I'm not one for redlining it everywhere.

Tbh, the main reason for going for one, is that I fancy something rear wheel drive with reasonable running costs, but not chavvy like an S13, 3000GT etc. Z4's are an option but they just don't do it for me, and the same goes for the 350Z. Bloody ugly cars imo.

Throwing a curve ball here, but look what 10k can get you, although there will be times where there is no roof to protect you from the stones people through at you for driving such a girls car. 0-60 in 5.5 secs though

clicky

________________________________________

1992 Onyx Black 205 GTI-6
2005 Honda S2000 (Sold)
2002 Audi S3 (Sold)
2005 Clio 182 Trophy (sold)
Posted 17th Dec 2011 at 00:28
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CUJ

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Post #90
In terms of aesthetics, it's the rear profile of the 350z which I'm not at all keen on - clicky - it's extremely marmite (like the R26)! The S2K is definitely superior in the looks department. As for the SLK, I don't know anything about them but I wouldn't buy one personally.

O/T - Pistonheads classified has gone all Autotrader.

Having mentioned the R26, I took a look through the adverts. They are becoming very affordable cars - clicky or Stage 2 R26 Ninja

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340 horses
Posted 17th Dec 2011 at 08:54
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roland rat

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Post #91
123456 wrote:

You wont be able rag around in the S2000 if you live in fairly busy area cause once the vtech kicks you will be driving at silly speeds not wanting the wizardry to stop.


Confirmation that you're a c*nt Thumbs up
Posted 17th Dec 2011 at 11:34
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ash

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Post #92
idnan wrote:


Ash is your 335i standard? I'm running 410bhp and 480 ftlbs in my 335i manual and it is really struggles in the wet (quite obvious I guess) and sometimes in the dry. I've been told that even with standard power a Quaife LSD is a must have. I've wisely switched my remap back to standard boost levels with the winter weather.


Yes std. What map do you run and how much was it? I've considered mapping it but need to fit a better oil cooler and larger intercooler first plus as you say a LSD. I wouldnt bother with the quaife get a plate LSD, aftermarket or BMW. Is the M3 LSD interchangeable?
Posted 18th Dec 2011 at 11:22
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gman

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Post #93
CUJ, that blue R26 is a bargain. I've noticed that they've recently come down in price as no one wants to buy performance cars these days. I've actually considered one but again, its a front wheel drive fast hatchback, which is exactly what I'm trying to avoid.

Good cars though, and I much prefer the look of them compared to the 350z

________________________________________

1992 Onyx Black 205 GTI-6
2005 Honda S2000 (Sold)
2002 Audi S3 (Sold)
2005 Clio 182 Trophy (sold)
Posted 18th Dec 2011 at 12:01
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CUJ

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Post #94
You been on any test drives yet gman?

I've ruled out both the S2k and 350z, neither are suitable for what I require currently.

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340 horses
Posted 29th Dec 2011 at 18:08
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gman

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Post #95
Yes mate, driven three in total, two 2007 plate on 15000 miles and one 2004 plate on 75k.

Ideally I'm after a 2005 plate with sub 35k miles, but if I'm honest, I'm struggling to like them as they really dont seem that quick. I don't know why they made the gearing so long for a car that is only quick in vtec, i.e. it tops out in second at 70mph, so therefore you only have 2 gears to enjoy the vtec pull before you're breaking the speed limit.

The 2004 plate had a hard top, which I really want, but my god it creaks and rattles.

The only thing that's keeping me going with the idea is that I will be able to enjoy top down rear wheel drive fun, although they do feel nice and snug inside and that gearbox is something else!

I called up Elephant yesterday and they wanted 1050 per year full comp!! Tried an online quote later on and got it for 730, but still bloody expensive.

A decent one better show up soon as I keep looking at A3 tdi's now that I've hit 30 and just got married!

Anyway, what you thinking of now?

Graham

________________________________________

1992 Onyx Black 205 GTI-6
2005 Honda S2000 (Sold)
2002 Audi S3 (Sold)
2005 Clio 182 Trophy (sold)
Posted 29th Dec 2011 at 19:58
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CUJ

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Post #96
Having to contend with lots of traffic on my daily commute, I need something that's fairly practical and economical at the same time. I'm waiting to see what happens to my Integra DC5 but I'm very keen on buying another R26. I have found one that I really like which is subtly modified so it's a very strong contender currently. I love hot hatches, and probably always will, as they offer a great balance of performance, enjoyment and bang for your buck. I would struggle to move away to anything else in a hurry unless I was going for something Japanese again (Impreza/Evo etc).

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340 horses
Posted 29th Dec 2011 at 21:12
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