My "new" ride
2/10/12, 08:08 PM
#1
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
My "new" ride
The 5.0 is a little jealous right now (sorry for the messy garage!):
I picked it up today in Philadelphia. It's a 2005 Honda S2000 in New Formula Red. ~60k on the clock, two owner car, never modded, and it still has about a year and a half left on its Hondacare extended warranty. The paint still looks brand new. Only a couple small things with it that need attention, but I guess that's normal with a used car (first used car purchase for me).
It's nothing like the 5.0 in a straight line but it sure is a fun car. The clutch and transmission rival the offerings from Stuttgart that I have driven. Steering feel and feedback is superb. Chassis balance is excellent. It's a really, really fun car that compliments the Mustang well.
Oh, and if you scream "VTAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!" when the cam profiles switch over you get an extra bonus power boost.
mmmm.... Torque...
I picked it up today in Philadelphia. It's a 2005 Honda S2000 in New Formula Red. ~60k on the clock, two owner car, never modded, and it still has about a year and a half left on its Hondacare extended warranty. The paint still looks brand new. Only a couple small things with it that need attention, but I guess that's normal with a used car (first used car purchase for me).
It's nothing like the 5.0 in a straight line but it sure is a fun car. The clutch and transmission rival the offerings from Stuttgart that I have driven. Steering feel and feedback is superb. Chassis balance is excellent. It's a really, really fun car that compliments the Mustang well.
Oh, and if you scream "VTAAAAAAAAAAAAAK!!!" when the cam profiles switch over you get an extra bonus power boost.
mmmm.... Torque...
Last edited by m4a1mustang; 2/10/12 at 08:10 PM.
2/10/12, 09:13 PM
#4
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Thanks guys.
David, this is the lower-revving (but more torquey) AP2. Starting in 2004 the 2.0L F20 was replaced with the 2.2L F22C. Redline dropped from 9k to 8,300 but torque was soundly improved. Instead of 150 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm you get 162 lb-ft at 6,500 and generally a nicer torque curve.
It's not a big amount of torque but when you factor in the overall power of the engine, the weight of the car, and the gearing, it's actually got a very torquey feel relative to other I4 cars (and even some V6s) in the lower revs. But it definitely comes alive when you are in that VTEC range.
I did a few quick pulls coming home with it today and it's definitely a quick car. I'd imagine I could click off some high 13 second passes with it. But handling and the overall driving dynamic is really where it shines! Definitely one of my favorite cars to drive.
David, this is the lower-revving (but more torquey) AP2. Starting in 2004 the 2.0L F20 was replaced with the 2.2L F22C. Redline dropped from 9k to 8,300 but torque was soundly improved. Instead of 150 lb-ft at 7,500 rpm you get 162 lb-ft at 6,500 and generally a nicer torque curve.
It's not a big amount of torque but when you factor in the overall power of the engine, the weight of the car, and the gearing, it's actually got a very torquey feel relative to other I4 cars (and even some V6s) in the lower revs. But it definitely comes alive when you are in that VTEC range.
I did a few quick pulls coming home with it today and it's definitely a quick car. I'd imagine I could click off some high 13 second passes with it. But handling and the overall driving dynamic is really where it shines! Definitely one of my favorite cars to drive.
2/10/12, 10:17 PM
#5
NTTAWWT
a friend of mine wants a S2K and me to help him hop it up for canyon carving and road racing purposes. With his budget, it'll be a nice little project!
2/11/12, 06:12 AM
#8
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Its actually only rated to 20/26, and given the fact that you really rev it I think it will probably be close to what I get from the 5.0... maybe only slightly better. But man its fun!!
2/11/12, 07:15 AM
#9
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
They are really sick cars if you want to mod... You can do so much stuff with them and take them in all sorts of different directions. It's kinda Mustangy in a way.
Me... I plan on keeping this mechanically stock. It's owned by and will be shared by my girl and I. Our goal is just to have a really nice roadster that we can blast around the twisties with or take on long trips.
Last edited by m4a1mustang; 2/11/12 at 07:18 AM.
2/11/12, 10:08 AM
#10
Founding MOTM
Committee Member
Committee Member
Nice AP2. A hardtop would be excellent! The Honda hardtop carries a warranty, so I would look into that. It would be even better if you could find someone who has access to wholesale since they are pricey.
Word to the wise if you plan on modding...stay away from the Indivia exhaust. It will make your ears bleed from its annoying tone. I had to burn 1/4 tank for an indoor carshow who wouldn't let me in with half a tank, so I had to do it quick and half an hour later my ears were ringing and my head pounding. Go with the Greddy. Much better!
Word to the wise if you plan on modding...stay away from the Indivia exhaust. It will make your ears bleed from its annoying tone. I had to burn 1/4 tank for an indoor carshow who wouldn't let me in with half a tank, so I had to do it quick and half an hour later my ears were ringing and my head pounding. Go with the Greddy. Much better!
2/11/12, 02:38 PM
#11
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Thanks for the heads up on the Invidia system.
Hard top... it's really just going to be a fair weather car so I don't think that would be necessary. Like you said they are pricey, and whenever I drive the car I plan on having the top down.
Been busy cleaning it today. Seats are out and I'm cleaning the carpets. I feel kind of nasty having someone elses dirt in there so I need to get it all out.
Hard top... it's really just going to be a fair weather car so I don't think that would be necessary. Like you said they are pricey, and whenever I drive the car I plan on having the top down.
Been busy cleaning it today. Seats are out and I'm cleaning the carpets. I feel kind of nasty having someone elses dirt in there so I need to get it all out.
2/12/12, 07:14 AM
#13
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Thanks!
A Coyote would be one tough fit! You can shoehorn an LS1 in there, but I'd really be afraid to upset the balance. I've been going over the car pretty thoroughly and I have great respect for the engineers that put everything between the axles. It actually makes me even more interested in checking out the new FRS/BRZ because that car is shorter both length- and height-wise than the S2000, but somehow manages to seat 2+2.
A Coyote would be one tough fit! You can shoehorn an LS1 in there, but I'd really be afraid to upset the balance. I've been going over the car pretty thoroughly and I have great respect for the engineers that put everything between the axles. It actually makes me even more interested in checking out the new FRS/BRZ because that car is shorter both length- and height-wise than the S2000, but somehow manages to seat 2+2.
4/11/12, 04:26 PM
#15
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
Thanks! They are super fun and really connected. I've been doing a good job keeping from modding it but it has been contributing a bit to my desire to mod the Mustang. I wish it felt as tight and connected to the road as the Honda does!
4/11/12, 05:09 PM
#17
Cobra Member
Thread Starter
There really aren't that many things I can do. Part of the problem with the 5.0 is the crappy electronic steering. It will always feel numb compared to the S2000. And it's carrying a bit over 900 lbs of extra mass. So I have to be realistic.
4/11/12, 06:58 PM
#20
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It's all right. I ain't losin'. This fool is running a Honda 2000. I'll win. Then me and my dad can roll together when he gets out of prison. It's all good.... 