S2k model variations..?

[Pierscoe1]

I'm considering an S2k as my next car, but need to find out exactly what changed on them and when...

firstly, there's the suspension changes.. am I right in thinking there were some in 2002, and again in 2004?
are they retro-fitable (what was changed?)

has the diff changed at any point?

I think it's the 2004 model that got LED rear lights and the bigger (and much nicer) wheels.. ?

any interior changes?
any engine changes?

or, is there a reliable source somewhere that has all these things tabulated?

thanks all..

Piers.

[Sarren]

You are right the the suspension changes. Also there were some interior changes.

The larger wheels were post 04, with different wheels for the 06 model.

For more info on the S2000, go to the FAQ at www.s2ki.co.uk

[Neil_H]

Pierscoe1 said:

I'm considering an S2k as my next car, but need to find out exactly what changed on them and when...

Pierscoe1 said:

firstly, there's the suspension changes.. am I right in thinking there were some in 2002, and again in 2004?

Yes, the later versions tend to be 'softer'.

Pierscoe1 said:

are they retro-fitable (what was changed?)

There would be nothing to gain from doing this really, the geometry setup can be adjusted as required though.

Pierscoe1 said:

has the diff changed at any point?

Nope.

Pierscoe1 said:

I think it's the 2004 model that got LED rear lights and the bigger (and much nicer) wheels.. ?

Correct.

Pierscoe1 said:

any interior changes?

2002 - leather-style centre tunnel cover, tweeters in the doors
2004 - silver radio door, extra sliding door on the centre tunnel, slightly different instrument panel, slightly different door cards.
2006 - different seat design, different interior colours, temp gauge on instrument panel, headrest speakers, airbag disable switch, traction control.

Pierscoe1 said:

any engine changes?

None.

Pierscoe1 said:

or, is there a reliable source somewhere that has all these things tabulated?

www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?&showforum=25

Edited by Neil_H on Thursday 16th November 09:36

[chilled]

Not quite true on the no engine changes. But nothing that really matters.

06 gets drive by wire
04 gets softer VTEC transition. Which is an engine change.

[Pierscoe1]

Neil_H said:

Yes, the later versions tend to be 'softer'.

ok.. thanks for the comments (and link) guys..

I was specifically after some specifics RE the quote above (preferably more scientific )

an '04 would be nice, but I think will be a bit expensive for me, so looks like an '02 will be the one to go for...

thanks again all...

[Neil_H]

chilled said:

Not quite true on the no engine changes. But nothing that really matters.

06 gets drive by wire
04 gets softer VTEC transition. Which is an engine change.

Pedant

[Neil_H]

Pierscoe1 said:

Neil_H said:

Yes, the later versions tend to be 'softer'.

ok.. thanks for the comments (and link) guys..

I was specifically after some specifics RE the quote above (preferably more scientific )

an '04 would be nice, but I think will be a bit expensive for me, so looks like an '02 will be the one to go for...

thanks again all...

Check S2ki, these things have been discussed millions of times _

[havoc]

Pierscoe1 said:

Neil_H said:

Yes, the later versions tend to be 'softer'.

ok.. thanks for the comments (and link) guys..

I was specifically after some specifics RE the quote above (preferably more scientific )

an '04 would be nice, but I think will be a bit expensive for me, so looks like an '02 will be the one to go for...

thanks again all...

I went for an '03 back in March as I couldn't quite stretch to an '04. Plus I liked Monte Carlo Blue and that stopped in '03.

'04 interior looks slightly better (can get half-red door cards and half-red seats. Prior to that it was all-red seats and optional all-red everything else).
'04 tyres are better in the wet, and geometry slightly softer to suit...although to be honest you'd need to be good to spot the difference. 'Softer' is a subjective term with the S2000...none of them are 'soft' by any stretch!
'04 may well retain value slightly better than a '53 or an '03.

Knowing what I know now, if I was buying one to keep as standard and use every day, I'd go for an '04. If I was buying a weekend toy (I was), or was planning a few subtle tweaks (I am), such as strut-braces, then the '03 probably has a slight edge and is cheaper.

[magic torch]

Had a 99 S2000, was the worst car I've ever owned.

Dreadful handling and reliability.

[Wetwipe]

Jamie (Magic Torch) owned one of the ver first s2000's in the uk. he should be able to fill you in with details

Torch

[havoc]

Great timing!

Jamie...you're not joking there, are you?!?


By most accounts, reliability and build quality AREN'T the problems with the S2000. Feedback is probably the main one. And mid-range torque...although an excellent gearbox mitigates this one somewhat.

[magic torch]

Nope not joking.

www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=4&f=23&t=326669&h=0


ETA: Happy to talk about my ownership.

Edited by magic torch on Friday 17th November 17:28

[Neil_H]

Had an 02 for 2 years and didn't have a single problem with mine, I think you must have had a friday afternoon special. Handling was fantastic too.

[magic torch]

Neil_H said:

Had an 02 for 2 years and didn't have a single problem with mine, I think you must have had a friday afternoon special. Handling was fantastic too.

As was said earlier and in the link, I had one of the very first, certainly the first one at my dealer.

Later cars were revised (I did the development), not surprised you didn't have a problem.

[AquilaEagle]

what development did you do Jamie, sounds interesting

[graham@reading]

I think he means the constant visits to the dealer with his car to fix all his problems.

[slinky]

Oi.. Piers... NO!

[Pierscoe1]

Busted!

..just thoughts at the moment.. and I can't get round the thought of spending £3k+ on a car that's only worth £5k to make it fast....