I've joined the club! :)
Discussion
Just wanted to share that I've finally bought an s2000!! 
This is after umming and arring for over 2 years and each time decided against it for cost reasons (insurance, maintenance, petrol) or pure sensibility considerations.
But a couple of weeks ago, due to work and everything, I put myself in the market for one and last monday I went to check one out. Reasonably priced, drove well, bit of missing service history but took a risk and picked it up friday!
So spent most of friday evening driving around top down and took it up north for the weekend for a bit of posing (unintentional). Oh and after I picked it up the seller left me no petrol (typical) so got to the petrol station then spent 15 mins or so trying to find the button for the fuel cap! The guy behind me wasn't impressed!
Initial impressions
The handling is fantastic, so sharp. Turn in is excellent, I have had a couple of moments with the back end, but it isn't nearly as bad as I've read about. It seems quite together, and I can feel it when its just about to stick its bum out and so ease off. Definitely can't wait to 'learn' it better and become au fait with giving it a lazy drift out of corners, roundabouts etc. Any recommended skid pans in the West Mids?
Engine - wow I'd test driven a few but never for a real extended test drive so friday night was a good chance to give it a run through the revs. Coming from powerless cars I feel it is quite torquey even at lower revs, it can make good progress shifting up at 4-5k rpm but holding onto the gears for that bit longer makes all hell break loose! I feel like a combination of the box and the engine URGE you to drive it harder and faster and before you know it I'm at licence-losing speeds! Sound-wise it could do with a bit more of a growl though I think.
Interior - I got the red leather and I love it. The controls are all within each reach, the whole layout is very intuitive and the heater is nice and toasty! The only thing is there aren't many cubby holes to put stuff, I think this changed on later models but I'm stuck with just the upright armrest thing and the netting on the passenger side. Think I might change the radio cover to an 04 model and get the leather cover to make the armrest tunnel a bit nicer.
Its quite noisy on the motorway, but that's compared to a bmw coupe so its expected I guess. It didn't come with the tonneau cover to put over the hood when its down - does it really matter? Its seems like its added hassle when you just want to drop the hood and drive!?
Insurance is ridiculous but worth it!
Now questions:
1. I think the rear passenger side caliper is sticking, is it a simple case of whipping it off and regreasing the piston?
2. The alarm fobs have taken a major battering, can I buy replacements and get them recoded or has anyone put an aftermarket alarm on? I quite fancy dropping the roof off the remote and also a remote boot popper?
3. There's a small box-like thing hanging out from under the dashboard - looks like a capacitor or similar - do I just tuck it back in or should I investigate?
This is after umming and arring for over 2 years and each time decided against it for cost reasons (insurance, maintenance, petrol) or pure sensibility considerations.But a couple of weeks ago, due to work and everything, I put myself in the market for one and last monday I went to check one out. Reasonably priced, drove well, bit of missing service history but took a risk and picked it up friday!
So spent most of friday evening driving around top down and took it up north for the weekend for a bit of posing (unintentional). Oh and after I picked it up the seller left me no petrol (typical) so got to the petrol station then spent 15 mins or so trying to find the button for the fuel cap! The guy behind me wasn't impressed!
Initial impressions
The handling is fantastic, so sharp. Turn in is excellent, I have had a couple of moments with the back end, but it isn't nearly as bad as I've read about. It seems quite together, and I can feel it when its just about to stick its bum out and so ease off. Definitely can't wait to 'learn' it better and become au fait with giving it a lazy drift out of corners, roundabouts etc. Any recommended skid pans in the West Mids?
Engine - wow
I'd test driven a few but never for a real extended test drive so friday night was a good chance to give it a run through the revs. Coming from powerless cars I feel it is quite torquey even at lower revs, it can make good progress shifting up at 4-5k rpm but holding onto the gears for that bit longer makes all hell break loose! I feel like a combination of the box and the engine URGE you to drive it harder and faster and before you know it I'm at licence-losing speeds! Sound-wise it could do with a bit more of a growl though I think.Interior - I got the red leather and I love it. The controls are all within each reach, the whole layout is very intuitive and the heater is nice and toasty! The only thing is there aren't many cubby holes to put stuff, I think this changed on later models but I'm stuck with just the upright armrest thing and the netting on the passenger side. Think I might change the radio cover to an 04 model and get the leather cover to make the armrest tunnel a bit nicer.
Its quite noisy on the motorway, but that's compared to a bmw coupe so its expected I guess. It didn't come with the tonneau cover to put over the hood when its down - does it really matter? Its seems like its added hassle when you just want to drop the hood and drive!?
Insurance is ridiculous but worth it!
Now questions:
1. I think the rear passenger side caliper is sticking, is it a simple case of whipping it off and regreasing the piston?
2. The alarm fobs have taken a major battering, can I buy replacements and get them recoded or has anyone put an aftermarket alarm on? I quite fancy dropping the roof off the remote and also a remote boot popper?
3. There's a small box-like thing hanging out from under the dashboard - looks like a capacitor or similar - do I just tuck it back in or should I investigate?
Seany88 said:
...then spent 15 mins or so trying to find the button for the fuel cap!
Now questions:
1. I think the rear passenger side caliper is sticking, is it a simple case of whipping it off and regreasing the piston?
2. The alarm fobs have taken a major battering, can I buy replacements and get them recoded or has anyone put an aftermarket alarm on? I quite fancy dropping the roof off the remote and also a remote boot popper?
3. There's a small box-like thing hanging out from under the dashboard - looks like a capacitor or similar - do I just tuck it back in or should I investigate?
Now questions:
1. I think the rear passenger side caliper is sticking, is it a simple case of whipping it off and regreasing the piston?
2. The alarm fobs have taken a major battering, can I buy replacements and get them recoded or has anyone put an aftermarket alarm on? I quite fancy dropping the roof off the remote and also a remote boot popper?
3. There's a small box-like thing hanging out from under the dashboard - looks like a capacitor or similar - do I just tuck it back in or should I investigate?
I think most owners who haven't been pre-warned have had the same problem. I remember ringing a mate who used to have one, while sitting on a garage forecourt looking all over the inside of the car!
Anyway, congratulations - post up a photo or two when you've got them, and FFS don't push the car too hard too quickly - they can bite, even if they're nowhere near as bad as their reputation.
Your questions:-
1) You should be able to get replacement seals for the calipers - worth doing if the car is an older one. You might also have a little corrosion to the piston itself, but that's not the end of the world, so unless it's a keeper forever I'd just clean it up and re-use it. www.s2ki.co.uk probably has a "DIY guide" somewhere...
2) If you've got the original "H" badged fob (two square rubber buttons in the centre), then that's a Hamilton Palmer system fitted at the dealership before delivery. Search on s2ki for alarm problems with this unit (LOTS!) - plenty of people have fitted after-market systems, and because it's got a chip-in-key immobiliser you only need a Cat-2 to Cat-1 upgrade (a little cheaper). The OE system SHOULD have a boot release built-in anyway (press the unlock button ~2sec after unlocking the car and it pops the boot...but you need to be spot-on with your timing otherwise you have to use the key!
(I'm not sure you can get a roof-release built-in as (a) it's on a 2-way rocker-switch; and (b) the two catches are manual so if you try and do it before you get in you'll break something!)
3) Without a photo I don't know - I'd probably say just push it back up. I presume we're talking driver's side?
Thanks havoc! I'll take a picture of the switch/relay/capacitor but yes its a yellow thing hanging from under the driver's side.
Good point about the remote roof, that's a shame
Also the previous owner put on drilled and grooved discs and redstuff pads, stopping is pretty good when its all warmed up, but seems to take a fair few stabs at it to get them up to temp? Is that just how redstuff are? I assume its the pads that's the issue?
Good point about the remote roof, that's a shame
Also the previous owner put on drilled and grooved discs and redstuff pads, stopping is pretty good when its all warmed up, but seems to take a fair few stabs at it to get them up to temp? Is that just how redstuff are? I assume its the pads that's the issue?
normalbloke said:
Have you found the large storage bin which is effectively the large plastic area between the seats at shoulder height?
I have though it seems to just about fit a pair of sunny's and my wallet? Where do you lot keep your phone, keys, bottle of water, phone charger, moisturiser!? Sounds like a sticking caliper.
And internal cubbies are limited, although the 'top' of the central glove-box also opens-up and reveals another half-decent cubby behind the glove-box itself. As an aside, have either of you found the 'secret compartment'* yet?!?
Edit: Grooved and drilled with redstuff?!? Either he was going on trackdays and didn't know the risks of drilled disks or he was a fool who wanted whatever looked the best even though it wasn't optimum for purpose.
(My 2p - if you're going to do track-days invest in a good set of grooved, heat-treated disks and fast-road pads. If not, get a good set of blank disks and some good after-market pads - DS2500s are probably a little too hardcore (experience on both S2000 and ITR - frequently leave material on the disk, causing brake-judder), so I'm tempted to try some Dixcel pads next)
* s2ki in-joke from years back - the boot has a false-floor with a small compartment underneath.
And internal cubbies are limited, although the 'top' of the central glove-box also opens-up and reveals another half-decent cubby behind the glove-box itself. As an aside, have either of you found the 'secret compartment'* yet?!?
Edit: Grooved and drilled with redstuff?!? Either he was going on trackdays and didn't know the risks of drilled disks or he was a fool who wanted whatever looked the best even though it wasn't optimum for purpose.
(My 2p - if you're going to do track-days invest in a good set of grooved, heat-treated disks and fast-road pads. If not, get a good set of blank disks and some good after-market pads - DS2500s are probably a little too hardcore (experience on both S2000 and ITR - frequently leave material on the disk, causing brake-judder), so I'm tempted to try some Dixcel pads next)
* s2ki in-joke from years back - the boot has a false-floor with a small compartment underneath.
Edited by havoc on Tuesday 31st August 13:20
havoc said:
Sounds like a sticking caliper.
And internal cubbies are limited, although the 'top' of the central glove-box also opens-up and reveals another half-decent cubby behind the glove-box itself. As an aside, have either of you found the 'secret compartment'* yet?!?
Edit: Grooved and drilled with redstuff?!? Either he was going on trackdays and didn't know the risks of drilled disks or he was a fool who wanted whatever looked the best even though it wasn't optimum for purpose.
(My 2p - if you're going to do track-days invest in a good set of grooved, heat-treated disks and fast-road pads. If not, get a good set of blank disks and some good after-market pads - DS2500s are probably a little too hardcore (experience on both S2000 and ITR - frequently leave material on the disk, causing brake-judder), so I'm tempted to try some Dixcel pads next)
* s2ki in-joke from years back - the boot has a false-floor with a small compartment underneath.
I don't think he was a trackday'er - just didn't seem the type! Pretty sure it was bling factor but they'll do for now, probably replace them when necessary. Havoc your not too far from me actually, i'm in Tamworth so maybe we could meet up for a drink and natter sometime? I've been reading here for a while and know you post up a lot of good advice re geometry etc and would like to see the difference between mine and yours if you don't mind?And internal cubbies are limited, although the 'top' of the central glove-box also opens-up and reveals another half-decent cubby behind the glove-box itself. As an aside, have either of you found the 'secret compartment'* yet?!?
Edit: Grooved and drilled with redstuff?!? Either he was going on trackdays and didn't know the risks of drilled disks or he was a fool who wanted whatever looked the best even though it wasn't optimum for purpose.
(My 2p - if you're going to do track-days invest in a good set of grooved, heat-treated disks and fast-road pads. If not, get a good set of blank disks and some good after-market pads - DS2500s are probably a little too hardcore (experience on both S2000 and ITR - frequently leave material on the disk, causing brake-judder), so I'm tempted to try some Dixcel pads next)
* s2ki in-joke from years back - the boot has a false-floor with a small compartment underneath.
Edited by havoc on Tuesday 31st August 13:20
Seany88 said:
normalbloke said:
Have you found the large storage bin which is effectively the large plastic area between the seats at shoulder height?
I have though it seems to just about fit a pair of sunny's and my wallet? Where do you lot keep your phone, keys, bottle of water, phone charger, moisturiser!? normalbloke said:
Seany88 said:
normalbloke said:
Have you found the large storage bin which is effectively the large plastic area between the seats at shoulder height?
I have though it seems to just about fit a pair of sunny's and my wallet? Where do you lot keep your phone, keys, bottle of water, phone charger, moisturiser!? Few more questions:
1. What oil are people using? I think i'm going to do a quick service for peace of mind, plus I want to keep some in the boot to top it up as needed. Should I wait until it gets to the min line and then top up to max line or just keep it topped to the max line?
2. For the trackday'ers where do you mount your cameras? I've got a video from ages ago of an s2000 following 2 360's round a track in Europe with perfect positioning i.e. good view through windscreen and get to see the driver's inputs. I've got a suction mount but the pad is pretty hefty, I was thinking of maybe getting a larger wind deflector and trying to stick it onto that?
Seany88 said:
Havoc your not too far from me actually, i'm in Tamworth so maybe we could meet up for a drink and natter sometime? I've been reading here for a while and know you post up a lot of good advice re geometry etc and would like to see the difference between mine and yours if you don't mind?
Check my profile - I moved on from the S2000 last year (missing the roof-down-ness though, although not so much this summer! 
).That said, there's the regular monthly Midlands meet just south of Coventry next Tuesday evening, if you're interested in joining us? Pretty casual affair - rock up, grab a drink, sit-and-chat (occasionally people get some grub too - good pub-grub but certainly not fine-dining!), head home ~10-ish.
Thread here:-
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
PS - oil - can of worms there. Consensus seems to be that Mobil-1 0W-xx is too thin for VTECs and has (potentially) caused problems, but otherwise any good fully-synthetic would work - start with Shell Helix 5W-40 (what the dealers use), and go upwards (in price) from there. I'm trying-out Silkolene Pro-S 5W-40 in both of mine, as that seems quite highly regarded. It does 'feel' very thin though, albeit as it's an ester-based synth not a 'cracked' mineral-oil which is branded synthetic (Helix and most of the 'forecourt' oils are branded-synths not true synths) I'm keeping an open mind. But I'm not going to comment either way just yet...
Edited by havoc on Tuesday 31st August 15:39
Oh excellent! Wow I don't suppose you bought that locally did you? As there was a yellow one around here for sale that I had an eye on but someone pipped me to the post!
Might try and make that tuesday as its not too far, be good to chat cars as most of my other mates aren't really into it!
Might try and make that tuesday as its not too far, be good to chat cars as most of my other mates aren't really into it!
havoc said:
(My 2p - if you're going to do track-days invest in a good set of grooved, heat-treated disks and fast-road pads. If not, get a good set of blank disks and some good after-market pads - DS2500s are probably a little too hardcore (experience on both S2000 and ITR - frequently leave material on the disk, causing brake-judder), so I'm tempted to try some Dixcel pads next)
Have run DS2500's for 6 years now, and not experienced material left on the disks. I would suggest that if it's happening then you have heated up the disks and accidentally sat with your foot on the brake pedal. Bedding them in again should resolve any juddering.Performance Friction are good but dust will corrode your wheels quickly. Pagids are also good but are pricey.
The weakest point of most braking systems is pads, fluid and lines. Fitting braided lines and decent fluid (Motul RBF600) or similar along with a set of decent pads (DS2500's) will transform the braking and hold up very well for trackdays.
Seany88 said:
Oh excellent! Wow I don't suppose you bought that locally did you? As there was a yellow one around here for sale that I had an eye on but someone pipped me to the post!
Scotland!The yellow one in Derbyshire (last autumn, this was) was a targa, from memory, and needed a new front ball-joint (at the very least). One of the other guys from NSXCB who was hunting at the same time as me went to see it and told me not to bother. Not sure if there's been anything else local since, as I've (naturally) not been looking.
Be good if you could make it on Tuesday.
Cheers,
M.
havoc said:
PS - oil - can of worms there. Consensus seems to be that Mobil-1 0W-xx is too thin for VTECs and has (potentially) caused problems, but otherwise any good fully-synthetic would work - start with Shell Helix 5W-40 (what the dealers use), and go upwards (in price) from there. I'm trying-out Silkolene Pro-S 5W-40 in both of mine, as that seems quite highly regarded. It does 'feel' very thin though, albeit as it's an ester-based synth not a 'cracked' mineral-oil which is branded synthetic (Helix and most of the 'forecourt' oils are branded-synths not true synths) I'm keeping an open mind. But I'm not going to comment either way just yet...
I've just looked for oil - is it the Shell Helix Ultra? Is it a black tub or a grey tub as there seems to be both on ebay!?Edited by havoc on Tuesday 31st August 15:39
And that thing hanging from under the driver's side cockpit seems to just be a few fuses!? Is this how its done on the s2k as I'm used to seeing a full, secured fuse box?
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/231404724005303591...
http://rides.webshots.com/photo/231404724005303591...
I THINK I know what those fuses are - they're not the main ones (back of bonnet, black box), just push them back-up and secure them away from your feet.
Oil - grey tub IIRC. Don't look at the names (which can be generic), look at the grade and check it doesn't say for diesel (or long-life, although I think that's less of an issue).
You may also want to check Opie Oils (retailer), who've got a thread running on here and do a discount for PH'ers.
Oil - grey tub IIRC. Don't look at the names (which can be generic), look at the grade and check it doesn't say for diesel (or long-life, although I think that's less of an issue).
You may also want to check Opie Oils (retailer), who've got a thread running on here and do a discount for PH'ers.
Seany88 said:
Also about the rear caliper, well I 'think' its sticking. I can hear a light metallic sound coming from the left rear when driving at slow speeds, its a constant sound i.e. when the wheels are rotating. Or is there a brake disc cover at the back that might be touching the disc?
Sounds like the wear indicator. It's a metal strip attached to the pad that rubs on the disc when the pads get low. Makes an irritating screechy sound. Replaced my front pads Friday and today my rears started doing it!
Sticking calipers will make the wheel hot. They can be rebuilt, but you're better off buying a new caliper and be done with it. Unfortunately, the calipers tend to give up at or around the same time, so brace yourself for the rest to give up if they haven't already been changed.
Current oil of choice is Castrol EDGE Turbodiesel 5W-40. I've no idea what model year you have, but keep an eye on oil consumption - I check mine at least once a week and top it up as required. It depends on the car, but some guzzle the stuff.
Red stuff pads are very good once hot. If you don't intend tracking the car and need to change the pads, stocks pads are more than adequate.
Head over to S2KI.com (UK sub forum) lots of info and help there.
Enjoy
Current oil of choice is Castrol EDGE Turbodiesel 5W-40. I've no idea what model year you have, but keep an eye on oil consumption - I check mine at least once a week and top it up as required. It depends on the car, but some guzzle the stuff.
Red stuff pads are very good once hot. If you don't intend tracking the car and need to change the pads, stocks pads are more than adequate.
Head over to S2KI.com (UK sub forum) lots of info and help there.
Enjoy
Ok so the rear calipers weren't sticking, in fact the sliders are in pretty good shape only one of them needed a bit of greasing. The sound was the wear indicators from the rear pads! The outer one was fine, but the inner one is wearing a little unevenly, I suspect that they possibly weren't seated properly when they were installed?
While it was off the ground also greased up the alignment bolts, so hopefully sidestepped that potential problem Though also found the front passenger anti-roll bar drop link was knackered so just ordered and hopefully get that sorted asap.
Gave it an oil change at the weekend, used a HAMP synergy filter which was a LOT smaller than the blue one that came off, though seem to have read around and apparently it increases the oil pressure? Can anyone confirm?
Also been looking at a few pics of other people's cars and decided to de-badge the sides tonight as I think it looks a lot better
What's worse is I've compiled a list of things to do to it!
- Clear side repeaters to match the 'clean' look
- Remove number plate surround and relocate to the bottom of the bumper - should I just drill through the plate into the bumper?
- Want to change the gearbox and diff oil for peace of mind (though need to purchase a pump)
- I've seen the modifry camera mount which looks like a good idea (currently using my HTC Desire with its suction mount on the wind breaker but it vibrates and shakes like hell) anyone got one?
http://www.modifry.com/products/mounts/camera/wind...
- Get the later 17" rims as think they make the car look MUCH better
- Possibly, possibly get some coilovers on there...
I thought I was over modifying cars once the civic went years ago...but I think I've been bitten again!
While it was off the ground also greased up the alignment bolts, so hopefully sidestepped that potential problem
Though also found the front passenger anti-roll bar drop link was knackered so just ordered and hopefully get that sorted asap.Gave it an oil change at the weekend, used a HAMP synergy filter which was a LOT smaller than the blue one that came off, though seem to have read around and apparently it increases the oil pressure? Can anyone confirm?
Also been looking at a few pics of other people's cars and decided to de-badge the sides tonight as I think it looks a lot better
What's worse is I've compiled a list of things to do to it!
- Clear side repeaters to match the 'clean' look
- Remove number plate surround and relocate to the bottom of the bumper - should I just drill through the plate into the bumper?
- Want to change the gearbox and diff oil for peace of mind (though need to purchase a pump)
- I've seen the modifry camera mount which looks like a good idea (currently using my HTC Desire with its suction mount on the wind breaker but it vibrates and shakes like hell) anyone got one?
http://www.modifry.com/products/mounts/camera/wind...
- Get the later 17" rims as think they make the car look MUCH better
- Possibly, possibly get some coilovers on there...
I thought I was over modifying cars once the civic went years ago...but I think I've been bitten again!
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