2005 Honda S2000

[Belle427]

Having owned an Elise for 2 years I decided It was just a bit too hardcore for me so went round in circles for a few months trying to decide what to do next.
An MX5 NC was a contender but I would have felt the urge to modify it so turned my attention to the S2000.
I had forgotten about it after reading it did not suit taller people and the handling was described as a bit lairy. The more research I did suggested it was blown out of proportion a little and as I do not really drive a car that fast on the public roads It was worth a go.
So I picked it up yesterday and so far am very happy with the choice, Im 6 foot and 18 stone and fit ok.
The steering wheel is a little close to you but it does not foul my legs, no worse than my NA MX5 really, headroom is good too.
I can only describe the driving experience as feeling like its a car that Is begging you to wring its neck at every opportunity, not that quick by todays standards but I do not feel it needs anything extra.
Very happy so far.

Some jobs to do:

Window regulator drivers side not working, seller provided a spare.
A/C not working due to damaged condenser, not bothered about this so will either remove the whole A/C system and keep the bits or just leave it alone.
Rear lights misting inside, common issue, will clean out and see how it goes as its a garage queen that does not see water.
Check roof drain tuibes. (not looked into this yet)
Change gearbox and diff fluids.
Strip and clean/lube brakes.
Full engine service after the summer.
Clean up and rust proof the underside/wheel arches etc using Bilt Hamber products.
Remove front and rear bumpers and clean up/treat any rust.
Sort out a little bit of rust on the lower passenger side sill at the rear, not too bad at the moment.

Just looking to keep the car standard and preserve and enjoy it really, could well be a forever car for me.

[Joehow]

Great purchase, a few friends have had these and they're great fun! That gearbox is an absolute masterpiece!

[Belle427]

Yes it is brilliant.

[scz4]

The most fun car I've ever had. Engine and gearbox are a masterpiece.

Enjoy!

[LHRFlightman]

I kept my for 10 years, it's been gone 2 and bit do I miss it.

One word, fun. Wring it's neck every opportunity you can and smile. Enjoy!

[Skyedriver]

Tried one of these shortly after they came out, I was into TVR Chimaera at the time.
Less space than the TVR but better put together. The style hasn't dated in my eyes and they're still a pretty car.
Prices were rising a few years ago, haven't looked for a long while though.
Enjoy.

[Killer2005]

Another former owner of one, great car. With the roof down and when it hits that sweet spot at 6k rpm and that gearbox

Would have another if I didn't need 4 seats.

[Belle427]

Replaced the defective window regulator yesterday, could not get it to work so on checking the fuses someone had removed the one for the drivers side which got my spider senses tingling. Put the fuse back in and the window went down on its own and didnt cut out so im guessing this was the original issue that caused the regulator to fail.
I am suspecting the master switch assembly so will do some testing today, the windows are driven down by the roof operation on this so it is something to consider too.
Not a fan of electric roofs with the issues they bring.

The tail lights had some condensation in them which is a common fault but I did not fancy splitting the lights just yet to reseal, so i removed the bulbs and poured in some Bilt Hamber traceless which is a clear fast evaporating fantastic glass cleaner.
I did get a bit gung ho and drilled a small 2mm hole in the bottom of the light to drain it out, it will be covered by the bumper when its put back in and any issues i can re seal it.
2 common issues with these are the light assembly to body neoprene seals failing and the lens to light sealant, pressure washing does not help but hopefully when they are dry I wont have further issues with it being a fine weather car and rarely washed with pressure.
Re sealing the lens to light is a pain, some put them in the oven on a low heat to soften the seal and then prise them open but i do not fancy that yet!

[tozerman]

I love a good S2000 thread. Please say you are not going to modify the hell out of it..

I had a 1999 S2 for 7 years and loved it. They are very sensitive to geometry set up, so make sure all adjusting bolts are free and all bushed and joints are in perfect condition.

The rust at the back of the sil needs looking at with some urgency, unfortunately I can almost guarantee the corrosion will be far worse than it looks I'm sorry to say...

good luck..

[Belle427]

I pressure washed the rear arches etc yesterday and it does not look too bad to be honest but i will strip it back and take a closer look.

[Mr Tidy]

Your S2000 looks great.

I love high-revving N/A engines!

[Retro.74]

Great cars these, I had an 06 plate in Bermuda blue for 10 years, was really reliable other than having an appetite for brake calipers, had a couple of O2 sensors (recommend Walker) oh and the starter motor didnt seem to like the cold, still have a spare if you ever need one for nothing. I put some Ferodo 2500 pads on, they alone made a big difference to braking performance which as standard isn't great.
As already said a good geo setup really helps with the handling, but if the bolts haven't been done previously they will likely be seized and quite an expensive job. It's annoying Honda didn't bother with preventative measures for the UK market.
Enjoy roof down VTEC and stirring that fantastic gearbox!

Edited by Retro.74 on Tuesday 1st April 16:26

[Bright Halo]

These are great cars, but one where you have to work for the reward.
Engine and gearbox are amazingly well engineered and only usually fail due to lack of care I.e not changing the oil.

Enjoy.