S2000 noob

[firefighter81]

I'm in the US Air Force, currently stationed in Italy, but on my way to Okinawa in April 06, I've been looking at S2000's and I think it's what I want. I've always wanted a nice two seater convertible with some balls (Miatas are too girly).

But anyways, if I do decide to get an S2000 I'd like to know the differences between the JDM S2000 and the USDM model. I know the first thing most of you will think is "you can't bring a JDM S2000 back to the US." Well, don't worry about it, I'm not coming back to the US, I enjoy living overseas, and will spend a very long time (20+ years) touring different countries. So by the time I'm ready to retire back in the US, the S2000 will be long gone.

So, I need to decide if I should buy one back in the US and have the military ship it over to me (free) or if I should buy a JDM model once I get to Okinawa? Are there any major differences in the two models? Anything that would make one worth having over the other?

Also, I haven't had a chance to sit in an S2000, I'm 6'2" 190lbs, I fit fine in a Miata (sat it one a few years back), so should I fit fine in one of these cars? I'm pretty easily pleased comfort-wise, as long as I can physically fit without taking Yoga classes first.

Any other info would be helpful too.

Thanks!
Jason

[RCduck7]

Since your in the US airforce and not gay you'll be fine in a honda s2000.
If not have a Mercedes SL.
I'll pass the oppurtunity to answer your other questions to the other members.

cheers.

[Drider]

I think the basics are the same... engine, tranny, etc.. the appearance may be different.. Japanese like to have little extras added onto the cars ... Aside from that.. The steering wheel is on the other side. and you might have to row the gears in reverse pattern.. Personally.. if i lived in japan i'd get something smaller... those parking spots are mad narrow. its like fitting an elephant in a cooper..

[Halo]

JDM S2000 still has the F20c engine (2L) rather than the US spec 2.2L. They claim 10 more crank hp (250). I can't remember where the extra 10 hp is supposed to come from. Other than right hand drive, the JDM is the same car.

[MattG]

I think that Japan has 100 octane fuel and that the engines are tuned for this - that is where the extra power may come from.

My partner and I are both gay, 6'2 and 200# and fit just fine in the S2000

P

[Tim Gedney]

When I first test-drove a 2003 Stewie, I wasn't sure I fit too well. Seemed a bit cramped for me...didn't like the way my right leg rested against the console, particulary with the radio panel down. The new ones (2006?)...they moved the seats back a bit affording us tall guys a bit more leeway with our leg room. Because of that, I thought I was "stuck" with buying new. But, after taking another test drive a few weeks ago in a 2002, I found that I was quite comfortable (drove away with it, if that tells you anything). I do put the radio cover up when I drive and use the left-sided audio controls vice the radio panel, but other than that, I really don't have anything to complain about. Having said all that, you need to sit in an older Stewie and a new one to see if the diff is significant to you. Good luck. And finally....GOD, I love driving that car!!!!!

[Java Junky]

Doin' a bit'a smilin' while you're drivin', are ya Tim?
'Glad ta hear it.
Be well.
Java

[karnito]

JDM S2K have a built in Navigation system by Alpine. Maps are display in 3D. I was lucky enough to have sat in one when I was in Tokyo last year. Very helpful to navigate Japan streets. The steering wheel has a square cut at the bottom (VGS steering wheel), so taller folk like yourself is very benifitial. The extra HP I think is by tuning from the factory because Japan has a very high humidity level and different barometer then U.S., so engine can handle the extra heat gain from the extra HP. I remember when the D1 series from Japan arrived here for the first time several years back; they spent quite a bit of time re-programing the engine parameters to cope with U.S. barometer and low humidity.
Also, all U.S. bound engines are operating at 70% from peaks performance to prevent lawsuits.

[Halo]

Low humidity in the US? Have you ever been to the southeast or midwest in the summer? In Atlanta, it feels like you just stepped out of a shower as soon as you go outside.

[karnito]

Originally Posted by Halo

Low humidity in the US? Have you ever been to the southeast or midwest in the summer? In Atlanta, it feels like you just stepped out of a shower as soon as you go outside.

Atlanta? Please, I am living in Houston Texas for crying out loud! Yes, I have been to Atlanta in the summer and it is nothing compare to where I am! Have you ever been to Japan or any where near South East Asia? Have you heard of Typhoon? Do you know why that is? Does Atlanta have Typhoon? The humidity in Japan is all year round!

That was real information man. I'm not making **** up! You can call up Apex and ask them what did they do to prepare their D1 cars when they got here from Japan!

[Halo]

I have been to southeast asia as a matter of fact. I have also been in Japan (not in SE Asia). The latter has a range of climates some of which are not particularly humid, especially not all year. The former... well I don't know how many S2000s are being built specifically for Cambodia and Laos. That said, humidity is humidity regardless of where you are... % of atmospheric pressure contributed by water vapor. Doesn't matter if you're in Bang-cock (my spelling) or New Orleans.


But, my calling you on the humidity angle is just responding to this BS:

The extra HP I think is by tuning from the factory because Japan has a very high humidity level and different barometer then U.S., so engine can handle the extra heat gain from the extra HP

You're trying to convince us that Honda tunes cars intended for the domestic market differently because some of the locales are humid but ignores the same fact for the US which has plenty of humid climates. The entire archipelago of Japan has a "different barometer" than the United States (including Hawaii which gets US spec cars?). It's more humid in Japan, so they tune the car to handle more heat, so it makes more power?

"Different barometer?" Do you mean the barometric pressure is different everywhere in Japan than everywhere in North America? C'mon you can't be serious, right?

Despite that it makes you feel hotter, humidity doesn't have any effect on the engine's ability to cool itself. Engines cool by convection, not evaporation. Humidity DOES affect engine performance because it decreases the partial pressure of oxygen in the intake charge. So high humidity should hurt engine performance, but Japanese market S2Ks are tuned for more power amid all this widespread humidity? WTF?

There are typhoons in the US although they go by another name in the Atlantic... perhaps you've heard of a rather large one called Katrina? Again, rising hot humid air is rising hot humid air regardless of where in the world you are.

D1? You're not seriously trying to convince us that drifting is some measure of car performance. Let's add a big aftermarket turbo so we can burn more rubber, laptimes be damned.

I could go on, but I think the point is made.

PS: This isn't temple of VTEC, there are a few folks on this board that do more than sling burgers or sell cell phones for a living.

[karnito]

Alright Mr. Halo!
I appologize for offended your intelligent and knowledge of Japanese products, and climates. I am so sure you are in your own world and you certainlty don't have to like what I have posted on this forum. And you definately can present or counter point with facts instead of personal bull ****. Mocking other forum is uncall for and no need to get that ugly.
This is a forum and we are sharing information and not imposing information or anything that sort, and you don't have to like what I think or any body unless you own it. Apparently you do have a way of thinking for everyone and like to worked up a storm when it is not your liking, and that is ok. But I think that is a crock of ****! But don't get me wrong. I welcome you challenge and I think that is a good thing. But why can you just accept some good information when there is one instead of posting your best guess. Now, is there any reason for all this none sense and chaos and so on? I did offer team Apex for verification with the humidity and the engine performance and such on my previous posting. Why don't you call them or anyone that know more then me, perhaps even you!

Now;

1. When I mentioned Japan I meant Japan, not Tokyo or Yokohama. And been to Japan meant staying more then 5 days. The whole Japan island is small and humidity is consistent through out the country and all year round. The U.S. on the other hand is very big and the humidity is not consistent through out, for instant where you are and where I am, and it is very dry in Arizona. Get my point? And that is why all U.S. bound vehicle is tune for a mixture of climate like you have mentioned or whetever.
2. Barometer or barometric; understand this whichever way you want. Aparently you don't have a use for this anyway
3. My quote regarding humidity angle; yes could be BS at best, but I stated that it was my thought and did reference that thought to what team Apex D1 cars did when they arrived to U.S. soil! (Toshi Hayama is the V.P. @ Apex. He speaks excellent english).But if you would calm the hell down and think for a second and it could make sense. But if you don't like it then what is your take. Do you have a solution or just a complain? Mostly complain and that is a fact so far! How about the air polution regulation and thicker catalist converter core and the whole intake exhaust drama. That will work just find, but you didn't thought of that did you? But you rather jump the gun and blah blah blah. But then what is Japan to Kyoto treaty?
4. I also mentioned that U.S. bounded engine (not just honda) are operating at70% from peak performance is to preventing lawsuits; and this point has a merit to it. If not then explain why do car in JP have more HP then the U.S. imported version. And the 280 bhp gentlemen rule doesn't count anymore! Honda to Japanese is a culture, and Honda to American is like appliances, and I don't make this up either. This is a from Shoji Fujimaki one of Honda lead designer.

5. Typhoon is not a Huricane; otherwise, GM would have called that turbo charge all wheel drive truck a GM Huricane! Or called a cat a tiger, it's not!

6. I also didn't set out to disrespect anyone at any time in this forum of theirs professionalism including Mr.Halo. And I apologize if I did offended anyone accidentally, but I think it is just between me and Mr.Halo here. And I think it is for the good of the forum and for that I will not apologize That is why we post our knowledge and information regarding any topics, and sometime it is controversial at best, but what the hell and why not?

Have a wonderful drive and enjoy your S2K everyone, and enjoy your point & SC Mr.Halo

[gomarlins3]

Can't we all just get along?

[karnito]

no kidding

[typhoon]

Tropical cyclone - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia By all means, click the disambiguation links to hurricane and typhoon. Please.

Had to reg a new acct, guess the admins must have gotten upset about the burger/cell phone selling comment. (Truth hurts don't it?) Anyway, this forum was fun while it lasted. Hope someone else can keep the BS under control.

Since this acct will prob. get locked anyway, quick quote for ya:

"English-motherfucker-can-you-speak-it?" -Jules.

[s2000isu]

stupid honduhs with their vtachs. i think they just wanted to feel superior to us so they gave em a few more degrees of timing

[Halo]

(Hey, whaddya know, my acct is open again)

Well said S2000isu. Timing or let it run a tiny bit leaner up top. With the recent ... errr... 'adjustments' in many claimed hp figures, I also considered that all they do is set up the dyno to tweak the number they want to go in the ad copy. Oh wait, that woud be impossible since JDM > all!

[s2000isu]

ya they could have tweaked the dyno numbers too. or it could be as stupid as they tested the jdm one one place and the one for everywhere else somewhere else altitude and temp can really affect an engines output. but if youre really worried about those 10 horses maybe a camaro with a ls-1 is more your speed

[karnito]

Just SC the thing and be done with it!

[Kitikithakis]

Hey Air Force. Think of the S2k as the cockpit of a F-16. Just enough room to feel secure and more than enough room to get the job done. Ye dont need a g-suit for cornering either. If this Army Infantry grunt can fit, you got no probs......Just remember, with an S2K you don't need tower clearnace to take off and (much as we want it) this beast has no afterburners.....LOL And they look soooo awesome flyin down the freeway in formation too ;^)

[karnito]

That is a nice approach.

[danx337]

Wow if I was to be in Japan, I would totally get Type V!!!