Whats up from Japan

[Snafu4286]

Im about to be in FL/GA for leave the end of march and im about to purchase an S2000. Silver/Blk 2000 with some decent miles. I plan on throwing an Ultimate racing turbo on it when the moneys right. Anyone here currently running that setup? Any pointers for a new S2000 owner?

Thanks Shawn,
Yokosuka JP

[Java Junky]

Hmmmm-m-m-m-m . . . SNAFU? Interestin' handle. Anotha time.
Welcome aboard. The only thing that I religiously suggest to any new Stewie owner is to leave the car stock long enough to get totally familiar with it. Find out it's, n' your, strong n' weak points n', that done, go forward from there.
Some really fine meals're never really appreciated 'cause they get smothered in ketchup before they're even tasted.
Be well.
Java (SNAFU eh?)

[Snafu4286]

Yeah SNAFU's kinda stuck with me from high school, It really applies now that im in the military! My callsign is Congo...and thats a long story for another day.

[HONDADDICT]

Originally Posted by Snafu4286

Im about to be in FL/GA for leave the end of march and im about to purchase an S2000. Silver/Blk 2000 with some decent miles. I plan on throwing an Ultimate racing turbo on it when the moneys right. Anyone here currently running that setup? Any pointers for a new S2000 owner?

Thanks Shawn,
Yokosuka JP

Welcome to the site

I totally agree with java on driving the car stock for a while. You may find that there is ample power as is, at least for the immediate future. You might want to think about upgrading your wheels and tires to the 17 inch size, as Honda did in 2004. Not only do they help with grip, but they also look great. You may be able to find some after market wheels that are lighter than stock, thereby reducing unsprung weight. Good luck w your future s2k. The fun is just beginning for you!

[Snafu4286]

Thanks for the input...im looking forward to getting my S2000. I have one on hold in Tampa right now. Its a Silver 2000 with only 41k. Completely stock and in perfect condition. I cant wait for the end of the month when ill finally get to see it in person and drive it!

[Java Junky]

'Way ta go Snafu. A stock one that nobody's messed with is the way to go. That's not to say that all modifications r' detrimental to the handlin' r' performance, but a clean slate is the best place to start from.
Be well.
Java

[Bubblerboy64]

Here is a related question. Could a fellow put the later model (04 and up ) wheels on the earlier car. I have never seen wheels which I like better then the stock wheels on the "new" car. And in my opinion you have to work pretty hard to improve on the original as well. I can't get motivated to switch wheels but if the later wheels would work on my 2000 (year) car I might keep my eyes open for a set of take offs from the later cars when those who have the need upgrade. JEH

[HONDADDICT]

Yes, the newer wheels will fit on the first gen cars.

[Java Junky]

Bub, all things equal (in this particular case, wheel diameter) I'd switch with you in a heartbeat. This is another one'a those personal preference things, but my own tastes favor the older 5 spokes. I jus' don't get all these wheels with the "lacework". Every time I look at the stock AP2 wheels all I can think of is a crab r' a spider in road-kill mode.
'Fell in love with the old anthracite Cragars some years back n' everythin' else is a distant 2nd.
Ain't no wheel that looks ya square in the eye n' says "open-for-business" like those Cragars.
Be well.
Java

[Bubblerboy64]

We "older fellows" seem to like "old" stuff which I guess makes sense. There is nothing like a set of Cragars unless perhaps you would factor in the original minilites which I would kill for if I could find a set for my antique SAAB. I did come across a parts car with some on it but every one and his uncle wanted the wheels and they were bid up to over $500 each which was pretty hard to handle since you had to take the whole car just to get the wheels. If your pockets are deep enough you can have anything you want made. These custom motorcycle wheel guys could make a set for ya any time it you have the need (and the cash) My problem with the SAAB is the bolt pattern is apparently a one car only deal and that doesn't even speak to off sets etc. At least with the Honda S2000 you have options. (Except for splash guards which still annoys me) JEH

[Java Junky]

Ya know, I swear that I was thinkin' "except for Minilites" myself when I was writin' that.
I'm sure I ain't tellin' you anything, but I've seen pretty convincin' Minilite wannabees, I think it was Moss. Don't recall the specifics (believe they were for Miatas) but one neva know, do one?
What kind'a Saab n' what's the bolt pattern? I'm always findin' stuff that's really neat, but that I don't need. I'll keep an eye out.
Be well.
Java

[Bubblerboy64]

Java, My SAAB is a 1959 Model 93B (little 2 cycle 3 cylinder car) It has 15 inch wheels but they are I think only 6 inch wide. The bolt pattern is the really problem. Not certain the specifics but I know from the discussions on the vintage SAAB web sites that there just is nothing else which transfers from other cars. All the vintage SAAB guys want the minilites and there are a few sets floating around but VERY few. The problem is of course the limited number and limited interest in these cars. Not like an MG for which you can buy/find anything you want. And of course if you can handle the money a guy could have custom wheels made. Likely cost ya more then entire car would be worth. I compromised and just painted mine "fly" yellow. I think car will look sharp. John

[Java Junky]

'Sounds neat John. If you gedda chance post a picture of it. (Hey, the kids already think we're strange, whudda we got to lose, right?)
'Spent alodda time workin' with different "foreign cars" back when that's what they were called. I don't think I'm recallin' the right wheel. I'm probably thinkin' Pugeout. Gonna godda look it up.
Be well.
Jack (Java)

[fhinner]

Hi,
my '03 has the 04 wheels on it without any problem. Does not buy you that much, other then optics.
F

Originally Posted by Bubblerboy64

Here is a related question. Could a fellow put the later model (04 and up ) wheels on the earlier car. I have never seen wheels which I like better then the stock wheels on the "new" car. And in my opinion you have to work pretty hard to improve on the original as well. I can't get motivated to switch wheels but if the later wheels would work on my 2000 (year) car I might keep my eyes open for a set of take offs from the later cars when those who have the need upgrade. JEH

[Java Junky]

Yeah fhinner, but the key to a good fit n' not messin' up the gear ratios (the wheel to the ground is the final ratio after all) n' the speedo is the bolt pattern, offset n' overall diameter with the tire installed.
So swappin' out to the AP2 wheels n' tires is a cinch.
Alodda folks like the look better but, I believe you're also cashin' in on the benefit of less sprung weight with the AP2 wheel/tire combination. The amount of rubber involved in the tires has become less n' the extra metal involved in bringin' the spokes n' rim up to 17", I'm pretty sure, is negligible.
Be well.
Java

[BabyItsaFact]

Now there's a thought! Does anyone out there know what the weight difference between ap1 and ap2 wheels is? Just a little savings in rotational mass can make a BIG difference in performance. . .

[fhinner]

Actually the stock the AP1 is lighter by about 25lbs. I also heard that the ap1 equipped S setup is allowing higher curve speed with the 16". However, I love to drive the car in regular street conditions and would say you really have to push the limit to notice the difference.

Java you're probably right the less sprung weight might make a difference even that if you're doing it for that reason I would rather go for a couple of Harts.

Call me shallow, I just like to looks for the AP2.
F