RSX owner, S2000 research

[02rsxpilot]

Hey all, just jumped into the forums because I'm researching your baby as a possible replacement for my '02 5-spd RSX. I love the look of the S2K and always have. One of the members of my track club had a supercharged S2K (that he just sold for an Ultima GTR) that was probably the 2nd fastest car in the club, behind a formula Mazda :P

I'm probably a year off from actually buying one (gotta graduate from college first) but I'd like to know more from a daily driver perspective. I know gas mileage is fine, not RSX caliber, but adequate anyway. My RSX just doesn't quite feel fast enough to me, and though I know the S2K is a primarily high-rpm rocket, I think it'll still be an improvement over my 170 HP.

My favorite thing about the RSX is everything in it is exactly where you'd want it. The thing was designed SMART. How's the S2K? Based on pictures I think the cupholders might bug me, right where I want my arm... Also read something about left-hand audio controls...I take it that's on the steering wheel, not left of the cockpit. Storage space isn't a big issue for me (no kids, never keep anything I don't absolutely need in my car, etc...) but it'd be nice to know if I might be able to get some hockey gear in the back (is there a way to get a long item (a hockey stick) in between the seats? My RSX has fold down rear seats. I could put an ATV back there lol.

Other than that I've read up a bit on the AP1 vs AP2 stuff, doesn't seem to matter. I live 25 minutes away from Comptech's headquarters, and have developed a kind disposition towards their awesome products with my RSX, so I think basic upgrades in suspension and power would be on the way. It's a possibility that this would be a track car some weekends afterall.

So, to anyone with daily driver insights or better yet, someone with daily driver/track day experience, I'd love to hear what you have to say. I love my RSX, and I'll be really really torn to sell it (my first car, and I've babied it like a Ferrari [38000 miles in 5 years]) but I really want more power and don't really see the point of putting money into my FWD car, plus non-type S RSXs don't get alot of performance options.

If you have an opinion on a good year to shoot for I'd love to hear it. I sorta figured 04+ but you might sell me on the AP1.

Thanks all,

Pilot

[bobby2002S2K]

Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot

Hey all, just jumped into the forums because I'm researching your baby as a possible replacement for my '02 5-spd RSX. I love the look of the S2K and always have. One of the members of my track club had a supercharged S2K (that he just sold for an Ultima GTR) that was probably the 2nd fastest car in the club, behind a formula Mazda :P

I'm probably a year off from actually buying one (gotta graduate from college first) but I'd like to know more from a daily driver perspective. I know gas mileage is fine, not RSX caliber, but adequate anyway. My RSX just doesn't quite feel fast enough to me, and though I know the S2K is a primarily high-rpm rocket, I think it'll still be an improvement over my 170 HP.

My favorite thing about the RSX is everything in it is exactly where you'd want it. The thing was designed SMART. How's the S2K? Based on pictures I think the cupholders might bug me, right where I want my arm... Also read something about left-hand audio controls...I take it that's on the steering wheel, not left of the cockpit. Storage space isn't a big issue for me (no kids, never keep anything I don't absolutely need in my car, etc...) but it'd be nice to know if I might be able to get some hockey gear in the back (is there a way to get a long item (a hockey stick) in between the seats? My RSX has fold down rear seats. I could put an ATV back there lol.

Other than that I've read up a bit on the AP1 vs AP2 stuff, doesn't seem to matter. I live 25 minutes away from Comptech's headquarters, and have developed a kind disposition towards their awesome products with my RSX, so I think basic upgrades in suspension and power would be on the way. It's a possibility that this would be a track car some weekends afterall.

So, to anyone with daily driver insights or better yet, someone with daily driver/track day experience, I'd love to hear what you have to say. I love my RSX, and I'll be really really torn to sell it (my first car, and I've babied it like a Ferrari [38000 miles in 5 years]) but I really want more power and don't really see the point of putting money into my FWD car, plus non-type S RSXs don't get alot of performance options.

If you have an opinion on a good year to shoot for I'd love to hear it. I sorta figured 04+ but you might sell me on the AP1.

Thanks all,

Pilot

Welcome aboard first off. I'm sure you will find this forum quite useful. TO address you question. Audio controls arent on the steering wheel they are left of it. Which i like consist of mode(change from am,fm,cd),mute, channel and vol. You can work the vol with the tips of you fingers while you hand is still on the steerin wheel. Yes there is only one cup holder and its not to bad when i got something in it i rest my hand to the right of it on the e-break. When i want to get alittle crazy i toss what ever bottle in the seat which usually ends up in the floor. Theres no room for a hockey stick in the trunk unless its a stick for a 5 yr old nor between the seats the console goes all the way back and up. kinds like the old water fall consoles in the vettes. BUt your stick could ride co-pilot for sure. As far as the cockpit its pretty much great for me i really dont think there is much else to do in it. Everything is where it needs to be as far as things you need to get you hands on to go fast,And you will love the seats. Oh i'm a daily driver but i have no track exp. in this car. Gomarlin has lots i think i'm sure he will be along shortly. As far as up grades? Ive done exhaust,(for sound and weight). intake?(its cool,lol) wheels and tires(looks cool and weight is alot less than stock.) and lowered a inch(also because it looks cool,lol.). I chose to not mess with shocks I don't track and as hard as i have drove on the streets i have not even come close to getting past what the susp. is able to handle.Well feel free to ask any oter questions. OH i have a 02 AP1

[Java Junky]

Aaay SkyKing, first off, ya godda realize that everybody's got their favorites. so whut I'm spoutin' is slightly biased.
I'd go with the '04 n' later for the simple facts that they've proven jus' the least bit quicker, they've got glass rear windows n' they've got those ugly 17" wheels.
But, bottom line is get one. '00, '01, '02 . . well, I guess you get my drift.
Put one under your butt. You can't go wrong.
Be well n' good luck.
Java

[bobby2002S2K]

my o2 has a glass rear window, i may have miss understood what you said though java.I've been known to do that sometimes.

[02rsxpilot]

Thx for the quick responses and info. I'm sad to hear my hockey gear might not be a great fit, but I guess that means I'll just have to find a wife and get her an RSX, best of both worlds.

My buddy just bought a '00 so I think I'll be able to get behind the wheel here soon and I'm sure it'll help me with alot of questions, uncertainties. Anyone have complaints about build feel? I've driven lots of cars and Hondas/Acuras especially, and generally speaking the Acuras have a much better interior feel than the Hondas. That being said, I know the leather S2K seats are awesome, but how's the dash, glovebox, etc... And, obviously important for roadsters, anyone have any trouble with the soft-top? I trust Honda's engine to be good for 300k miles, but I've seen Honda interiors disinitigrate before 100k. In other words, am I dealing with a Honda, or am I dealing with what, at least in North America, could have been labeled an Acura?

Thx again for all the info.

[Dr. Jimbo]

I solved the cupholder thing by buying a black fold-up beverage holder at the local boating store. Folded up it's about 4" x 4" and almost 1/2" thick.
I installed it on the passenger side of the tranny hump with 2 little screws. Works great. Go to West Marine and search for "drink holder". It's the first item on the first page. I got mine for about $5 (theirs are $11). I can't move the passenger seat all the way forward now, but I never do anyway.
Jimbo

[bobby2002S2K]

Originally Posted by 02rsxpilot

Thx for the quick responses and info. I'm sad to hear my hockey gear might not be a great fit, but I guess that means I'll just have to find a wife and get her an RSX, best of both worlds.

My buddy just bought a '00 so I think I'll be able to get behind the wheel here soon and I'm sure it'll help me with alot of questions, uncertainties. Anyone have complaints about build feel? I've driven lots of cars and Hondas/Acuras especially, and generally speaking the Acuras have a much better interior feel than the Hondas. That being said, I know the leather S2K seats are awesome, but how's the dash, glovebox, etc... And, obviously important for roadsters, anyone have any trouble with the soft-top? I trust Honda's engine to be good for 300k miles, but I've seen Honda interiors disinitigrate before 100k. In other words, am I dealing with a Honda, or am I dealing with what, at least in North America, could have been labeled an Acura?

Thx again for all the info.

YEa i would have to say the S2k has a very durable interior, as far as between the Honda and acura interior not really following? Acuras are Honda, made out of the samething.
I havent had a problem out of my dash its great i keep it clean with HOnda spray and polish has SPF in it. There are 2 glove boxes both between the seats on is the " secret glove Box". You'll soon see.lol.

[02rsxpilot]

Awesome information all. Thanks a bunch. I drove my buddy's last night and loved it. Shares similar lack of torque with my RSX but above 4500 RPM the thing is a rocket. As for the Honda/Acura thing, in N. America, yes Acuras are Hondas but they are Honda's luxury brand. Same way Lexuses are not Toyotas. So my RSX interior is significantly nicer than a Civics. That aside, the interior on my buddy's car was very nice and I have no concerns in that area, since he has 70k miles on it and it still looked new.

I think with a couple mods I could overcome that slightly hesistent low RPM power and I'd love the car. Hopefully in less than a year or so I can jump back on here and tell you all I'm a proud S2K owner.

[Java Junky]

Aaay Bob, if your '02 has a glass rear window, then the chances are you've got an aftermarket top.
Correct me if I'm wrong guys (I can hear the salivatin' from here) but, I believe the glass wasn't incorporated into the top until the AP2.
Apologies if my misuse'a the english language causes misunderstandin' Bob. It ain't my intent.
Be well.
Java

[s2000isu]

I think 02's came with a glass top.

[sky2k]

I recently purchased an 01' S2k and i have to admit, it is a solid car. If you're looking for space, it may not be the car for you. Otherwise, it is a thrill to drive. You had some concerns about the top, well like most "affordable" drop tops, your going to experience common set backs - mainly wind noise after you hit about 75mph, hot in the summer, cold in the winter, but when the top goes down, you don't think about such futile things...trust me, you will turn heads in this car. Any interior's durability is going to reflect how the owner takes care of it. If you've had Acuras before, you know how to take care of leather..at least i hope! haha! I suggest that you seriously think about what you need in your car - if its your only one, then you will be traveling light. I have another vehicle in addition to my s2k and lets just say i'm glad i have something i can keep stuff in..hope that helps in your search for an s2k. good luck!