For usage in the Honda S2000, Honda created the F20C and F22C1 inline-4 engines. They are one of the few Honda 4-cylinder car engines with a longitudinal seating arrangement for rear-wheel drive.
These engines are not closely related to the F-series engines used in the Honda Accord and Prelude in the mid-1990s.
[1] Honda engineers used technologies from Honda’s racing engines to make the most of the little engine.
The F20C and F22C1 both use a timing chain and have two overhead cams with roller followers, a ladder-frame main bearing stiffener, a VTEC system for both the intake and exhaust camshafts, Fiber-Reinforced Metal (FRM) cylinder liners, and molybdenum disulfide-coated piston skirts for reduced friction.
There are two distinct cam lobe profiles used in the VTEC system. The cam phasing is not variable. In order to reduce friction in the valvetrain, roller followers are used. Metal injection molding is used to build the rocker arms.
The aluminum engine block has a metal sleeve with fiber reinforcement. The cams are driven by an intermediate gear, which is driven by a timing chain. They are aluminum forged pistons. For quick engine response, the intake plenum was designed with a small volume, and until 2004, a 14 lb (6.4 kg) flywheel was included. The combination of a high-flow catalyst and an exhaust air-injection system significantly reduces the catalyst’s light-off time and cold emissions.
In This Article...
Is the engine in every S2000 the same?
The day the renowned Japanese company unveiled the Honda S2000, it instantly became a classic. It was first made available for the 1999 model year, and since then, it has consistently topped rankings of the best affordable sports cars. It handles like a go-kart and is compact, agile, and quick.
The Honda S2000 is one of the most entertaining vehicles you can buy, pound for pound. Undoubtedly, the engine of these cars is a key component of their pleasure.
At the Tokyo Motor Show in 1995, Honda unveiled plans to build a new sports car using a strong “x-bone frame technology. The S2000’s name comes from the engine’s original displacement, an inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter (2,000 cc) engine. The S moniker originated with the renowned Honda sports vehicles of the 1960s.
The engine displacement of the S500, S600, and S800 is likewise reflected in their names. Honda made the decision to revive the memorable name convention when creating the S2000.
There are two distinct generations of the S2000, known as AP1 and AP2. The 2.2-liter second-generation engine’s displacement was increased, but the S2000 moniker remained the same. From 1999 to 2003, the AP1 S2000 was in use, then from 2004 to 2009, the AP2 S2000. Each generation of the S2000 has slightly varying power outputs, fuel efficiency, and engine specifications despite the engines being quite comparable.
It’s crucial to know which generation and the specifics of each Honda S2000 you want if you’re on the market for one.
As always, you want to be as informed as possible while looking for a secondhand car. Let’s look at the engine specifications for both S2000 versions.
What is so unique about the Honda S2000?
First of all, that engine contributed to the mythology of the S2000. When you first start the car, this might not seem to be the case because it doesn’t seem to show anything exceptional as you wait for it to reach idle. You continue to apply some revs while pondering the fuss. However, the S2000 only starts to become truly unique once you find that redline and begin to drive it seriously. The S2000 had a normally aspirated production automobile engine with the highest specific output ever recorded. Remember that the engine produces 124 horsepower per liter—without a turbocharger or supercharging.
The engine is connected to the absolutely stunning manual transmission. For years, people have waxed poetic about this gearbox, but the truth is that it is just that amazing. According to publications like Top Gear, the mechanical connection you feel between the engine and the gears may perhaps be the greatest available right now. In the S2000, changing gear is an event rather than just a procedure. At high rpm, you can shift into the next gear quickly, or when softly cruising, you can shift into the next gear gradually. Honda did a fantastic job pairing the engine and transmission.
Honda S2000s are quick.
What Speed Is an S2000? The S2000’s 1,997cc inline four cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine produces 237247hp (depending on the market), allowing it to reach 100 km/h in about 6 seconds and reach a top speed of little over 255 km/h (158 mph).
Which S2000 year is the best?
What years are ideal for purchasing? Truth be said, there is no undisputed “best year S2000. On paper, the 2002 and later versions should be chosen because they have updated suspension and glass back windows.
Honda S2000s uncommon?
Honda sold only 700 S2000 CR models, making them exceedingly rare. Due to their scarcity and assortment of track-focused improvements, they have increased in value over the past five years from being $30,000 cars to six-figure collectors. In addition to having unique wheels, a quicker steering rack, stiffer suspension, revised aero, extra chassis bracing, and a one-piece detachable hardtop roof, CR models also received these upgrades.
This one, which has 123 kilometers on the odometer and is finished in yellow over black Alcantara and cloth, looks the part. The interior is in excellent condition, and the body panels and roof piece appear to be in flawless condition. The car’s engine compartment and underside appear to have never been touched by the outside world, which is not unexpected given that it has only traveled an average of 8.7 miles annually since it was first delivered in 2008.
Currently, a similarly equipped CR that sold for $122,500 on Bring a Trailer back in February 2022 has the distinction of most valued S2000 in the world. However, the mileage on that vehicle was 5500 when it was sold. At the time of writing, Rahal’s CR had received bids as high as $111,111, and there were still three days left to place them.
Rahal has relocated an S2000 using the Bring a Trailer platform before. The six-time IndyCar race winner paid $48,000 back in 2018 for a pristine 2000 S2000 painted in red with 1000 kilometers on the odometer. The next year, he earned $70,000 by auctioning off a 91-mile example.
Which S2000, AP1 or AP2, is superior?
The highest red line, at 9000 rpm, belongs to the AP1. To me, the red line represents the car in its most basic form. The engine size was enlarged by.2 in the second iteration, AP2 v1, which led to an increase in torque and a minor drop in horsepower.
Honda stopped utilizing VTEC when?
The 2017 Honda Civic Si will include a turbocharged engine, which is a first for the trim, and will go on sale next month for around $20,000. The 1.5-liter engine has the same 205 horsepower as the old 2.4-liter four with naturally aspirated gas. However, compared to the normally aspirated engine, torque is up 18 lb-ft to 192. The Civic Si should be enjoyable to drive because it has more power accessible lower in the rpm range and a standard six-speed manual transmission.
A sport-tuned suspension with firmer springs and antiroll bars helps to improve car control. Honda claims the new Si is substantially lighter than the previous version (without providing details). A two-mode adaptive damper system (sport and normal), a limited-slip differential, and larger 12.3-inch front brake rotors are all included as standard equipment.
The coupe and sedan both feature subdued design (at least compared to the Type R). The Si gets wider side vents at the back, black trim on the front fascia, 18-inch, 10-spoke wheels, and center-exit exhaust. No flashy body kits or extraneous wings are present.
It will be interesting to see how the 2017 Civic Si stacks up against rivals like the Ford Focus ST, Subaru Impreza WRX, and Volkswagen Golf GTI. With starting costs in the mid-$20,000 range and greater power than the Si, the competition may damage Honda’s new Si. Alternately, the Si could triumph despite lacking VTEC. As soon as we can get behind the wheel, we’ll let you know.
The Honda S2000 is turbo, right?
Even in its standard configuration, the storied JDM sports car from Honda is entertaining, but adding a few hundred more horsepower should only make it more so.
There seems to be a phenomenon that has afflicted Japanese automakers making uninteresting cars for the past fifteen years or so. The big three—Honda, Nissan, and Toyota—have found themselves struggling to gain traction in the enthusiast market they once controlled, essentially turning their backs on the formula that helped them achieve such success.
With Nissan clinging to life with the GT-R and Toyota appearing to return to their motorsport-inspired ethos, Honda finds itself in an odd position without a dedicated sports car to offer. Since the manufacture of the S2000 was discontinued in 2009, Honda enthusiasts have been screaming for a two-door roadster, despite the Civic Type R’s stunning appearance.
The S2000 continues to be one of, if not the best Honda model ever made, as seen by the robust aftermarket, enormous community, and of course, Honda dependability. Thatdudeinblue, an automotive YouTuber, shows us a fully-built S2000 with a big boy turbo, demonstrating that he is perfectly aware of this.
When did Honda discontinue using VTEC?
In 2006, the AVTEC (Advanced VTEC) engine was first revealed.
[8] It combines continuously variable phase control with continuously variable valve lift and timing control. In the first three years, Honda originally intended to build cars with AVTEC engines. Although it was predicted that it would debut in the 2008 Honda Accord, the car actually makes use of the current i-VTEC system. No Honda vehicles have an AVTEC system as of late 2017.
What is the value of an S2000?
What is the value of a 2000 Honda S2000? A used 2000 Honda S2000 is worth between $5,946 and $12,318 depending on the mileage, extras, and condition of the car. Get a free evaluation right here.
Why did Honda abandon the S2000?
The Honda S2000, a lightweight roadster that was first introduced in 1999, immediately established a reputation as a formidable rival to the venerable Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, the S2000 was terminated in 2009 due to sluggish sales, and plans for a replacement were shelved due to the financial crisis, whilst its Japanese rival is still being produced today. Since 2015, there have been rumors about a second-generation model, and it currently appears that Honda is getting closer to producing a replacement to reenter the market and compete with the Mazda Miata.
Is buying an S2000 worthwhile?
A fantastic high-performance roadster that is practical for regular driving is the Honda S2000.
For aficionados of sports cars and roadsters, the late 1990s and early 2000s were a brilliant time, as numerous fantastic models, including the Nissan 350z, Mazda MX-5, and of course the Honda S2000, were debuted. The Honda S2000 is still extremely desirable because it is still one of the best sports cars you can buy.
It’s a fantastic alternative for anyone seeking for a used roadster because to its renowned VTEC engine and classic design. There are a few drawbacks to purchasing an automobile that is 22 years old, though, because of its age. Before purchasing a Honda S2000, consider the ten items listed below.