There is a clean NA1 NSX in Croatia with ‘95 Le Mans winning inspired wide body, upgraded suspension, brakes and exhaust. Hopefully it shows up on the Ring :)
I love how Misha could jump in any car and drive it like he just robbed a bank. I love watching the car owners face when Misha brings it to the limit and sometimes hits the rev limiter between gears.
Misha's comments on the car are spot on. The early ones especially were very softly sprung indeed. Two decades old rubber bushings on the car are probably not helping the precision issues. Tires are also undersized for the car and have big sidewalls. A plus size tire upgrade (215/45R17 front & 255/40R17 rear) with a decent coilover setup (Ohlins, Bilstein, KW) and a fresh set of suspension and subframe bushings would go a long way towards making the car sharper and more track-worthy. Brakes are fine as they are, they just need better pads and higher boiling point fluid for track duty.
Yeah I'm going to do full nolothane on my track s2k for this reason, adjustable arms and RCA etc of course as it's lowered a bit. Coilovers really help with the tired old shocks and springs too. Chassis is very rigid for a stock car when you cage them it's even more so, like sitting on a steel beam. I'm going 18x10-11 though as it has an LS3 xD
I agree 100%. I spent ~$15k over 6 years refreshing my AP2 including Öhlins, ACT lightweight flywheel, new bushings/bearings, new clutch, etc. The car drives amazingly. The car didn't handle all that well stock, but it just had a ton of character. As for brakes, I keep boiling mine. I am going to get the air guides for the front brakes and use the 911 GT3 brake air intake to cool the rears (they both connect to the rear lower control arm). I am eventually stepping up to Wilwoods, but it's a pain to keep it cool stock.
I personally run 225/255 on mine. Stock ap2 is 215/245. Don’t really see people run 215 front if they also upgrade the rear to 255 but it could work if you still want the nimble and light steering in the front.
Can’t help but feel these Honda videos of the NA cars (around 200bhp) are all far more exciting videos. The sound and the drama seems way better, loved the second gear shift in the last turn 😂😂😂
My favorite thing about the S2000 remains the fact that Honda accomplished all of this in the form of a roadster. That so many people still use the S2K as a reference by which to compare cars of today speaks volumes about what Honda achieved all those years ago. There might be some wear items in need of replacement on this example and some modifications would benefit the car for track use, but it appears that the previous owner invested a fair amount of time keeping this S2000 in beautiful condition. Nice find.
I had the pleasure of owning an AP1 S2000 for a dozen years. Watching your lap was pure bliss. I immediately felt I was back in the car - I could feel each gear change, every heel/toe, the way the car transitioned mid corner. I'm not sure how it was a let down in any way. Still one of my favorite driving cars I've ever been in. Very nimble, precise, phenomenal shifter, easy clutch, very comfortable seat, and oh that 9000rpm scream. That said, tracking in stock form (something I got to do a bit of) the car does soften after a few minutes of hard driving. Bone stock, it's best experienced as a daily driver in a smaller city (without the terrible traffic). Keep it below 6k rpm and you're commuting in a slightly more comfortable Miata. Above 6k and a grin will develop.
It's a wonderful car. I've loved them for the last 20 years. I think Misha thinks from a track perspective and I have to agree that it does have some shortfalls on a track (in stock form!). That being said, it is very good on the street and mountain roads and therefore I never wanted to modify mine.
@@big-R I lusted after the S2000 after first reading about it in 1999, but couldn't afford one until '06. I bought a 2003 and had it for 7 years before it was totaled. I immediately bought a near identical 2002 with less mileage and owned it for 5 years before a steering sensor started going bad. There was a nationwide shortage of the part and I considered it a safety issue so traded it for a BRZ. Boy was that a mistake. The S2000 was better in nearly every way. I now have a Focus RS pulling family duty and it has that special factor the S2000 had. Still miss the Honda, though.
@@typeRF20c/ That is right but i can life with that. :) On the Nürburgring it drinks 20liter every 100 kilometers, so 4 liter on 1 lap. That is not so bad, some cars on the Ring take 8 liters for 1 lap or even more.
@@nickvlaanderenThe car is fine, it has aged very well, but for its price there is much to be desired, for example it has the Volkswagen EOS with the impressive 5-part roof with much more comfort for much less money than the Honda, it is not bad but the price seems to me ridiculous for what it is, when you have better options for a hell of a lot less. (Even just for the year it would already be a headache, it cannot be circulated practically because it is very old, it does not comply with the European environmental stickers for circulation in most cities) if you have the money left over to have it as a whim, fine, but It is that even the issue of parts is already complicated, I would not buy a car with more than 10 years, not even in a dream, with the new regulations that we have in Europe, more than the full efficient we have a big problem with olds cars here...today to think to buy a old car in Europe = RUN!🤣
@@madriditunes7021 You are right, the asking prices are high but i bought the car 13 years ago when the prices were lower. You can't compare a S2000 with a Eos, two different cars. Both are convertibles but further totally different cars and experience. If you compare a used S2000 with a new MX5 ND 2liter is more realistic. I'am happy i have my S2000 as a hobby car for the summer. As a all year daily and only car i would choose another car. For Germany i have a Green sticker on the windshield so the S2000 is allowed in the cities. What the future brings we will see. I live in the Netherlands were new cars cost a lot of money because of the taxes. A Toyota GR86 i would like but it is at least 60000Euro. New Civic type r 80000euro.
I got an AP1 S2000 like that, originally got it stock in September, but committed the sin of modifying it with KW V3 and 17" A052 Semi slicks, and driving auto slalom I can confirm that it makes a world of difference in the corners when it comes to confidence. It suddenly goes from sloppy "will I have traction?" to a go kart on steroids, where I can really play with the balance. Just... stock the chassis feels great, but the soft suspension, and tall sidewalls with 16" wheels, make the car feel unpredictable in stock form imo. Might be due to modern compound tyres that have more grip, but didn't gain additional sidewall rigidity.
@@mdev8846 I run a staggered setup since the KW V3 spring rates are square, 215 F/ 245 R (Yoko 052 is really fat for its sizes, for them in 255 I'd need a higher offset wheel than +49 in the rear at the moment). Brake pads currently are stock, but I'm looking at DS2500s once they are worn. Just couldn't justify switching them yet since they got replaced recently before I got the car.
Man Honda's are juste something else, like that girl you never forget about always there somewhere in your mind ready to make you smile when your' sad, and willing to make you cry the moment you will die.
An all original stock AP1 flexing its muscles is such a treat to watch... in trained hands its such a fun and percise track weapon for its time.... F20C1 brilliant engine!!! Sounds fantastic and just loves those revs.... S2000 & F20C1 = forever LEGEND STATUS!!
Not all petrolheads like natural aspirated engines, unless of course they’re above 4000cc, or better, make it above 6000cc. 😊 I love the kick of a power surge from relatively low rpms. Either we have a turbo for the high torque needed or a big natural aspirated engine.
@@adamwagner7522 That's why you build a 9k RPM LS ;D it's my next project when my LS3 S2K needs refreshing, Texas SPeed is getting a call after chatting to them about it at TX2K this year lmao
@@adamwagner7522 Sure, agreed! I also fancy the 9000rpms. …however I highly dislike the lack of power in low and med revs where we drive at least 90% of the time. That’s why I only fancy high displacement natural aspirated engines.
Misha is spot on.. I had a 4.4 final drive installed on mine with the ap2 17" wheels and 245 rear tyres and it made a massive difference to the twitchy "widow maker" rear. The 16" ap1 rims made for many rear surprises. But maaan I miss that car.
@@99Lezard99 haha cooling was the least of the problems it had, sorry to all the people who bought a oil cooler. What it really needs is a baffled oil pan and airflow to cool the last cylinder. Those engines were bullet proof as long as oil was topped up and serviced accordingly
AP2 wheels, with modern tyres - Michelin Pilot Sport 4 225/245 setup makes a world of difference. The original 16 inch tyre setup on the AP1 really holds the car back
@@gord6695i guess you never tried those. Japanese made not low quality European Potenza stuff you can buy today. Most supercars in the 00+ had those tires. Michelin are for amateurs .
Driving a year 2000 S2000 all original myself, I understand where Misha is coming from on having soft suspension... It's a handful! :) I was nervous for him on the first lap. I think other tires would help somewhat as the PS4 don't have a stiff sidewall, but the suspension was indeed very soft for years 1999-2000. Honda changed suspension almost every year through 2009. 2002+ cars are noticeably more stiff.
@@mdev8846 Yes but not all years of AP2 rear were softer, 2008+ were actually more stiff. Also, 1999-2001 fronts were considerably softer than all other years. All 1999-2001 are overall the softest and most difficult to drive.
You're wrong. Honda actually made the suspension softer every year AFTER the 1999/2000 model year with even smaller anti roll bars. The issue with this s2000 is that it has the WRONG tire size with too much sidewall and a chunky/heavy passenger.
@@sdlausen1the ratings are available on the internet to see... yeah they did stiffen the anti roll-bars but it didn't make up for 20% softer spring in the front of the 1999-2001 models. The car in the video has original sized tires....
Honda changed the suspension setup every few year to "improve" the handling (at least making it less twitchy). Not only AP1 to 2 but also "AP 1.5" that got many changes
Notice the GT86 was driving really well in front of you, slower car and increasing gap in corners, nice to see these both cars chasing. This S2k WOAW one of my fav cars. I've had a great moment watching this video, your driving skills are impressive! 🥰
Ap2 is not the 2nd gen s2000. Ap2 has the 2.2 f22 engine. But yes the gen2 ap1 with the 2.0 has drive by wire (so traction control), smoother rear roll bar, bigger wheels/tire size. And maybe something else...I can't remember.
Good condition stock S2Ks are rocketing in price, actually all these Japanese cars are appreciating in value by so much over the past 3 years. R34 went from in my price range for a long term car goal to keep forever, to nevermind
As an S2000 owner that was a joy to watch. Over taking that M2, goes to show what a good driver can do. Reminded me of the original test video from Honda back in 98 I think. His opinion though about not meeting your heroes, obviously it’s an old car so it won’t feel that amazing compared to new modern tech. But it does let take many mods to transform these cars on track
the S2000 platform was considered one of the best handling FR platforms by Best Motoring and ruled the Touge (i think it still holds the fastest time). Would be interesting to see a track prepped one in Misha's hands.
Misha: I autocrossed a new SP1 at the national level here in the US. Stock, the car is very loose (oversteer) and also soft, so I installed a much stiffer, adjustable front anti-sway bar and also double-adjustable Koni racing shocks. This transformed the handling and made the car really good for autocross. I can't even imagine running one that old on the stock tires at the Ring. I really enjoyed watching this video. Nice job!
Geez Misha! what a drive with those left foot braking and heel toes flipping hell. I wish I could jump in any car and just do that off the bat like you. Much respect comrade! Thanks for putting a smile on my face.
Look up "Best Motoring S2000 Nurburgring test" it seems like this car´s performance has not suffered from age at all! Gan-San really has some impressive driving skills tho..
Looked real fun. Body roll makes you slower and losing grip is scary, but wrestling with the car is the fun part for me, not memorizing brake points and keeping the car planted to do a fast lap. It's also real interesting to watch. Be honest, what would you rather watch? 80s F1 constantly dancing around at the edge of grip or modern F1 looking glued to the road? I know which one I would pick.
I love your analysis after the lap. Hit it right on the head. These cars are amazing in so many ways, but have a lot of limiting factors, especially on track. We tend to idolize these cars from our childhood so much that it nearly disappoints you when you finally get behind the wheel of one
Try an ap2 (2.2l engine), 17" wheels, shorter fd, neutral handing next. To get the s2k to be track capable you need a square wheel/tire setup; brakes; Ohlins (or better) suspension; sway bars; roll center adjusters. Edit: 237hp flywheel; 195-210 whp
Pretty sure they never got the F22C in Europe because of the customs regulations. So, unless someone imported one from North America (or Japan although they only had the F22C for a couple of years) we're out of luck on that one.
Misha I would love to see you drive a 04-up S2000. Honda changed suspension settings for more rear grip starting in 04 as well as wider 17” wheels and tires. The rear is softer while the front was stiffened. If you could get one with the F22C engine I believe you would feel differently about the car. Its not that its much faster but it makes torque sooner in the rpm range and is easier to drive. Several japanese publications from the time of the facelifted cars(AP2) 04-up, tested both the AP1 and AP2 cars on road courses and reported faster lap times. Best Motoring has an episode showing both chassis codes on the track with a significant difference in times. Someone bring a STOCK facelift AP1 or AP2 for Misha to compare! Id love to hear your opinions on one of the updated chassis.
The sub vtec laziness is easy to fix with an AEM v2 cai, you wouldn't believe how much mid-range it get's you without sacrifice to top end power. De-cat is also the next step. Change the wheels to racing offset rims (i've got the 5zigen pro-racer gn+), running toyo r888's sized AP2 17inch standard +1 size width front and back. Change the pads for EBC red front and EBC green back. Add a megan racing front strut bar and an anti-bump-steer kit. Car will be much better. I've started with the european AP2 (stiffer chassis than AP1 but with the f20c 9krpm instead of the f22 8krpm). The simple mods explained made the car much faster in corners, acceleration (vtec engagement +-1000rpm is way rounder now) and braking. Haven't touched the ecu yet... after the wheels with racing offset, the suspension became the next target. A noticeable understeer under acceleration nature starts to show... not bad if you're going sideways, but this car wasn't built for d1 (no front lock to sustain high angle drift with ease and a vtec engagement 60% range make it twitchy). But only after changes to offset and grip was the suspension limitations perceptible...and still, kick the brakes on turn-in and there will be no understeer nature at all. I love the balance on this car...i just love it.
An important note is that this car needs tyres with exceptionally stiff sidewalls. The non S Pilot Sport 4 tyres are some of the softest sport oriented tyres available. I have Good Year Eagle F1 -Asymmetric 6- _Asymmetric 5_ tyres on my S and they're also too soft. The OE Bridgestones are a little dicy in the wet, partly because they're so stiff. Note that even the S001 isn't as stiff as the OE tyre, so even the Potenza Sport likely won't be stiff enough either. That makes it tough to pick a (17") tyre in today's market. I think it only leaves the last gen Continental Premium Contact to provide enough sidewall stiffness. By the way, the overlays in this video are excellent, well done :)
As a former S2000 Ap1 driver I can truly say to get a set of 17" facelift wheels. They are bigger and dont weight more than the 16s. The 225s are not capable to get the grip in extreme driving situations. You like to step on the gas but you cant and thats where you loose time. The bigger 17" make the car faster and more stable. If you dont want an expensive set of forged rims, thats the way to go. You can even change the tire size to get a good set of sport tires, but the step to semi-slick is even better. You can go with 225s at the front, but if you want to lower it a bit, i wouldnt recommend it at all (stick to the 215s) because of scratching tires in the wheelhouse. But you can switch from 245s to 255s at the back without any sweat. Most of the aftermarket crap is just a waste of money, some stuff is good to get a better laptime, but also expensive. Keeping an "old" S2000 fresh with new parts is a good base to start with, but most of the owners dont spend the money on it. 😅 still missing my s2000 but looking forward getting one again in the future
Without the chunky passenger and correct tire size, this run would have been MUCH better. All you have to do is update the tires to later model or ap2 size and your set.
no but it was the highest hp per liter n/a production car for quite some years. the first production car with 100hp per liter was earlier. either it was a honda (civic or integra from 1988 or something) with the 1.6 n/a and 160hp or something completely different
Well, there's a reason the temperature gauge doesn't move... stock the range of 3 bars of coolant temp is very wide so it will only go the 4th bar and above when it's allready nearly overheating. Modifry provides modules so the range of the bars is far more accurate and precise, I have one on mine and now the full range of bars is used... can be scary though as you can clearly see it getting hotter and hotter on track :D
2000 Honda S2000 (ap1) One of the most fun cars I’ve ever owned. Can get a bit rear end slippy at times, definitely a car that has snap oversteer, but an absolute blast to drive to its limits. Shout out to the Clio driver too.
What I think people missed is that the is a completely stock car going around a track at 7+ rpm most of the time and sometimes redlining, all the while the temperature gauge did not flinch. Not a single increase. That is Japanese engineering. Amazing
well its not a type r. its not made as a trackday car. it was designed as a fun road car. especially the ap1 is known for a lively rear end.... there is a lap on RU-vid were Motoharu Kurosawa drove one on the ring and he was countersteering really a lot. it was a pre production car on best motoring i think. also the f20c stock never reached its 241hp. they were good for about 220hp. and yes, they are heavier then people think as well. iirc they are like 1250kg or there about. that clio surely was 200kg lighter at least. in the end of the day, to have a solid track car s2000 you would need to modify it like you would almost any other car. ps: suprised the stock brakes worked as well considering how many much more modern supposed "sport models" cant get thier brakes right.
I have a 2002 model and you are spot on except the power, they do make around 230isch and the AP1 engines make slightly more power than the AP2 engines (only 3-4hp). And yes stock breaks, even though small are actually really good ... with break cooling, pads and steel break lines they can do a whole track day (depends on track and driver ofc)
Nice driving! This video reminds me of a fun track day about seven years ago when I owned an FR-S and was determined to keep up with an instructor driving his AP1 S2000. We did a couple of laps running nose to tail, passed nearly everyone in my run group, and I unsurprisingly hit a PB. Really fun learning experience and we had a good time laughing about it afterwards. BTW I'm pretty sure the reason the GT86 was pulling on you was because your top was down. I also noticed my FR-S would pull slightly on the AP1 S2000 (running top down), especially above 80 mph. At 110+ mph I would have to lift from behind.
@@anonymous..- Bro i am watching from Pakistan.I bet Misha has alot of Asian fans,. My greatest wish it to meet Misha as he is such nice gentleman. Who knows, someday.
The early s2000 needs some adjustments to perform good on track. Firstly the alignment should be spot on if it is not it makes it nervous. The early original 16" tyres were very special and designed for the s2000. There is not such tire these days so a semislick tire is needed or better to go with 17" wheels tires and sizes of the face-lift cars. Rear antiroll bar was very hard and more suited to small tracks. A softer rear bar from a face-lift car tames the rear. Lastly it needs a shorter final drive like a 4.4~4.6 to give it some more push.
Having recently completed the high performance driving school at mid-ohio and getting to drive an AP1 and AP2 in a pseudo-autocross, they're amazing. Simply impeccable machines that do what you expect and ask of them with a thrilling character to boot
Lots of honda's on the channel lately.And there's a k20 ek coming up too😊.That Clio really moves indeed😮. Great content ,keep it coming! I really love the chase laps !
@@mgcharoudin love to see the content! I had a Ek civic chassis for 12years ,now driving a 10thgen 1.5Turbo civic.The double wisbone 88-00 honda chassis is still my favorite!
Hi Micha, I have a S2000 (AP1 phase 2) I totally agree with you and your analyse 👌🏻 I have my S2000 with B14, brake pad project Mu800, NR1 tires and exhaust HKS (60mm) for and just this it is what they need. Already nice driving, it's pleasure to see it👌🏻. Have a nice day from Reunion Island in Indian Ocean 😁
S2K is heavy for a honda stock, with 250ish hp. Especially two up like you did in this video. When modified they are basically the best touge platform in the world if you follow Japanese touge scene. The chassis has a crapload of potential and really needed lot more power. V6 J series would've been perfect and still retained the 50:50 weight distribution they have.
The AP1 was known for snap oversteer and sketchy grip at the limit of the stock suspension. AP2 noticeably detuned the suspension performance to introduce understeer and reduce the number of crashes on road by owners.
S2000s are great but from the factory they feel like they're wearing clothes that are a size too small. Honda did its best to try and dress it up like a classic roadster but the S2000 deep down is a track destroying beast. The way the suspension is setup and the agility it has demands and craves a suspension overhaul and grippier tires. Add 200tw 245 or 255 square tires, thicker front swaybar to bring back the balance, stiffer suspension to handle the tires and more aggressive brake pads and you have a perfect track setup!
Great lap .... you pushed that car to its limit ... defo looking at it looked underpowered but not bad for an old honda ... still love the old Japanese cars but defo could do with abit more power especially chasing that wee clio 😅
My thoughts from Miata/MX-5 experience; a shorter overall tire diameter will make a big difference. It’ll help improve the gearing to give it just a little more acceleration, so just a little less effort to move itself, especially when you’re under the powerband. It’ll be easier to get into 6k. The slightly stiffer sidewall will also help reduce flopping on the tire. Because the small lightweight roadsters are really sensitive to sidewall flex, just not really enough downforce or weight to keep it consistent which causes the cars to wobble awkwardly when it’s pulling through a corner. So if anything, just a better tire size could make a really noticeable difference.
The S2000 is a really cool car, but more in its capacity as a modern classic. By no means does it perform like a modern car, but the feeling and driving experience is very good especially on the road on a fun weekend drive. It was fun to see a stock one driven on the ring, my dad has had one for over 10 years.
Modded S2Ks are the fastest Touge cars in Japan, they have a phenominal chassis that can handle a crapload more power and grip (except you re-weld/beef up the upper arm connectors on the AP1 fronts for track use). There are LS powered ones in USA I saw running low 7s with just a cage
Noting the occasional left foot braking on turn in, I have a 2003 AP1 and had some track training and it rotates into corners very well if you brake into the turn. Transformed by some decent tyres. Usual great driving from Misha
Lucky to have found mine with coils, big brake kit, and intake/exhaust. Had no problem on the track. I think my AP2 also has better gearing. AP1 or AP2, still a great base for a track car. And all S2000s still perfectly reliable general use, fun cars with normal maintenance. 110,000 miles on mine, sees the track, no issues.
I would agree, looked like 220hp max. Also maybe keeping it bone stock is not the best idea. With a few mods there would be a night and day difference.
102kph is about 5kph shy of AP1 2nd gear redline @ 8900rpm. Misha is safe with that mis-shift :) any higher and owner would be inspecting those valve retainers.
Can’t really compare a heavily modified clip against a completely stock s2000 that’s not even on semi slicks. I think when this car came out it was so ahead of its time
It took Toyota a few decades after the S2000 came out to dial things in but this latest 86 should be faster. Not as fun of course. But with a few mods the S2000 will be on top again. And yes of course then you mod the 86 and it's probably slightly ahead but the S2000 takes boost very well. Not sure about the 86 though.
