Honda S2000
2.0-litre DOHC VTEC, 250 hp at 8,300 rpm, 9,000-rpm redline — 125 hp per litre naturally aspirated, the highest specific output of any production NA engine of its era. At 6,000 rpm VTEC switches cam profiles and the engine transforms: the power curve goes vertical, the intake screams. Past 8,500 rpm the sound turns razor-sharp and metallic — a wail that only makes sense when you know Honda built F1 engines. VTEC solenoid gasket leaks from 80,000 km (most common weak point, gasket kit ~$30). Crank walk in 3-5% of the AP1 fleet through thrust bearing wear — heavy clutch abuse is poison. Track days demand a baffled oil pan — the F20C starves in fast corners. Oil every 5,000 km with 5W-30. The most honest car Honda ever built — no turbo, no AWD, no comfort alibi.
9,000 rpm NA roadster — the most honest Honda
No turbo, no AWD, no roof, no excuses. At 6,000 rpm VTEC switches cam profiles and the roadster becomes a high-revving weapon. Past 8,500 rpm the sound goes razor-sharp and metallic — pure F1 DNA. The steering telegraphs every pebble. Boxster rival at half the price, twice as scary at the limit. Snap oversteer on lift-off is not a flaw. It is the car talking.
Engine Weaknesses 10
The hydraulic chain tensioner loses tension due to oil deposits and falling oil pressure. Typical from 60,000–100,000 km. Timing chain replacement costs approx. €1,450 without the tensioner, full job approx. €1,600–1,800.
Symptoms: Characteristic rattling or chattering mainly during warm-up. Noise appears at 62,000–80,000 km and recurs.
The Fiber Reinforced Metal (FRM) cylinder bore can wear or be damaged by incorrect oil. Repair requires a specialist — standard reboring destroys the coating. Engine rebuild required.
Symptoms: Rising oil consumption up to 1 L/1,000 km during VTEC use, blue smoke on cold start or on load changes, compression loss.
Axial crankshaft play from worn thrust bearings ("Crank Walk"). Heavy clutch use or an uprated clutch accelerates wear. Typical on AP1 2000–2003. Engine rebuild required.
Symptoms: Scraping or clunking when pressing the clutch, measurable axial crankshaft play, engine noise changes with the clutch pedal
The F20C's standard wet sump starves of oil in long fast corners — particularly in left and right-handers with high lateral g-forces. The oil pump draws air and oil pressure drops. Essential modification before any track day: oil baffle or baffled oil pan.
Symptoms: Brief oil pressure drop in fast corners, oil pressure warning light on track, in extreme cases bearing damage after a track day
The nylon guides of the F20C oil pump chain wear increasingly above 150,000 km. Chain slack and guide fragments in the oil can lead to oil pressure loss.
Symptoms: Oil pressure loss at high revs, oil pressure warning light when warm, metal particles in the oil
Early S2000 AP1 models (2000–2003) showed increased valve guide wear, leading to elevated oil consumption. Honda revised the design for later models.
Symptoms: Blue smoke after overrun and on cold start, oil consumption rising above 0.5 l/1,000 km
The F20C requires valve clearance inspection and adjustment every 45,000 km or 36 months. If neglected, clearances tighten and can lead to valve seat damage. Workshop cost approx. €100.
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on cold start that reduces with operating temperature. If clearances are too tight, power loss and check engine light are possible.
The F20C engine is prone to failures of the VTEC oil pressure switch and solenoid valve. Fault codes P1259 and P2646/2647 are typical.
Symptoms: VTEC does not engage, fault code P1259/P2646, power loss above the VTEC transition point
The MAP sensor fails frequently on the F20C, causing hesitation, power loss and VTEC malfunction. Vehicles from model years 2004–2005 were eligible for a free manufacturer replacement.
Symptoms: Hesitation and power loss, rough idle, VTEC malfunction and check engine light
The VTEC solenoid gasket ages and starts to leak — oil seeps out along the outside of the valve cover and runs over the chain tensioner. Often misidentified as a TCT leak. Repair takes 20 minutes; gasket set costs under €30.
Symptoms: Oil visible on the outside of the engine next to the VTEC solenoid, oil trace on the chain tensioner housing, oil smell when the engine is hot
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
The Torsen differential can wear through incorrect oil or neglected change intervals. A used differential costs €1,200–1,500.
The thinner valve retainers of the F20C in the AP1 are prone to cracking, especially with frequent revving to 9,000 rpm. If they fail, piston-to-valve contact and total engine destruction are possible.
The metal brake lines corrode particularly at the forward protective end where dirt and water accumulate. A single brake line already costs over €500.
Early S2000s (1999–2001) show weaknesses in the synchro rings for 2nd and 3rd gear.
The sea-transport lashing points sit lower than the rest of the underside and corrode through water and salt accumulation. Sills and rear wheel arches are also affected.
Honda issued a TSB: the rear axle nut was tightened from the factory at 245 Nm instead of the correct 300 Nm. This causes premature wear of the rear wheel bearings and hubs.
The VTEC solenoid seal becomes brittle and allows oil to run down the side of the engine. With a contaminated screen filter, VTEC no longer engages correctly.
Early AP1 models up to approximately 2002 have a plastic rear window that yellows and clouds over time.
The fabric hood can become leaky on older vehicles and let rain into the interior.
The aluminium bonnet develops 'white plague' — typical aluminium corrosion under the paint that appears as white blisters and craters.
The F20C in the AP1 consumes more oil by design than the later AP2 (revised piston rings and PCV valve). Up to 1 litre per 1,500 km is stated as normal in the Honda owner's manual.
Virtually all early S2000s develop a clutch rattle at idle due to play in the clutch ancillary parts. Technically harmless, but disliked by enthusiasts.
Reports & Tests
126 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (1999–2003). Most reported: Engine & Cooling (20), Powertrain (17), Airbags (16).