The PERFECT S2000? AP1 F20C with AP2 Transmission

Alex's 2002 Honda S2000 doesn't have a big wing, wide body kit, built motor or forced induction. Just simple mods and an AP2 transmission swap. Could this back-to-basic build be the ultimate representation of a pure driver's S2000?

[@slimjim77M]

When Zygrene post about the S2K, me clicks hella quick.

[@richardly438]

Lol. S2000 was built for him

[@terminator2149]

"I wouldnt want a daily s2k to begin with" ive been dailying mine for 5 years now :)

[@Zygrene]

Maybe I'm just old and cranky then

[@CarsMeetsBikes]

@@Zygrene or you're spoiled by your porsche

[@zpzp96]

literally sold my 2018 C300 for a 05 GPW stock to daily. Stock AP2 is soooo nice on the street

[@BitcoinTo150K]

It's fine for daily just DON'T buy coilovers/fart cans it's lot better. Has zero torque last thing you want is to be heard trying get up to speed limit lol

[@BitcoinTo150K]

Also keep stock motor mounts and clutch

[@CameronsCars]

I have an AP1 with an AP2 trans but with a higher compression JDM F20C. Thats the perfect combo!

[@iknowgood2403]

Was it a direct drop-in, or did you have to tune it for ap2 tranny

[@FreestylerAlbert]

Welcome to Europe. We had this. All S2k models were F20C1 and F20C2. And had the upgraded exterior, interior diff etc etc

[@dolifjntje]

Did the europe s2000 get the changed gearing from the f22?

[@jagymeister]

@@dolifjntjeno

[@xpictos777]

The perfect “AP2” is what we got in Australia. Basically all the AP2 changes but retained the F20C. I have a stock MY07 with its original factory F20C :)

[@astorbergonzoni]

yeah same as japan, they have both engines

[@SoyTuAn0]

Yes but yours is ap1 restyling 2005/2009

[@SoyTuAn0]

Ap2 is only the f22

[@xpictos777]

@@SoyTuAn0 That's why I used inverted commas "AP2" because it is still technically AP1 with all the AP2 bits sans the F22.

[@derekb370z]

Looking into an ap1 s2000 and this video helped me Choose between the ap1 and ap2

[@JBaek24]

Square tires (w/ good sticky tires) and a good coilover does wonders on S2ks. For the +06, You just need to tune to easily have a more wild (higher rev) engine setup. Lastly, switching to AP1 flywheel (or aftermarket that is lighter that AP2 flywheel) is another must for +06. Combination of all of these simple mods can be similar to Alex's setup and can be easily attained with either AP1 or AP2 chassis.

[@JBaek24]

Don't forget good alignment!

[@ayowser01]

Word. I can't even remember how a stock s2k feels anymore 😀

[@mickeyhartsell6096]

I love the AP1 front end looks COOL sorta reminds me of the FD RX7..

[@judge831]

MR2 Turbo is the car I'll always take as my favorite canyon carving, backroad car. I liked the S2000 a lot, but the torque, rear weight bias and manual steering make it truly unique, especially for the price

[@growthcountry]

Does it have hydraulic steering rack?

[@sdlausen1]

That is by far one of the worst sounding exhausts I've ever heard on an S2k.

[@unearthednsx116.]

I'm glad somebody else said it

[@Christianturner7]

Yeah it could be the mic setup or audio editing. If I’m not mistaken, this is sounds like the Fujitsubo Legalis R exhaust. Check out other videos it actually sounds really good.

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

Girl, same.

[@sdlausen1]

@@volodymyrshoniia2424 **wrist twist**

[@mdcohen]

sounded good on the road, I thought

[@dsher503]

I've been really torn between a new 86/BRZ and an ND2 Miata but I think the S2000 may be the perfect car. I love high revving engines and it's great that it has the ability to be top down or covered. Now begins the search to find a clean, stock AP1 and hopefully make some cool videos like this in the future!

[@John-b5e3e]

VTec engine in S2000!

[@IS300Spartan]

I’d really love to see you drive a well set up manual 1st gen IS300. Mine has a similar build philosophy to this car, and to me it’s an absolute perfect daily. Suspension, big brake kit, lightweight wheels, sticky tires, quality short shifter, lighter flywheel and bolt ons. I even love the NA 2jz as it is, with a couple bolt ons it’s really enjoyable to take to redline. A turbo one with the chassis to match would make a great watch as well. I really enjoy and respect your driving, so knowing what you think compared to all the sportier cars you drive would mean a lot to me!

[@mhtate3626]

I really wish the US got the IS200 / RS200 with the 3S-GE; A good alignment and some tyres were all those needed to have some fun with while having the option to take them further than that, of course.

[@Pete0126]

@@mhtate3626 ya the beams engine in that car makes better use of the chassis ! both are good cars though but getting harder to find

[@IS300Spartan]

@@mhtate3626 I feel ya, but I like the idea of the IS300 being the "Japanese BMW". It's far from perfect and the iron block 2jz has many disadvantages compared to the beams, but a NA Inline 6 is a rare treat these days. Inline 6, manual RWD sedan with a LSD, to me that's something special. I wouldn't trade mine for the 4 cylinder any day, for the sound and feel alone.

[@umamidaddy7243]

Listen to your last words about the s2k makes super happy about it being my first sports car but I too feel I wont find as much fun in another car. I want to own other cars but it will be a long winding road of regret.

[@papatonys]

AE86 is a lot of fun to drive as well. Less grip and power compared to an S2000 but very easy to drive on the limit. The low weight and manual steering rack make it super easy to throw around and feel what exactly the car is going to do.

[@growthcountry]

Where is list of manual or hydraulic steering cars?

[@kevinruger8819]

Thanks for all you do with your channel 👍

[@davidboyce6427]

3rd Gen Honda Prelude lowered on on Eiibach sport springs and toxicology struts. This was my set up back in 2002, 5spd manual 👍

[@z32luvr]

Nothing compares to a S2K unless you spend another 80k. Period.

[@Stephen-re4oy]

I haven’t driven an S2000, but I’m not sure I agree with that. I’m content with my E36.

[@BitcoinTo150K]

@@Stephen-re4oy you rock BC coilovers enough said supporting shit companies

[@John-b5e3e]

exactly

[@DC5Brandon]

Yep. That sounds just like my old Fujitsubo exhaust on my RSX. Loved it, but I replaced it to get better flow after some mods. Highly recommend.

[@mg_streetkandi]

Good job man...great review..keep up the good work.

[@stevenherron9434]

I have that setup on my ap2 I love it

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

Just bought an ap2 transmission for my Ap1 after seeing this video. My car was turbo but it ruined the experience of the car and now that it’s NA it’s way more fun again.

[@Kona61]

Same for me. My output shaft bearing took a dump and it sounds like a sequential trans lol. Hope I’ll enjoy the AP2 trans!

[@_Suzuka_Joe]

@@Kona61 the ap2 trans swap was totally worth it.

[@linkzz00]

Why was it worth it?

[@John-b5e3e]

where did you buy an AP2 transmission? New or Rebuilt?

[@sunnytsoi89]

Perfect setup indeed!

[@CameronsCars]

AP2 transmission, JDM F20C, JDM F20C Ecu with modified wiring harness. Intake box mod. Tanabe medallion exhaust (pre Revel buyout) Rockstar Garage high flow cat, PLM coated header = Perfect N/A S2000 without a tune

[@trashs2k]

What changed after Revel Buyout? I'm quite happy with my Revel that has been on my Ap2 for almost 2 years now

[@piero914]

A well setup RX7 would probably be awesome too, but top down driving is the best.

[@Zygrene]

Guess what's going to be in an upcoming comparison video? 😉

[@piero914]

@@Zygrene oh man. As the owner of an AP2 and lover of all things RX-7, I can't wait.

[@verdict1163]

@@Zygrene you could do 10 s2k/FD comparison vids and I don't think I would ever get tired of them!

[@johnmitchell2269]

AP1 with twin screw supercharged F22C. Hard top to replace soft top. Recaro pole positions. Tein Super Racing coil overs. Enkei Ev5 17" wheels. Full Toda exhaust. That'd be the perfect S2K for my taste (v.expensive though) Would be interested to see you drive the new Cayman GTS 4.0. Reckon you'd love it.

[@Zygrene]

GTS 4.0 sounds right up my alley

[@johnmason2410]

Real question is when is zygrene going to reunite with his one true love the S2K ?

[@gravity45b]

ND Miata with some small mods feels amazing on a canyon road ;)

[@Zygrene]

Got a modified ND2 in the works!

[@gravity45b]

@@Zygrene oh dang up in nor cal? Look forward to seeing it! And of course, next time you're in LA my ND is ready for you to check out :) just tuned it on E85 so hopefully it's fun to drive haha

[@JeremyKlein-c8v]

k swapped mr2 spyder i own both and i find myself in the mr2 way more + its a top down car as well.

[@RookieGuira]

I have a 2001 AP1… does a 2005 ap2 tranny fit?

[@rightfight100]

Would upgrading to the 4.44 Puddymod dif would the same thing?

[@Realpaul2k]

Have you found a GT350 to review yet? I’m about to trade my AP2 for one and I’d love to watch a review from you.

[@Zygrene]

Still trying to find a GT350 to review! I see them in public all the time

[@jakefarrell4411]

Set up e46 m3 with weight reduction

[@WatchingYoutubeVid]

I NEED IT

[@benmarr352]

Think you need to get into a Caterham......

[@zpzp96]

So what’s the shift points each gear with the AP2 on F20C? I know stock AP1 1st gear ends around 42MPH? And AP2 1st gear ends around 36MPH.

[@Zygrene]

Dunno the exact numbers but 60mph requires a shift to 3rd with the AP2 trans

[@dhj-i8g]

Oh baby, I've been wondering about this....Does it change the final drive? Would the speedo get thrown off?

[@amill1563]

Looks awesome! Is this N. Cal? I live in N. Cal.

[@Zygrene]

Yup bay area

[@endless_touge]

Try 4th gen Prelude. Lighter faster and much closer to 50/50 than 5th gen you tried before. For cornering is better than most cars ever built.

[@sanketsinha9488]

Do a review with an evo vi RS, should be good amount of fun.. also an e46 M3/997 gt3 should be enjoyable on the kind of roads you are driving

[@FCustureri]

Could you elaborate on how the AP brakes felt better than Stoptechs(pedal feel, braking pressure vs stopping force)? I have been eyeing the Stoptech C43s for a while. Also what version/kit APs? Thanks!

[@maxymillion7480]

AP Radical set up. Look at how many top tier teams and works-backed efforts use AP and Stop-Tech. Hint: You won't find Stop Tech.

[@ec7945]

What rpm at 75 mph in 6th gear?

[@punkassazn]

I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised when you get to drive my car!

[@Zygrene]

Looking forward to it!

[@bige7186]

AP1 FTW 9,000!!!

[@Tec-fv2xb]

Ap2-less rpm and more power FTW

[@bige7186]

@@Tec-fv2xb it’s over 9,000!!!!😵

[@bige7186]

@@Tec-fv2xb 9,000>8,000 🤔 9,000!!!🥶

[@brunomanco7529]

I dont umderstand why in the states barely no one puts a shorter final drive in theyr s2000s. Here we all put the 4.7 final drive. The car acelerates alot harder and its the only way to get the advantage of the 9000 rpm limit

[@richardly438]

You can try the 2016 gt4 but not the 718 model

[@FullBendo]

You should do an e46 m3 on this road

[@Fee.1]

How far is the closest track to you? And what about the closest reasonably affordable hotel that isn’t like scary bad 😂 ? I need to come spend a couple months out there and just enjoy the community and events. When’s the best time to be out that way in your view? You interested in doing any motorcycle content/reviews if I had a couple of my bikes trailered out there whenever I come stay out there for a bit? And would you be more interested in riding the big 3 Japanese bikes like the r6 or the MT09, a triumph like my Daytona 675 triple, or an Italian like the Ducati panigale or my new favorite and my forever bike, my MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800RC (I might have to buy a MV Agusta F3 or Super Veloce as well. I loveeeee the in-line 4 super sports revving to 16,000 rpm but the high revving triples like the Triumph and the MV Agusta might be the perfect harmony of attributes in a road race bike. ANYWAY sorry point is you up to do some riding if I trailer bikes out there and if so, do you ride already or do we need to get you a course under your belt ?

[@jsternberg]

Man that exhaust rasps like crazy! Is that the test pipe?

[@Zygrene]

Yup probably the test pipe causing the rasp

[@SurfCityAmpRoom1]

I have always liked the S2000 I did get a chance to run against one in my Datsun 510 SR20DET it has only 325hp but weighs 2000lbs you must know the outcome. A turbo S2000 would be great.

[@kevinruger8819]

Him: What other car out there do you all think is on par with this type of set up for pushing to the limit. The World: Miata 🤷🏾‍♂️

[@champloogamingtv7447]

Are you saying your nsx is not as enjoyable? That would be very surprising to me

[@Zygrene]

Love my NSX but it's enjoyable in a totally different way. Not a car I necessarily want to push hard on a windy road.

[@champloogamingtv7447]

@@Zygrene Definitely understandable

[@BitcoinTo150K]

@@Zygrene I would be terrified driving NSX worth way too much nowadays. Idk I like to beat the hell outta cheap cars if you blow it up/wreck whatever. Sold my mint low mileage S2K invested the $ last year best decision of my life!

[@verdict1163]

I have thought the same thing re: driving enjoyment of other cars versus the S2K. NA Miata, E30, AE86, are all contenders for FR lightweight driving fun, but you may be right that nothing else really offers the same experience as an S2K. Your description of "natural" describes the driving experience perfectly. Crazy but I think an NA FD would be interesting, not a three rotor, just a non turbo 13b

[@verdict1163]

AP1s are rare compared to AP2. They were a lot cheaper for longer than AP2 and many got modded to death

[@tobythomas5079]

RX8 VS S2K, you can do a lot an rx8 as it starts out a lot cheaper

[@BitcoinTo150K]

Obviously check any for sale ads maybe if you're lucky 1/3 are running. If you've never swapped a engine in your life a rotary will definitely give you that experience

[@tobythomas5079]

@@BitcoinTo150K You can pick up a mint rx8, thats had a rebuild and warranty on the rebuild for around $7000 in the UK, use the rest to build the ultimate chassis, brakes are good as standard for the amount of power its got, a good street port/half bridge plus breathing mods equals around 30whp, roll bars and ohlins coilovers, sorted.

[@johnnyperez3051]

I told you so : )

[@ΔημήτριοςΡάπτης-ρ9χ]

ΜIATA NC is very fun with more steering feel, but it doesn't have the 9k engine

[@gpajic1987]

I had a supercharged NC, unbelievable car... Revved to 7500 which was decent

[@KORTOKtheSTRONG]

dank

[@kelvinmctavish6369]

Drive a porsche 914 upgraded to the 916 with a 3.8 liter motor and 915 trans .

[@jackbrady657]

Alfa romeo 105 series gulia coupes. When they've been done by alfaholics they are incredible

[@PacMan592]

The exhaust ruins it

[@ottodensem3573]

I love s2k's but that exaust note was unbearable at the start

[@John-b5e3e]

that is not a stock exhaust,

[@dukmahsik]

U want one dont u

[@Zygrene]

🤷

[@bige7186]

He does , can’t deny that 9k baby!!😻

[@z32luvr]

Of course he does. It’s all he talks about 😁

[@itheus]

K swap mr2 (mk3)

[@leonwillett4645]

hah the sound is ridiculous

[@vincentsoo1634]

Maybe a well sorted rx8 could compare to an s2k.

[@terminator2149]

in handling 100%, maybe not in feel

[@Zygrene]

Haven't driven a sorted RX8 in a long time. Would like to if anyone has one.

[@izzoArtistry]

🤙

[@versus4582]

Find a tuned RX8 and test it.... you will be surprised

[@endless_touge]

Posers these days are looking for ap2 because is newer model . They lower it and stance it anyway. Not too many care about driving experience

[@MrSnuffinum]

Wow that exhaust sounds bad

[@rstuff1605]

You can get 5 hp from taking off the intake filter box , and u got urself a open element setup lol

[@jakescakes]

you actually lose hp by removing the lid on the oem intake box. it will sound better though.

[@rstuff1605]

Guess ut would be great for the winter since itll be heat soaked lol. I just heard from either Lht or mighty car mods or some channel. Guess my short ram is losing power too?

[@msabbagh4518]

GT4

[@sendit6683]

right, I think this is the point. to get comparable thrills, you are looking at GT3 or GT4.

[@uazhar2013]

Do yourself a favor, tune it.

[@John-b5e3e]

sounds like it needs a valve adjustment

[@ap2.v1]

wow that sounds like utter crap. (rev clip near the beginning)

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

Just push an elige harder lol

[@Zygrene]

Honestly they have too much grip to enjoy in the same way

[@volodymyrshoniia2424]

@@Zygrene yeah, I know, rear mid engine just isn't as playful/fun (rather scary when you lose grip, and you always have to be ready to catch it) and you don't get the shifter from the gods or the full open top experience, the engine is less special as well. Although the amount of feedback/rawness and immediate responses make elige fun in its own way even when not on the limit. Less worries with s2k, better car for 95% of the people 🤣 can I trade my elise for an s2k and money?

[@judge831]

Man... inline-4s just don't sound good unless they are sportbike engines. Turbo/SC ones sound pretty good, but I think V6s (especially the VQ37) sound way better.

[@kyledurning]

Not if you are boosted.

[@J90JAM]

The F20C just never sounded as good as the B18 or B16.

[@TysonKyle88]

Exhaust sounds terrible