K24 Swapped Honda S2000: POV Driving Impressions vs. AP1

K24 Swap Rationale and Execution

• 💡 The owner swapped his original F20 engine in a 2002 Honda S2000 due to it burning a quart of oil every 100 miles.
• 💰 The K24 swap cost around $6,000 to perform himself, which is still less than replacing the original F20 engine, especially considering he sold the old F20 for about $3,000.
• 🚀 The K24 engine has approximately 20,000 miles on it since the swap, with the current engine having about 15,000 miles.
• ⚙️ The swap requires custom Hasport engine mounts and a bell housing adapter for the transmission, but is otherwise described as a plug-and-play process.

Performance and Modifications

• 📈 The K24 swap results in an estimated 240 horsepower and 180 pound-feet of torque at the wheels, with a redline of 8,000 RPM.
• 🔊 The exhaust system features a Tanabe Revel Medallion, chosen for its quietness and minimal highway drone, with a 3-inch piping.
• 💨 The car is equipped with Fortune Auto 510 coilovers, Cusco sway bars, and a mix of RT660s in the front and R71RS in the rear tires.
• 🔧 Modifications include track pads (Hawk HT), custom intake, Type S oil pump, and K-to-F custom header, contributing to a unique exhaust note.

Driving Experience and Comparisons

• ⚡ The K24 swap provides a noticeable increase in torque, especially at lower RPMs, making the car feel more potent.
• 🎶 The exhaust note is described as guttural, with hints of V8 and WRX sounds, and a distinct VTEC crossover at 6,000 RPM.
• 🛣️ Despite the modifications, the car is described as tight and responsive, with comfortable coilovers suitable for daily driving.
• 🚗 A comparison with a stock AP1 S2000 highlights the K24's instant power delivery and more linear torque curve versus the stock engine's need to rev high for performance.

Challenges and Future Plans

• ⚠️ The owner has experienced issues with components coming loose due to vibration, including the alternator and water pump, requiring extensive use of red Loctite on engine components.
• 🛠️ A supercharger kit for rear-wheel-drive K-series engines is a future modification goal, but the current power level is seen as ideal for learning to drive the car better.
• 🔧 The owner also rebuilt the shifter with a Renegade Motorsports unit for a tighter feel, and has experimented with removing the rear sway bar for increased grip.

S2000 Ownership and Value

• 🌟 The S2000 is considered the 'final answer' for a driver's car, offering a blend of street comfort and track capability.
• 💰 The owner purchased the car for $8,000 in 2022 and estimates having around $20,000 invested in it, including the swap and various repairs.
• 📈 S2000 prices have recently dipped, making it a potentially good time to buy, though high-mileage examples still require significant investment to sort out.
• 🚀 The car's interior features a red theme, with seats that offer a lower driving position and improved comfort for longer drives compared to stock seats.