Honda S2000 with Acura TL's 3.7L V6

Wouldn't it under steer like a fat-chick on skates though?

AP1 S2000=fun

I think a 2.4L turbo would be an interesting swap. This seems like it would throw off the balance of the car.

Actually, that extra mass up front might help even things out a little. When I was seriously considering a MY05, I was able to take one out (alone) for almost an hour. Without being TOO abusive, I did wring it out over Mulholland, and quite remember how much the rear wanted to snap out - sometimes quite abruptly. That didn't really scare me, but the utter lack of torque really was a deal-killer in an otherwise pure sports car.

Had there been a V6 or FI option at the time. I would have owned that thing.

Honda has lost all sense of sport, across the board. Where's the Prelude? Where's the Integra? Where's the Viggor? Of course, the NSX?

dougnash:

The back ends do want to snap sideways. With practice it becomes just that much more fun to drive on the edge. My choice for the car was to add a little boost in power and increase the rear tire size to 255. I can assume Honda canceled the S2000 due to declining sales but is was on the market for a while and sold a lot of copies. In my book its a true sports car.

I would like to see Honda more in the RWD market.

Honda is dead to us enthusiast, no more "Honda Spirit".
Honda has just became another Toyota now, after killing S2000.

That would've made a good Acura, but I wouldn't want a Honda sports car with a large, conventional V6.

Dude the point of the S2000 is to have the lightest possible configuration aka Uber High Revving V4. Stick the Lazy Acura v6 in something else.

i guess this makes the Civic SI the last of the cool Honda's. I miss then Honda was the more cool/hip alternative to the Toyota and when acura's actually looked cool.

It doesnt increase weight distribution that much because ppl are doing v8 swaps with ls2 and ls1 vette engines . I plan on finding a 2000-2003 s2000 and get a ls3 w/ a 6peed. check out hinsonsupercars.com for the builds in progress

This is what honda should have offered instead of killing the car. Looks really clean but honda is about to be the splitting image of toyota as soon as hyundai and kia steal the civic si sales with the gen coupe and forte turbo.

Although a V6 sports car from Honda is ideal, as good as the TL's 3.7L is it's just not sporting enough. Honda sports cars HAVE to have that certain entertaining high RPM character that makes them what they are.

"Honda has just became another Toyota now, after killing S2000."

@Kevinlch, even with no high performance cars Honda will never be like Toyota at least in product execution. Fortunately for Toyota, it looks like the new boss will change the appliances they make into something people may want and like to drive.

"Actually, that extra mass up front might help even things out a little. When I was seriously considering a MY05, I was able to take one out (alone) for almost an hour. Without being TOO abusive, I did wring it out over Mulholland, and quite remember how much the rear wanted to snap out - sometimes quite abruptly. "

@Inlinesix, the AP1 (00-03) S2000s are known to snap oversteer, the AP2's less so. The AP2 (04+) received suspension changes to make the more predictable at the limit plus received the larger F22. I actually prefer the AP1 as it seems a bit sharper and for the extra 1000rpm of the 2.0L. It may be light on torque but it's super smooth from idle to 9100 and is VERY entertaining as it always wants to play.

If you want more power/torque from an S2K simply add boost. These engines are super stout (forged internals) as they are known to EASILY handle 450+whp with just a head gasket change (to lower compression) and a proper tune. Of course other associated parts have to be changed like the clutch and rear diff if the power gets to high. I'll probably be boosting my AP1 sometime in 2010.

Here's an example that is said to be making over 600WHP on the stock block/head. It's pretty mean.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUFFudEJnjk

the 2.4L turbo from Acura RDX would be a better choice to swap with. It seems the 3.7L V6 is just too heavy for S2000

the S2k was a good step up from Mazda Miata, it's a shame Honda killed it.

This would make for an awesome Acura that would be at home as a vehicle above the S2000 and below an NSX...if those cars were ever to return.

Just look at how much space is still in that engine bay! It's still a front mid-engine car with that V6!

Other than that, +1 for HPD, -2 for Honda.

I doubt the cost would be much more since that V6 isn't exclusive to the S2000 like the F20C (?) was.

"It seems the 3.7L V6 is just too heavy for S2000"

Hokiehigh, don't be too sure as the J37 (3.7L) is actually much lighter than past J Series Honda V6's that have less displacement. I know for a fact that it's lighter than the J35 (3.5L) and maybe even the J30 (3.0L). The Honda V6 is probably the lightest and most compact V6 in it's class due to its SOHC architecture.

I'm sure HPD cured any chassis balance issues that would surface with this car as they've built a RWD V6 Turbo Element, the Element D used for drifting and a very successful turbocharged Honda Odyssey they built for One Lap America which was 1st in its class that includes those mean Jeep SRT8's, Porsche Cayenne Turbos and other high powered SUVs/trucks.

Honda Element D: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jJPhcimaTw&feature=fvw

Honda Odyessey: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vmPSs_5-zLg

More HPD Odyssey footage:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnGCdcr6bgg&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=warItyCGYuY

The engine wasn't really the problem. The car was seriously dated by the time Honda pulled the plug.

This car looks like it needs a fat strut bar.

Keep it light. That's all that matters. A 2.4L turbo 4 displacing in the upper 200s would be darling.

"Keep it light. That's all that matters. A 2.4L turbo 4 displacing in the upper 200s would be darling."

Wrinkle, A 2.4T sounds ideal in terms of power/torque but it would heavily dilute the S2000's character. The same goes for the V6.

If I was going to do an engine swap in an S2000 it would have to be a high revving power plant, probably something from BMW M or a small displacement Ferrari V8. That new Lexus V8 in the LFa would work also. However, boost has been proven to give the F Series quite a (reliable) punch without substantial modifications.

hondacura4

Cool links

Either I'm getting old or I'm a true family man now but I find myself wanting that HPD Odyssey more then the V6 S2000.

Honda should offer a less extreme version of it as a "Sport" version of the Odyssey.

Honda I see your point. It would indeed alter the character of the S2K but it would ultimately make for a more effective sports car, knaw mean? As built the thing just doesn't have enough gusto, as fun as it is to toss.

@hondacura4

The Lexus LFA has a 4.8L V10

Anything more than a V6 is overkill and would tread on NSX territory. That's why I say V6 slotted between original S2000 and NSX.

It's the ideal set up that would also put it in the reaches of Caymans, Boxsters, Z4s, SLKs, TTs and the like.

it's just honda engineers having a little fun before they start working on their next project

I dream of next Or end with the last dream?
Honda's do not like the turbo.

Here it is again, the old big engine small car concept that has been going on for many years. Before I even saw this, I always wondered how the S2000 would have been if there had been a V6 option (the S3000?). The car retained a pretty big following without that, but the lack of low-end torque was and still is a deal breaker (for those buying used since the S2000 is OOP). Go-Kart like handling makes up for some of this, but sports car buyers still want power. Those who cross-shopped this vehicle with a BMW Z4 were likely disappointed. So, bring on this new projecct car with a 3.7 V6. If the engine is light enough, the car should be very buttoned down and not lose very much if any of its handling prowess. Performance should be impressive given what this engine can do in its much larger cousins, and if launch isn't too tricky, 0-60 in under 5 should be possible. We shall see!

@tib2006

I dont think we'll get to see

that said, you could always look into a LSx swap. should be able to fit in the engine bay without affect weight balance TOO much. there's enough space (look at the big empty gap under the intake)

then the dual exhausts will actually have a reason to exist for purposes other than styling lol

hmmm.... it would be better but it wouldnt be that cute sports car you get to drive around all day...

hmmm.... it would be better but it wouldnt be that cute sports car you get to drive around all day...

As the owner of a supercharged S2000, I suppose I should add my $.02.

I think there should be 3 versions:
S2000 - as is with the F20
S2000 Type S - V6 J35 revving to ~7K RPM
S2000 Type R - supercharged (or turbocharged) F20

Honda would have the regular S for the boulevard cruisers, the Type S for the folks who want lots of power, and the Type R for those who want a serious track car.

If you want to do an aftermarket engine swap, you need to look at motors with a fine balance of power and weight. I think 450hp is too much for this car. Trust me, 350hp is plenty. A supercharger alleviates much of that low end lag.

Well after just jumping over about a thousand (not literally) posts, i figured i'd chime in on my 2cents and prediction. If this car was a test mule for Acura, MAYBE it still is. I really think Acura sales could benefit from a RWD V6 powered car. Don't think like the S2000, think Mercedes SLK, Bmw Z4 or Audi TT. 300hp Roadster really falls in line there with those cars and only the TT is lacking in hp. So a "tecnocentric" RWD 300hp roadster with its emphasis of a smooth-ish ride and and a smooth and powerful engine. Sounds about right to me.

Now if i had to predict another S2000, i think their 2.3L Turbo 4 as used in the RDX would be a nice place to start. Unfortunately, i don't really know anymore because every place i predicted that engine would turn up (EG: TSX) has got a V6 instead. I think the S2000 was a great car and all but a little refinement to its rough edges really couldn't hurt that car. Sure, it won't be able to rev to 10k RPM anymore, but there would a TON more torque on its way up there. And lets face it, many people that looked at buying an S2000 didn't buy one because of its lack of torque.

Using the RDX's numbers, 240hp and 260lbs ft and 0-60 in ~6.5 secs in a nearly 4000lbs AWD suv vs 6.1seconds in a car weighing almost 2900lbs... With an engine swap, i'm sure the Turbo4 would be more powerful in the S2000 and also gather more sales for Honda.

Now if only Honda got that 260lbs ft to come on around 2000rpm instead of 4500rpm...

Well after just jumping over about a thousand (not literally) posts, i figured i'd chime in on my 2cents and prediction. If this car was a test mule for Acura, MAYBE it still is. I really think Acura sales could benefit from a RWD V6 powered car. Don't think like the S2000, think Mercedes SLK, Bmw Z4 or Audi TT. 300hp Roadster really falls in line there with those cars and only the TT is lacking in hp. So a "tecnocentric" RWD 300hp roadster with its emphasis of a smooth-ish ride and and a smooth and powerful engine. Sounds about right to me for an Acura product.

Now if i had to predict another S2000, i think their 2.3L Turbo 4 as used in the RDX would be a nice place to start. Unfortunately, i don't really know anymore because every place i predicted that engine would turn up (EG: TSX) has got a V6 instead. I think the S2000 was a great car and all but a little refinement to its rough edges really couldn't hurt that car. Sure, it won't be able to rev to 10k RPM anymore, but there would a TON more torque on its way up there. And lets face it, many people that looked at buying an S2000 didn't buy one largely because of its lack of torque

Using the RDX's numbers, 240hp and 260lbs ft and 0-60 in ~6.5 secs in a nearly 4000lbs AWD suv vs 6.1seconds in a car weighing almost 2900lbs... With an engine swap, i'm sure the Turbo4 would be more powerful in the S2000 and also gather more sales for Honda.

Now if only Honda got that 260lbs ft to come on around 2000rpm instead of 4500rpm...

no replacement for displacement. rdx turbo is no power house, mazda turbo will eat its lunch. the acura v6 isn't lazy, i outta know, i got a 2010 TL and I put it up against just about anything on the road. 4 cylinder doesn't stand a chance. just appreciate the project and stop feeling sorry for your broke a$$'es since you can't afford it anyway.

If Toyota is the Japanese Buick, Honda is quickly becoming the Japanese Pontiac (pretend sportiness but without the good looks). Honda has really lost its way in the last several years, its no longer a leader in any class of vehicle. Sadly they're both blindly following the profits and the American baby boom generation right into their 60's and marketing what the grey beards (and soon the blue hairs) want.

But I don't know where automakers should turn. The babyboomers will only buy a couple more cars in their life times. The 20 somethings can barely afford a new car with either minimum wage jobs or college loans to pay off. And the middle class in America has been a dying breed since the 70's and keeps getting deeper in debt. I guess we'll just have to see what the fat cats buy and wait to pick them up used.

Looks like the Japanese are ripe for the picking (probably by the Koreans).

Short of the lack of low end torque, the S2000 was truly a sublime little ride to blast around in. A few mods, including a turbo/super charger would surely fix the torque issue. The V6 would make this a totally different animal especially in the areas of weight bias (bad) and smoothness (good?).

The S2000's low end torque problem really isn't an issue when driving. It still has the ability to pull away from traffic without ringing it out. It actually makes it very sublime, a Jekyll n Hide type of personality. You can motor around town shifting at 4-5k rpm and get gas mileage approaching 30mpg. The only time the torque is an issue is if you're trying to win a drag race, something the car was never built to do. If you want to go fast in that car it takes all of two seconds to be in VTEC and then the awakening occurs. The motor MAKES that car. It's addicting to listen to it sing from 5500-9000rpm and it will do it all day long with a smile on its face. Additionally, I find it more fun driving fast AND turning, not just going in a straight line for speed. A corner at 70 is way more fun than a straight away at 120mph. When shifting at redline it only drops out of VTEC in second gear, but thats for about 800rpm. 3-6 shifts keep the engine spinning above 6000rpm.

Overall, its probably one of the best examples of engineering in the last two decades and something any enthusiast should experience.