Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003): Reliability mods
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What are the best reliability mods for the Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003)?
It depends on the car’s condition and how you use it. These are the 3 reliability build entries we have sourced for this car: Fit AP2 intake valve retainers to a 2000-03 F20C (Limited); Retorque the rear axle nuts to the revised 220 lb-ft (Limited); Replace a 2000-01 plastic-window top with a glass-window top (Limited). Each lists caveats, related problems and sources so you can match it to your goal.
Fit AP2 intake valve retainers to a 2000-03 F20C Limited
Owners swap the intake-side retainers for the 2004-09 design to raise the rpm at which an over-rev does hidden damage, and inspect the retainers after any known over-rev.
Caveats: Intake side only, per the same threads. Forum sources only.
Related issues: F20C valve spring retainers can crack after a mechanical over-rev
Parts: OEM 2004-09 S2000 (AP2, F22C1) valve spring retainers, intake side
Sources (2)
- Ap1 Retainer swap — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- AP1 or AP2 valve spring retainers - which ones on my engine? — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Retorque the rear axle nuts to the revised 220 lb-ft Limited
Torque the 36 mm rear spindle nuts to 220 lb-ft (298 N·m), the figure a reference site and an S2KI write-up attribute to Honda's 2001 revision, and stake them, to stop the rear creak and protect the hub bearings.
Caveats: The extra 60 degrees in the S2KI write-up is not a Honda instruction. A worn hub may need replacing anyway.
Related issues: Rear axle (spindle) nut torque: creak or pop and hub bearing wear
Sources (2)
- Honda S2000 Torque Specs: Factory Fastener Values — AP1AP2.com (independent S2000 reference site) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Retorquing the Rear Axle Nuts, How-to and Why — S2KI (site article, September 21, 2012) (editorial; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
Replace a 2000-01 plastic-window top with a glass-window top Limited
A worn 2000-01 top is replaced whole. Aftermarket glass-window tops for these years come with a bow-strap retrofit kit; owners say an OEM 2002+ glass-window top does not fit the 2000-01 frame.
Caveats: The maker advises professional installation.
Related issues: 2000-01 plastic rear window clouds, scratches and tears
Parts: Robbins replacement soft top for 2000-01 S2000, glass rear window (non-heated), OEM 2002-09 S2000 glass-window soft top (cloth and frame)
Sources (3)
- Honda S2000 2000 & 2001 Replacement Convertible Top with No Heat Glass Window — Robbins Auto Top (convertible top maker) (vendor article; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- Soft top question — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
- AP1 plastic to glass soft top conversion — S2KI Honda S2000 forum (forum thread; read 2026-10-26; full page read)
More for this car
- All Honda S2000 (AP1, 2000-2003) fitment answers · AP1 common problems
- Newsletter archive: past issues with every new and corrected entry
Report a correction — spotted an error or have a better source? Email hello@chassisdex.com.