Engineers fitted the S2000 with independent double wishbone suspension, electrically assisted steering and integrated roll hoops.
HONDA S2000 CLUTCH REPLACEMENT MANUAL
The peppy VTEC engine was mated to a six-speed manual transmission and Torsion limited slip differential. Additionally, Honda’s engineers replaced the beltdriven valvetrain with a long-life chain that was less susceptible to failure. Special fibre-reinforced metal cylinder liners that had previously only been used on the NSX and Prelude were installed to reduce friction, along with molybdenum disulfide-coated piston skirts. Honda achieved this impressive feat because of an 11.7:1 compression ratio, roller rocker valvetrain, variable valve timing and an impressive 1.82:1 rod-to-stoke ratio that let the 2.0-litre engine hit nearly 9,000rpm. In fact, the F-series engine in the S2000 held the crown for the highest specific output of a normally aspirated engine for 10 years, only being dethroned when Ferrari launched the 458. Driven by a 237 – 247hp (depending on the market) 1,997cc inline four cylinder DOHC-VTEC engine, the S2000 was no slouch. The car was given the chassis designation “AP1” and it featured the same front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout as the SSM concept. It was the undeniable successor to the company’s famed S500, S600, and S800 roadsters, carrying on the tradition of being named after its engine displacement. The S2000 was launched in April 1999 to celebrate the 50 th anniversary of Honda. However, there was one more sports car they wanted to release. The iconic NSX had only hit mid stride and they were having great success with their Type R Civic and Integra sports cars. Honda was on a roll at the end of the nineties. In our case, the McLeod Street Tuner clutch actually felt very similar to the factory equipment as soon as we started driving on it.Honda continued to wheel out the SSM for a number of years, hinting at the possibility of a production version. After some regular driving, it should smooth out. Since the clutch is new, it may feel a little aggressive or quick to bite. Do not remove support from under the engine until the motor mounts are back in place. Reinstall the bellhousing bolts and rear transmission mount.
![honda s2000 clutch replacement honda s2000 clutch replacement](https://bkr.si/e_files/articles/02honda_s2000_clutch-3.jpg)
Bolt the new clutch assembly together with all of the pieces properly aligned.Īlign the transmission bellhousing with the engine so that the dowel pins and openings line up, and then slide the transmission back into place. Bolt the flywheel back into place using the factory torque recommendations, and use the clutch alignment tool to line up the new components for installation. We had the flywheel resurfaced as it showed wear, but was salvageable enough to not require replacement. With the clutch removed, remove the 12-point flywheel bolts.
![honda s2000 clutch replacement honda s2000 clutch replacement](https://www.emanualonline.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/How-to-Change-a-Clutch-Auto-Mechanics-101-F.jpg)
Now that the clutch assembly is exposed, remove the 12-point pressure plate bolts. With the transmission properly supported, work it back and away from the engine until it is completely clear, and then lower it. There is one that is especially difficult on the starter, which is easier to access from the top.
![honda s2000 clutch replacement honda s2000 clutch replacement](https://www.vividracing.com/wm.php/images/JHH03SD-E2.jpg)
If you go this route, ensure that no hoses or wires are being pulled on. Since there wasn’t room to back the bolt out, we lowered the passenger side of the engine until the bolt cleared. One of the upper bellhousing bolts sits very close to the frame at the firewall. We opted to support the engine and transmission we disconnected the rear transmission mount and then removed the motor mounts (we had to replace them anyway). Here, some users have different methods to continue with the transmission removal. A crossbar sits underneath the subframe, just under where the motor mounts sit. Disconnect the wiring on the driver’s side and on top of the transmission. Remove the clutch slave cylinder, mounted on the driver’s side of the transmission housing. With all driveshaft bolts removed, then remove the driveshaft. Remove the 8mm allen bolts to remove the driveshaft. The airbox, shifter, center console, and exhaust need to come off first. Before going in underneath the car, a few items need to be taken care of in preparation. If you use stands, get the car as high as you can and ensure that the stands are securely placed in proper and safe locations. Scroll down and learn some of the essentials in swapping a clutch on the Honda S2000.Ī lift isn’t a necessity, but it will make the job a whole lot easier.
![honda s2000 clutch replacement honda s2000 clutch replacement](https://www.phoenixfriction.com/images/Product/medium/23861.jpg)
Given that the car will likely see some mild power upgrades and track time in the future, we opted for some more capable hardware, McLeod’s Street Tuner clutch. As put together plans to bring the car back up to snuff, a new clutch was added to the list. Our project Honda S2000 clocks in with 366,000 miles on the odometer, with only two clutch changes in its whole life.