You already have the more desirable of the two cars (proven over time / value retention). Keep it.

I'd suggest doing some more research on their kits and support... there are much better options out there.


Having full boost super low is also really hard on the rods (which aren't the strongest stock), so you'll want to be realistic with how much power you'll actually run and how safe it is long term.

HOW DID I MISS THIS THREAD?

I am sad you have fallen out of love with your S2000 but at 5'10" with more torso than legs, I barely fit in the car with a helmet so I can understand why you can find it more a pain that a love for the car. That being said, my S2000 is my fun car so I don't have to live with it on a daily basis and when I did drive it to the East Coast and back, it did highlight its short comings as a grand tourer.

The BRZ was second on my list of cars to buy until I drove the S2k. Transmission, engine wise, the S2k wins. But the BRZ checks all the other boxes better. So its definitely a good choice!

C5 or C6 Corvette?

Could not agree more. Couple of years ago, I had a chance to have some fun with a well driven ap1 on the track (driver was an instructor) over two 20 min seasions. We were running nearly identical times and almost dead even on the main straight. If anything, the more noticeable difference was his s2000 pulled slightly harder out of low speed corners. I could make up time on braking and corner entry. My FRS had a tune, full exhaust, 93/100 mix, coilovers, bbk, and bfg rivals (non-s). His s2000 was stock motor with xp10/8, rs3's and roll bar (top down).

With the way people talk, I was expecting the s2000 to be much faster than it was. With a few power mods, the FRS is right there. I think the s2000's reputation has exceeded reality.

I would think about keeping the Honda for another year or two.

In a year or two they may release a new model 86, not just a face lift or small tweeks.

Or they will discontinue the model.

If they discontinue I'm keeping mine for a while, if they upgrade I may get the new model in a year or two after release.

Until then, I'm getting a AVO kit fitted in a couple of weeks, after going for a drive in a 86 running around 7-8 psi, it was a no brainer, the difference is astounding, and I'm currently tuned with Ecutek with exhaust and intake mods.

A extra 50kw really wakes these things up.

I really like the 86, spend some coin on good coils and tyres and the car handles extremely well, add a bit of boost and it's a totally different beastie.

Another positive on the FRS side. We dont have to worry about is staying in VTEC in the super tight corners/autocross.

I miss my AP2 S2000 that I traded in several cars ago... but really the only things that were better about it than the BRZ were the slick shifting transmission and the sounds of the engine in the upper RPM range. Yes, S2000s have gone up in value... but the examples that generally go for a good amount of money are low mileage AP2s, I doubt your high mileage AP1 is going to continue skyrocketing in value.
It sounds like you no longer love the S2k and the BRZ is everything you want save for it needing a bit more power. If you buy the BRZ, I would recommend driving it for a few months before modding to see if you think you might be satisfied with a simple header/tune or if you feel that you must absolutely have forced induction. Just remember that with aftermarket forced induction (beyond the initial buy in for a properly tuned setup) you are more likely to start breaking things on the car and you may fall out of love with the BRZ as well if it becomes a pain in your rear.

Thanks for the replies and advice/knowledge. Helps me piece together an answer.

You guys mentioned to stay away from crawford which is appreciated, but which kit would you recommend instead? I've been looking at the HKS/greddy kits if those are better.

I believe the AVO ticks all the boxes

I looked at every type of forced induction as well

1. Linear power delivery like a super charger
2. Better torque than a super charger
3. Reliable
4. Better for heat (1000° C turbine and pipe work not in front of radiator)
5. Basic kit with a good tune will pump 250hp all day every day on 98 ron with no need for a ton of supporting mods
6. Maintenance and inspection of the serpentine belts is not a hassle
7. Heat coated from factory
8. Trialed, tested and improved over the last 7 years

I have even got over my hate of the UEL header, only because FI though.

My short list was the AVO or the Harrop, AVO was cheaper, plus AVO can make imature whooshy noises

I'm old, not dead

Thanks, I just did some reading on them and it seems exactly like what I want. Oem-like install and appearance, the kit seems really well put together and engineered, ceramic coated pipes, watercooled turbo. Everything seems very well thought out with this kit.

I'll add this to my spreadsheet for costs lmao.