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2004 Honda S2000 — engine fits but driveline angle is not ideal

QuietFanCommunity StarterApr 24, 20262004 Honda S2000Texas
This started as a small annoyance and I finally decided to track it down. 2004 Honda S2000, about 193,000 miles. Mock-up clears the steering and firewall, but getting the transmission output lined up perfectly would require moving the engine. How much should packaging be compromised to improve driveline geometry? I am trying to get the facts straight before spending money.
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13 replies

HybridLearnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2004 Honda S2000 owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. That's where I'd start. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
QuietFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 25, 2026permalink
Following up on engine fits but driveline angle is not: still happening, but I have better notes now. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CleanGarageCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2004 Honda S2000, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. I'd do that before spending real money. No need to make it theatrical. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
HybridLearnerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 25, 2026permalink
Quick add on that: On the 2004 Honda S2000 in Texas, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. I'd do that before spending real money. On “engine fits but driveline angle is not,” that was the fork that mattered for me. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
WeekendRoadie414Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Owner notes beat generic advice here. On the 2004 Honda S2000 in Texas, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. Then you'll know the next fork. On “engine fits but driveline angle is not,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
ShopLearner329Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2004 Honda S2000 owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. This is from a 2004 Honda S2000 in Texas with 193,000 miles. That's the sequence I'd use. This is the version I'd tell a friend.
CamberGeek548Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2004 Honda S2000 before a big repair or a big spend. I'd do that before spending real money. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I'll update if anything new shows up.
CanyonSeller690Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 25, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: On the 2004 Honda S2000 in Texas, I'd fix the thing you'll notice every day before chasing spec-sheet extras. That's where I'd start. On “engine fits but driveline angle is not,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Stop there until you know. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
CanyonOwner864Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2004 Honda S2000 before a big repair or a big spend. That's where I'd start. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. I'll update if anything new shows up.
CamberGeek548Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Write down what you already tried. A second data point from another 2004 Honda S2000 owner helps more than a generic diagnosis. Then you'll know the next fork. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. Might be overthinking it, but I'd rather overthink than overspend.
QuietFanCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 24, 2026permalink
Useful. I'll report back after I verify that on my 2004 Honda S2000. I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
ShopLearner329Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 25, 2026permalink
Don't overfit one forum story to your car. If it still isn't clear on the 2004 Honda S2000, a specialist hour can be cheaper than another round of parts. Then you'll know the next fork. No need to make it theatrical. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
CanyonSeller690Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 25, 2026permalink
I'd keep this practical. Verify the cheap/easy branch on the 2004 Honda S2000 before a big repair or a big spend. That's where I'd start. That's the whole play. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
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