Choosing the right oil and oil filter for your Honda S2000 is an important job. Putting the wrong oil and/or filter in your car can lead to increased wear and possibly even total engine failure in extreme circumstances. Additionally, oil and filter changes need to be at regular intervals to keep your S2000 in tip-top running condition.
As this is the case, we have put together a quick guide that should answer many of your oil related questions, such as “what is the best oil & oil filter for my S2000?” and “When should I replace the oil in my car?”.
Table of Contents
What Engine Oil Weight Should Be Used in a Honda S2000?
Before we dive into what oil should be used in a Honda S2000, let’s take a look at how the oil classifications system works.
The front number/letter of the “XW-XX” classification relates to the oil’s viscosity at -17.8 degrees Celsius (0 degrees Fahrenheit). A lower number here indicates that the oil will thicken less in cooler temperatures.
The two numbers at the end (XX) indicate the viscosity of the oil at 100 degrees Celsius and represent the oil’s resistance to thinning at high temperatures.
If we compare a 5W-30 grade oil vs a 10W-30 grade we will find that the former thickens less in colder weather. However, a 5W-30 grade will thin out quicker at higher temperatures than a 5W-40 grade oil for example.
In theory, this means that an oil with a lower winter viscosity (XW) will be better for your Honda S2000 in cooler months of the year or colder environments. For hotter months or places an oil with a higher viscosity at 100 degrees Celsius is may be a better option.
So, What Is the Best Engine Oil for a Honda S2000?
Honda recommends a 10W-30 engine oil for temperatures ranging from -20 degrees Celsius (-4 Fahrenheit) to 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Some owners in very cold climates like to use 5W-30 or even 0W-30 weight oils in their cars, while those in much hotter climates often like to use 5W-40 or 10W-40.
Our Recommendations for the Best Engine Oil for a Honda S2000
Below we have put together a list of some of our top recommended oils for a Honda S2000:
Castrol Edge 10W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic – Best for General Use
Castrol’s Edge 10W-30 Advanced Fully Synthetic engine oil is one of the best and most available engine oils out there, which is why we have put it at the top of our list. This oil will be perfect for use in both cold and hot environments and months.
Mobil 1 10W-30 Advanced Full Synthetic – Best for High Mileage & General Use
Another excellent option for a 10W-30 engine oil is Mobil 1’s Advanced Full Synthetic. Mobil 1 10W-30 is actually used by many Honda dealers and service centres, so it will be a great option for your car. Some owners claim that Mobil 1 tends to burn a bit more than other oils, so if you do use this oil remember to check that it is at the correct level frequently (although you should do this with all oils anyway).
Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 – Best for Cold Weather
If you are looking for something that will perform a little bit better on very cold start-ups, something like Pennzoil Platinum Full Synthetic 5W-30 is a great option.
Castrol Edge 5W-40 Advanced Full Synthetic – Best for Hot Weather
If you live in a really warm environment (35 degrees Celsius/95 Fahrenheit plus regularly) you may want to look at a slightly thicker engine oil such as Castrol’s Edge 5W-40 synthetic engine oil. This oil is a great fully synthetic motor oil that will be perfect for hotter climates.
The above oils are just a taste of the many great oils that are available. Brands like Amsoil, Motul and Fuchs also provide excellent oils that will be perfect for a Honda S2000. The main thing to watch out for is really the oil weight, with 10W-30 being recommended for most driving conditions.
When Does the Oil Need to be Changed on a Honda S2000?
Depending on who you ask you will get a range of different answers to this question. For Non-synthetic (dino) oils it is usually recommended that you replace them every 5000 to 8,000 km (3,000 to 5,000 miles) with 5,000 km being on the low side.
Synthetic oils can go much longer with oil change intervals being anywhere from 12,000 km (7,500 miles) to as much as 24,000 km (15,000 miles). However, we would not recommend changing the synthetic oil in your Honda S2000 closer to the 12,000 km (7,500 mile) mark and not go over 16,000 km (10,000 miles).
For those who do not drive that much distance, you should replace the engine oil every 12 months or so. Some owners like to do it every 6 months, but this is a bit extreme, especially if synthetic oils are used.
For those wondering if their S2000 can travel a bit further between oil changes (or they are going too far), it is possible to send the old oil to a laboratory who can assess its condition. They can then tell you if the oil can go further between changes or if you need to change it more frequently.
How Much Oil is Needed for a Honda S2000?
Interestingly, many owners have found that the recommended amount of oil in the owners manual does not match up too how much oil their S2000s need. The amount of oil needed will also depend on what filter is used (OEM or aftermarket), so the below information is just a general guide and you check the level of oil as you are filling it up (also make sure you let it drain for a while to see if the level goes down).
| Model | Engine | Capacity (without filter change) |
| S2000 AP1 (1999 – 2003) | F20C1 | 4.8-litres (5.1 quarts) |
| S2000 AP2 (2004 – 2009) | F20C1 | 4.8-litres (5.1 quarts) |
What is the Best Oil Filter for a Honda S2000
As with most cars, the OEM filter is often the most recommended (part number 15400-PCX-004). For those looking for an after market oil filter, PurolatorONE’s PL14459 oil filter is a great option that is a bit cheaper than the OEM one from Honda.
When Should the Oil Filter Be Changed?
It is recommended that you replace the oil filter with every oil change or every 6 to 12 months if you don’t travel that far. Oil filters are cheap and overtime the filter media can fracture, especially if it is submerged in oil for a long time. Fractures also occur more frequently in cars that are left to idle for an extended period of time, and which have high oil pressure and compression ratios (something that the S2000 is known for).
For the reasons above it is important to not miss out on an oil filter change when you replace the engine oil.
If you are interested in buying a Honda S2000 make sure you check out our buyer’s guide here.
