Fast Hondas have an image problem. From The Fast and the Furious to the “VTEC just kicked in, yo!” meme, our cars have become associated with an unpleasant stereotype: ignorant, obnoxious drivers; street racing; and the infamous “fart can” exhaust.
This stereotype is aggravated to no end by the tendency of our community to customize their cars with the frippery of faux performance. It may well be the right of each individual to modify their vehicle as they see fit, either to express themselves or with the intent of improving upon its capabilities, but one man’s treasure is another’s trash (and vice versa). A clear boundary should be drawn between modifications which are purely cosmetic in nature, and those that actually improve performance.
Wheels with more camber than the Pyramids; discount-store tires stretched until the sidewalls are almost invisible; diffusers and sideskirts with no undertray to provide the requisite airflow; bare carbon body panels for “light weight” on the same car with a thousand-watt stereo; none of these should be confused with truly functional alterations.
The S2000’s suspension kinematics took Honda’s best engineers thousands of man-hours to develop. Slammed ride heights, inappropriate camber settings, and lowering springs are demonstrably detrimental to the car’s handling. Cheap tires are simply disrespectful to the car as a whole- if you are willing to spend thousands of dollars on wheels, you should be willing and able to fit tires of OEM quality or better. As for bodywork, it takes hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars to fit and finish something as simple as a bumper to OEM standards. That level of investment and effort should always be embraced; if one’s budget does not stretch that far, consider a different means of personalizing your vehicle.
Too many owners spend copious amounts of money on their car, transforming it into a unique but functionally compromised creation, and then discover an interest in the S2000′s prodigious performance potential. At their first trackday, autocross, or time attack session, they find that their investments are at best a hindrance, or at worst hideously vulnerable to the stresses of track driving. The result is generally the removal of those modifications, either by the owner or by curbing blocks, tire walls, gravel traps, and so on.
It is my firm belief that, prior to modifying their car, every S2000 owner should be required to attend, at a minimum, a regional SCCA autocross. In addition to granting a clearer perspective on potential performance gains, it would allow exposure to more experienced individuals, and to the thought process and techniques used to build a real racecar.
The first aftermarket part anyone should buy is a set of magnetic numbers.
Agree? Disagree? Express yourself (tastefully) in the comments.
Pictures courtesy of F&F
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on Nov 29th, 2011 at 8:56 am
I personally agree with the idea to a far extent. Where I live there’s 10 S2000s, and 5 of those are customized. Nothing crazy, side skirts and superchargers, so I’ve never seen an ugly S2000 in person.
But i’ve seen previews and damn the ugliness on some of those cars.
The S2000, by stock, is a beautiful car. It’s very well shaped, performs admirably and to improve on that, it’ll take something really good.
There should be some standards allowed to do on this car. But again, everyone has their taste, so it will never be the time where everyone agrees on something as ugly, or beautiful.
Maybe just being involved in S2000 clubs, forums, research would give all S2000s owners more visibility and information about what should, and shouldn’t, be done on their cars.
My car’s only modifications are a tuned suspension, and an AEM V2 air intake. I enjoy it’s beauty and would spend countless hours on researching about a possible modification, before achieving it, such as a certain spoiler, side skirts, exhausts, or even engine tuning, turbos and superchargers.
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 9:45 am
Great article! the original is still the best!
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 11:19 am
Not every one wants to build a “racecar”
that being said, I do
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 12:13 pm
But but, Johnny Tran has over $100k under the hood of that Honda 2000… gotta be a true performance upgrade!
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 1:44 pm
I agree. The stock S2000′s are the most valuable, so the general marketplace agrees also. There are some tasteful modifications that I would consider, but in general I like the car in stock form. I’ve been active in the Ferrari community for about 5 years, and the extent of modifications those guys will accept stops at the painted brake calipers for the most part! I am about to purchase my first S2000 (2006 Laguna Blue Pearl), so I am not a fully qualified commentator yet!!!
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 2:40 pm
On my second S2000, a 2008 CR in Apex Blue Pearl, with less the 5,000 miles. Yes, I could do a number of mods,….BUT…. I have not seen any that really pay back in performance or looks.
Full stock, except for seat locks
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 2:43 pm
Aftermarket parts net you $0 or negative dollars upon selling time. I spend time improving the cabin, as that’s the only place (in my opinion) that the S2000 is lacking. A bigger windscreen, the Modifry convertible top straps, the glove box organizer, a better ICE setup to help with top-down tunes and clarity, an AP2 console to hold the passenger’s drinks road trips, dash mounting bracket for GPS, seat locks, and floor mats to save wear on the cross bar portion of the carpet and catch any spills and dirt. Simple, effective, relatively cheap, and they don’t compromise the stellar looks of the car. I like a lip on the front bumper to de-Miataize the car (unfortunately they came first and have popular attention). Why mess with the clean, graceful lines by fitting gaudy kits and wings and ugly wheels? Yuck.
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 3:04 pm
i agree with this article , A. chin spoiler is nice , no wing needed its heavy and blocks rear vision. Upgraded the tires to potenza RE11 expensive but worth it. and the stereo was real weak along with a loud engine with a soft top so a amp and sub with nice 2way separates are necessary.
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 3:55 pm
Definitely agree with the article. And some of the comments.
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 7:56 pm
I completely agree with this. I hate people who roll their eyes because I drive a Honda. But at the same time the others who typically modifiy these cars give us a bad rep. Auto-xs become painful when we’re scoffed at and joked about. I get questions like how come it isnt’ lime green or where are your 19′s or are you going to go hella flush? These fads mostly come around IMO due to a younger crowd and lower income crowd having access to the vehicles. As such there is a difference in maturity and social groupings that are associated with each of these niches. Since we are driving Honda’s elite vehicle (NSX aside) we are obviously not to be so quickly categorized along side some ricer civics.
on Nov 29th, 2011 at 8:11 pm
Definitely agree. Also with the comments—good to know that there appears to be a sizable community out there that likes the car just as is, and the few tweaks that are done are subtle and either improve comfort, safety or performance. Some of the extreme mods make you wonder: “What did the poor little Honda do to deserve that?”
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 3:50 am
Required? Really?
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 4:08 am
I agree that a lot of modified S2000′s have been put into an identity crisis… Their owners place a lot of time and money into the performance aspects of the car, then totally offset all of the work that was done… This car is so much fun because of the simple lack of weight and the amazing suspension geometry of the car… To me all that matters is the cars performance abilities, if a part doesnt make me go faster or it wasnt a gift from a family member, its not on my car… Even still, people come up to me wanting to talk about subwoofers or slamming their car, or going hellaflush… Drives me freaking nuts.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 4:41 am
I wholeheartedly agree with the author. There is at present, a tendency with certain circles of our community to slam their cars to unacceptable ride heigh levels. Wheels and tyres have been replaced with extended beer kegs for that “hellafush” look. Come on guys, you spend a small fortune on a fantastic car and then make it look as though its come out of a hernia operation!
This is a car that it meant to be driven and pushed to the limit. You cant do this if you are running retarded cambers on the S!
Flush-a-shit / hellaflush – bin it!
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 6:55 am
I totally agree. I have no problem with someone making a car “yours”, but to take a well-engineered machine and modify it to the point that it fails to function as initially intended should be a crime. I see some of the pics of cars that have had numerous hours and thousands of dollars put into mods, yet most of the owners hardly spend any time or money cleaning, detailing and maintaining these very special vehicles…makes me believe it’s true, “if you don’t know how to drive it, modify it”. I’ve had my 03S2K for a little over a year now. I did a stereo upgrade with a new HU, speakers and an amp. I’m planning on adding an OEM lip spoiler and a trunk spoiler. The thought of going to 17″ wheels is even appealing. The joy for me tho’ is taking a nice drive on a windey road with the top down. After the drive I’ll give her a good wash and polish and back her in the garage until the next good day. Some people just can’t appreciate something for what it is and always have to try to make it something it’s not.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 7:20 am
point well made….however I think it is very shallow to state that we get a bad reputation because of the actions or mods of others.
To each their own. I like my car stock and could not care less what Bobby Joe does with his. Let him paint it pink or dress it up in bling, WTF should you care?
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 8:30 am
Hazzaarrr!!!
How do I donate to this man’s cause!!??
Simply fabulous write up and I couldn’t agree more!!!
Someone finally said what I (and probably many others) have been thinking!!
IMO painters tape and magnetic numbers are the first mods lol, followed shortly after by r comp tires on the same oem wheels!
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 8:39 am
jjgoff’s statement made me chuckle… “If you can’t driveit, modify it”, hahaha
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 9:50 am
This is a touchy subject as i happen to have that hideous bodykit above. I will it admit its not attractive at ALL angels! However in some angels i do like it. That being said i paid for it , its my style and yea its 90 style but soo , im old skool . Fact: i have autoX , drifted , and atteneded track days. I will continue to do more. SO why cosemetic mod it? Simple. I dont want to be like everyone else. There are hundreds of NFR’s out there the fact that its a hideous bodykit makes me want it more.. Its rare , its Japanese and like i said each there own style. However as much as i love this board dearly. FACT: This is the only community that has ever trash talked my car. Only S2k owners. Its a shame that in other forums (ht , 8th, etc) The kit has gotten so much praise. Also every import driver that i have ever met that despises imports says they would rock mine cuz its different (thanks guys).. Im not hating on this or any board. But please relize , what you think is “cool” i dont. If i wanted to buy a car and slam it to non-functional track/driving i would have bought a civic.. No offense i own 2. Unfortunalty thats the new style if your car is not scraping off the floor with -10+ camber your not “cool”.
I am changing my car to a CR-Style now , it has NOTHING to do with all the hating comments , it just looks beautiful. But i will be keeping it my way.. So it will not look like a stock CR..
But keep in mind I bought this car as a driving on the weekends and attending car shows.. Now Its my weekend track car. I agree with this article , You def should attend an event or two. I would have held off on my boost to learn my car more. Still have a great time out there.
Fact 2: I had that body kit before the movie came out. Once the drifting one came out and it was “cool” to have a drift car the hating started.. To each there own ..
I take my car to the dragon as is.. I have killbill to vouch, in pix, for me.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 9:54 am
*domestic drivers NOT import drivers
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 10:01 am
I bought my s2000 pre-modded and I’ve been filling it out for the last year; replaced the FMU with an EMS, rebuilt the diff with a better gear, smaller pulley, better fueling, replaced mounts, and so on. I replaced the bumper (after a racoon smashed it in) with a j’s racing version (proper splitter and good brake duct ports) and I picked up a vented hood with space to run the ram air from the bumper off a local guy for cheap. I’ve adjusted the alignment, installed bumpsteer kits, and removed the rear sway bar after a season of autocross. Still on the list are coilovers (the car came with koni yellows), brake ducts, r compounds, and safety gear (rollbar, seats, harnesses).
Yeah, it isn’t stock. It doesn’t look stock. But it is a high 300whp fun-machine that will see plenty of autocross and track time. To me, that is what is most important. Looks are secondary to performance. Anyone that looks at the car and says ‘ricer’, can meet me on the track
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 10:40 am
“Too soon junior.”
Sorry, just had to say it.
The funny thing about those 4 cars racing at the beginning of 2F,2F, that pink S2k was actually the faster car, except maybe for the R34 Skyline.
But seriously, I’m on both sides for leaving this car the way it was meant and modifying it tastefully. If upgrading the car by using parts that are proven thru testing and so-forth, and this does not degrade the S2000 for what it was meant to do, then in my eyes, that upgrade is worth it, of course at the expense of the price of that part.
The downside is that being an Amuse, Mugen, Spoon, ASM fan gets to be expensive so parts are less likely to acquire with my budget. But thats just me.
Great article nonetheless.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 12:07 pm
I completely agree with the author, when i browse the forums and people rave about their megans or their buddy club coilovers, i really do wonder what goes on inside their heads. To replace Honda’s excellent oem setup with external reservoirs to some crap setup
( sigh…
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 1:35 pm
I agree to an extent. A well put together car not only performs well, but looks good while doing so. Although I’d rather my car be function > form, I think some stock stuff sucks. Especially wheels.
I like the article because it stays close to my core racer go fast guy type of attitude. I dislike it because it harks the holier than thou crap that I despise.
Some where along the line someone wrote that because the car has gone down in cost it has become available to people of lesser tastes… as though people of means do it the right way. Yeah that sounds good?!?! Get over yourself.
At the end of the day enjoy the car the the way you like. Each group needs to learn more tolerance of the other, and that holds true not only in the car community but in life itself.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 1:40 pm
KISS – Keep It Stock Stupid
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 2:06 pm
As the s2000 gets cheaper more and more are tuned for peoples style – even the people who claim to know what they are doing quite often turn these cars into 1 lap greatness 99% garbage elsewhere cars.
I’ve had people in so cal who think they have the most awesome s2000′s ever because of magazine coverage. Tell me they know how to tune them for the “touge” when the fact is there car can’t even make it out for the parking lot without there splitter tearing off, much less clear any road debris commonly found on the “touge”
And sport the kind of insane levels of camber that make snap oversteer doom just a matter of time. Aka the first time they lift in a corner because a deer runs across the road and oops 15% road/tire contact + cold temps + “race” tires = instant death.
And people trying to pass off junk like Tein because it’s “proven” by other lemmings just makes me lol.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 6:09 pm
Fast forward Barrett Jackson Auto auction 2030:
2001 Honda S2000 13,341 miles, 1 owner Widebody kit, supercharger, carbon fiber doors, hood, trunk and Mugen top, Invidia exhaust .. plus numerous mods since original engine blew and was replaced in 2013. …. Car sells for $18,000
2001 Bone stock honda S2000 with hardtop 49,568 original miles 1 owner all OEM options installed by dealer, matching numbers …. Car sells for $97,000
Fantasy maybe then, maybe not ..If I am wrong so what, at least I had fun with mine!
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 7:08 pm
THIS.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 7:41 pm
I dont know this post and comments seems quite biased to me. I do agree that many body kits are junk and have no function but there are those that have gone through extensive testing along with suspension.
on Nov 30th, 2011 at 10:09 pm
This is absolutely true to an extent… Having come from vintage muscle car road racing, I’ve found that S2k’s are the least of the modified import offenders; alllllthough some are still guilty.
While auto cross events are nice introductory courses, as a seasoned race veteran, I’ve always felt like road courses are much more fluid and give the driver a much more satisfying drive. AutoX’s can be a bit hectic because there’s no shoulder room.
At any rate, everyone should understand the difference between real performance and looks, then be given the ability to make up their own decision from there.
…Pretty simple really
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 4:14 am
thankfully somebody finally sees things like i do
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 6:53 am
Like someone else stated….not everyone wants to build a race car. I daily commute my car, its not logical to have to get tires that wear as fast as the stock ones.
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 8:26 am
I disagree with the attitude. It SOUNDS neutral, but it’s not. It’s as g0g3tt4 said, it’s more of that “holier than thou” crap.
I personally am biased to form following function, as my car has seen mods then taken back to stock again as per the realization of how good the car is setup out of the factory. But to say that everyone should go to an autocross before they mod? I don’t think so. There is more than one way to mod/enjoy a car besides being “track-ready.”
Did the middle aged woman who bought the S2000 new in the year 2000 care about performance? Maybe maybe not. But it’s her money, her choice to do with her car what she will. She likes the looks and the convertible? Great! Why ruin her love of cars and put her down just because she doesn’t track it or drive it aggressively? She enjoys the car. Period. Now apply that mentality to those that love the quarter mile and want to build a drag S2000. Are they wrong? No. Could they have chose a better platform? Maybe, but where’s the fun in that? The hella-cool people, I was there once in one of my earlier cars in the start of the imiport scene. You know why I don’t hate on them? Passion. They love their cars just as much as any of the other people and to me that’s more important than criticizing their stretchy tires.
In summary, it’s a car. Not an exotic. Not super expensive. Not a purpose built machine. It’s a car. If people want to whine about people modifying the car in a sacrilegious way, then two things: 1) Who cares? you enjoy your car, that’s all that matters 2) if it STILL bothers you, upgrade to the next level (M3, Exige, etc.) to set yourself apart from the “ricers”.
Oh and @Alex, yea I hate posers too. hahah. Even I laugh at myself when I have my car with sticky tires, aggressive alignment, but spend 95% of the time on the highway just cruising.
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 2:13 pm
I find this article rather distasteful and rather dissapointing that it is on the front page of the leading Honda S2000 forum boards.
You purchase your car and modify car to your own personal tastes. Whether or not you modify it to look cool or to go fast at the end of the day its still YOUR car.
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 5:08 pm
indopinoy, well said. I agree completely!
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 6:06 pm
If you cannot afford tires that “wear as fast as the stock ones”, maybe you need to reevaluate whether or not you can actually afford to own and maintain this cheap, little Honda.
The tires are the only part of the car that touches the ground, and the most critical factor in the great handling and driving feel of the S2000.
on Dec 1st, 2011 at 7:16 pm
Alex,
This is an opinion piece. The views presented here are my own, and do not represent those of the owners, administrators, or other writers of this site. I published this with the intent of stimulating conversation, which it seems to have done. If I’ve offended you, I apologize; however, i stand by my articles, as they are honest and spoken directly. I wouldn’t be much of a writer if i diluted my ideas or was dishonest with my audience
Andrew
on Dec 2nd, 2011 at 5:08 am
I agree with Alex. To each his own.
on Dec 3rd, 2011 at 9:40 am
I purchased an S2000 for its amazing OEM sound system.
on Dec 3rd, 2011 at 12:59 pm
If someone wants to put dildo graphics all over their car then so be it…
Did you buy your car to please others or yourself?
… and for the people who think that theyre driving a 100k car and must buy top of line everything need to get off their high horses.. This is a very cheap car to own; in my last two years of ownership my car has only cost me $100 in oil changes and $1000 in tires.. Same cost as owning any honda, nissan or average car..
on Dec 3rd, 2011 at 3:37 pm
Nothing defines tasteful modification. Just saying.
on Dec 4th, 2011 at 7:24 am
I really like this article because i live in south Florida and see some of the weirdest mods and over the top lol
on Dec 6th, 2011 at 8:20 am
Alex…. I read with great interest your November 30 comment:
“Aka the first time they lift in a corner because a deer runs across the road and oops 15% road/tire contact + cold temps + “race” tires = instant death.
Just a year earlier my two sons were out in our recently acquired 02S and lost control in a sweeping left Missouri county curve. There was a slight rise in the road. When the car lifted it went around 180, went off the road backwards, cartwheeled twice and stopped backwards on its wheels. The driver, our youngest was not seriously injured. Our oldest died instantly of head injuries.
I was aware of the car’s “twitchy” nature, but failed to get the message across to the boys… for which I will never forgive myself. From this I learned never to turn a car of this caliber over to a novice, without some training and experience on a track…even a cone course in a big parking lot would have given them some idea of the dangers in pushing this car too hard.
Also, a word to all you S owners….. give those belts a tug to make sure the locking mechanism is working. I can show you one that didn’t.
on Dec 6th, 2011 at 11:22 am
I remember reading an article a while back in a magazine that brought up how the best value investment you can make to a car’s performance is to the driver. granted straight line performance doesn’t have a lot to do with a driver.
but have a novice driver do laps around any track, then have him spend a weekend for example at skip barber racing school. When he comes back to lap the same track in the same car that driver’s time is more than likely going to be significantly improved.
watching the drift king vids he recommends getting to know your car then at that point you will know what mods will enhance your style of driving. BUT every driver has there own personal goal in mind for their car. to each their own and don’t worry about what everyone else thinks. I know i own my s2k because of the driving experience over any other reason
on Dec 7th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
I agree half heart-iely with this article. Some mods are distasteful and sometimes, everyone and their grandma has a tow hook on their Corollas and fart cannon on their Previa. But at the same time, it’s what they like and what they feel like personalizing their cars with. Kinda of like my money, I do what I like mentality – even when it might be distasteful to the majority.
As for me, it’s more show than go at this point in life. I like the looks of a nice lowered, carefully stanced out car that’s tastefully modded. I don’t track – so no need for sticky tires. My camber is a bit aggressive, so having expensive low treadwear sticky tires that I’ll have to swap out in under a year makes no sense. Putting all the work in the engine when I don’t hit the quarter mile or drag race stop light to stop light makes no sense to me. Does this mean I should have bought a Civic? No.
Anyways, even with the S2000 optimized to 99% of it’s 100% potential from the factory and there isn’t much room for improvement to the suspensions, tires, aero, etc – to personalized the car to your taste doesn’t mean you did the car a dis-service. I’m sure people who buys exotics aren’t all race car drivers hitting 200+ mph every weekend.
A car is usually an extension/expression of the owner self (if the owner had the choice of choosing the car). Same as the S and any other cars that have been modified. Plus – its good for the economy when someone buys the pep-boys chrome trimming to add to their car.
on Dec 8th, 2011 at 2:28 pm
^^ The s2k is optimized to 99% out of the factory?? What are you smoking? you know there is aftermarket support for this car… And lots of it. As great as the s2000 is off the show room floor, their is MUCH improvement that can be made to make an already fantastic car, sooooo much better.
on Dec 8th, 2011 at 4:16 pm
What is this bs? Some forum fanboy rant from my perspective. 99% of everything you go on about is remedied with the purchase of a baseline supercharger/turbo kit and even on super low boost you have a monster on your hands… Don’t like it don’t look at it, how does it effect you in any way, shape, or form?
Feel free to throw a few K my way and I’ll be sure to “tastefully” mod my vehicles to some random kid’s standards.
on Dec 13th, 2011 at 6:34 pm
completely disagree.
i used to have a similar mindset, and personally do not perform non-performance oriented, or even performance-degrading mods. but over time i’ve come to realize… what’s wrong with doing stuff just cause it looks cool?
do you only wear clothes that are the most comfortable, or the most aero-dynamic, or the most lightweight, etc, that you can buy? well, some might, but most also care about fashion. certainly high-heels are the epitome of these tradeoffs–they serve no purpose other than to make the wearer look better.
so, what’s wrong with making your car the equivalent of high-heels?
besides, all cars you buy new are compromises in some way to performance. they got padded seats. radio. carpet. so… if you don’t care if your s2k is the lightest car out there, is it wrong to add 50lbs more of extra sound deadening for your stereo?
yeah, back when wanna-be racer-look ricer cars were all the rage in california i laughed at all those silly looking cars. especially the badly lowered ones that bounced around on the highway. they looked ridiculous. yet……………… now i can go days within seeing such cars, and it’s… well, … BORING. just a sea of cookie-cutter priuses, bmws, and everything in between. even the occasional lambo or ferrari no longer interests me. just absolutely tired of all the “tastefully modded” cars.
i wanna see some expression. uniqueness.
what is Venice Beach without all the whackos to people watch??? just another beach. what about all those artsy fartsy types in hollywood hanging out at the trendy restaurants?–want everyone to wear slacks and a white shirt?
this world is fun because of what is different. what stands out. so, who wants another coockie-cutter s2000? not me.