AP2 S2000 Build: Slow, Simple, Undeniably Awesome
There is a beauty in simplicity that can't be matched, especially when you're talking about an S2000 build.
Keep It Simple
While we admittedly enjoy the occasional wild build, there's something to be said for simplicity. Especially when it comes to Honda's S2000, which is a pretty excellent car in stock form. So it's no surprise that many S2Ki members, including gawa, work hard to choose only the right mods for their own particular builds.
Blank Slate
Like most builds we see here at S2Ki, this particular build started out as a stock car. But only because it was reverted to stock by the previous owner, who removed his mods prior to selling it. That gave the current owner a blank slate to build upon, which is exactly what he was looking for.
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Pre-Planning
Since our forum member knew for years that he wanted to one day own an S2000, he already had a handful of parts purchased and ready to install. This included various ARC exhaust and engine bay components, Mugen oil and gas caps, and a Backyard Special titanium shift knob.
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Wait and Enjoy
Regardless, gawa chose to wait to make any changes and simply drive and enjoy his car in stock form for a year or so. And he stayed true to his word, for a little while at least. After cleaning up the brake calipers, he decided to go with a Zoom Monaco rear-view mirror and BYS seat rail for a little extra leg room.
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Breaking Promises
It wasn't long before gawa also succumbed to the urge for a lower, stiffer suspension setup. And he found that in a set of Tein Flex Z coilovers. That simple, rather inexpensive mod made a huge difference in the way the car looked and felt.
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Mods Kept Rolling In
From there, the mods started slowly rolling in. First, an ARC cover. Then, a new steering wheel. Next, a J's Racing oil catch can and coolant overflow tank. But then came a biggie - a fresh set of Advan RZ wheels that gawa picked up for a nice price.
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Making Gains
Before this forum member dove into a bunch of performance mods, he wanted to get a baseline of where the car was at. And it did pretty well on the dyno, laying down 192 hp and 142 lb-ft of torque with nothing but a header. After a 60mm test pipe and Gernby Flashpro tune, the car improved significantly to 215 hp and 154 lb-ft of torque.
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Part Collector
Unfortunately, winter soon put a halt to this car's progress. But that didn't stop gawa from collecting more parts, including a sweet new front bumper. Along with a fresh set of brown seats acquired with the help of a buddy in Japan!
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Cold Weather Progress
The great thing about winter in Canada, of course, is that you can get a lot done in your comfy heated garage. And that's exactly what our OP did, installing a slew of goodies in preparation for warmer cruising weather.
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Slow Evolution
With the new front bumper on and painted and some fresh Mugen wheels acquired from a buddy, this simple, slow S2000 build was looking mighty fine. But there are already new parts in hand and on the way. So be sure and follow along as this tasteful ride continues to evolve in the future!