Stellar NFR AP2 Is This S2Ki Forum Member's Unicorn Build
This long-time S2Ki member finally found his dream car, and now he's documenting his build in the forums.
Finding Inspiration
Those looking for a little inspiration for their own S2000 build will find plenty of it in the S2Ki forums. There, hundreds of members have documented their own personal builds over the years, and they range from mild budget projects to no-expenses-spared showstoppers. This particular AP2, owned by Fernando, is interesting given his history in both the forums and the S2000 scene.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
Unicorn Find
Fernando bought his first S2000 roughly ten years ago, and he used the forums as a resource for performing all the modifications to it he wanted to do at the time. He wound up selling the car to buy a house, but after a few years, decided to seek out his own personal unicorn. Luckily, Fernando didn't have to go far to find it, as his buddy just so happened to be selling an AP2 in the exact color combination he was looking for.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.
Bring It Home
With just 31k miles on the clock, this NFR AP2 is one heck of a nice start for any build. Fernando warned that this would be a slow process from the start, but he has performed a host of modifications to the car in the weeks that have followed his original post.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.
Swapping Parts
That process began by removing the car's OEM CR lip and Downforce side strakes. Fernando wanted to trade for an OEM AP2 lip and sold the side strakes with no problem. He then moved on to detailing the interior before installing a Renegade Motorsports weighted teardrop knob in a Ti finish, a Momo Tuner 350mm wheel, NGR QR, hub, and 1.5" spacer.
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.
Important Choice
Next up came a very important decision - which wheels to run. "As much as I would like to get a set of 17x9.5 +41 TE37's in bronze, they are impossible to find used and simply not in my budget at this time," Fernando said. "So I placed an order through the dealership for the tried and true (or played out, whatever you want to think) AP2V4 aka the good old Enkei RPF1 in 17x9 +45 square. They will be paired with 245/40 Firestone Indy 500s once they arrive."
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.
Lesson Learned
Plans, as they often do, quickly changed, however. Aside from realizing that he would need a Recaro Pole Position seat to fit his larger frame, Fernando also learned a tough lesson regarding tire size. "I went into work a little earlier on Monday to mount my Firestones onto the RPF1s. I do have to agree with Ricky, these seem to sit like a 235 instead of a 245. Even compared to the 255s I ran previously on my other RPF1s these seem skinny. Too late now I can't return the tires so it's lesson learned again, but that's ok."
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.
Stay Tuned
Regardless, we think the build looks fantastic so far, and quite a few of Fernando's fellow members feel the same way. Aside from the new seat, he also plans on purchasing an HKS Hi-power dual exhaust in the near future. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned as this build progresses in the future!
Photos: S2Ki Forums
>>Join in the conversation on this AP2 right here in the S2Ki forum.