Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives

When the car takes a licking and just keeps on ticking.

By Brett Foote - May 23, 2019
Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives
Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives
Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives
Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives
Throwback Thursday: The S2000 with 9 Lives

A Honda Love Affair Is Born

Yuri and Yvonne Arts have been passionate Honda fans for many years, having owned everything from a pink "pimped out" 98' Civic to a modded "family friendly" Accord. They even currently own a pair of matching, red S2000's today. The S2ki is admittedly Yuri's dream car, with its sky-high redline and equally lofty potential. So after he was able to purchase the car you see before you today, he sought out inspiration for its build right here at S2ki.com. And the results were so awesome that he scored a feature for the car on Super Street Online.

Photo courtesy of Super Street   

The Trials and Tribulations of Car Building

The path from stock to awesome was ripe with many learning experiences, as is common with any build. Yuri enlisted the help of a shop named Supra Sport, yet their inexperience with Honda led to some issues. The first of which, a cooling problem, led to overheating and engine damage on the Autobahn. Next, a computer issue led to a blown motor while dyno testing. After a full rebuild, the engine caught on fire when a fuel rail broke. That might be enough to deter even the most hardcore car enthusiast, but Yuri never gave up on his dream car.

Photo courtesy of Super Street   

>>Join the conversation about the S2000 That Kept Coming back For More right here in the S2ki Forum!

A new vision

After that series of unfortunate events, it appears that Yuri finally has things sorted out. The car has performed perfectly since the fire, and it's laying down some serious numbers. The original F20C was stroked out to 2.2-liters, and it receives prodigious amounts of air thanks to a Garrett TS-GT35R turbocharger. Supra Sport constructed a completely custom fuel system to feed the little beast, which now pumps out a staggering 600 horsepower and 560 lb-ft of torque. 

Photo courtesy of Super Street   

>>Join the conversation about the S2000 That Kept Coming back For More right here in the S2ki Forum!

Unconventional Methods Equal Unconventional Results

To handle all of that power, Yuri's S2ki employs the use of a six-speed Getrag V160 transmission from a Toyota Supra. The swap might seem a little unusual, but the gearbox is well known for its ability to handle upwards of 1,500 horsepower with no problem. The Toyota 6-speed also employs gear ratios well suited to the turbo motor. Making it work in the S2000 required a lot of work, however, including the fabrication of a custom adapter plate.

Photo courtesy of Super Street   

>>Join the conversation about the S2000 That Kept Coming back For More right here in the S2ki Forum!

Future Plans

Most folks that have been through what Yuri has endured might be content to leave well enough alone at this point. But the Netherlands native isn't stopping now. Future plans include ditching the twin-scroll setup for a simpler turbo/Eaton supercharger induction combo that Yuri hopes will help the S2 clear the 800 hp mark. He's sure to face some obstacles along the way. But judging from his past, we certainly wouldn't bet against this resilient Honda lover.

Photo courtesy of Super Street   

>>Join the conversation about the S2000 That Kept Coming back For More right here in the S2ki Forum!

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