Guys:

This is an open letter to the community from some one who hasn't posted before. I own an '08 S2k which has responded beautifully to fairly modest changes, BUT very careful matching of the components. So this is an open question to anyone with a N/A AP2 car.

Are you making > 230 rwhp on your modded car without NOS or any power adders beyond intake/exhaust tuning?

I have only changed 3 significant things to the engine/driveline as follows:

Mods: K&N cone filter, Mobil 1, Hondata ECU upgrade, custom step header, custom 2.5" exhaust running through the Honda factory cat.

That said, Hondata ECU upgrade (reflash in my case, nope I don't have Flash PRO) and very careful design and execution of the total exhaust to maximize what Hondata has already engineered for the S2k, delivers a car with low rpm torque and 30+ rwhp increase from just those changes, Mobil 1 and a careful break-in (1st 100 miles) when it was new.

I know many guys didn't get their S2k new, but the point is high quality lubrication and getting good sealing of all those little metal bits that spend alot of time at high rpms for most of us to maximize performance and...engine life.

I'm just suggesting that everyone out there wants a fast S2k and perhaps more of us could get there changing fewer parts, but targeting the areas where the biggest gains are there to be had. Most off the shelf exhausts for the S2k don't make any real power, but only increase the db's we can all hear.

Lastly, I am NOT a tuner/owner of a shop, just a car guy sharing what worked for me. You can see my car on Honda Tuning Magazine "readers rides" if you are curious.

Thanks,

FLS2kguy,

[B]

 

Hmmm... not exactly sure what you are saying here? There are lots of resources on here detailing what makes power and what doesn't, but many people have different requirements when it comes to price and what they want from the part.

Also, how do you have a Platinum White S2000 in Florida?

 

Generally my intent is just to suggest maybe..less is more when it comes to boosting the power from a N/A AP2 via intake/exhaust tuning and most likely an off the shelf exhaust (especially without matching Hondata upgrade) will leave you disappointed. Check your PM for detailed reply.

 

Link the article and dyno plot. I made 213 on a dynojet two days ago with just a 63mm catback on a 45k mile 06. Yesterday I installed a new alternator rectifier to fix an ongoing voltage problem that was leading to misfires, as well as new oem plugs. I feel like I'm making a lot more power but I don't have a chart to back it up. If I installed a flashpro and header I would probably be where you are. The k&n filter won't do anything and neither would the oil, since factory fill is synthetic.

 

Flying Toaster:

My car has 58k and makes 242 rwhp. Unlocking 30 more HP took, Hondata tuning along with a custom step header to release the restriction in the stock collector as the factory tri-y header is a good design (1.75" primaries), just restrictive at the merge collector as my custom unit is same design just larger diameter and matching minimal restriction 2.5" cat-back exhaust. You have to get Hondata ECU re tune to unlock the hidden potential in your car. Header and cat-back alone won't do it.

Good luck,

 

Thanks for the reply floridas2kguy. I thought you were only claiming 230whp. Where do you go about getting a custom header? The aftermarket designs with 65mm collectors look like attractive choices. The ECU tuning looks like it adds 30hp on its own, but only at the VTEC engagement window. Even the tune + toda header looks like it doesn't increase peak power by more than 10. Perhaps they should be using a custom design and include 2.5mm exhaust piping to compound the gains. May I ask what type of dyno you were tuned on?

 

Here you go with my source for the Header. www.lhtperformance.net or if you prefer (727) 344-1800. Ask for John. The Hondata dyno graph is instructive for what to expect with John's header.

Simply put, your opening the VTEC engagement window 2500 rpm's sooner than stock and adding the enhanced scavenging to take advantage of the additional flow with a step header. You fill in the torque "hole" from 3,500 to 6,500 rpms opening the window sooner and if you have a good exhaust matching the header add power at high rpm's also.

Transforms how the car drives and responds to the throttle.

 

Car was tuned on Dynojet chassis dyno. Pic's on Honda Tuning "readers rides" section.

 

Sounds real nice, but what were the numbers before the mods ?, same car on the same dyno ?. The ultimate number doesn't mean anything unless you know what it started at, its the delta gains that mean everything.

 

You make a good point, and I agree that a few well chosen parts is key to making gains, but yours seem considerably higher than most, especially without addressing the stock cat.

I can't shake the feeling that you are trying to sell something?