I've been going over cars for months looking for a new "toy." My 93 RX7 has been my baby since 98, but she's getting a bit dated. Anyway, the S2000 is about the only option out there for Small, ultra-light RWD vehicles. The questions are, what kind of power can I get out this little 4? I'm running 488 in my RX7, and I don't plan on going any slower. I also don't want to fab all my own stuff, so who is the authority on street legal horsepower? Is the rumor of the S2K getting a new motor soon true? Can the Chassis handle the power? Anyway, I guess I'm just wondering who you all think is the authority on aftermarket power for the S2000. Also, any dealers selling at MSRP?
-Dan

 

Most dealers will haggle to MSRP but you'll have to pull teeth to inspire success.

Street Legal has several connotations for people. In addition, there are different kinds of power. FI is the only way to go for big power in a 2.0l displacement. Before you get your guns going though, I recommend you buy the car, and get comfortable. Once you've spent some time with the car, then you can decide which FI path will better suit your needs. Without knowing what you are going to use the car for, there are way too many variables to construct a meaningful answer to your questions.

If you are planning to use the S2000 as a dragster, there are sooo many issues that need to be covered. The car really is a track queen and not a stoplight rusher. New motor for the S2000? FAT CHANCE. The chassis is great, but the rear end is a little brittle. There is no authority on big power, because no one has eeked 400hp out of the car. Yet. There is an owner building a turbo motor that will likely break the barrier in just a few months. Other than that, SC+N02 is the quick and dirty. To make big power, you will have to modify engine internals since the S2000 runs a 11.1:1 compression ratio out of the factory. There are a lot of tricks to make the car crazy fast without bumping up the horsepower. It all depends upon $$$.

 

Well, if you don't plan on going any slower, then you are going to have to mod the hell out of the s2000. To get that kind of power, you would likely need to lower your compression, then put on one of Speedcraft's Turbos and crank up the boost. Comptech makes a nice SC for it, but it will only get your hp up to about 290 (?) at the wheels.

 

Remember to add lightness, and if you're talking about more than drag racing speed, handling and tires count for a lot.

 

Dumping some weight and going with a tighter final gear will make a HUGE difference.

 

I know that the final gear will make you quite a bit faster, but how much weight could you really loose? I mean, if you got the spoon exhaust, lighter forged Al wheels, lighter intake, ditched the spare, and hooked up a carbon fiber hood, the total weight loss would only be like 173.2 lbs or so....right? Wait....what I am overlooking here?

 

Wow, I really appreciate all the input. I'm not a straight line junkie, but I am a total nut for out-of-the-corner-sideways power pulls. I don't think I'd ever drag a car with as much suspension detail as the S2000. However, what I'm really looking for is that 30-120 power. I don't really want to run NOS, but the comptech looks like a nice option, and so far looks like it's been pretty reliable. Anyone have any feedback on the comptech or other FI units? I'll definitly be losing some weight, starting with the hood, doors, fenders, front bumper, and rear bumper. Is there a shorter final drive for the Japanese car? You said the rear was a tad fragile, anyone offering a stronger unit? I'm just really curious what all your experiences have been.
-Dan

 

You can easily find the final gears through the site sponsors link, as well as parts to beef up the rear end. If you are truly looking for the out-of-the-corner sideways kinda car, then look no further! I try to do this once a week when I pull out of my place in Beaverton. Just tearing out sideways and feeling everything grip and push you right back is amazing. This is my first RWD car, and I will never own another FWD car! I am still on the initial high of it all (since January? When does this wear off?)
-bryon

 

LOL, you've come to the place my friend

 

He had no idea, of the company this group offers. 30-120 is prime Comptech SC territory. The S2000 stock is quite a drifting car out of the box. You'll do fine.