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I have a 2000 MR2 Spyder and I'm looking to upgrade. Of course, the S2k is my choice (I could only afford the Spyder in 2000.)
What's the most popular mod to the S2K? I was a member of spyderchat.com and got banned for arguing with some of the losers there... Anyway, all I did the the Spyder was a custom dual exhaust from a guy on the board.
Is there anything like that for the s2k? I love the Honda stock, I just may wanna do the exhaust once I get one. Do intakes do much for the s2k?
When I sold my TT (heavily modded) in march of 2002 I told my wife two things: Never let me buy another car that I have to mod to be happy with, and NEVER let me buy a black car again...
Well - I am happy to report that my Berlina Black S2K is just about the perfect car out of the box IMO. No need for any mods at all... With that said - I have changed the shiftknob due to my large monkey-like hands, and I just ordered a Spugen dual exhaust. The exhaust isn't for anything more than to provide a more pronounced exhaust note to go with the VTEC roar. Not because the car needs it - but I think it will make me smile more. I will not be doing anything else to this car. It just simply doesnt need it.
A recent Road & Track spoke of numerous factory-sponsored mods to the S2000. When all was done, they did very little to lap time. The S2000 was correctly engineered from the start including things like exhausts, IMO. The '02s and '03s reportedly got five more HP already.
Most of what follows are little things that make the car more comfortable and/or secure.
I think that Xviper's $5 bug shield over the radiator (does not raise temps, as do the accessory grills) and $8 insulating blanket on top of the radiator (keeps intake air cooler) are highly cost effective--you have to make 'em yourself. In the bolt-on category, an X-brace is reportedly helpful (goes under the car). I like Muz' product because of its low weight and not interfering with oil changes. It's around $150. (Many people say that the front strut brace is a cosmetic change if you have the X-brace.)
The Coastal Metals (another sponsor) bumper protector goes under the front bumper and saves you about $500 for a new front bumper every time you forget and roll over a concrete car-stopper in a parking lot, especially those with rebar sticking up. Highly recommended and probably the first thing to add to the car.
In the cost-effective practical changes, Modifry's glove-box organizer ($15?) and MajorHavoc headrest wind blockers ($20) are musts. Modifry has some other suggested changes that are all clever and some of them are free do-it-yourself projects with complete instructions. I advocate the McGard locking seat bolts (available only through this forum), the McGard wheel locks (OEM Honda), and the small net for the trunk (OEM Honda). (I'm a big fan of forum sponsor hardtopguy for Honda accessories.)
All of the above will set you back less than $400. However, look at Muz' and Rick's sites for lovely upgrades and you can easily spend another $2000 without trying very hard at all!
well, I believe you were asking about performance mods...
common intake and exhaust...with minimal gains though. I would say skip the intake and exhaust and go to a set of final gears. Probably the 4.44's. you can still get the intake and exhaust if your heart tells you so, but perfomance mod I believe gears will be the one. I'm no pro, but I know these are the things I've thought of. I have intake, but that's it at this time.
Another former Spyderchat.com member and MR2-S owner. I modified my Spyder quite a bit but and to this day, I haven't owned a car that handled better. The S2000 is more powerful but a bit more of a handful to push so I would start by recommending you ask yourself how you intend to drive the car. If street racing and drag strips aren't your bag, you could probably skip any CAI or Catback. If you're more into handling the stock power output is more than enough to keep you happy, especially coming from the 138-hp Toyota. You might want to choose a nice set of aftermarket wheels (lightweight 17's seem to be the most popular choice) and tweak the handling with a set of coilovers or something in that vein. Some prefer the handling and power just the way it is but want to look different than most other S2000's so they lean on asthetic mods with body kits and/or interior mods. The 4.44 gear change is probably the best mod for the buck when it comes to maximizing the incendiary F20C engine. Expect to pay around $1000 when all is said and done with that mod but it'll drop your 1320 down by .3 to .5 seconds.
My best advice is to buy the car first and spend some time with it before assuming which direction is appropriate. You may find yourself with a much clearer flight path once you've spent some time in the cockpit.
Hope to see you as an owner/member soon!
Here's a pic of my former ragtop. Team Moon, lowered, AEM, etc. Too much to list.
First, of all let me say that for the money the Spyder is a nice sports car. My son and I took one out from a dealer for a little spin, and hespanked it a bit and I wrung it out a little harder. We both enjoyed the ride. However, it performs a lot like the S2000 does with hard shifting below 6k. That[s it frankly. The S will take you up to another level without making you feel anxious. Plus, you add an exhaust and a CAI and that next level is esthetically more enjoyable and pleasing. I try not to abuse this car in first gear and a decent aftermarket shifter (your first mod) will make hard driving more exact and enjoyable. No flame on the Syder; the S is just a more visceral experience. Enjoy and be safe.
Convert me from Spyder
