Does a lighter exhaust system throw off the balance of the stock suspension?

 

Nope, you can only save around 40lbs max (less than 2% of the weight of the car) so you won't feel any difference.

 

it won't make a noticable difference in the balance but in terms of looks, an exhuast on a car with stock suspension looks awkward to some.

 

^

I agree, you can get by with stock exhuast or even stock rims if you, first, lowered your car. But, any of that without lowered it would look tacky, IMO.

 

I disagree. You CAN feel 40 lbs of a weight difference. Besides, the stock exhaust is really heavy, and you can get a full Ti exhaust at like 8 lbs or so (if you don't mind it being ridiculously loud).

I don't believe the S2000 comes corner-balanced like the ITR, so I don't think you'd notice any difference in the balance of the car. You will, however, have that much less mass on your car, which will improve braking and handling (very marginally, anyway). I'd ditch the spare and the tools if you could (I live in LA, so I'm not worried about being stranded too far from anywhere/anyone).

Lowering is just for looks. It will most likely hurt the handling of your car unless you spend major $$ and/or spend alot of time tuning it on the track. Just be sure not to get JIC coilovers, as their spring rates are completely wrong for our car (and most other cars, from what I hear).

That said, why not start with an intake?

 

I disagree. The ride height looks fine, and lowering is something that shouldn't be messed with unless you have the pockets to do it right. The exhaust is only really noticeable from the back of the car.

Less weight is less weight... Simple comparison- Do you notice the car to be faster of brake better when the gas tank is down vs. full? The answer and the perception to that answer, is the answer to your question.