I'm not sure how many of you have actually seen or driven either of the King Motorsports S2000's but I have firsthand knowledge that these cars are noticably faster than a stock S2000. It has been pointed out many times that the "go-fast" equipment on these cars only costs about $6K. The suspension and brake work, combined with the "go fast" equipment make a world of difference on a road course.

The front spoiler, the hardtop and the rear spoiler on the black car are all functional pieces. They add a tremendous amount of downforce to the car. Pictures don't do the car justice - it is truely great looking.

Let us also not forget that the stock S2000 and the Mugen S2000 were not even tested in the same year. There are many variables while doing car testing such as temperature, humidity, track, track conditions, etc.

In summary - it's your money, do what you will with it. Take what you read in magazines with a grain of salt and do some real world testing of your own.

 

I'm with Brad on this one...(big surprise). The King car in that article is Scott Zellner's personal car. I have driven it and know the car well. It's a very impressive car. Awesome, in fact.

I wasn't there, but in Asheville, they did some highway tests and Scott's car would walk Jason's car. I got reports from Jason and Scott. Maybe one of them can chime in on those tests. Actually, Brad was there for round one of the testing...maybe he can say something about that...

And yes, that comparison isn't valid because of all the various things that changed between the two events. Had they done side by side tests, that would be another thing. I can PROMISE you that the Mugen S2000 will turn far better lap times...that's indesputible.

There's no point in revisiting the whole modification thing again. But this comparison was too simplistic and doesn't tell the whole story. By simply using the 1/4 and 0-60 times just isn't enough data to arrive at a valid assessment of what the car is capable of...

 

One of the values of this board is to enable S2000 owners to make educated decisions on what to do with and how to care for their Stooks.

 

S2000boy said ".....put a supercharger or whatever in your car.......most Stock S2000's will be able to keep up with it."

I disagree. Find the video of the stock vs supercharged race shown from within the supercharged car. You see nothing but headlights from 2nd gear on - many car lengths. I've been in a supercharged S2000 and there is a BIG difference. Now, will the rest of the car take the power? Ask some users.

Mugen gives you 15 hp for big bucks. Supercharger gives you almost 100 hp for $5000...less than the price of a new Yugo. You decide!

I agree that most mods do little for performance. The exhaust systems do sound better - my opinion. I have the RMRacing exhaust and like it. I have a Comptech air filter and can't tell any difference at all. Unlike the Honda filter, it is serviceable, so that's worth it for me.

I'm planning two more mods to my car. Comptech supercharger and bar across shock mounts in front ( I forget what they call it) for front-end strength. I'm also going to get a hardtop, but I don't consider that a mod - it's an accessory (opinion).

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by meat
[B]I have firsthand knowledge that these cars are noticably faster than a stock S2000.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Garyj
[B]Mugen gives you 15 hp for big bucks.

 

I would add with the beefier clutch a new differential, as the stock one is known to be weak and prone to failure under extreme stress. I spent some time at a local tuner last week, who explained, in layman's terms, that the stock clutch has enough slip in it that it will generally prevent some of the very harshest damage to the diff, and that damage is compounded with the additional powerof the s/c. Eliminate the slip and the differential is rammed into service with no delay and gets stressed. For more on this, read up on Wesmaster's diff failure.

HTH

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Sondra S2K
[B]

I would add with the beefier clutch a new differential, as the stock one is known to be weak and prone to failure under extreme stress.

 

Speed costs $ and apparently to improve the speed on the S2000 costs lots of $$$. That shouldn't surprise anyone given what the stock S2000 can do, and several after-market sources have publicly stated that.

With all the mods, the Mugen car should and I believe would blow the OEM away on the race track -- just as intented. However, pounding $25k into the S2000 does not strike me as a good investment; $35k + $25k = $60k. With $60k to spend there's a lot a cars that would kick S2000's butt at the track.

But for $35k, out-the-door, the stock S2000 is a hell'va great car!

 

IMHO - the Mugen front sway bar will do more for you than either a X-brace or strut tower bar.