I haven't read or seen anything regarding a Mugen-equipped S2000 in Japan. For example, I've seen a lot of exposure from Amuse and MCR from the BM videos but I haven't noticed any major Mugen-equipped Japan car.

How does a Mugen equipped car stack up against a non-Mugen car, under the conditions where both cars are on complete stock suspension (to include shocks)?

 

I don't really get what you're saying. But ASM used to use Mugen aero pieces before it had made their own.

 

I dont think Mugen makes enough go fast parts to compete with the big dogs like J's, Spoon and Amuse.

 

If those companies you mention make go-fast goods, then Mugen makes go-very-fast goods, but you'll need to have a license to get your hands them.

 

Doesn't Mugen make the V10 engines for BAR?

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is it appears to me that there's little to no representation from a Mugen-tuned S2000. It's common to see a lot of JDM S2000's with Mugen intakes and perhaps the bonnet, but I haven't seen any of them using the Mugen header, exhaust, ECU and such.

It'd be interesting to find something that features a super battle between a full Mugen-prepped AP1, a J's Racing AP1, an Amuse AP1, Backyard Special AP1, Top Secret AP1, Spoon AP1, etc. There has to be some kind of video exposure from events in Japan somewhere.

 

S#!t i's buy that dvd and magazine if they ever did a comparison like that

 

You damn right... that dvd would be the best selling vid ever.

I'm just curious as to why there's so little exposure of Mugen prepped S2000s. Nobody in Japan (that I've seen via video or magazine) has ever chose the Mugen header, ECU, suspension or exhaust... but the intake is very popular and so is the hood (perhaps the front bumper too).

I don't see the Mugen N1 ECU in the HyperRev magazines either... is it a US spec product or is it not good enough compared to the other offerings?

 

I would buy that vid too! But I don't think Mugen would have a chance against J's Racing or Amuse with their 'off-the-shelf' products. Now if it was full-prepped in the sense that they got to fabricate prototype pieces specific to their needs in whichever series they would run in, then the tables would be turned and J's Racing and Amuse would be left in the dust. There's absolutely no question about it.

Mugen is just like Honda in that they're relatively conservative with their products. Mugen doesn't make the lightest or most free-flowing exhaust, nor do they produce the lightest header, nor do they produce the lightest rims, etc... Mugen parts are well-engineered, built to last, and keep comfort in mind. So it's a compromise, though not to your wallet!!

 

You're right Steve. The company puts its focus into making parts that make sense to their customers. The lightest header and such may not be the best choice for cars mainly driven on the street since durability, noise control, legality and such become concerns.

I guess each company has its tuning approaches and goals in mind. Amuse doesn't sell a mass-market standalone ECU since they require you to send in yours and have them custom program it for your car's mods. Mugen's the only one that I know of that's a simple drop-in type for all S2000 except FI types.

Since Amuse has the ability to tune their products for full track, race-prep spec with their ultra-light and expensive products, I'd suspect that it'd have a major edge against a comparable Mugen car equipped with the dual exhaust cans, N1 ECU, intake and header... to include wheels, tires and suspension... but I'd still like to see the difference. I'm not the type to rush out and get a header that may crack on me after a year's use even though it provides 5 more hp for example.

Mugen's offerings improve everyday street driveability which is a big bonus IMO since I'm used to putting on mods that degrade some street driveability, while gaining a little more power. I wonder if Kingmotorsports has a few videos (or vid clips) showing off their original Mugen equipped S2000... I'd like to see it in action around a track!