Well, I've had my S2000 for about 8 months now and it is my favorite car so far. I've owned a heavily modded 98 Prelude, chipped TT Audi S4, and an Integra Type R. This site has been so good to me, and everyone here is so knowledgable about the S. I've figured out/fixed so many little issues and had so many questions answered. I thought it's time for me to give a little contribution. Many of this has already been discussed at various other times.

When I bought my S, I was planning on keeping it stock, especially b/c I felt like I wasted so much $$$ in the past due to the "mod bug."

I still have a little mod bug in me, so I gave in on a few things...mostly small/inexpensive things. Below is the summation of each of my little impressions. I only use my S for street, no tracking, so keep that in mind. This is mostly intended for people new to the S and looking to slightly enhance things that are already great about it.

1. OEM "04+ front brake pads.....
The fist thing I did when I bought her was switch to the GT Sport brake pads, all around. I loved these pads on my previous Type R. These pads bite HARD, but they squealed like crazy no matter what I did. (They were quiet on the ITR) I finally switched to Axxis Ultimates. I did not like these pads as all. They squeled almost as bad, gave off more dust, and didn't brake that well. I finally got the updated 04 front pads for my 01 and they are PERFECT. They don't brake as hard as the GT's, but good enough, and they hardly make a peep.

2. Voodoo knob....
This knob provides the perfect feel. I have a little grind in 2nd normally, and at first I thought it would worsen due to the shorter knob, but if anything it improved it. It feels great!

3. Hard-Top Strikers.....
I had the worst, most annoying, hair-pulling rattle from my passenger-side latch. I tried everything...I tightened all the bolts, stuffed the plastic with rubber, oiled it..you name it. Finally I spent the $50 and now no more rattles and even less wind noise! Wasn't expecting that!

4. Neuspeed X-brace.....
I was a skeptic at first, but I have to admit the front end feels more stable/tight, and I think the car is even more controllable with those little over-steers we tend to get.

5. S-02 tires....
If you have never experienced the S-02's on your car b/c you were like me and they came with some other brand b/c you bought the car used....you're missing out! My S came with Kumho 712's originally. I thought the car handled well before, but now...damn!! I feel like it was actually good to learn the car's extremes with those less grabby tires, b/c now with these sticky S-02's I feel more in control.

6. Amsoil....
I used it all my previous cars. I now use it in my engine and rear diff. The first I noticed was how less vibration was felt in the cockpit at idle. It may have improved gas mileage. I'm still contemplating using it in my tranny. The Honda MTF seems fine so far.

7. Rear speaker mod....
If you didn't do this yet, find yourself a couple hours one day and DO IT! It made a night/day difference with sound quality. I drive alot of highway and now I can actually enjoy my music.

8. Headrest windblockers....
The best $20 I spent on the S so far. Even my wife which hardly notices these things mentioned how we could actually have a conversation with the top down on the highway.

9. 02/03 ECU.....
The main thing I noticed was an slight improvement in the low/mid-range...Mostly from 3.5K on. Not sure about the top-end. Was it worth it?....I got a KILLER deal....so yes.

10. K&N air filter....
I felt a little improved throttle response. I use K&N on all my cars, mostly due to re-usability.


Well, there you have it. I'm sure many of you know all of this stuff already, but I hope those people out there like me would benefit from reading this.
Take care!

 

Good post, S2000 talk my be the better forum for it.

 

MY SHORT LIST OF EASY INEXPENSIVE MODS - all under $50

VooDoo Shift knob - enjoy it every time you drive

Keyhole caps - cover the insightly metal holes, very worth it every time I admire the S

Cupholder - the stock cupholder is basically unusable, so adding one to the right of the transmission tunnel is a great way to get a usable cup holder for bottled water when I'm out for the day.

Also, the convertible top speed sensor bypass - useful on so many levels when you can slow to ten mph and drop or raise the top.

More than $50, but totally worth it -

Aftermarket Stereo system - always off when I'm really driving, but for cruising you can't beat a good sound system. Rear speakers aren't even needed if you have a good HU, speakers, and power.

 

Saki I am curious where did you pick up those keyhole caps? I did some searching around for some on my car because I never use the keyholes and couldnt find any info on ones for an S2000.

 

I made them myself. I think Rick's was selling them but suspended sales until quality issues could be resolved.