I want to make another modification to my S, but thats all I am sure of as of now. Currently I have a full system, an alarm, and Ricks badges. I want to do something performance wise, Im really up to anything, springs, rims, intake, whatever. As far as budget, I have about 750 that I can spend.

My thoughts on rims- I dont have alot saved, even if I did have enough for perfect rims (correct offset/widths) I would not want to drop that much into them. So Rotas are about my only option. I know almost all of you dont like these because they are not nearly what the s2000 requires. However I have seen pictures with them and the offsets do not seem to create an old 60s roller skate look. I would lose width in the rear, and gain in the front, creating more oversteer, but I dont track my car, so I dont think I would notice. I have a friend with a set of Rotas on his Impreza, Im sure he would let me bolt them on to see what it would look like.

Intake- They dont make much power at all, alot of money for not much IMO, however that seems to be the deal with all bolt ons aside from F/I. They add alittle power, sound and look good, but I just dont know.

Springs- I think they really make the s2000 look good, and from what I gather dont really effect handling either way. I would go with the Eibachs because I dont want a rough ride nor to be slammed. However also purchasing shocks would put me over my budget, so I cant risk blowing mine for quite some time before I can gather enough to replace them, another reason why I would only drop 1 inch.

A CF hood is also a possibility, I really like the VIS with the vents, however I think it may look odd without rims or lowering. It all needs to be in proportion, and I think lowering is a good place to start in adjusting the aesthetics of any car.

You have probably gathered that I am more concerned with aesthetics and budget than anything else. I am only a student and cant afford anything too outrageous. I have also been in my fair share of wrecks (not my fault) so my need for speed and pushing the limits is gone for the most part.

Anyone throw in anything you think about my situation, Im not too sure where to go on this one. Thanks.
gmoore

 

save up your money and buy nicer wheels later, you'll be sorry with the rotas.
i recommend:

the aem v2 intake, it's pretty good from what i hear.

the T1-R(type one racing) titanium exhaust. good gains(around 10whp with test pipe), titanium tip, lightweight and looks great.

kg/mm springs and some good aftermarket struts. kg/mm is a very good brand. i was going to recommend koni yellow shocks but they might exceed your budget. bilstein hd and kyb agx shocks are good too(and cheaper). trust me, if you lower your car, you willl definately want to have aftermarket shocks that can handle the higher spring rates, OR you'll have one bouncy and uncomfortable drive.

 

I dont want a CAI, the hydro locking isnt worth it to me.

The TP will throw a code, I cant stand that, and I dont want anything too loud.

Lowering is still on the board. I would most likely do springs now, shocks later to ease the budget blow.

Why would I be sorry with Rotas?
gmoore

 

you'll end up paying 2 times for labor when you do get springs and shocks installed at different times. better wait and have them installed all at once.


btw rotas are cool on civics and tegs, but with an expensive car like the s2000, don't cheap out on parts. btw anyone can spot a fake spoon sw388 replica(rota slipstream) these days.

 

Forget about rims for now. Save up a little while and get something nice.

Get a Comptech CAI its cold air but not really likely to get hydro locking your engine. The intake provide a better throttle response.

You can get the springs for now. I've had my Eibach for almost a year with no signs of my stock shocks dying out.

As for the hood, your on the right track wait until after you have the rims just my opinion on this one though.

Actually this is all my opinion

 

i AGREE! I just got mine 3months ago and thats the first mod im doing, a CAintake..well aside from the Honda front and rear spoilers that are being out on as we speak

 

I would be happy to do the springs/shocks, however I kind of had my heart set on rims. What am I going to have to pay, in your opinion, to get good rims? The CAI is kind of last on the list as of now.
gmoore

 

I found a killer deal on Buddy Club 17 by 7.5's, but they are a 35mm offset. I will rub on those wont I?
gmoore

 

The biggest thing with rim is to find ones that actually fit the car's offset Most people around here anyway pay around $1500-2000 for a good set of wheels and tires sometimes more but that's up to you. If have the wrong offsets they will rub the fenders. Also its better to have the wheels staggered like the stock ones.

 

IMHO, I would just leave the wheels stock. I know that knew wheels provide a different look for the car, but on the S2000, wheels should be functionality > fashion. Trust me, you will notice the difference with even a small reduction of width in the rear. (This is mainly because Honda likes to size their tires to "just enough," but that's a seperate subject).

I would recommend (this is also what I plan to do) just powdercoating the stock wheels. Just this simple modification will drastically change the look of the car. I also agree with RazorV3 about the springs/shocks also. Just wait until you can do them both at the same time. The car will ride much better when those Eibachs are matched with a damper that provides at least some adjustability in it's damping.

As for the $750.00? I'm not sure how your tire tread is looking, but be prepared to spend more than half that when you have to replace the rear S02's.

This car is just so balanced, that doing mods in a half a$$ manner will most likely downgrade the performance (and possibly the look) of the car. Just my .02.