Is it really worth modding an S2000?
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From: Queen City, NC
Originally Posted by patinum,Aug 9 2010, 01:54 PM
Seems odd to me the culture of modding. People get a great car like the S and immediately think "what can I do to it?" Are people really unhappy with the S2000 how it is out of the box? Sure, every car can probably be improved to better match one's tastes or goals, but it's almost assumed to be requisite now if you own anything sporty. I think the S is great as is, and that's why I always think twice before swiping a credit card to make my car sound a certain way, make some number that really doesn't mean anything, make the car look "clean" or "agressive", or make it handle "better". Basically what I'm getting at is figure out what's wrong with the car first, stop and think if it's an actual problem, and then figure out what needs to be done to fix it. Seems like most people mod to improve something that doesn't need to be improved and end up with something worse or a thinner wallet.
/rant
/rant
I think its a way of thinking if you come from a plebeian car like a Civic that you need to mod to make decent, and its a habit to break when you get to an S2000.
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I mention the TP due to the PRICE, not really so the performance. a good TP will pretty much free up your exhaust as much as a full exhaust system +/- a little.
The only big difference is the weight of the stock exhaust.
3-5hp, better gas mileage for <100 bucks (tp) is a good deal in my book?
The only big difference is the weight of the stock exhaust.
3-5hp, better gas mileage for <100 bucks (tp) is a good deal in my book?
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After going through that whole Mod phase, I got the S becaue it came tuned from the factory. Why mess with what Honda has tuned the car to be? I DD my car (ap2) and I like the trade off between performance and liveability. The more you tune the car the more harsh it'll be and the more bitch it'll be to maintain. I just don't ever want to deal with headaches like that and would rather just keep my peace of mind. In terms of look I'm also pleased with the way it looks stock. Not to mention that if you ever sell your car you'll have a tough time selling it modded ( you could sell your parts, but again hassle ). That's just my opinion.
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From: London
The S is a compromised car. A fast and accomplished one, but it is still compromised for speed, comfort, emissions, longevity, noise etc.
Once you start modding you can tailor the car to your own personal preferences.
Mine handles better than stock, sounds better than stock, is faster than stock, but is not as comfortable nor as quiet as stock. I prefer it modded
Once you start modding you can tailor the car to your own personal preferences.
Mine handles better than stock, sounds better than stock, is faster than stock, but is not as comfortable nor as quiet as stock. I prefer it modded
Joined: Jan 2010
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From: Benicia, CA
Originally Posted by patinum,Aug 9 2010, 09:54 AM
Seems odd to me the culture of modding. People get a great car like the S and immediately think "what can I do to it?" Are people really unhappy with the S2000 how it is out of the box? Sure, every car can probably be improved to better match one's tastes or goals, but it's almost assumed to be requisite now if you own anything sporty. I think the S is great as is, and that's why I always think twice before swiping a credit card to make my car sound a certain way, make some number that really doesn't mean anything, make the car look "clean" or "agressive", or make it handle "better". Basically what I'm getting at is figure out what's wrong with the car first, stop and think if it's an actual problem, and then figure out what needs to be done to fix it. Seems like most people mod to improve something that doesn't need to be improved and end up with something worse or a thinner wallet.
/rant
/rant
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Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Culpeper Virginia
I've never felt the need to modify the S2000 for power. It would cost too much to add just 30 hp and going FI will cost even more. If I want to go fast in a straight line as well as in the curves... I jump on my little 600 CC motorcycle that will do the 1/4 mile in 11.3 seconds, stock.
Instead of trying to make your car "faster"...make yourself a faster driver. The S2000 has potential that most of us will never be able to use because we lack the skill.
Instead of trying to make your car "faster"...make yourself a faster driver. The S2000 has potential that most of us will never be able to use because we lack the skill.
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Joined: Mar 2009
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From: Miami, FL
Originally Posted by patinum,Aug 9 2010, 09:54 AM
Seems odd to me the culture of modding. People get a great car like the S and immediately think "what can I do to it?" Are people really unhappy with the S2000 how it is out of the box? Sure, every car can probably be improved to better match one's tastes or goals, but it's almost assumed to be requisite now if you own anything sporty. I think the S is great as is, and that's why I always think twice before swiping a credit card to make my car sound a certain way, make some number that really doesn't mean anything, make the car look "clean" or "agressive", or make it handle "better". Basically what I'm getting at is figure out what's wrong with the car first, stop and think if it's an actual problem, and then figure out what needs to be done to fix it. Seems like most people mod to improve something that doesn't need to be improved and end up with something worse or a thinner wallet.
/rant
/rant
After owning it for a little over a year I've realised that the stock S2000, IMO, is pretty close to perfect. There's no need to mod this car unless you want a lot more power(FI) or you just want it to sound differently. My only mod installed on the car right now is a PRM intake. I bought it because I like the sound. I had a single exhaust and test pipe installed and took them off within a few weeks. I never thought I would miss the stock exhaust. I don't think I'll be installing any more engine mods on this car. The suspension will probably stay stock, as well.
Honda did an incredible job with this car. No other car has captivated me like the S2000 has.
Joined: Jan 2009
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From: NJ Shore
Originally Posted by patinum,Aug 9 2010, 12:54 PM
Seems odd to me the culture of modding. People get a great car like the S and immediately think "what can I do to it?" Are people really unhappy with the S2000 how it is out of the box? Sure, every car can probably be improved to better match one's tastes or goals, but it's almost assumed to be requisite now if you own anything sporty. I think the S is great as is, and that's why I always think twice before swiping a credit card to make my car sound a certain way, make some number that really doesn't mean anything, make the car look "clean" or "agressive", or make it handle "better". Basically what I'm getting at is figure out what's wrong with the car first, stop and think if it's an actual problem, and then figure out what needs to be done to fix it. Seems like most people mod to improve something that doesn't need to be improved and end up with something worse or a thinner wallet.
/rant
/rant
So someone is slammed, yeah it my look badass but unless you're replacing the entire suspension you don't handle as well.
So someone has a bunch of bolt-ons, yeah your car may sound awesome but when we're running down the highway together you don't really pull on a stock S.
So someone has 3rd party body mods, IMO they often look like trash and really cheapen the car with their lack of cohesiveness.
And when you look to buy or sell a car they're a hindrance. You never get your money back as a seller and many buyers won't touch a modded car with a 10 foot pole.
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Joined: Dec 2009
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From: Fairsuck, Va
Sorry to jump in this and take it slightly OT (maybe if anything you can point me in the right direction on the forums....still a newb to s2ki.com). I have no intention of modifying anything to gain performance, I am more than happy as is. I just want a deeper exhaust note and was looking for the best/cheapest way to achieve this. I'd be a happy camper once that is done.
My guess is of course "buy a new exhaust", but as I said, hp gains are unimportant to me entirely, I just think the sound doesn't do the beast justice.
My guess is of course "buy a new exhaust", but as I said, hp gains are unimportant to me entirely, I just think the sound doesn't do the beast justice.
