6 Functional Upgrades for your S2000
Looking to improve the performance on your car, but don't know where to start? Check this out!
Modifying your Ride
I believe the best part of owning a car, is having the opportunity to really make it your own. Ever since the early 1950s, at-home modifications has become a part of the enthusiast's life. Whether it was an engine tune, swap, or even some custom paint, everything was done to the owner's liking.
The S2000 is no different, with owners pushing the chassis to the limit in terms of design, performance and uniqueness. Here we’ll focus on the best mods that increase the overall performance of the car.
1. Air Intake
This should already be basic knowledge, but the colder and denser the air, the more power an engine creates. While the intakes on a F20C and F22C1 are already pretty good, cold air intakes are known to provide solid gains mostly through the mid and higher ranges. The downside to owning a cold air intake is the possibility of hydro-locking the engine. This happens when someone drives over a a deep puddle and submerges the filter, causing the engine to suck up water, thereby locking up its internals. However, using a system such as the AEM V2 kit, protects against hydro-locking by utilizing specially positioned angles and drain holes. Power gains can stem from 5 to 10 horsepower.
2. 70MM+ Exhaust
By far the best exhaust to choose is a custom (pre-cut) 70mm catback exhaust. Just make sure to be weary when choosing an exhaust from a manufacturer because if the pipping exceeds the with too much, you may end up paying much more for a lot less power.
However, knowing the piping limitations will help you choose the best bang for your buck. Another thing to pay attention to is the type of piping used. Mandrel bent tubing offers the best flow for any exhaust. Pairing that with a high-flowing cat, headers (although optional) and single tube exhaust often yields an improved power band. While the catalytic converter does restrict the exhaust flow, it is important for the environment so I suggest you leave it on. However, some folks have used test pipes in their place with dramatic results.
Sound also plays a part in the purchase of an exhaust. So even if you find something that fits your overall performance wants, make sure it hits the right exhaust notes to please your ears!
3. Tune
While you can get away with the previous bolt-ons mentioned here, it's important to note how much a tune can fully benefit the overall power band. Tuning the engine to better accept and use bolt-ons will allow you to free up additional untapped power. Unfortunately AP1s do not have as large of a tuning library when compared to the AP2s, so most people advocate using a piggyback or VAFC system.
The piggyback kits are designed to allow air-to-fuel and VTEC adjustment. Although not as versatile as a standalone ECU, these units are recommended for milder builds. The GReddy Emanage kit is one of the most popular available units.
AP2 owners on other hand have things a bit easier, and instead of investing in a full-fledge stand alone units, can have their stock computers flashed with new software. Hondata, often used on AP2 units, can be found here.
4. Suspension Kit
You heard it time and time again, the S2000 is a driver’s car. It's built to dominate cross country roads, mountain passes and the track, all the while maintaining its presence as a garage queen. To better enhance the driving experience, improving the suspension response is the way to go. Damper, camber and height adjustability are just a few features available when using coilover systems. Spring rates can also be changed to improve ride quality, with the most common setup having 18k in the front, and 16k in the rear as this setup helps prevent overseer.
5. Wheels and Tires
It cannot be stressed enough how important a good wheel and tire setup is. What’s the point of power if it never reaches the ground? While tire positioning and its overall stance on the car are all dependent on what the driver wants, using good quality tires and lighter wheels is all something we can agree on.
For those looking to track the car, drivers can experiment between staggered and non-staggered setups. Staggered setups are tuned from factory to drive that way, while non-staggered setups require additional customization and settings to work. However, non-staggered setups often decrease and remove understeer, while giving more traction overall.
6. Final Drive Install
Definitely more for the mechanically inclined, exchanging the final drive to 4.77, improves acceleration across the board. While it's completely possible to do this job at home, it's recommended to get someone with the proper skill set to do it, as there are some specialty tools required. The only downside to installing this differential is that you will most likely lose some fuel economy. A full in depth DIY guide can be found here.