AP2 S2000 Built to Be a Weapon on Track
It's hard to believe now, but this heavily modified AP2 started its life as something very much normal.
Humble Beginnings
Most builds start with humble beginnings. Then, over time, they progressively transform into anything from mild weekend cruisers to all-out race cars. When it comes to ipeefreely's AP2 S2000, we'd say it lands closer to the latter on the spectrum. But as you can see from his build thread in the S2KI forums, it certainly didn't start out that way.
Wicked Plans
The OP purchased his car bone stock just last year. But he immediately revealed that it was destined to become much more than that. "I've really just been enjoying the car. It's my first convertible and the weather has been great so it's just a blast driving around with the top down. This is actually the second sports car in my garage and its duty is to be more of a track weapon than anything else. The plan is to build her up as I get more and more used to driving her on the track."
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Change of Plans
The first mods were an Invidia Exhaust and a J's Racing type 2 wing that the OP picked up from another forum member. Soon afterward, he located a set of Recaro Pole Position seats and Advan RS II wheels. But after other members warned him of noise restrictions at certain tracks, he also picked up a Tanabe Medallion Touring exhaust to replace his insanely loud Invidia pipes.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Rolling on New Stock
Of course, keeping the stock tires on those shiny new wheels wasn't in the cards, so the OP chose to mount a set of sticky Toyo R888Rs on them. After installing the new rolling stock, the OP quickly found that they stuck out a little past the fenders. But a fix for that was in the works, too.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Tragedy Strikes
With some assistance from another forum member, the OP got his new exhaust and Seibon trunk installed. Everything appeared to be going smoothly, but then tragedy struck. While at the shop, it was discovered that the AP2's original engine had a rear main engine seal and oil pan leak, and one of the cylinders wasn't up to par in terms of compression.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
More Problems
Instead of waiting for the motor to implode on the track, the OP found a lower-mile F22C replacement locally. But that didn't pan out either, so he simply chose to stick with the original and give it a rebuild. In the meantime, he worked on the interior and installation of a Spoon-style hood and APR front bumper.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Little Revisions
The OP continued to make little revisions, as we often do. He sold the Advan wheels and picked up a set of Diamond hoops. To make room for them, he also swapped on J's racing front fenders and ASM rear fenders. And then it was finally time to hit the track.
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Track Day Break-In
And what better way to break in a new build than at the track, anyway? "I finally picked up my car! Since Trackspec managed to finish up my car a bit, Son told me to take the car around and drive it so I can break everything in," recalls the OP. "I tried to drive it around but with limited space in the car, it was kind of a pain in the ass to take it to work. So I did the next best thing which was to sign up for a track day at Laguna Seca."
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Pleasant Results
The OP and a friend signed up for an all-day run, which lasted only until his buddy's car broke. But his fresh build certainly seems to have performed admirably.
"Doing the track day at Laguna really let me open her up and test some limits of the car. I was still trying to take it easy though because of the break-in period. But overall, my ride performed flawlessly. I had so much grip around the corners I couldn't even slide the rear out when I tried. Can't wait to go back the next time and run her at full tilt. "
>>Join the conversation about this forum member's AP2 track car right here in S2Ki.com.
Content?
Unfortunately, the original engine and transmission let go shortly thereafter. But it didn't take long to source a new setup, which was treated to an HKS blower. The outside has received some upgrades as well in the form of a J's front bumper and TE37 Black Edition IIs. For now, the OP seems to be happy with his track weapon. But we'd bet he isn't finished with it just yet!