Check Out This AP2 Pushing Out 385 HP! (Photos)
For its entire 10 year run, the S2000 remains largely similar. However, this S2K owned by Alex Zhao is nowhere near stock, and the no-expenses-spared build makes the perfect case for why these cars are some of the most desirable sport cars around.
1. The Back Story
Alex Zhao, the owner of this track monster, used to own a 2011 Honda S2000. Unfortunately, he had to sell it so he can start his own business, but his dream of owning another one stayed alive throughout the years. He finally made his dream come true with this 2005 Honda S2K, which he bought stock with 165,000 miles on it.
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2. The Project Goal
Alex knew this car will be costly to build, simply because his performance target was a Porsche 997 GT3. The stock condition the S2000 was in was a simple platform that Zhao can start from, and even though he wanted to purchase a Porsche 997 GT3, their appreciating price tag wasn't going to allow him to get one. So instead, he went back and decided to make this one a track monster.
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3. Exterior Modifications
The '05 S2000 now sports a widened body, thanks to the front and rear Voltex fender flares, as well as the Voltex Street side skirts down low. The exterior was also upgraded with a Voltex Type 7 Swan Neck GT Wing, a Voltex Street front bumper, a Mugen FRP, and to complement all of that, Alex changed the stock hood to an Amuse carbon fiber one. The car weighs 2,670 pounds without Alex in it.
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4. Interior Upgrades
The stock S2K seats were replaced with Bride Vios3 bucket seats, as well as Buddy Club P1 seat brackets. The steering wheel was upgraded from stock to a Momo mod 78 steering wheel, with a Works Bell BOSS steering wheel hub. Finally, Alex installed an AEM UEGO air/fuel ratio gauge. The red bucket seats and the blue exterior work extremely well together.
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5. Suspension Modifications
The 2005 fully-modified S2K sits on Maxxis RC1 265/35/18 tires, which are wrapped around Arcane Forged Mage 18x10.5 wheels. The shocks were replaced with Exceed Short Stroke Damper coil overs, and SPC Performance camber ball joint. Alex also extended the ball joints, connecting them to the front lower control arm with Buddy Club P1 Racing Roll Center Adjuster. The 265 fronts make the steering slightly heavy, but extremely responsive nonetheless.
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6. Exhaust Upgrades
The sound of this far-from-stock S2000 is simply out of this world, thanks to the exhaust system upgrades. The stock headers were replaced with Mugen AP2 headers. It also has a T1R Sparrow 70R-EM single cat-back exhaust system, and T1R 70MM straight pipe. If this doesn't sound like a track monster to you, then track monsters don't exist.
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7. Engine Performance Modifications
It takes some work to make an S2000 produce 385 horsepower, and Alex Zhao was determined to get it there. The Rotrex Kraftwerk's C38-91 supercharger was mainly the responsible modification in getting the engine to produce such power. The cooling system was upgraded with a Koyo Aluminum radiator, and a Koyo 1.3 bar high-pressure radiator cap. Alex also installed a Cusco oil catch can, and a Hondata 4 Bar Map Sensor. Last but not least, the engine sits on Innovative 85A engine mounts, and the clutch was upgraded to an HS1-HDSS clutch disk. All of these upgrades were done to the 2.2-liter motor, which now produces 385 horsepower, and 278 pound-feet of torque.
Watch Matt Farah take Alex Zhao's S2000 on a spirited run right HERE.
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