Daily Slideshow: This 2006 S2000 was Made in Paradise

"I wasn't expecting to own an S2000," says JP Damo of Hawaii, who hadn't even driven one. This finance manager who had never worked on cars in his life was then thrust into an unexpected journey that changed his life. Before getting involved with the S2000, JP owned a civic, but the aftermarket plans for the Civic didn't go as he had hoped so he started looking at a more potent and sporty-looking Integra DC5. "I wanted an Acura RSX Type-S, but at that time I couldn't find a clean one, so I decided to expand my choices. I started looking at S2000s and a FA5 Civic Si," JP recalls.

A couple of weeks into his search, JP came across a very clean Grand Prix White S2K with 43K miles on it. Fearing that he could lose out on it, he immediately contacted the owner to set up a meeting. "Later on that night, I test drove the car—my first time driving an S2000," he reminisces. "I fell in love with it the moment I drove it." And that's all it took for JP to take the plunge and begin his new project.

JP took it upon himself to use his new project car as an opportunity to educate himself and learn skills that the majority of enthusiasts never do. He literally got his hands dirty and jumped in with no training at all: "I learned how to weld, do engine work, modify my harness, fabricate body panels, and most importantly—pay attention to details."

>>Join the conversation about JP Damo's Paradise-made S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.

"I built the car as a show and weekend race car. I have no problem driving it to its limits," he says. It's clear to see why the car is show-ready, but what's impressive about this one is that its physical prowess matches its stylish looks. It produces 466 hp and 350 lb-ft of torque, more than enough to scale even the steepest of volcanos in Hawaii. In order to achieve those numbers, JP added a Precision T4 6266 turbo mounted to the F20 via a Full Blown sidewinder manifold. Both the 1,000 cc injectors and a 340-mph fuel pump provide enough fuel to keep the motor humming, while a Mishimoto cooling setup keeps engine temps down. Getting all the parts to work together is a Hondata Flashpro.

Although this Hawaiian S2000 seems ready for its close up and for the track, JP is not yet finished with this project car. "My next goal is to get the engine bay shaved 'n' painted, and also hunt for a spare motor so I can build it to handle more power." My best guess is that JP will be doing his own sanding.

>>Join the conversation about JP Damo's Paradise-made S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.