new s2000 owner needs advice

[gr8ride2004]

I have just bought my very first s2000. it is a 2004 with the f22 series motor. I have read in verious sources that the s2000 is nearly a perfectly designed car. one of my books even states that when they added a very expensive catback exhaust that they lost 15hp compared to the stock system. I dont know where to begin on aftermarket mods. I dont want to comprimise the cars performance but I do want to start fixing it up. what can I do?

[boxcarracer0260]

k & n air filter or spoon sports air filter. Header, exhaust (all of them are good for the s2000) and some brake upgrades are what i would do.

[Neil]

^^^^^^I agree. Any form of intake system to help cold air into your engine will help. Just keep in mind the principal behind an intake. It is to bring cold air in from outside the engine compartment. The air in the engine compartment is very hot, and your engine likes cool air.

Exhaust. Don't go el-cheapo though. If you get yourself a good exhaust (I would recommend Thermal) it will only help your performance. Get one that is a cheap "who-knows-what," and you may hurt your performance. Also, check with your state and local laws.

Brake upgrades are never bad, but for the minor tuning that your are doing at the moment, they aren't necessary. Now if you plan on tracking the car every weekend, or various other motorsports, then I would absolutely upgrade the brakes. Perhaps a nice Wilwood kit with Hawk pads. Just make sure the wheels you have will clear bigger calipers.

Don't foget, the internet is your friend!!!

happy tuning.

[k20a2Stitch]

i agree dont buy cheap ****, id go with a cold air intake, race header and leave the stock catback exhuast. possibly a supercharger . Then upgrade teh vavle train

[AP1fun]

Being a S2000 owner, I'm actually gonna have to disagree with some of the things said. Exhaust can cause a lose in back pressure, which can decrease HP. The S comes with 63mm tubing from the factory (2.25in) so if you really want performance not many companys offer it. Spugen, T1R (70mm) sparrow, Amuse, and Invidula are the only quality ones, except Veilside Teardrop which is redundantly loud. My friend has a Ricks header, Him and many other claim it's not worth the money or time for your gains. AEM intakes lower bottem end power, are placed in the fender well under the drain hole and are pretty expensive. I agree with the first mods answer of a K&N drop in filter. I have one and its great. I do suggest a Berks or T1R 70mm test pipe. Stop Tech makes a wonderful brake kit, as does Amuse and some other companys. The stock brakes aren't bad, but if you'll be driving hard then they will need to be replaced with a more suitable set.

The best bang for your buck when making the S fast is either Ricks 4.57 gears, possibly 4.77 gears (depending on how much you drive the S on the interstate) or a super charger. Vortec and Comptech make wonderful kits. I had a Vortec with after cooler. The only problem with Vortec is they don't require a stand alone fule management system and the kit includes a 'black box' which are well know to fail. Simply call Vortec and they will send you a replacement. S2000's have an amazing valve train, I'm in a 02 so I can rev to 9K but the 8K 2.2L motor has more TQ, that was the trade off. You can play with it if you want, but while your there Skunk 2 just released cams for the S which are supposed to be amazing.


Good luck.