Imola Orange Honda S2000
Discussion
Hi guys,
Never bothered to do one of these before - but thought I'd post up a topic of my S2000.
I was after one for a couple of years, umming and erring about it, but my MX-5s were tiding me over and I couldn't justify the increased running costs. Then I finally thought sod it, and bought one.
The s2000 comes in lots of boring colours: silver, dark blues, black, grey... I've had lots of boring colours before, so wanted something bright. Originally I was after a facelift, but pre-drive by wire (So that's just 2004-early 2006) yellow one. I almost settled on a 2002 one but decided to hold out. Then mine came up for sale; New Imola Orange Pearl - a slightly brighter version of the Imola Orange Pearl used on the NSX.
Here she is as I bought her, completely standard.
First thing's first was to sort out the brakes:
Yuk!
And to get some new ones on there - I decided on some slotted and drilled ones:
Much better.
Then, I wanted to get rid of the boring silver wheels and get them powdercoated black:
Which I think perfectly suit the car:
The next jobs I sorted out were:
From this:
To this:
I've since been busy sorting out my up and coming wedding. But whilst out in the states next month I'll be picking up a K&N FIPK induction kit and Ingalls torque dampener. Be rude not to take advantage of the exchange rate
Will get it out on track at some point - although it's my daily driver.
Got my private plate on it now, but if anyone sees me around give us a wave! I'm pretty sure I'm the only orange S2K around for miles
Never bothered to do one of these before - but thought I'd post up a topic of my S2000.
I was after one for a couple of years, umming and erring about it, but my MX-5s were tiding me over and I couldn't justify the increased running costs. Then I finally thought sod it, and bought one.
The s2000 comes in lots of boring colours: silver, dark blues, black, grey... I've had lots of boring colours before, so wanted something bright. Originally I was after a facelift, but pre-drive by wire (So that's just 2004-early 2006) yellow one. I almost settled on a 2002 one but decided to hold out. Then mine came up for sale; New Imola Orange Pearl - a slightly brighter version of the Imola Orange Pearl used on the NSX.
Here she is as I bought her, completely standard.
First thing's first was to sort out the brakes:
Yuk!
And to get some new ones on there - I decided on some slotted and drilled ones:
Much better.
Then, I wanted to get rid of the boring silver wheels and get them powdercoated black:
Which I think perfectly suit the car:
The next jobs I sorted out were:
- New tyres all round - Goodyear Eagle F1 Asym 2 (XLs) - Awesome tyres!
- New stereo with bluetooth, steering controls etc.
- Full service at TGM in Fleet including wheel alignment - Highly recommended by me!
- Drive the thing!
From this:
To this:
I've since been busy sorting out my up and coming wedding. But whilst out in the states next month I'll be picking up a K&N FIPK induction kit and Ingalls torque dampener. Be rude not to take advantage of the exchange rate
Will get it out on track at some point - although it's my daily driver.
Got my private plate on it now, but if anyone sees me around give us a wave! I'm pretty sure I'm the only orange S2K around for miles
Literally. 
Lovely car, great colour and it looks the business with the wheels re-coloured. A K&N kit for it will transform the sound, I put a K&N Typhoon on my Civic Type R a few weeks back I've been grinning like a loon every time I drive it since. The sound of a glorious Honda engine sucking in air through the hard pipe of a K&N is a wondrous thing.
Mastodon2 said:
Lovely car, great colour and it looks the business with the wheels re-coloured. A K&N kit for it will transform the sound, I put a K&N Typhoon on my Civic Type R a few weeks back I've been grinning like a loon every time I drive it since. The sound of a glorious Honda engine sucking in air through the hard pipe of a K&N is a wondrous thing.
Thanks! I'm running with the airbox lid off for now which is half way to the K&N (and free!) and it sounds much better. I don't fancy paying £250 for the K&N but £170ish while I'm out in the states is a lot more reasonable 
Thanks for the comments guys - It really is definitely the best colour for the car, I'm glad I held out on buying a more boring colour.
I've never been a big fan of black wheels either, always thinking the car looks like a micro machine or toy car or something with them, but it really works with the orange! I wasn't sure whether to go black or anthracite, glad I didn't go with the latter as I don't think it would suit so well with orange.
I've never been a big fan of black wheels either, always thinking the car looks like a micro machine or toy car or something with them, but it really works with the orange! I wasn't sure whether to go black or anthracite, glad I didn't go with the latter as I don't think it would suit so well with orange.
Evoluzione said:
Like it!
Out of interest, why 'Pre drive-by wire'?
Are there many turboed or supercharged ones around and does anyone make a kit to do this? Looks like there is plenty of room under the bonnet for one.
I know there are supercharged ones about, possible a Js Racing kit available, I know they make one for the K20 engine, so there is likely one for the S2000 too. Seems a shame to supercharge such a great NA engine though.Out of interest, why 'Pre drive-by wire'?
Are there many turboed or supercharged ones around and does anyone make a kit to do this? Looks like there is plenty of room under the bonnet for one.
Mastodon2 said:
I know there are supercharged ones about, possible a Js Racing kit available, I know they make one for the K20 engine, so there is likely one for the S2000 too. Seems a shame to supercharge such a great NA engine though.
After posting I found loads on Google! I've never driven an S2000, so I'm just going by other peoples reports of lack of low down and mid range grunt.Sounds like the ultimate power add-on, but it isn't going to handle so sweetly with all that extra weight at the front.
Cheers for all the comments guys! Going for a drive in the sun now 
everyone spouts this. The car has no less torque than any other NA 2.0 ltr engine does when off VTEC. It's never going to have the torque of a turbo / diesel.
Evoluzione said:
Like it!
Out of interest, why 'Pre drive-by wire'?
Most owners confirm that the drive-by wire models don't have the same throttle response as the throttle cabled ones.Out of interest, why 'Pre drive-by wire'?
Evoluzione said:
After posting I found loads on Google! I've never driven an S2000, so I'm just going by other peoples reports of lack of low down and mid range grunt.
Sounds like the ultimate power add-on, but it isn't going to handle so sweetly with all that extra weight at the front.
Sounds like the ultimate power add-on, but it isn't going to handle so sweetly with all that extra weight at the front.
everyone spouts this. The car has no less torque than any other NA 2.0 ltr engine does when off VTEC. It's never going to have the torque of a turbo / diesel.Edited by Riknos on Sunday 30th June 13:02
Evoluzione said:
Sounds like the ultimate power add-on, but it isn't going to handle so sweetly with all that extra weight at the front.
There is nothing wrong with the torque of Hondas VTEC engines, as long as you consider that they are naturally aspirated. However, due to their design, they have power at the top of the rev range where forced induction engines are running out of puff, they have incredible throttle response and noise that forced induction engines can only dream of. If you wanted a forced induction 4 cylinder car, there are loads of options out there, if you want a cheap Jap performance car with a screaming, naturally aspirated engine you won't have much choice outside of a Honda, whether it be a car from the Type R family, or an S2000.Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff