It’s been months since we last left off with our Project S2K build (May ’11 issue), and during that time, our loyal readers have bombarded us with phone calls and emails, randomly guessing how the build would evolve, all the while pleading for more information. Well, we’re back with our third and final installment in our quest to build the ultimate street/track S2000.
The goal in motorsports is always to go faster, as untold dollar amounts are spent on improving the performance of race cars with better suspensions, more power, grippier tires, or more complex electronics. Being fast is a key factor in improved lap times, but selecting the right components is just as important. As the saying goes: “Do it right the first time or don’t do it at all.” In summarizing our project, we upgraded the S2000 with an array of quality products, including a C-West aero kit, Spec clutch, Kaaz 1.5-way limited-slip differential, DC Sports header and exhaust, Wilwood big-brake kit, Tein Mono Flex coilovers, Suspension Techniques sway bars, Volk Racing Generation 2 18x9 +40mm offset wheels and 255/40-17 Falken RT-615K tires, along with various DME suspension components.
As our build slowly comes to an end, we close this saga by completing our i-VTEC install before heading to the dyno for some tuning in preparation for one ultimate goal: time-attacking Buttonwillow Raceway’s infamous clockwise-13 (CW-13) configuration to a sub 2-minute lap time.
Defi-Link Meter Advance ZD
Optimizing the performance of every vehicle starts with understanding what the engine is doing and how it is performing, and gauges help make this possible. Instead of overwhelming our interior with gauges, we decided to keep things clean and simple and install an all-in-one Defi-Link Meter Advance ZD. The Defi unit enables us to monitor up to six parameters at any time, including vehicle speed, voltage, clock, oil temperature and pressure, water temperature, fuel pressure, and exhaust gas temperature (EGT). The unit also features a programmable, superbright, quick-reacting LED shift indicator that lights up and flashes based on engine rpm.
Odyssey Battery
We removed additional weight from our S2000 by replacing our OEM battery (44 pounds) with an Odyssey PC925 battery (24 pounds).
EVS Custom Splitter
Evasive Motorsports located in La Puente, CA, built us a splitter based upon their track-tested and proven design for the S2000. Evasive used our C-West bumper to mock up a template before gathering the necessary materials to begin construction. Three days later, Evasive completed what they consider their “basic” splitter using carbon fiber that also incorporated front-tire block-off plates integrated into the splitter design to cover the front tires, reducing parasitic drag and lift.
Spoon Sports Rollbar
A Spoon Sports four-point rollbar was installed to protect our driver and allow usage of five-point harnesses with our Buddy Club bucket seats. The rollbar is the perfect setup for our S2K for either street/track driving, as it can be used with both soft top and hardtop.
Voltex Wings
For the track, we decided to use a Voltex GT Type 3 wing with its aggressive double-step design. The Voltex Type 3 wing was recommended by Evasive Motorsports to deliver maximum downforce in conjunction with our C-West aero and custom EVS front splitter.
For street driving duties, we replaced our Type 3 wing with the less attention-grabbing Voltex Type 1V as shown in our photo. The Type 1V is designed specifically for the Honda S2000 and is recommended for daily driven cars with minimal aero mods.