From Passion to Performance: A Journey with the Honda S2000

The Spark of Passion

For many car enthusiasts, the love for automobiles often begins in childhood, influenced by family, friends, or sheer curiosity. In this case, it was Ant's dad's unwavering passion for cars that ignited his interest. Growing up, he wasn't particularly into cars and even got his driver's license later than most of his friends. However, his mechanically inclined nature eventually found an outlet through modifying and customizing cars, leading him down a path of automotive discovery and excitement.

Why the Honda S2000?

Among the myriad of cars available, the Honda S2000 holds a special place in his heart. His affinity for Honda vehicles and a preference for rear-wheel drive (RWD) made the S2000 an ideal match. This car offers a fantastic platform for modifications, supported by a vast aftermarket community. The S2000's drivetrain, double-wishbone suspension, interior layout, and driving position are just a few of the elements that make it a joy to drive and customize for him. The extensive options for body modifications further enhance its appeal, allowing for a truly personalized driving experience.

Future Plans for the S2000

The journey with Ant's S2000 is far from over. In the immediate future, he plans to install a 4Piston Pro 156v2 head and get the car tuned once more. After that, he'll likely take a break from major modifications to focus on enjoying the car as it is.

Goals for the Next Season

With each season, new goals emerge. For the upcoming season, he aims to increase his track time and move up to Time Trials (TT). This step up from High-Performance Driver Education (HPDE) will allow him to compete and measure his skills against others in his class, pushing both himself and his car to new limits.

Why Time Attack?

Time Attack represents a logical progression from HPDE, providing a competitive environment where he can gauge his performance against other enthusiasts. It's not just about the thrill of racing; it's about continuous improvement, precision, and the pursuit of perfection on the track.

Favorite Modifications

Among the numerous modifications on his S2000, the intake setup and the manifolds stand out as one of his favorites. The Pracworks manifold and the custom exhaust manifold crafted by his friend Jesse add both performance and a personal touch to the car.

Under the Hood: The Heart of the Beast

The S2000's engine is a meticulously crafted powerhouse. Here's a detailed look at the modifications:

Motor:

JDM K24A2 with 4Piston RR3 cams
Toda 0.3mm head gasket
4Piston Pro 156v2 PRB head
Ferrea valve springs
Fluidampr harmonic balancer
ID1050x injectors
Flexfuel system
Pracworks manifold
Custom manifold and exhaust by Jesse
AEM Infinity engine management
Unique valve cover by charlie moua doryoku
Origin Fabrication catch can/coolant combo
T7 10% pulley
Acuity fuel rail
Bosch 70mm drive-by-wire throttle body

Suspension and Handling

To enhance the car's handling and performance, He's invested in high-quality suspension components:

Suspension:

Origin Fabrication upper control arms
Ohlins DFV coilovers
Karcepts front and rear sway bars
Spherical bushings

Wheels and Brakes

For optimal grip and stopping power, this S2000 is equipped with:

Wheels and Tires:

Volk TE37 18-inch wheels
Kumho V730 tires
Project Kics R40 lug nuts

Brakes:

Urge front and rear floating rotors
Spoon calipers
Gloc brake pads

Body and Aero Modifications

The exterior of Ant's S2000 combines aesthetics with functionality:

Body:

GRA ASM-style front aero fender 4
ASM-style IS-11 front bumper
ASM-style rear bumper
Forbidden double carbon hardtop
Carbon side skirts
Painted Moonrock Metallic
charlie moua doryoku front bumper bar

Aero:

9Lives chassis-mounted swan neck wing
Professional Awesome front splitter brackets and rods
Custom front splitter with diffusers

Interior Enhancements

Inside, the S2000 is outfitted for performance and comfort:

Interior:

Recaro HANS seat
Ty Designs shift knob
NSX-R shift boot
Sparco 320 steering wheel
Hybrid shifter

Performance Metrics

Although the car hasn't been dyno'd since the recent upgrades, it's estimated to produce over 230 wheel horsepower (whp), ensuring thrilling performance on both the road and the track.

Conclusion

The Honda S2000 has been a remarkable canvas for Ant's automotive creativity and mechanical skills. From the early days of modest interest to the current state of a highly modified track-ready machine, his journey has been immensely rewarding. With each modification and every track session, his passion for cars continues to grow, driven by the quest for speed, precision, and personal achievement.

Follow Ant's progression on and off track on his Instagram page:

@volta.labs