Hey guys! Let's dive deep into the exhilarating world of the Honda S2000, a roadster celebrated for its high-revving engine, near-perfect weight distribution, and engaging driving dynamics. If you're looking to elevate your S2000's performance, you've come to the right place. We'll explore various aspects of tuning and optimization to help you unleash the full potential of this iconic sports car.

Understanding the Honda S2000

Before we jump into the specifics of tuning, let's take a moment to appreciate what makes the Honda S2000 so special. Produced from 1999 to 2009, the S2000 was Honda's answer to the classic roadster, combining a lightweight chassis with a potent engine. Its F20C (or F22C in later models) engine is renowned for its high-revving nature, delivering impressive power and torque. The car's balanced handling and precise steering further contribute to its appeal among driving enthusiasts.

Key Features of the Honda S2000:

• High-Revving Engine: The F20C and F22C engines are capable of revving to 8,000-9,000 RPM, providing an exhilarating driving experience.
• Lightweight Chassis: The S2000's lightweight construction enhances agility and responsiveness.
• 50/50 Weight Distribution: This perfect balance ensures neutral handling and predictable cornering.
• Precise Steering: The car's steering system offers excellent feedback and control.
• Manual Transmission: A slick-shifting six-speed manual transmission is standard, adding to the driver engagement.

Understanding these core features is crucial because any modifications or tuning efforts should aim to enhance, not compromise, these characteristics. Whether you're aiming for better track performance, improved street drivability, or simply more power, the principles of sound tuning remain the same.

Engine Tuning for the S2000

Engine tuning is a popular area for S2000 owners looking to extract more performance from their cars. The F20C and F22C engines respond well to various modifications, but it's essential to approach tuning strategically to avoid reliability issues. Let's explore some common engine tuning options:

1. Intake and Exhaust Systems

Upgrading the intake and exhaust systems is often the first step in engine tuning. A high-flow intake can improve airflow into the engine, while a performance exhaust system reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more freely.

• Intake: Aftermarket intakes typically feature larger diameter tubing and less restrictive air filters. Some popular brands include AEM, Injen, and K&N. When selecting an intake, consider the filter type (oiled vs. dry) and the potential for heat soak. A cold air intake (CAI) can draw cooler air from outside the engine bay, but it may also be more susceptible to water ingestion. A short ram intake (SRI) is less prone to water issues but may draw warmer air.
• Exhaust: A performance exhaust system usually consists of a header, catalytic converter (or test pipe), mid-pipe, and muffler. The header replaces the factory exhaust manifold and is designed to improve exhaust flow. A high-flow catalytic converter reduces emissions while minimizing backpressure. The mid-pipe connects the catalytic converter to the muffler, and the muffler is responsible for reducing exhaust noise. Brands like Tanabe, Invidia, and GReddy offer high-quality exhaust systems for the S2000. When choosing an exhaust, consider the sound level and the overall performance gains.

2. ECU Tuning

The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is the brain of the engine, controlling various parameters such as fuel injection, ignition timing, and valve timing. ECU tuning involves modifying the ECU's software to optimize these parameters for increased performance.

• Standalone ECUs: Standalone ECUs, such as Hondata K-Pro or AEM EMS, replace the factory ECU and offer complete control over engine management. These systems allow for custom tuning and are ideal for heavily modified engines. However, they require professional installation and tuning.
• Flash Tuning: Flash tuning involves reprogramming the factory ECU with new software. Hondata FlashPro is a popular option for the S2000, allowing users to upload pre-made or custom tunes to the ECU. Flash tuning is less expensive than a standalone ECU but offers less flexibility.

3. Forced Induction

Forced induction, such as turbocharging or supercharging, is a more advanced engine modification that can significantly increase power output. These systems force more air into the engine, allowing it to burn more fuel and produce more power.

• Turbocharging: Turbochargers use exhaust gas to spin a turbine, which compresses the intake air. Turbo kits for the S2000 are available from various manufacturers, such as Full-Race and Inline Pro. Turbocharging can provide substantial power gains, but it also requires careful tuning and supporting modifications.
• Supercharging: Superchargers are mechanically driven by the engine and provide instant boost. Supercharger kits for the S2000 are available from Comptech and Vortech. Supercharging is generally easier to install and tune than turbocharging, but it may not provide as much peak power.

4. Internal Engine Modifications

Internal engine modifications involve upgrading the engine's internal components, such as pistons, connecting rods, and camshafts. These modifications are typically done in conjunction with forced induction or when building a high-performance engine for racing.

• Pistons and Connecting Rods: Upgraded pistons and connecting rods are stronger and lighter than the factory components, allowing the engine to withstand higher boost pressures and RPMs. Brands like CP Pistons and Carrillo offer high-quality pistons and connecting rods for the S2000.
• Camshafts: Upgraded camshafts can alter the engine's valve timing, increasing power and torque at specific RPM ranges. However, camshaft selection is critical, as the wrong camshaft can negatively impact performance. Skunk2 and Brian Crower offer performance camshafts for the S2000.

Suspension and Handling Upgrades

The Honda S2000 is already a well-balanced car, but there's always room for improvement when it comes to suspension and handling. Upgrading the suspension can enhance the car's cornering ability, reduce body roll, and improve overall stability.

1. Coilovers

Coilovers are adjustable suspension units that replace the factory shocks and springs. They allow you to adjust the ride height, damping, and spring rate, providing a customizable suspension setup.

• Ride Height: Adjusting the ride height can lower the car's center of gravity, improving handling and reducing body roll. However, lowering the car too much can negatively impact suspension travel and ride quality.
• Damping: Damping refers to the shock absorber's ability to control the spring's movement. Adjustable dampers allow you to fine-tune the suspension's response to different road conditions and driving styles.
• Spring Rate: The spring rate determines the stiffness of the suspension. Stiffer springs can improve handling, but they can also make the ride harsher.

Popular coilover brands for the S2000 include KW, Ohlins, and Bilstein. When selecting coilovers, consider your budget, driving style, and the intended use of the car.

2. Anti-Roll Bars

Anti-roll bars (also known as sway bars) connect the left and right wheels, reducing body roll during cornering. Upgrading the anti-roll bars can significantly improve the car's handling without sacrificing ride quality.

• Front Anti-Roll Bar: A larger front anti-roll bar can reduce understeer, making the car more responsive to steering inputs.
• Rear Anti-Roll Bar: A larger rear anti-roll bar can reduce oversteer, making the car more stable during cornering.

Adjustable anti-roll bars allow you to fine-tune the car's handling balance. Progress Technology and Eibach offer high-quality anti-roll bars for the S2000.

3. Bushings

Bushings are rubber or polyurethane components that connect the suspension arms to the chassis. Over time, the factory rubber bushings can wear out, leading to sloppy handling and reduced steering response. Upgrading to polyurethane bushings can improve handling and steering precision.

• Polyurethane Bushings: Polyurethane bushings are stiffer and more durable than rubber bushings, providing better control over suspension movement. However, they can also transmit more road noise and vibration into the cabin.

Energy Suspension and Hardrace offer polyurethane bushing kits for the S2000. When installing polyurethane bushings, be sure to grease them properly to prevent squeaking.

4. Alignment

A proper wheel alignment is crucial for optimizing handling and tire wear. The factory alignment settings are a compromise between comfort and performance. Adjusting the alignment settings can improve the car's cornering ability and reduce tire wear.

• Camber: Camber refers to the angle of the wheel relative to the vertical axis. Negative camber (where the top of the wheel is tilted inward) can improve cornering grip, but it can also increase tire wear.
• Caster: Caster refers to the angle of the steering axis relative to the vertical axis. Positive caster can improve stability and steering feel.
• Toe: Toe refers to the angle of the wheel relative to the car's centerline. Toe-in (where the front of the wheels are closer together than the rear) can improve stability, while toe-out (where the front of the wheels are farther apart than the rear) can improve turn-in response.

Brake System Upgrades

The Honda S2000's factory brakes are adequate for street driving, but they may not be sufficient for track use or aggressive driving. Upgrading the brake system can improve stopping power, reduce brake fade, and enhance overall safety.

1. Brake Pads

Upgrading the brake pads is the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve braking performance. Performance brake pads offer a higher coefficient of friction, providing better stopping power and resistance to brake fade.

• Street Pads: Street performance pads offer a good balance of braking performance and low dust and noise levels. Hawk HPS and EBC Redstuff are popular choices for street driving.
• Track Pads: Track-oriented brake pads offer even higher braking performance and resistance to fade, but they may produce more dust and noise. Hawk DTC-60 and Carbotech XP10 are popular choices for track use.

2. Brake Rotors

Upgrading the brake rotors can improve heat dissipation and reduce brake fade. Slotted or drilled rotors can help to vent hot gases and debris away from the brake pads, improving braking performance.

• Slotted Rotors: Slotted rotors have grooves cut into the surface, which helps to vent hot gases and debris away from the brake pads.
• Drilled Rotors: Drilled rotors have holes drilled through the surface, which also helps to vent hot gases and debris away from the brake pads. However, drilled rotors can be more prone to cracking than slotted rotors.

Brembo and StopTech offer high-quality brake rotors for the S2000.

3. Stainless Steel Brake Lines

Stainless steel brake lines replace the factory rubber brake lines, providing a firmer brake pedal feel and improved braking response. Rubber brake lines can expand under pressure, reducing braking efficiency. Stainless steel brake lines do not expand, providing a more consistent brake pedal feel.

4. Big Brake Kits

A big brake kit (BBK) includes larger brake rotors, calipers, and pads, providing a significant improvement in braking performance. BBKs are typically used for track cars or for drivers who demand the ultimate in braking performance. Brembo and StopTech offer BBKs for the S2000.

Conclusion

Tuning and optimizing your Honda S2000 can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to unlock the car's full potential. Whether you're looking to improve engine performance, handling, or braking, there are many options available to suit your needs and budget. Remember to approach tuning strategically, and always prioritize reliability and safety. With the right modifications, your S2000 can become an even more thrilling and capable sports car.

Happy tuning, and enjoy the ride!