Intro
The Honda S2000 emerged in 1999 as Honda’s celebration of its 50th anniversary, representing the pinnacle of the company’s engineering prowess during the golden era of Japanese sports cars. This rear-wheel-drive roadster featured a high-revving 2.0-liter VTEC engine that produced 240 horsepower—achieving an unprecedented 120 horsepower per liter without forced induction.
In JDM culture, the S2000 holds legendary status as the spiritual successor to the iconic S600 and S800 roadsters of the 1960s. Its perfect 50:50 weight distribution, precise handling, and 9,000 RPM redline made it an instant classic among enthusiasts who revere it for embodying the quintessential Japanese approach to sports car design: lightweight construction, high-revving naturally aspirated engines, and exceptional reliability.
This particular build stands out for its meticulous balance between period-correct modifications and modern performance enhancements, preserving the S2000’s pure driving experience while addressing the few shortcomings of the original AP1 chassis. The owner’s approach respects the engineering decisions Honda made while subtly improving upon them—making this a showcase of thoughtful, restrained modification that enhances rather than overwhelms the S2000’s inherent brilliance.
Builder Profile
A 32-year-old software engineer from Yokohama who relocated to Southern California five years ago, Takumi has been obsessed with the S2000 platform since he first saw one as a teenager. By day, he develops applications for an automotive diagnostics company, but his evenings and weekends are devoted to his Honda.
Nakano’s tuning philosophy centers around what he calls “functional perfection” – making subtle, purposeful modifications that enhance the S2000’s already impressive engineering while preserving Honda’s original vision. He believes in respecting Shigeru Uehara’s legendary design work by avoiding flashy aesthetics that compromise performance.
A regular at both Buttonwillow track days and Cars & Coffee meets throughout SoCal, Takumi has become a respected voice in the S2000 community, maintaining a detailed build journal on the S2Ki forums that has garnered a significant following. His technical background and attention to detail have made him a go-to resource for others looking to modify their S2000s with precision rather than excess.
Why We Love It
The S2000 represents Honda’s purest engineering philosophy distilled into mechanical form. Its F20C engine—a marvel of naturally-aspirated efficiency—delivers 240 horsepower from just two liters of displacement without forced induction, achieving a remarkable 120 hp/liter that remained unmatched by production cars for years. The 9,000 RPM redline isn’t merely impressive on paper; it’s a visceral experience that transforms mundane driving into mechanical symphony.
The chassis communication proves telepathic in its precision. At 2,800 pounds with perfect 50:50 weight distribution, the S2000 dances through corners with the delicacy of a Spoon-prepped track car, yet remains approachable enough for spirited weekend drives through touge passes. That X-bone frame structure—a direct descendant of NSX development—creates torsional rigidity that modern manufacturers still struggle to replicate without significant weight penalties.
What truly separates the S2000 from its contemporaries is its uncompromising character. While Mazda softened the NB Miata and Toyota abandoned the MR2, Honda delivered a high-revving, rear-wheel-drive roadster that channeled the company’s racing heritage without dilution. The digital instrument cluster, that perfectly notchy six-speed manual, and the snap of the electrically-assisted top mechanism—each element speaks to an era when Honda engineering prioritized driver engagement above all else.
Mods
Engine & Drivetrain
- HKS Hi-Power exhaust system
- Spoon Sports header
- ARC intake system
- Cusco oil catch can
- Koyo aluminum radiator
- Samco silicone hose kit
- Exedy clutch kit
- J’s Racing clutch line
- Mugen oil filter
- AP2 transmission upgrade
Suspension & Brakes
- Tein Super Street coilovers
- Spoon rigid collars
- Cusco front and rear strut bars
- Tanabe sway bars
- J’s Racing front lower control arms
- Project Mu brake pads
- StopTech slotted rotors
- Endless brake fluid
- Cusco roll center adjuster
Wheels & Tires
- Volk Racing TE37 17″ wheels (8J front, 9J rear)
- Yokohama Advan A048 tires (225/45/17 front, 255/40/17 rear)
- Project KICS R40 lug nuts
- H&R wheel spacers
- Rays valve stem caps
Exterior / Aero
- Spoon Sports front lip
- Amuse rear wing
- J’s Racing hood
- APR carbon fiber mirrors
- Mugen hardtop
- FEEL’s bumper ducts
- Shine Auto side diffusers
- JDM clear side markers
- ASM rear diffuser
- JDP Engineering front fenders
Interior
- Bride Zeta III seats
- Takata 4-point harnesses
- Nardi Classic steering wheel
- Mugen shift knob
- MOMO pedal set
- Cusco 6-point roll cage
- Defi gauge cluster
- J’s Racing carbon dash trim
- ARC titanium shift pattern plate
- Auto Power Industries harness bar
Electronics / ECU
- AEM EMS engine management system
- Blitz SBC i-Color boost controller
- HKS turbo timer
- A’PEXi VTEC controller
- Hondata S300 ECU
- Pivot Rev/Speed meter
- Alpine head unit
- JL Audio amplifier
- Pioneer component speakers
- Kenwood subwoofer
Driving Impression / Build Philosophy
The modifications on this 1999 Honda S2000 form a cohesive package built around balanced performance that respects the car’s original character while enhancing its capabilities. Each component serves a deliberate purpose in creating a versatile street-focused build with occasional track duty capabilities.
The suspension upgrades with Ohlins coilovers and chassis reinforcement maintain the S2000’s legendary handling while adding stability and adjustability. The modest power enhancements through intake and exhaust modifications preserve the high-revving F20C engine’s character without pushing beyond reliability limits. The carefully selected wheel and tire package increases mechanical grip without compromising daily drivability.
This build philosophy prioritizes driving engagement over outright numbers. Rather than chasing maximum horsepower or extreme stance, the modifications emphasize the tactile connection between driver and machine. The interior changes maintain comfort for street use while adding functional elements for performance driving.
The result is a purposeful street build that honors the S2000’s engineering ethos—precise, balanced, and responsive—while extending its performance envelope. It remains civilized enough for daily driving yet capable enough for weekend track days, embodying the sporting versatility that made the S2000 legendary in the first place.
FAQ
How reliable is the 1999 Honda S2000?
The 1999 Honda S2000 is generally very reliable, with many examples surpassing 200,000 miles when properly maintained. The F20C engine is particularly robust with few major mechanical issues. Regular maintenance, including valve adjustments every 30,000 miles and timely oil changes, is critical for longevity.
What are the most common issues with first-year S2000s?
Early AP1 models (1999-2000) may experience soft synchronizer issues in the transmission, clutch judder, and rear differential failures under hard driving. The plastic rear window in soft tops often cracks or becomes cloudy over time. Some owners report TCM (transmission control module) failures that require replacement.
What is the tuning potential of the S2000?
The F20C engine responds well to forced induction, with supercharger kits capable of pushing 350-400whp reliably. Naturally aspirated builds typically max out around 230-240whp with full bolt-ons, header, exhaust, and tune. The engine’s 9,000 RPM redline and robust internals provide an excellent platform for modification.
What are the best first modifications for an S2000?
Start with handling upgrades: quality coilovers, stiffer anti-roll bars, and chassis bracing. For power, a quality intake, header, and exhaust system with a proper tune can add 15-20hp. Wider wheels and stickier tires dramatically improve the driving experience and are considered essential upgrades by most enthusiasts.
Does the 1999 S2000 have the “snap oversteer” issue?
Yes, the 1999-2000 AP1 models are known for their twitchy handling at the limit, sometimes called “snap oversteer.” This characteristic requires respect, especially in wet conditions. Later AP2 models (2004+) received suspension geometry changes to mitigate this tendency. Many owners install wider rear tires to help manage this behavior.
How expensive is S2000 ownership compared to other sports cars?
While purchase prices have risen markedly, ongoing maintenance costs remain reasonable. Parts are generally more expensive than regular Hondas but far cheaper than European competitors. Insurance can be costly due to the vehicle’s sports car classification. The exceptional fuel economy (20-25 MPG) and Honda reliability make it more affordable to own than many competitors.
Conclusion
The 1999 Honda S2000 stands as a reflection of automotive engineering excellence that transcends generations. More than two decades after its debut, this roadster remains relevant through its pure driving dynamics, naturally-aspirated performance, and mechanical simplicity—qualities increasingly rare in today’s electronically managed vehicles. Its 9,000 RPM redline and perfect 50:50 weight distribution continue to offer an analog driving experience coveted by purists.
Within JDM culture, the S2000 holds legendary status alongside icons like the Skyline GT-R and Toyota Supra. Its appearance in “The Fast and the Furious” franchise cemented its cultural significance, while its limited production numbers have transformed it into a collector’s item. Today’s enthusiasts prize unmolested examples, with well-maintained AP1 models appreciating in value annually.
The S2000’s enduring legacy lies in its embodiment of Honda’s engineering philosophy—delivering race car performance in an accessible package. For the enthusiast community, it represents the pinnacle of naturally-aspirated, high-revving sports cars from Japan’s golden era—a mechanical masterpiece that continues to inspire passion in driving purists and JDM aficionados alike.