Tastefully-done S2000 Checks All the Boxes
YouTube channel Automotive Anatomy gives an overview of the Honda S2000 known as ‘Rival Machine.’
You can go many ways with the direction of a Honda S2000 build. From track cars to show cars to street cars, YouTube channel Automotive Anatomy gets some time with one of the more tastefully done Honda S2000s you will find on the web.
Automotive Anatomy chats with the S2000’s owner, Gabe, who goes through all of the parts fitted to his 2005 Honda S2000 AP2 affectionately known as “Rival Machine.” Gabe is the second owner of the car, but as but most if not all of the miles on he vehicle. He bought it at 3600 miles when it came off a lease and has driven the car up to just under 170,000 miles.
Gabe’s S2000 is definitely unique. It features a OEM Jeep Wrangler/Cherokee paint job which Gabe mentions is called “Rhino.” The car is an AP2, but has AP1 front and rear bumpers equipped with new headlights and taillights. The roof is a replica top with real glass instead of Lexan. With a stock look, the S2000 features Downforce Front Fenders to fit Gabe’s wheel set along with Function Form Type 2 suspension to complete the way the car sits.
After the Gabe goes through all the details of the exterior, he gives an overview of the engine. Gabe shows off with an engine bay sticker that says “NA is Best!”, so his engine is a stock AP2 with full bolt-ons. He apparently used to have different headers, but had to swap to stock ones. He had broken motor mounts which caused the engine to move a lot, breaking the headers. All being said, Gabe’s engine puts out around 30 horsepower over stock, all done with a cold air intake, some new throttle bodies, new injectors, AEM fuel pressure regulator, test pipe, and an Evasive exhaust.
The interior has some mild changes as well. A Momo steering wheel with a NSX-R horn button, a Renegade Motorsports Short Shifter and Carbon Fiber console delete, a Recaro seat, and a roll cage to finish it all off.
Looking to the future, Gabe has thought about getting internal throttle bodies or going the route of a supercharger.