Heavily Modified AP1 Is All About Presence
This S2000 is equally capable of showing off and providing reliable transportation.
Hybrid S2000
Generally, when S2000 owners are modifying their cars, they have a singular purpose in mind. This can include building a show car, a track-focused car, or a reliable driver. This particular 2002 model, owned by Andrew Abalos and recently featured at MotorTrend, is a bit of a hybrid between the three, however.
Photos: MotorTrend
Dream Come True
Like many S2000 owners, Abalos grew up dreaming of owning one, but it took some time before he was financially able to. He's managed to become quite successful in that regard and even owns a Ferrari today, though this S2000 is still his favorite. "Even after owning exotic cars now and much newer sports cars, this S2000 still gets my soul moving—it always takes me back to my 20s."
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about this modified Honda S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.
Bolt On Affair
Abalos wanted to extract some serious performance from his AP1 and managed to do that by installing a Kraftwerks supercharger kit, a Js Racing header, a Forcewerks exhaust system, and an AEM 450 lph fuel pump, which is good enough to net him around 400 horsepower.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about this modified Honda S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.
Slightly Stanced
In the looks department, Abalo went with a bit of a stanced appearance, but used a widebody kit and decided against the stretched tire look, instead opting for 18x10 and 18x11 Work Meister wheels wrapped with Falken Azenis RT615K+ tires. AP Racing brakes with 13-inch calipers up front help slow the whole thing down.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about this modified Honda S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.
Unique Elements
While an air suspension allows Abalo to adjust ride height on the fly, the AP1 has also been fitted with a Voltex Race bumper with a carbon fiber lip, hardtop, and rear wing. A Js Racing carbon diffuser resides out back, wrapping up the unique-looking build perfectly.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about this modified Honda S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.
Keeping Tabs
Inside the cabin, Abalo blessed his AP1 with a set of Bride seats, a Nardi Deep Corn steering wheel, a Chasing Js shift knob, and an Innovate wideband and boost gauge to help him keep tabs on what's going on under the hood.
Photos: MotorTrend
>>Join the conversation about this modified Honda S2000 right here in S2Ki.com.
Letting Go
The result is a car that's equally adept at accumulating show trophies and cruising down the street reliably, which makes it a pretty cool combination in our book. Regardless, the time has apparently come for Abalo to part ways with his dream car. "After owning this car for over six years now, I will finally be letting her go and it'll be a sad day for sure," he said.
Photos: MotorTrend