Stellar 2006 AP2 Makes One Fine SoCal Cruiser

You've Come a Long Way

After admittedly being an S2000 fan and lurking around the S2Ki forums for many years, member JamesD89 finally pulled the trigger and scored his first S2000 a few years ago. And at that time, he also began to document the transformation his car was going through. In the years since, needless to say, this AP2 has come a long, long way. 

Photos: S2Ki Forums

Confidence Builder

The dream came true after the OP wrecked his BMW M3, then used the insurance payout to pick up a stellar '06 S2000. He spent the first few months just driving the car up and down the California coast, but was a little timid to push it after the accident. After spending some time autocrossing, however, his confidence slowly began to build.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Mods Begin

Other than plasti-dipping the wheels, however, the OP didn't bother modifying the car for some time. But that all changed soon. A set of Ohlins coilovers was the first splurge, followed by a set of TSW Interlagos 17x9+63 wheels. Then he snagged a CT Engineering intake and Gernzhuast exhaust to add to the mix.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Minor Updates

Over the next several months, changes came slowly as the OP was just enjoying his new ride. "Picked up an Amis shift collar today and was pleasantly surprised by the improved feel," he said. "For the engine bay, I got a new valve cover, painted some corroded parts, and wrapped the CT intake tube." And that was good enough - for a while.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Racking up Miles

Things got even better the more he drove the car. "November was a fun month. Put on about 3,000 miles driving between SD and NorCal, did two track days, and two autocrosses. The car didn't skip a beat, but I really need a new set of tires and pads." After all this, the OP began to add to his future mod plans in other ways as well.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Making Changes

He soon ordered up an AP1 front sway bar, front camber joints, and stiffer front springs. After slapping on some new tires and a spare set of street wheels, he proceeded to rack up a whopping 20,000 miles over the next two and a half years. But someone had keyed the car a while back, and eventually, the OP decided to do something about that, too.

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.

Total Refresh

So he stripped the car down and is currently preparing to respray it the original Berlina Black. The OP also picked up yet another set of wheels, this time Weds, that need to be refinished. Thus, this project is far from finished, and we look forward to seeing how it all turns out. So be sure and head over here to stay tuned for future updates!

Photos: S2Ki Forums

>>Join the conversation on this 2006 AP2 right here in the S2Ki forums.