Track-Focused AP2 Is a Slice of S2000 Obsession
This S2KI member has an obvious S2000 problem. But as they say, the first step is admitting it!
Borderline Obsession
If you're reading this, it's safe to say that you have at least some sort of interest in Honda's S2000, the depth of which can, of course, vary greatly. Certainly, you at least like your car more than the average person who just uses it for transportation.
Or, maybe you obsess over it, daydreaming about your next mod when you should be working. But for S2KI member Sickdayracing, his obsession goes even further. It has gotten to the point where he's owned a total of seven S2000s over the years!
Multiplying like Rabbits
And that's just part of the story. The OP has owned a whopping 40 cars over the years. But he just keeps coming back to the S2000, which obviously holds a special place in his heart. Thus, when he decided to get back into tracking in 2015, it was his obvious first choice.
He soon scored a Suzuka Blue AP2 for cheap. But before he could even install the first part, his buddy gave him a deal on his 40k-mile GPW AP2 that he couldn't resist. And before he knew it, he had not one, but two S2000s in his possession.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
And Another One
The OP then proceeded to track his new toy and had a blast with it. But soon, he spied a Sebring AP1 with some goodies already installed on Craigslist. He jumped on it, then sold his white AP2 to a friend. But not before swapping some parts over to his new ride. There was just one tiny problem - it didn't have a cage. Instead of dropping $5k on one, he (you guessed it) went out and bought an S2000 that was already caged.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
Tides of Change
Unfortunately, the engine in that car just never quite ran right. And he had to trailer it to the track, which quickly wore on the OP. Thus, he purchased a Miata, followed by yet another Miata. And then a Porsche Cayman. But none of them could quite measure up to his S2000 experiences.
Therefore, when his beloved silver AP1 came up for sale again, he couldn't resist. Just like he couldn't resist a red S2000 he found for sale here in the forums. And after a little swap surgery, he had yet another ride to track.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
Keeper?
By now, you're probably wondering if the OP's obsession would ever lead to him keeping just one car for a while. The red one looked like a keeper. However, it would receive a lot of new parts to make it just right. Starting with a Stoptech ST40 brake kit, which proves to be a lot cheaper to maintain than the Brembo setup that came with the car.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
Welcome Changes
The car did come equipped with a lot of goodies for the track already installed, including Takata harnesses and a Sparco Pro 2000 seat. It did not have air conditioning, a radio, or cruise control. Thus, the OP reinstalled all of that stuff to make this a comfy commuter to and from the track. With some paint correction, it was soon looking a lot better, too.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
Hard Work Pays Off
And it didn't take long for those efforts to pay off. "While I run Watkins Glen, VIR, and NJMP, Summit Point is my home track," the OP said. "I beat my personal best of 1:24.2 in my AP1 the first time out in my AP2. The car just felt right! My new personal best is 1:23.86, this is the fastest non-Hoosier street car time I know of at Summit. "
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
Settling Down
And most importantly, the OP seems to have finally settled on one car. Well, at least in terms of the S2000. He also soon picks up an NSX, but continues tracking his Honda for all it's worth. And he has made a number of upgrades along the way, including an Innovative 75a transmission mount that keeps the tranny from moving around.
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
No Fuss
This killer S2000 isn't just fast on the track, of course. It also proves to be quite the comfy commuter. "I drive my car to and from the track," the OP notes. "I set up this car to be comfortable enough for 5 hour trips to Watkins Glen from Northern VA. Like I mentioned in earlier posts, this car had no AC, radio, or cruise when I bought it but I put all that stuff back."
"I drive to and from on RC1s. The best part about this car is I can show up to the track, not turn a wrench the whole weekend, and just drive it home. No fuss!"
>>Join the conversation about this track-focused AP2 right here in S2Ki.com.
The One
After years of buying, driving, and selling cars, it looks like this S2000-obsessed individual has finally found "the one." And we've enjoyed following along with his personal journey. So be sure and check out what the future (and the past) holds here in the original build thread!