2 car S garage - S2k S5

[meemo]

Update: s2k july 2024:

• *********

Hello,
Been maybe 10 years since I have used car forums, but I recently got a new weekend toy that actually makes Forums a really useful community to be in again!
Our drive with my 2 upfront, the s2k and the s5.


I recently purchased a Honda S2000 ap2, I was intending to buy a high miler which would no doubt be rusty and give me guilt free 'molesting' room, but somehow got really lucky with a 2005 GT which has the hard top included, is/was completely stock (even the floor matts and OEM cd player), 2 owners from new, full Honda dealer service history without a single missed stamp and wheel alignment adjustment bolts all moving freely.
So perfect time to rejoin a forum and say hi but also see other S2k threads on here to have a good read through.

Only bad point really is that the paint pretty rough, is dull and wearing thin so a full respray coming.

Bits done (I will update these as the months go on)


-Bilstein B14 coilover set up, new drop links
-Genuine USDM/JDM rear bumper
-Rear bumper tabs relocated and arches rolled
-Smoothed front bumper with washer jet delete, number plate mount delete, badge hole delete
-oem splitter
-Mugen style carbon fibre wing from japan
-full respray in a toyota colour
-bit of carbon here and there inside/speaker upgrade
-Restored the headlights, UV sealed and luxe tint film



Keeping it farely sympathetic with OEM extras rather than the rice route, I think this deserves a more subtle route, especially as she is a weekend toy not a show toy. Skid pan and the odd track day.

My new (to me) S2k

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Totally open to any early suggestions or warnings on the S2k, I did my research as best I could but always glad to find out something new!






My main car is the S5 below, I have had the S5 for 7 years and pretty firmly put my stamp on it, running a stage 2 MRC map and hardware, Dyno gets 492bhp/575torque, I love this car so much it really is addictive with the supercharger.



S5

Edited by meemo on Monday 15th July 00:21

Edited by meemo on Tuesday 16th July 22:52

Edited by meemo on Tuesday 23 July 02:50

[d_a_n1979]

That's a lovely S2K; such a good car... For me., I'd be looking to keep it as subtle and OEM Plus as I could personally; but everyones tastes are different...

You've already made some good upgrades etc; what more do you feel it needs?

[meemo]

d_a_n1979 said:

That's a lovely S2K; such a good car... For me., I'd be looking to keep it as subtle and OEM Plus as I could personally; but everyones tastes are different...

You've already made some good upgrades etc; what more do you feel it needs?

Thank you I think we are on the same page. I want it to drive as it should so other than bushings nothing crazy.
Just restoring back to its former glory with a fresh paint job/corrosion fixes where needed, resisted my urge for Hot pink and going for (unless I change my mind) BMW Atlatis Blue metalic.
Everything purchased has been OEM plus, even the Mugen Carbon Fibre Wing is considered OEM+. Tried to get it through Hendy like the rear bumper, but it was 4k :S so currently have one being manufactured direct with the company in Japan instead.. slow patient wait.
Only thing that won't be OEM is the wheels when I finally pull the trigger after some test fitting from my friends drift wheel collection.

[d_a_n1979]

meemo said:

d_a_n1979 said:

That's a lovely S2K; such a good car... For me., I'd be looking to keep it as subtle and OEM Plus as I could personally; but everyones tastes are different...

You've already made some good upgrades etc; what more do you feel it needs?

Thank you I think we are on the same page. I want it to drive as it should so other than bushings nothing crazy.
Just restoring back to its former glory with a fresh paint job/corrosion fixes where needed, resisted my urge for Hot pink and going for (unless I change my mind) BMW Atlatis Blue metalic.
Everything purchased has been OEM plus, even the Mugen Carbon Fibre Wing is considered OEM+. Tried to get it through Hendy like the rear bumper, but it was 4k :S so currently have one being manufactured direct with the company in Japan instead.. slow patient wait.
Only thing that won't be OEM is the wheels when I finally pull the trigger after some test fitting from my friends drift wheel collection.

Yeah; my pal who owns Grinspeed up this way has a lot of these in now; a lot of them needing a full underneath restore; subframes rotted/bushes messed up etc. Most of them he does fully OEM as that compliance is welcomed on our roads up this way etc...

Grudas on these pages has a very similar colour to your S2K and he's got it sitting on some Rays/Volks wheels IIRC; it looks stunning on them

[meemo]

d_a_n1979 said:

Yeah; my pal who owns Grinspeed up this way has a lot of these in now; a lot of them needing a full underneath restore; subframes rotted/bushes messed up etc. Most of them he does fully OEM as that compliance is welcomed on our roads up this way etc...

Grudas on these pages has a very similar colour to your S2K and he's got it sitting on some Rays/Volks wheels IIRC; it looks stunning on them

Poor Honda's Sounds like his company would be very handy to live near as he has lots of experience on these! sadly I am Portsmouth.
I like to think there is no extreme rust on this as I had the dealership send me a video underneath and got them to show the adjustment bolts are free moving along with a 4 wheel alignment on collection day (a common issue that costs a minimum of £800 to get sorted).. but you never know untill you start pulling things apart.

Thank you I will hunt out his posts I think, see what I might be facing

[Dermot O'Logical]

I love the S2000, and I'd happily buy mine back.

2005 is right in the sweet spot, but (S2K pedant) it's not an AP2 (/S2k pedant). All UK cars are AP1, the AP2 was US market, what you have is an AP1 Facelift. Nevertheless, it's exactly the right model to get.

If you're in Portsmouth, you're not far away from TGM in Fleet, and one of the first things you should do is get them to check the suspension alignment - S2K's are very VERY sensitive to suspension setup. You might find that at 18 years old, some of the bushes need replacing, but it's worth doing right.

I'll look forward to more updates.

[meemo]

Dermot O'Logical said:

I love the S2000, and I'd happily buy mine back.

2005 is right in the sweet spot, but (S2K pedant) it's not an AP2 (/S2k pedant). All UK cars are AP1, the AP2 was US market, what you have is an AP1 Facelift. Nevertheless, it's exactly the right model to get.

If you're in Portsmouth, you're not far away from TGM in Fleet, and one of the first things you should do is get them to check the suspension alignment - S2K's are very VERY sensitive to suspension setup. You might find that at 18 years old, some of the bushes need replacing, but it's worth doing right.

I'll look forward to more updates.

Thank you, I had read up the engine change US got was technically the ap2, but for the most part people seem to call the UK facelift ap2 so have adopted the habit

That is really good know where the good companies are as I need book a second allignment. It was recently done for the new coilovers, It feels great with no strange clanks or wobble/vibration, however on braking the steering is what I can only describe as vague (stiff then soft, then pulling.. odd), so I am taking it to a friends garage to have the full once over to identify which bushings are tired and need replacing.
After that though I will want a decent alignment as I plan to book skid pan time next month at thruxton to get used to the tail end (I have been in Quattro a long time and only ever done a Learn2 drift day once apon a time), then I will be happy to book some time on goodwood.
You used TGM before I assume?

[Dermot O'Logical]

meemo said:

Dermot O'Logical said:

I love the S2000, and I'd happily buy mine back.

2005 is right in the sweet spot, but (S2K pedant) it's not an AP2 (/S2k pedant). All UK cars are AP1, the AP2 was US market, what you have is an AP1 Facelift. Nevertheless, it's exactly the right model to get.

If you're in Portsmouth, you're not far away from TGM in Fleet, and one of the first things you should do is get them to check the suspension alignment - S2K's are very VERY sensitive to suspension setup. You might find that at 18 years old, some of the bushes need replacing, but it's worth doing right.

I'll look forward to more updates.

Thank you, I had read up the engine change US got was technically the ap2, but for the most part people seem to call the UK facelift ap2 so have adopted the habit

That is really good know where the good companies are as I need book a second allignment. It was recently done for the new coilovers, It feels great with no strange clanks or wobble/vibration, however on braking the steering is what I can only describe as vague (stiff then soft, then pulling.. odd), so I am taking it to a friends garage to have the full once over to identify which bushings are tired and need replacing.
After that though I will want a decent alignment as I plan to book skid pan time next month at thruxton to get used to the tail end (I have been in Quattro a long time and only ever done a Learn2 drift day once apon a time), then I will be happy to book some time on goodwood.
You used TGM before I assume?

I used TGM for servicing and additional work on my S2000 - I had an Ohlins suspension kit fitted by TGM, and they did the alignment. They race-prep and run several Hondas in National and European championships, and what they don't know about fast Hondas isn't worth knowing.

Hendy are also useful, if Simon is still there. If you join the S2Ki Forum you'll find lots of help and advice. Good luck, and keep the updates coming!

[51mes]

d_a_n1979 said:

Yeah; my pal who owns Grinspeed up this way has a lot of these in now; a lot of them needing a full underneath restore; subframes rotted/bushes messed up etc. Most of them he does fully OEM as that compliance is welcomed on our roads up this way etc...

Grudas on these pages has a very similar colour to your S2K and he's got it sitting on some Rays/Volks wheels IIRC; it looks stunning on them

I'm one of Stevie @ Grinspeed's S2000 Customers - since 2014 driving down from Cumbria to see him, we've had the fun of seized geo bolts and just done the clutch @88K miles on my 2006 car.
Mine bar heated seat pads & a new Stereo is stock and am resisting the thoughts of throwing Ohlins on to update the aging factory shocks, luckily apart from the chassis bar in the engine compartment I'm pretty much rust free - as I had it professionally undersealed the week I bought it..

[d_a_n1979]

51mes said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Yeah; my pal who owns Grinspeed up this way has a lot of these in now; a lot of them needing a full underneath restore; subframes rotted/bushes messed up etc. Most of them he does fully OEM as that compliance is welcomed on our roads up this way etc...

Grudas on these pages has a very similar colour to your S2K and he's got it sitting on some Rays/Volks wheels IIRC; it looks stunning on them

I'm one of Stevie @ Grinspeed's S2000 Customers - since 2014 driving down from Cumbria to see him, we've had the fun of seized geo bolts and just done the clutch @88K miles on my 2006 car.
Mine bar heated seat pads & a new Stereo is stock and am resisting the thoughts of throwing Ohlins on to update the aging factory shocks, luckily apart from the chassis bar in the engine compartment I'm pretty much rust free - as I had it professionally undersealed the week I bought it..

Aye he's a few customers on here now; I'm very fortunately to have known him a long time now (back mid 200os when I had a few Japanese import Honda's) and now he & Don look after my BMWs & the wife's Racing Jazz (read 1.4 CVT, so not racy at all )

I've seen a fair few S2Ks in there now leaving piles of rubble behind haha; showing their age. Just like all the Honda's before them and now all the Honda's after too! They do like to rust...

[d_a_n1979]

meemo said:

d_a_n1979 said:

Yeah; my pal who owns Grinspeed up this way has a lot of these in now; a lot of them needing a full underneath restore; subframes rotted/bushes messed up etc. Most of them he does fully OEM as that compliance is welcomed on our roads up this way etc...

Grudas on these pages has a very similar colour to your S2K and he's got it sitting on some Rays/Volks wheels IIRC; it looks stunning on them

Poor Honda's Sounds like his company would be very handy to live near as he has lots of experience on these! sadly I am Portsmouth.
I like to think there is no extreme rust on this as I had the dealership send me a video underneath and got them to show the adjustment bolts are free moving along with a 4 wheel alignment on collection day (a common issue that costs a minimum of £800 to get sorted).. but you never know untill you start pulling things apart.

Thank you I will hunt out his posts I think, see what I might be facing

Aye; he has folk from all over the UK and some from mainland Europe come to visit him etc!

[meemo]

51mes said:

I'm one of Stevie @ Grinspeed's S2000 Customers - since 2014 driving down from Cumbria to see him, we've had the fun of seized geo bolts and just done the clutch @88K miles on my 2006 car.
Mine bar heated seat pads & a new Stereo is stock and am resisting the thoughts of throwing Ohlins on to update the aging factory shocks, luckily apart from the chassis bar in the engine compartment I'm pretty much rust free - as I had it professionally undersealed the week I bought it..

Oh really! funnily enough I see corrosion in the same spot. I have heard the geo bolts are a complete expensive nightmare which is why I wanted video evidence and a full alignment before I would collect, glad you got it sorted, bet it was not the cheapest though.
I am obviously a bad and biased influence, but I fully support improving the suspension with a decent brand, these cars are old and sadly a bit tired, the set ups have come a long way, assuming you use a good brand. Wouldn't touch streetstance+ or whatever they are called that all the new kids now use.

Dermot O'Logical said:

I used TGM for servicing and additional work on my S2000 - I had an Ohlins suspension kit fitted by TGM, and they did the alignment. They race-prep and run several Hondas in National and European championships, and what they don't know about fast Hondas isn't worth knowing.

Hendy are also useful, if Simon is still there. If you join the S2Ki Forum you'll find lots of help and advice. Good luck, and keep the updates coming!

well that makes my life easier knowing there are places like this still for the s2k. Need to make a list If that is Hendy performance in Eastleigh that is exactly where I have been ordering through, guys there are so helpful.

[trails]

Dermot O'Logical said:

I used TGM for servicing and additional work on my S2000 - I had an Ohlins suspension kit fitted by TGM, and they did the alignment. They race-prep and run several Hondas in National and European championships, and what they don't know about fast Hondas isn't worth knowing.

Hendy are also useful, if Simon is still there. If you join the S2Ki Forum you'll find lots of help and advice. Good luck, and keep the updates coming!

Tom can't half pedal too...I had TGM check my Ohlins set up after I installed them.

Simon has left Hendy and has set up his own business: WP Performance...he still posts on the forum though.

[trails]

OP, Honda looks lovely...is there a difference between the UK and US rear bumper?

Edited by trails on Tuesday 26th September 10:27

[meemo]

trails said:

OP, Honda looks lovely...is there a difference between the UK amd US rear bumper?

It is a relief to hear everyone stating specialist companies for these still. Thanks!

There is what will seem a minor difference to most between the bumpers, but big different to me
UK bumper comes in 2 parts, the bumper body and the UK Plate recess that clips in. (Assume to save manufacturing costs they just modified existing US/JDM bumpers this way).
US/JDM bumpers have a Square plate recess which is all 1 piece with the bumper, just looks cleaner to me.
Picture below of a random car to demonstrate what I have poorly explained (last picture is the actual bumper I have waiting in the spare room.. Plus Sid the cat).

UK



US/JDM

[trails]

Almost wish I hadn't asked, I want one now...how much was it?

Alright Sid

[meemo]

trails said:

Almost wish I hadn't asked, I want one now...how much was it?

Alright Sid

Haha it is a slippery slope.. sorry!
Not the best price but £450ish including VAT through Hendy Performance, they order them from Belgium I think they said, only took a week and it was ready to be collected.
Genuine direct from Honda too.

[d_a_n1979]

The US spec bumper looks better IMO; cleaner lines etc. It'll suit the car well...

I ran the Japanese/US spec plate inserts on my Japanese import BMW E39s; the square plate just works IMO

[meemo]

d_a_n1979 said:

The US spec bumper looks better IMO; cleaner lines etc. It'll suit the car well...

I ran the Japanese/US spec plate inserts on my Japanese import BMW E39s; the square plate just works IMO

Did you run square plates on the front too? using the Bumping mount point or your own?

UK plate holder has 4 giant holes behind on the S2k one, so they are getting smoothed when painted.

[trails]

meemo said:

Haha it is a slippery slope.. sorry!
Not the best price but £450ish including VAT through Hendy Performance, they order them from Belgium I think they said, only took a week and it was ready to be collected.
Genuine direct from Honda too.

Ta

Maybe something I'll add to the list for the winter refresh, will be interesting to see what yours looks like when its done