The Honda S2000 AP1, produced from 1999 to 2003, is a revered platform among driving purists for its naturally aspirated F20C engine, razor-sharp handling, and lightweight rear‑wheel‑drive chassis. The factory output of around 240 horsepower was impressive for its time, but many enthusiasts seek a reliable and repeatable 220‑wheel‑horsepower build—a figure that preserves daily drivability while offering a noticeable increase over stock. Using carefully selected parts from Spoon Sports and Skunk2 provides a proven path to that goal. This expanded cost breakdown covers every essential component, explains why each piece matters, and offers practical advice for getting the most from your budget.

Understanding the S2000 AP1 and the 220 HP Target

The F20C engine is a 2.0‑liter, 16‑valve inline‑four with dual overhead camshafts and Honda’s VTEC variable valve timing. It revs to 9,000 rpm from the factory and delivers a unique powerband. The AP1’s chassis is stiff and light, making even modest power gains feel significant. Aiming for 220 horsepower at the wheels—roughly a 10–15% increase over the stock flywheel rating—requires addressing the engine’s breathing, fuel delivery, and exhaust flow without sacrificing reliability. The parts selected from Spoon Sports and Skunk2 are chosen because each brand has decades of experience with Honda platforms and offers parts that work together seamlessly. Both companies prioritize performance gains that are verified on the dyno and the track, not just on paper.

Key Components for the Build

1. Engine Management System

To safely and effectively tune the F20C to 220 wheel horsepower, you must replace or supplement the factory ECU. The stock calibration leaves little room for modification without causing knock or poor drivability. The following two components form the backbone of the engine management.

  • Spoon Sports ECU – $1,200. Spoon’s ECU is a direct plug‑in unit that has been dyno‑tuned for common intake and exhaust upgrades. It raises the rev limiter, adjusts fuel and ignition maps, and removes the top‑speed governor. It is an excellent starting point for a bolt‑on build.
  • Hondata K‑Pro (for tuning) – $700. While the Spoon ECU works well out of the box, the K‑Pro gives you the ability to fine‑tune the air/fuel ratio and ignition timing using a laptop. This is especially useful if you deviate from Spoon’s recommended parts list or live at a different altitude. The K‑Pro piggybacks on the factory ECU and is widely supported by professional tuners.

Total for Engine Management: $1,900. Expect an additional $400–$600 for dyno tuning if you install the K‑Pro and want to maximize the setup.

2. Intake System

Improving airflow into the engine is essential for reaching the 220 HP target. The stock airbox is restrictive, and the intake manifold can be improved to increase volumetric efficiency.

  • Spoon Sports Air Intake – $400. Spoon’s air intake features a large K&N‑style filter and a smooth, mandrel‑bent tube that reduces turbulence. It is known for its sharp induction sound and consistent airflow across the entire rpm range.
  • Skunk2 Alpha Series Intake Manifold – $600. The Skunk2 Alpha manifold has larger plenum volume and shorter, smoother runners than the factory unit. This shifts the torque curve upward, exactly what the F20C needs to make power past 7,000 rpm. The manifold is CNC‑machined and comes with all necessary gaskets and hardware.

Total for Intake System: $1,000. The combination of a free‑flowing air filter and a high‑flow intake manifold ensures the engine never starves for air at high rpm.

3. Exhaust System

An efficient exhaust system reduces back pressure and allows the engine to expel combustion gases quickly. The exhaust path should be free of sharp bends, and the header should be tuned for mid‑range and top‑end power.

  • Spoon Sports N1 Exhaust – $1,200. The N1 is a cat‑back system made of stainless steel with a straight‑through muffler design. It has a deep, aggressive note that is not overly loud at cruising speeds and has been a staple in Honda performance for decades. It is a direct fit for the AP1.
  • Skunk2 Header – $500. Skunk2’s header features equal‑length primary tubes and a merge collector to improve scavenging. It is available with a thermal coating to reduce under‑hood temperatures. The header replaces the heavy factory unit and allows the engine to breathe all the way to the catalytic converter.

Total for Exhaust System: $1,700. For a street car, a high‑flow catalytic converter is advisable to keep emissions legal; a test pipe can be added for track days but will increase noise.

4. Fuel System

Once the engine can ingest more air and expel more exhaust, it needs additional fuel to maintain the correct air‑fuel ratio. The stock fuel system is adequate for mild upgrades, but for consistent power at 220 wheel horsepower, upgrading the fuel rail and injectors is a wise investment.

  • Skunk2 Fuel Rail – $250. The Skunk2 billet aluminum fuel rail increases fuel volume and provides a stable fuel pressure base. It includes a -6 AN adapter for use with aftermarket fuel lines and a gauge port for monitoring pressure.
  • High‑Flow Fuel Injectors – $600. Precision‑flow injectors (around 440–550 cc/min) are recommended. They provide enough flow for up to 250 wheel horsepower with headroom to spare. Many tuners prefer Bosch or Injector Dynamics units, but Skunk2 also offers matched injectors.

Total for Fuel System: $850. Do not overlook a fuel pressure regulator if your setup requires it; a Skunk2 adjustable regulator costs roughly $150 extra. A return‑style fuel system is not necessary for this power level.

5. Suspension Upgrades

Power is useless without the ability to put it to the ground. The S2000 AP1’s suspension is already adept, but upgrading the springs and dampers improves turn‑in response, reduces body roll, and provides stability during hard acceleration and braking.

  • Spoon Sports Lowering Springs – $500. Spoon’s springs lower the car approximately 20 mm, stiffen the rate by about 20% over stock, and maintain ride compliance. They are designed to work with the factory dampers.
  • Skunk2 Adjustable Coilovers – $1,200. For a more serious approach, Skunk2’s Pro‑S coilovers offer adjustable ride height, damping, and (on some versions) camber plates. This allows you to dial in the alignment for aggressive street or track use. The mono‑tube construction and progressive pistons deliver predictable handling.

Total for Suspension Upgrades: $1,700. If you drive your S2000 primarily on public roads, upgraded sway bars (front and rear) from either brand can further sharpen the cornering feel for about $400 additional.

6. Wheels and Tires

Wheel weight and tire compound directly affect acceleration, braking, and cornering grip. For a 220 HP build, you want a set of lightweight wheels and high‑performance summer tires that provide ample grip without excessive rolling resistance.

  • Lightweight Alloy Wheels – $1,200. Enkei RPF1 or PF01 wheels in 17×9 sizes are popular choices. Spoon Sports also offers their own forged wheels (SW388), which are extremely light but carry a higher price tag. For this budget, quality cast wheels from Enkei or Skunk2 are fine.
  • High‑Performance Tires – $800. Tires like the Bridgestone Potenza RE‑71RS, Michelin Pilot Sport 5, or Yokohama Advan A052 in 255/40R17 provide excellent dry grip and are well‑matched to the S2000’s weight and power. Expect to pay around $200 per tire for this size.

Total for Wheels and Tires: $2,000. Tire pressures and alignment (typically -2.5° to -3.0° front camber, -1.5° to -2.0° rear) will maximize the grip your wheel and tire package offers.

Overall Cost Breakdown Summary

The following table consolidates all major component costs. Labor for installation and dyno tuning is not included because rates vary widely by region.

  • Engine Management System: $1,900
  • Intake System: $1,000
  • Exhaust System: $1,700
  • Fuel System: $850
  • Suspension Upgrades: $1,700
  • Wheels and Tires: $2,000
  • Total Estimated Cost (parts only): $9,150

Adding labor (10–20 hours at $100–$150/hour) and a professional tune ($400–$600) brings the all‑in budget to roughly $11,000–$12,000. This is competitive with other S2000 builds and yields a car that is faster, more engaging, and more reliable than one with mismatched parts.

Tuning and Installation Considerations

Every part in this build is designed to bolt onto the AP1 without major fabrication, but proper installation is critical. Always use new gaskets, sealant, and torque fasteners to spec. After installing the intake, header, and exhaust, the air‑fuel ratio should be checked on a wideband gauge. The Spoon ECU provides a safe baseline, but if you have the Hondata K‑Pro, schedule a dyno session to dial in the ignition timing for your local fuel quality (91–93 octane). A good tuner will also verify that the VTEC engagement point (recommended 5,800–6,200 rpm) matches your camshaft profile. Remember that the S2000’s high‑compression engine detonates easily if tuning is off; investing in a quality tune protects your engine and maximizes power output.

Additionally, consider upgrading the clutch if your current one shows wear. For a 220 wheel horsepower build, the factory clutch usually holds, but a lightweight flywheel (e.g., from Exedy or Spoon) improves throttle response and rev matching. That would add another $400–$600 to the budget. A short‑shifter kit from Skunk2 (around $200) can also sharpen the gearbox feel for a modest cost.

Alternatives and Potential Upgrades

While the parts listed above form a robust 220 HP build, you have options. Some enthusiasts prefer a full standalone ECU like the Haltech Elite 1500 or Motec M130, which offer greater flexibility but cost $1,500–$3,000 and require professional wiring. If your budget is tighter, you can substitute the Skunk2 coilovers with Spoon Sports dampers and springs (about $1,000 total) but lose adjustability. For the intake, a cold air intake from AEM or Injen (around $250) is a cheaper alternative to Spoon’s unit, though fitment and power gains may vary. Always cross‑reference part numbers with your model year: the AP1 uses a different intake manifold and ECU pinout than the later AP2.

Future upgrade paths include a stroker kit, higher‑lift camshafts, or a supercharger, but those would push power well beyond 220 and require significant additional investment in the drivetrain (clutch, axles, differential). For a reliable street‑focused build, sticking with the naturally aspirated formula described here is wise.

Conclusion

Building a 220 HP Honda S2000 AP1 with parts from Spoon Sports and Skunk2 is a straightforward and rewarding project. The total parts cost of approximately $9,150—or roughly $11,000–$12,000 installed and tuned—delivers a car that retains its legendary handling character while pulling noticeably harder through the mid‑range and top end. By choosing components that are engineered to work together, you avoid the frustration of compatibility issues and ensure that every dollar spent translates into measurable performance. Whether you are building a weekend track toy or a spirited daily driver, this combination of Spoon Sports and Skunk2 parts provides a proven, repeatable formula for 220 reliable horsepower. Remember to consult official installation guides, follow torque specifications, and trust your tuner to bring the final calibration to life. For further reading, explore S2000 forums and the manufacturers’ product pages for detailed installation notes and dyno charts.