Why the HKS Super Turbo Kit Is a Benchmark for S2000 Power

The Honda S2000 remains one of the most rewarding driver’s cars ever produced. With its 9,000‑rpm redline, near‑perfect 50:50 weight distribution, and double‑wishbone suspension, the chassis begs for more power. The factory F20C or F22C engine delivers around 240 horsepower, which is respectable but leaves enthusiasts craving more.

The HKS Super Turbo Kit has become the go‑to forced‑induction system for S2000 owners who want reliable, substantial power gains without sacrificing the car’s responsive character. HKS has been engineering high‑performance parts since the 1970s, and their bolt‑on turbo kit is designed specifically for the S2000’s engine bay and electronics. This article provides a detailed breakdown of the costs, installation requirements, performance expectations, and everything else you need to know before pulling the trigger on this upgrade.

What Is the HKS Super Turbo Kit?

The HKS Super Turbo Kit is a complete forced‑induction package engineered for the Honda S2000 (both AP1 and AP2 variants). Unlike cobbled‑together turbo setups, this kit is designed as a cohesive system with matched components that work together without guesswork. It includes a turbocharger, intercooler, piping, oil lines, fuel injectors, and a base engine control unit (ECU) calibration. The kit is CARB‑exempt in most configurations, making it street‑legal in many states, though you should verify local regulations.

The standout feature of this kit is HKS’s commitment to reliability. The boost pressure is kept conservative (around 8–10 psi) to preserve engine longevity while still delivering a massive power jump. The system also retains the factory air‑conditioning and power steering, so you don’t lose daily‑driven convenience.

Components Included in the HKS Super Turbo Kit

Below is a breakdown of every major component that ships with the HKS Super Turbo Kit. Understanding what’s in the box helps you appreciate the engineering and also anticipate any supplementary items you may need.

  • Turbocharger – HKS GT25 or GT30 series (depending on kit version). Journal‑bearing, oil‑cooled, with a wastegate actuator set to a baseline boost level.
  • Intercooler – Bar‑and‑plate air‑to‑air intercooler, sized to fit behind the S2000’s front bumper without cutting. Lowers intake air temperature by 50–80°F under boost.
  • Cast iron exhaust manifold – T4 or T3 flange, designed for optimal exhaust flow and heat management. Heat‑shield included.
  • Downpipe and intake piping – Mandrel‑bent aluminum or stainless steel. Includes silicone couplers and T‑bolt clamps.
  • Oil feed and drain lines – Pre‑assembled with banjo fittings. Includes a sandwich plate adapter for the oil filter housing.
  • Upgraded fuel injectors – 550cc or 650cc injectors (depending on kit). Drop‑in replacements for the OEM injectors.
  • Fuel pressure regulator – Adjustable, rising‑rate regulator with gauge.
  • ECU piggyback or reflash tools – Early kits used the HKS F‑CON V or F‑CON iS; newer kits include a HKS ECU with a base calibration.
  • Blow‑off valve – Recirculating type to maintain driveability, though an atmospheric option is available.
  • Hardware and gaskets – Everything needed for a direct bolt‑on installation.

The comprehensive nature of the kit means you won’t need to chase down dozens of random parts. However, tuning always requires additional attention. The base map included is safe but conservative; professional dyno tuning is strongly recommended to maximize power and ensure air‑fuel ratios stay safe.

Installation Process: What to Expect

Installing the HKS Super Turbo Kit is a substantial job. While the kit is labeled “bolt‑on,” it still requires removing the front bumper, radiator, and many engine bay components. Most owners allocate a full weekend if working in a home garage, or 15–20 hours for a professional shop. Here is a high‑level overview of the install steps:

  1. Preparation – Drain coolant and oil. Remove the intake, radiator, fan shroud, and front bumper.
  2. Manifold and turbo installation – Unbolt the stock exhaust manifold and heat shields. Install the HKS manifold with new gaskets. Mount the turbocharger and tighten all bolts to spec.
  3. Oil system – Install the oil feed adapter at the filter housing. Route the oil drain line into the oil pan (requires drilling and tapping or using a pre‑tapped oil pan).
  4. Intercooler and piping – Mount the intercooler behind the front bumper. Route charge piping from turbo to intercooler, then to the throttle body. Ensure all connections are secure and will not rub against the chassis.
  5. Fuel system – Replace the injectors. Install the adjustable fuel pressure regulator. Connect the vacuum line to the intake manifold.
  6. ECU installation – Plug in the HKS tuning module or reflash the factory ECU. This is often the trickiest part, as wiring may need to be spliced.
  7. Reassembly and fluids – Reinstall the radiator, fan shroud, and bumper. Fill with fresh coolant and engine oil (use a high‑quality synthetic, 5W‑40 or 10W‑40).
  8. Tuning – Load the base map, start the engine, and check for leaks. Then schedule a dyno session for final calibration.

For those lacking experience with turbo installations, hiring a reputable performance shop is money well spent. Errors in oil line routing or boost leaks can cause engine damage quickly.

Cost Breakdown: What You’ll Actually Spend

The original article gave a range of $6,000–$8,000, but that estimate may be low in 2025. Prices have risen due to supply chain effects and inflation. Here is a more realistic, itemized budget:

Item Estimated Cost
HKS Super Turbo Kit (complete) $5,200 – $6,500
Professional installation labor $1,000 – $1,800
Gaskets, fluids, spark plugs (one step colder) $250 – $500
Professional dyno tuning $600 – $1,200
Optional: upgraded clutch (recommended) $600 – $1,200
Optional: boost controller $200 – $500
Total (depending on options) $7,850 – $11,700

The clutch upgrade is not strictly mandatory but highly advised. The stock S2000 clutch is marginal for stock power and will slip quickly once boost hits. A stage 2 clutch (like Exedy or ACT) will handle the increased torque without excessive pedal effort.

Tuning is another area where cutting corners is dangerous. A trusted tuner with S2000 experience, such as S2000 Tuning or a local dyno shop using AEM or Haltech software, can ensure the engine lives a long life. Skipping professional tuning and relying only on the base map may result in detonation or drivability issues.

Performance Gains: Real‑World Numbers

The HKS Super Turbo Kit transforms the S2000’s power delivery. On a dynojet, a properly tuned car with the kit typically produces:

  • Wheel horsepower: 320–360 whp (depending on boost level and supporting mods)
  • Wheel torque: 260–300 lb‑ft
  • Crank horsepower equivalent: ~380–430 hp

Compared to the stock output of around 200–210 whp, that is a 60–70% gain. More importantly, the torque curve is completely reshaped. Stock S2000 engines have very little torque below 6,000 RPM; with the turbo, usable torque starts from 3,500 RPM and builds smoothly. This makes the car far more tractable in daily driving and eliminates the need to constantly downshift on the highway.

Acceleration improvements are dramatic. A stock S2000 runs the quarter‑mile in roughly 13.8–14.2 seconds at 102 mph. With the HKS kit and good tires, expect times in the 12.2–12.8 second range at 112–118 mph. The car also gains 15–20 mph in top speed, though the factory limiter will need to be removed.

It is important to note that these numbers assume a healthy engine with proper maintenance. Engines with high mileage (>120k miles) or weak compression should be rebuilt or inspected before adding boost.

Side‑by‑Side Comparison: Stock vs. HKS Turbo

Here is a quick comparison of key metrics:

  • Peak horsepower (crank): 240 hp (stock) vs. 400+ hp (turbo)
  • Peak torque (crank): 162 lb‑ft (stock) vs. 300 lb‑ft (turbo)
  • 0–60 mph: 5.5 sec (stock) vs. 4.0–4.3 sec (turbo)
  • Throttle response: Immediate (stock) vs. nearly immediate with slight lag (turbo)
  • Fuel economy (combined): 22 mpg (stock) vs. 18–20 mpg (turbo, depending on boost)

Important Considerations Before Installing

While the power increase is intoxicating, there are several downsides and practical concerns you must weigh.

Engine Longevity

The F20C and F22C are strong engines, but they were not originally designed for boost. At 8–9 psi, the HKS kit is considered safe, but you should monitor oil temperatures. Adding an oil cooler is a wise investment if you plan to track the car. Many owners upgrade the oil pan baffle to prevent starvation during hard cornering. Regular oil changes with high‑quality synthetic oil every 3,000–4,000 miles become non‑negotiable.

Warranty and Insurance

If your S2000 is still under any warranty (unlikely for most, but possible for very low‑mileage models), the turbo kit will void the powertrain warranty. Contact your dealer to check. Insurance companies often raise premiums for forced induction modifications; some may refuse coverage entirely. Get a quote in writing before installing the kit.

Smog and Emissions

The HKS Super Turbo Kit (with the included HKS ECU) is often listed as CARB EO #D‑... Check HKS’s official website for the latest EO number. If you live in California or other states that follow CARB rules, you must keep the kit at the approved boost level and use the approved ECU calibration. Changing the wastegate spring or adding a boost controller may render the kit non‑compliant and fail the visual smog check.

Additional Supporting Mods

To safely handle the extra power, consider these upgrades:

  • Clutch: As mentioned, the stock clutch will slip. Install a sprung‑hub disc.
  • Radiator: A larger aluminum radiator (Koyo, Mishimoto) helps manage heat.
  • Fuel pump: The stock pump may struggle at higher boost; a Walbro 255 lph is a common upgrade.
  • Brakes: Stock brakes are adequate, but upgraded pads and fluid are recommended.

Driveline Stress

The S2000’s differential and axles are generally robust, but with the added torque, an aggressive launch on sticky tires could break an axle. If you drag race frequently, consider a stronger differential (OS Giken or Quaife) and aftermarket axles (Drive Shaft Shop).

Alternatives to the HKS Super Turbo Kit

The HKS kit is not the only option for boosting an S2000. Here are the main competitors and how they compare:

  • Vortech or Procharger centrifugal supercharger kits – More linear power delivery, easier installation (no oil drain needed), but generally lower peak torque. Typically costs $4,500–$6,000 for the kit.
  • Jackson Racing supercharger – A popular roots‑type blower that provides instant throttle response and low‑end torque. Great for street use. Slightly less peak horsepower than HKS turbo.
  • Full Race Motorsports turbo kit – A top‑quality custom manifold and turbo system. More expensive ($7,000+) and requires more fabrication, but capable of over 500 whp.
  • DIY turbo kit – Piecing together your own turbo parts can save money but introduces risk if the components are not matched. Tuning becomes more complex.

For most street‑focused owners, the HKS kit strikes the best balance of power, reliability, and ease of installation.

Maintenance After Turbo Installation

Owning a turbo S2000 requires a more diligent maintenance schedule. Key tasks:

  • Oil changes: Every 3,000 miles with full synthetic. Check oil level frequently; some turbo kits consume small amounts of oil through the turbo seals.
  • Spark plugs: Replace every 15,000 miles with one step colder iridium plugs (NGK BKR7E or equivalent).
  • Boost leak check: Annually or after any intercooler pipe removal. Even a small leak can cause lean conditions.
  • Fuel system: Clean injectors every 30,000 miles. Replace fuel filter.
  • Turbo health: Listen for unusual whining or scraping sounds. Check for shaft play when servicing.

Many S2000 owners find these extra chores are a small price to pay for the exhilarating performance.

Real‑World Owner Stories

Online forums (S2Ki.com, Reddit r/S2000) are filled with feedback on the HKS kit. Common themes:

  • Reliability praise: Owners report 30,000–50,000 miles of trouble‑free operation with proper maintenance and conservative tuning.
  • “It makes the car feel like a modern sports car.” The torque fills the gap that the high‑revving F20C leaves behind.
  • Risk of overboost: Some early kits had wastegate creep; HKS revised the design. Ensure you buy the latest version.

One owner noted, “I drove my S2000 for four years stock. The HKS kit completely changed the car. It’s still a raw, engaging drive, but now you can pass on the highway without downshifting to 8,000 RPM.”

Final Verdict: Is the HKS Super Turbo Kit Worth It?

For the Honda S2000 owner who wants a proven power increase with minimal fabrication, the HKS Super Turbo Kit is an excellent choice. The total cost of $8,000–$12,000 is significant, but it transforms the car into a 400+ hp street machine that can still handle daily commutes, mountain roads, and track days. Compared to buying a faster car (like a Porsche Cayman or BMW M2), the S2000 with this kit offers a unique driving experience that is lighter, more connected, and more rewarding.

If you are ready to move forward, start by sourcing the kit from an authorized HKS dealer such as Evasive Motorsports or Import Image Racing. Budget for a proper tune and supporting mods, and you will have a car that holds its own against modern machinery while retaining the soul of a classic sports car.