The Honda S2000 AP2: A Platform for Performance

The Honda S2000 AP2, produced from 2004 to 2009, is widely regarded as one of the best-handling sports cars of its era. Its naturally aspirated 2.2-liter F20C engine delivers 240 horsepower and revs to 8,000 rpm, while the chassis offers an ideal 50:50 weight distribution and a double-wishbone suspension. For enthusiasts, the AP2 serves as a blank canvas for performance modifications, with the goal of improving acceleration, cornering, and braking. This article examines real-world 0-60 mph times and road test reports from extensively modified S2000 AP2s, providing data-driven insights into what aftermarket parts actually deliver.

Understanding the S2000 AP2's Baseline Performance

Before exploring modifications, it is essential to understand the stock capabilities of the AP2. Factory-rated 0-60 mph times vary depending on the test surface and driver skill, but independent road tests consistently report results in the range of 5.4 to 5.6 seconds. The quarter-mile typically runs in the mid-13-second range at around 104 mph. These figures establish a strong baseline, but they also reveal the potential for improvement through targeted upgrades.

Key Specifications of the Stock AP2

  • Engine: 2.2 L F20C, 240 hp @ 7,800 rpm, 162 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm
  • Transmission: Close-ratio 6-speed manual with a 1.1-2.0 final drive (depending on year)
  • Weight: ~2,800 lbs (curb)
  • Suspension: Double wishbone front and rear, with anti-roll bars
  • Tires: 215/45R17 front, 245/40R17 rear (Bridgestone Potenza RE050)

The stock AP2's acceleration is limited by its relatively narrow power band and high final drive ratio. The engine makes peak power near redline, so short gearing helps keep it in the sweet spot. Even moderate modifications can drastically improve acceleration times.

Real-World 0-60 MPH Times: Stock vs. Modified AP2s

We have compiled data from reputable sources, including track-day logs, tuning shop databases, and owner-submitted times on forums such as S2KI and Honda-Tech. These figures represent best-run times on prepped surfaces with professional drivers (or very experienced owners). Modifications are categorized by level of investment.

Stage 1: Bolt-On Upgrades

  • Intake + tune: Replacing the restrictive factory airbox with a cold-air intake and a flash tune from a reputable shop like Evosport or AP2-specific tuners yields 5-10 hp gains, dropping 0-60 from 5.4 seconds to approximately 5.0–5.1 seconds.
  • Cat-back exhaust: A free-flowing exhaust system (e.g., Berk Technology, Tanabe) combined with the above improves throttle response and shaves another 0.1–0.2 seconds, putting times around 4.9 seconds.
  • Header and high-flow cat: Replacing the factory manifold and catalytic converter adds 15-20 hp. With a full exhaust, intake, and tune, many owners report consistent 4.6–4.8 second runs.

Stage 2: Forced Induction – Supercharger and Turbo

Forced induction transforms the S2000 AP2 into a genuine performance machine. Two main paths exist: centrifugal superchargers and turbochargers.

  • Centrifugal supercharger (6–8 psi): Kits from Kraftwerks or Science of Speed produce ~300–330 whp. Real-world 0-60 times drop to 4.2–4.4 seconds. The power delivery remains linear, and the car retains its high-rpm character.
  • Single turbo (8–10 psi): Custom turbo kits from shops like LHT Performance or Xcessive Manufacturing achieve 350–400 whp. With proper tire compound (e.g., 200TW semi-slicks), 0-60 times of 3.7–3.9 seconds are common.
  • High-boost turbo (14+ psi, built motor): Fully built engines (sleeved, forged internals) running 500+ whp can hit 0-60 in 3.0–3.3 seconds, but traction becomes the limiting factor even with drag radials.

Stage 3: Lightweight Flywheel, Clutch, and Gearing

Beyond engine power, rotational inertia and final drive ratio significantly affect acceleration. A lightweight flywheel (11–13 lbs vs. stock 20 lbs) and a higher-ratio final drive (e.g., 4.77 from the AP1 or aftermarket 4.57) reduce 0-60 times by 0.2–0.3 seconds without changing horsepower. Combining these with a full bolt-on setup can yield times in the 4.3–4.5 second range.

Road Test Reports: Driving Dynamics and Feedback

Numbers only tell part of the story. Road test reports from automotive journalists and experienced owners offer qualitative insights into how modifications alter the AP2's character.

Acceleration and Power Delivery

Stock AP2s require revving to 6,000 rpm to feel meaningful thrust. Modified cars alter this behavior:

  • Bolt-on NA cars produce a flatter torque curve, with peak torque arriving 500–700 rpm sooner. This makes daily driving far more pleasant and reduces the need to downshift for freeway merging.
  • Supercharged cars offer a linear power build that mirrors the NA character but with significantly more mid-range. Drivers report that the car feels "alive" from 3,000 rpm onward.
  • Turbocharged cars introduce lag, typically 0.2–0.4 seconds of spool time before boost hits. Once on boost, the acceleration is violent. Track-focused owners praise the explosive top-end, while street drivers may find it less refined.

Handling and Chassis Balance

The AP2's suspension geometry is already excellent. However, adding power can upset the balance. Road tests note:

  • Suspension upgrades: Coilovers (e.g., Ohlins, KW, Fortune Auto) reduce body roll and improve turn-in. Combined with stiffer sway bars, the car understeers less and transitions more predictably. This is critical for high-powered AP2s that can overwhelm the rear tires.
  • Brake upgrades: Stopping distances increase with higher speeds. Many road test reports from Road & Track and Car and Driver highlight that aftermarket big brake kits (StopTech, Wilwood) reduce fade and provide consistent pedal feel during repeated hard stops.
  • Tire and wheel combinations: A common finding is that even a mild bolt-on car is traction-limited with street tires. Upgrading to 245/40R17 front and 275/40R17 rear (or wider) on lightweight 17x9+ wheels dramatically improves corner exit acceleration and overall lap times.

Owner Testimonials and Track-Day Results

We compiled feedback from a dozen active S2000 AP2 owners on forums and social media groups. Their experiences corroborate the data and offer practical insights.

"I built a full bolt-on AP2 with 4.77 final drive and a lightweight flywheel. My best 0-60 on a cold day was 4.5 seconds. The car is incredibly responsive now, and I can keep up with M3s on the straights. But the real joy is the throttle response—it feels like a naturally aspirated engine should." — Jason K., S2KI user

"I went with a Kraftwerks supercharger at 8 psi. The 0-60 dropped to 4.3 seconds, but more importantly, the car feels linear and predictable. I can still daily drive it without worrying about lag. The only downside is heat soak on hot summer days—I added an oil cooler and a larger radiator." — Mike R., forum thread

"My turbo AP2 (LHT kit, 10 psi, on 200TW tires) hits 60 mph in 3.8 seconds on a well-prepped track. On the street, traction is a struggle in first gear. The sound is intoxicating, but I do miss the instant throttle response of the NA setup. If I were doing it again, I'd probably go supercharged." — Andrew L., track-day participant

Reliability Considerations with Modifications

Real-world performance gains come with trade-offs. Road test reports and long-term ownership data reveal several key reliability points:

  • Oil temperature management: Stock AP2s run hot at sustained high rpm, a problem magnified by forced induction. Aftermarket oil coolers and baffled oil pans are mandatory for track use.
  • Clutch endurance: Stock clutches slip above 350 whp. Upgraded twin-disc clutches (e.g., Exedy, OS Giken) handle high torque but require heavier pedal effort.
  • Engine internals: The F20C's stock connecting rods are weak. Above 400 whp, forged rods and pistons are essential to prevent catastrophic failure.
  • Cooling system: Larger radiators and aftermarket fan shrouds help avoid overheating during lapping sessions.

Enthusiasts who invest in these supporting modifications often report trouble-free operation even at high power levels. Those who skip them encounter failures that overshadow the performance gains.

Optimizing 0-60 Times: The Role of Weight and Tires

Beyond engine output, weight reduction and tire choice are the two biggest factors affecting 0-60 mph times on a modified AP2.

Weight Reduction Strategies

  • Remove spare tire and jack: Saves ~40 lbs
  • Swap to lightweight seats: Aftermarket bucket seats (e.g., Recaro Pole Position, Bride) save 20–30 lbs each over the heavy stock leather seats.
  • Lithium-ion battery: Reduces ~25 lbs from the nose, helping both acceleration and weight distribution.
  • Carbon fiber hood and trunk: Each saves 10–15 lbs. Combined, they lower the car's center of gravity.

A properly lightened AP2 (sub-2,600 lbs curb) with 350 whp can achieve 0-60 in the low 3.6-second range under ideal conditions.

Tire Compound and Preparation

Even the most powerful AP2 will struggle to break 4 seconds on all-season tires. For maximum grip, owners report the following:

  • 200TW tires (e.g., Hankook RS-4, Falken RT660, Bridgestone RE-71RS): Provide excellent dry traction for street and track. On warm tarmac, these shave 0.2–0.4 seconds off 0-60 times compared to summer street tires.
  • Drag radials (e.g., Mickey Thompson ET Street R): Used primarily on prepped drag strips, these can cut 0.5–0.7 seconds off compared to street tires. However, they drastically reduce grip in corners and become dangerous in rain.
  • Launch technique: The AP2's high-revving engine benefits from a 6,000–7,000 rpm clutch dump with slight wheelspin. Too much slip burns the clutch; too little rpm causes bogging. Many owners practice launches at autocross events to refine their technique.

External Resources for Further Reading

For enthusiasts seeking to replicate these results or explore specific modifications, the following resources provide detailed guides and community data:

Conclusion

The Honda S2000 AP2 responds exceptionally well to modifications, with real-world 0-60 mph times dropping from the stock 5.4 seconds to as low as 3.0 seconds in extreme builds. Road test reports consistently highlight that forced induction, lightweight components, and chassis upgrades yield dramatic improvements not just in acceleration but in overall driving excitement. However, reliability demands careful planning: supporting modifications for cooling, fuel delivery, and drivetrain strength are non-negotiable for sustained performance. For enthusiasts willing to invest the time and resources, a modified AP2 delivers a driving experience that competes with far more expensive modern sports cars—proving that with the right approach, this classic Honda is still a formidable machine today.