Basics of Increasing the Horsepower of the Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is one of the preeminent compact sports cars on the tuner scene today. From its splashy entrance on the heels of "The Fast and the Furious" to today, no other car inspires such adoration in the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts. While the Honda S2000 is certainly an enthusiasts car, there are few, if any, that couldn't stand a little tweaking to increase the horsepower of the S2000. Beginners may want to jump right in with turbochargers and nitrous oxide, but the engine of the car won't thank you a bit, and you'll find yourself spending more time in the shop trying to figure out how to fix what went wrong than you'll spend at the track.

In order to make additional horsepower with the Honda S2000 while maintaining its reliability, there are specifically two modifications that should be done. The first is an aftermarket exhaust system, and the first is a cold-air intake system. These components combine to produce additional horsepower in the Honda S2000 while at the same time allowing the engine's on-board computer to remain unchanged. If you are inexperienced with tuning and modification, it should be noted that these are the most basic elements of a naturally-aspirated engine build, and they are by far the most affordable.

Purchasing a cold-air intake for your Honda S2000 is a relatively simple procedure, as there are a great number of companies who offer different styles of cold air intake, all of which are relatively similar when comparing the horsepower output numbers before and after the installation. Still, it behooves you to purchase and install the best-quality intake you can on the S2000. Not only will a high-quality intake improve your horsepower, but it will also give the engine compartment of the Honda a cleaner, more professional look.

Because the Honda S2000 is a rear-wheel drive car, the air box is located in front of the engine at the end of the air intake hose. To install the cold-air intake, unscrew the compression clamps that secure the air intake hose to the throttle body, unbolt the air box from the core support with a socket wrench, and then disconnect any sensors and hoses that you can see extending from the air intake. Depending on the brand of cold-air intake you choose, you may have to assemble it before it can be mounted on the Honda. Do so according to the air intake instructions, and then place the cold-air intake on the engine. Make certain that you tighten the compression band at the throttle body tightly and plug all the necessary lines and hoses into the designated ports on the air intake tube.

The second modification that should be accomplished to increase horsepower in the Honda S2000 is to install a catalytic-converter back exhaust system. These high-flow systems allow the engine to purge more exhaust out of the engine more quickly, and do so while producing the kind of engine sounds that turn heads at the track or on the street. Be careful to avoid exhausts that indicate that they are specifically engineered for sound, or that advertise that they make the S2000 louder. In the case of four-cylinder engines, louder isn't always better. What is more important is the chamber design of the muffler. Select a high-quality muffler that indicates a low decibel level when the engine is at idle up to 2,500 RPM. In reality, you should really only be able to hear the muffler when you accelerate past 2,500 RPM.

Catalytic converter back exhaust systems install relatively easily, but you have to be patient to get them to fit correctly. Begin by supporting the Honda S2000 on jack stands, and then unbolt the exhaust pipe from the catalytic converter flange. There are three bolts that hold it in place, as well as a compression gasket inside the flange. Be careful not to lose the gasket. Remove the rubber exhaust hangers from the tailpipe and the muffler, and then wind the exhaust pipe over the rear axle and out from under the S2000. Install the replacement exhaust in the opposite manner from which you removed the stock exhaust from the car, making certain that you install the compression gasket and rubber exhaust hangers correctly. Tighten all your bolts, and then lower the Honda S2000 off of its jack stands.

The modifications should provide your Honda S2000 with approximately 20 to 25 additional horsepower, depending on the condition of the car and the mileage on the engine. On high mileage engines, you will see better results by having a professional engine rebuilder rebuild the engine. As Honda Vtech engines can often be run in excess of 200,000 miles, this is a good idea to begin any performance horsepower-adding project.

Sources:
Honda Tuning Magazine.com: Comptech Sport Cold Air Intake Installation: http://www.hondatuningmagazine.com/tech/0408ht_2001_honda_s2000_cold_air_intake/index.html
Honda Tuning Magazine.com: Honda S2000 Exhaust System Installation:
http://www.hondatuningmagazine.com/tech/0407ht_2001_honda_s2000_exhaust_installation/index.html