We're still unclear if ASM has any plans to offer its parts online or make available to U.S. customers. But the logic in choosing them is unquestionable.
"We chose ASM parts for their lightness, safety and aerodynamic performance," Kanayama says. "In a car like this, saving time and weight is everything."
ASM:Autobacs Secondhand MarketASM, an offshoot of the wildly successful Autobacs chain, has a unique concept when it comes to moving secondhand parts. When Autobacs customers want to upgrade, or 'version-up' as it's known in Japan, they trade in their old hardware for the new gear. The old gear gets turned around through the ASM's network of 26 shops in eastern Japan, which boasts an astounding array of refurbished parts and accessories.
Entire walls are devoted to wheels and tires, many of which are so clean they look as if they've never been near a road. You'll probably find more Recaro seats here than in the company's Italian factory. And of course a huge range of exhausts, suspension kits, steering wheels, the full range of ICE-you name it. ASM can also do install and offer warranties on parts ranging from one month to a year. The popularity of the "seco-han" market continues to grow among Japan's Generation Y demographic and ASM is positioned perfectly to capitalize on it.
Bolts&WashersAsm 2004 S2000
PropulsionASM increased displacement to 2.4 liters with TODA S2000 stroker kit (kit includes TODA pistons, rings, pins, rods and crank), then stuffed the head with TODA valve springs and Spec A2 cams. Compression is 12.1:1. Off the head on the intake side is a set of TODA ITBs, with an ASM header and custom exhaust spewing the spent gases on the other side. NGK spark plugs ignite a mixture provided by a Bosch fuel pump and sent through factory injectors, all of it overseen by Motec engine management.
Transfer of power happens through an Exedy clutch, TODA flywheel an OS Giken 2-way diff and 4.3 final drive.
Rims & RubberProdrive GC-07C 17-inch wheels anchor Yokohama Advan A048s (245/40-17) with ASM custom (read: secret) offset.
StanceSwift springs wrap around Sachs shocks with Cusco upper mounts. An ASM rear subframe stiffens up the ass end.
ResistanceUp front are AP Racing rotors and calipers, done to ASM specs (and possibly to be sold under the ASM label). Rear calipers and rotors are stock issue. Ferodo pads from the U.K. add the friction. Fluid flows through Goodridge (front) and Mugen (rear) lines.
FashionBody: The S2K's exterior is a showcase for ASM's I.S. Design division; bumpers, fenders and diffusers front and rear, front spoiler, rear wing, hood, side skirts, carbon fiber doors and trunk lid. Windshield is ASM polycarbonate unit with acrylic side windows. Only the carbon-fiber hardtop is from an outsider, provided by the neighbors to the east at Mugen.
Inside:Recaro SP-A bucket, made to ASM specs, cradles the driver with Takata harnesses keeping things on lock. Further weight is shaved with the ASM carbon-fiber