Bolts & Washers
Ernie Rico's 2001 S2000
Propulsion
The original F20C1 remains virtually unmolested with the exception of a stainless-steel header from Spoon Sports and a Mugen air intake system. Fuel and ignition components remain stock and Rico instead addressed his attention toward under-hood aesthetics.
Accompanying the Spoon Sports aluminum radiator are the company's heat-resistant upper and lower hoses. Mugen license plate frame bolts double as radiator fasteners, replacing the Honda hardware (Rico says he just wanted them "because they're Mugen"). A carbon-fiber radiator cooling plate from J's Racing ensures airflow is directed to the right places.
Rico further brushed up the engine bay with a Buddy Club battery and ARC titanium heat shield. A Spoon Sports Kevlar spark plug wire cover, Endless brake and clutch cylinder reservoir covers and a custom painted intake manifold constitute the S2000's remaining under-hood dress-up mods.
Stance
The suspension is extensively modified from the likes of hlins, Cusco, Spoon Sports and J's Racing. hlins' 30-way adjustable coil-over shocks make their way onto each corner of the S2000 accompanied with front and rear anti-roll bars from Cusco. Although not exactly in charge of suspension duties, a Cusco front strut tower brace and floor chassis brace do what their names imply. A Spoon Sports underbody X-brace further ensures chassis rigidity. Also promoting a rigid structure and serving safety duties is a Cusco six-point roll cage.
Resistance
The S2000 comes to a halt courtesy of a complete stopping package from Endless. The front and rears consist of six-piston calipers, slotted rotors, pads and braided lines. Motul fluid serves as the system's lifeblood.
Rims & Rubber
Rico's S2000 rolls on SSR D5Rs sized at 18x8 inches up front and 18x9.5 inches in back. Yokohoma Advan AO48s in 265/45-18 serve as meats.
Fashion
Outside: The current three-stage gold pearl paint job was applied by PJ Bonifacio Auto Body of City of Industry, Calif. An Ings +1 body kit graces the S2000's exterior along with the addition of an OEM spoiler and fiberglass Mugen hardtop. Rico also scored '04 taillights and performed a JDM V-spec headlight conversion up front. He also added JDM sidemarker lights and a J's Racing tow hook.
Inside: Recaro Pole Position seats replace the factory issue and are complemented by Takata four-point harnesses and pads. A Mugen steering wheel resides in the factory location. Rico relies on an assortment of Dfi gauges to monitor engine operation, including water, oil and exhaust temperature as well as oil and fuel pressure. Also inside are Veilside pedals and a Spoon Sports titanium shift knob.
I.C.E.
An Alpine head unit and 6.5-inch Boston Acoustics speakers upgrade the OEM components.