Eibach ProKit

One thing I did want to improve over stock was the general stance. The stock suspension was more than capable but I wanted just a small 1" drop while keeping the OEM ride/feel. I felt the best way to accomplish this would be to get the Eibach ProKit. It had just the right drop and a nice small bump in spring rate. However, it works best with the AP1 shocks which luckily I had from Bumblestook. JDV mated up the 27K miles AP1 shocks from Bumblestook with the Eibach prokit and the results were very pleasing and the ride just perfect.

Eibach ProKit on AP1 shocks - 2/8/2014

Helping to install the shocks - 2/8/2014

Lupa and Bumblestook meet for the first time - 2/8/2014

The previous owner also decided to debadge the car. While I like the clean look, it was important to put the badge back on to bring her back to OEM spec.

S2000 Badge back on the fender - 2/8/2014

One major maintenance task to ensure proper operation of the S2000 is to torque the rear axle nuts to the correct spec (over 220ft/lbs). The owner also removed the front license plate holder and put the license plate holder plug on but living in NY, it would be risky to drive around with both plates on so we simply mounted the plate in the bumper using the tabs I had on Bumblestook. Works great and it's easy enough to remove if desired. I also put back amber side markers. The clear ones look good too but it's not the correct factory color for this car.

All done for the day - 2/8/2014

Taking care of little details

First order of business was to get her to breath right again. The K&N filter was looking a bit tired and dirty so I got a K&N recharge kit to freshen it up again. You spray the cleaner on the filter and wash it thoroughly then let it completely dry. Once dry, spray on a new layer of filter oil evenly on the entire filter. This also restores the dark red color the filter had when it was new.

Filter fresh again - 2/6/2014

Next up was to help me breath better. The air cabin filter is probably one the most forgotten about maintenance item. Not surprisingly, when I took the old filter out it looked like it had never been replaced. A fresh one was quickly put in.

Old filter (left) vs New filter (right ) - 2/7/2014

Next up was the much needed Modifry glove box organizer to make more effective use of the glove box along with a Modifry windscreen GoPro mount so I can take video of all the future adventures. After having a hardtop on Bumblestook for as long as I've had her, I decided this time around, I'd enjoy more top down adventures and Lupa would stay as a convertible only so the Top Always Down decal was an appropriate bit of windscreen decoration.

Modifry Glovebox organizer - 2/7/2014

Modifry Windscreen GoPro camera mount - 2/7/2014

In the beginnnig...

After taking Bumblestook out of street use to be a dedicated race car, I soon found myself yearning to be able to drive a S2000 on the street again. This time though I would leave it as close to stock as possible and where possible only have OEM Honda parts. I was specifically looking for another yellow, white or black AP2 V1 (2004-2005 S2000) that was in good mechanical condition but not a perfect. Not perfect was important because I wanted to be able to drive it and not feel like it should be kept in bubble wrap tucked away safely in a garage. After searching the forums, I eventually started considering silver cars too provided they had the two-tone black/red interior. This would allow me to stay under the radar but still have a touch of color. I found a 2005 Silverstone S2000 with a reasonable 55K miles on the clock in DC for a good price and on a surprisingly warm day in the middle of winter, I flew down to DC to pick her up and was able to even drive home with the top down most of the way.

Landing at Regan airport - 2/1/2014

Freshly purchased - Washington, DC - 2/1/2014

Freshly purchased - Washington, DC - 2/1/2014

She was mostly stock, just a K&N intake and upgraded head unit and speakers. There was a small tear on the soft top but was overall in good shape. She definitely needed some TLC though and I was prepared to do that. That was part of the fun! The previous owner was kind enough to let me drive her home with his plates/registration and after the incredible 5 hour drive back home, promptly shipped it back to him. I remembered right away how incredible S2000s feel on the road even in stock form. All my cars have names and I would eventually dub her "Lupa", latin for Wolf for her gray/silver color. It would be the start of new adventures.

Finally Home - 2/1/2014