The Honda S2000 is a JDM legend that has been a favorite among car enthusiasts for decades, and RJ De Vera's build is one that has garnered a lot of attention. In this video, I take a closer look with RJ to discuss whether it can be considered the perfect build.
The 2009 S2000 is known for its VTEC engine and rear-wheel drive layout, making it a thrill to drive on the track or on the streets. RJ’s build features a range of mods, including a turbo kit from Greddy and a hardtop from Mugen, which give the car a unique look and improved performance.
For those looking to build their own S2000, this video provides a comprehensive guide on what to consider. With the help of the experts from Evasive Motorsports and other reputable sources, this build is an example of what can be achieved with the right combination of parts and expertise.
The result is a video that is both informative and entertaining, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in the Honda S2000 and the world of JDM cars.
Drive Culture is detailed car review YouTube channel hosted by the ultimate car enthusiast, Jonathon Rivers. Who is Jonathon Rivers? Well, he's a 15-year-plus auto industry veteran, who was born and raised in the Motor City! He lived several years in Japan, speaks and reads Japanese, and now works for American Honda Motor. (Although this channel is his own & not affiliated) He's owned several fun cars including an Evo IV, multiple Civic Si, Focus RS, and most recently the Integra Type S (which he led planning for Acura)!
He's also been lucky enough to drive just about every key new product in the market from compact cars to SUVs and EVs as well as super cars! If that isn't enough to prove his "car guy" status, Rivers has also been featured in Motor Trend, Car and Driver, AutoBlog, Jay Leno's Garage, Raiti's Rides and the Savage Geese channels! He's on Instagram here and Facebook here.
The TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.
A transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.
[Image: YouTube Screenshot]
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Summary
Host Jonathan Rivers examines the car's design, modifications, driving dynamics, and the philosophy behind creating an OEM-plus interpretation of what a modern S2000 might have become.
Finding the right S2000
RJ de Vera explains that after joining SEMA, he wanted a true analog project car. After considering an Acura Integra Type R and an NSX, he chose a low-mileage 2009 Honda S2000 AP2 because it would accommodate a CARB-certified turbo kit under development. He also drew inspiration from Evasive Motorsports' S2000R concept and envisioned building his own modern interpretation of the classic roadster.
Exterior modifications
The build emphasizes subtle enhancements rather than flashy aftermarket styling. Highlights include:
- Honda Japan's 20th Anniversary S2000 front bumper
- Carbon fiber front lip
- Red Honda emblem sourced in Japan
- Wider Downforce front fenders
- 18x9.5-inch Mugen NF10 wheels in a square setup
- Yokohama 255-section tires
- Brembo six-piston front brakes
- Spoon mirrors
- Downforce side skirts
- Rare Mugen carbon-fiber hardtop
- Mugen rear wing
- Dual T1R exhaust designed to support the turbocharged engine
The result is a car that looks factory-designed while incorporating extensive performance upgrades.
Interior
Inside, the OEM-plus philosophy continues with carefully selected upgrades:
- Recaro Pole Position seats
- Alcantara Mugen steering wheel with quick release
- Bronze-finished teardrop shifter inspired by the NSX-R
- ASM Alcantara shift boot imported from Japan
- Mugen carbon-fiber hardtop visible from inside
- Modern infotainment system with smartphone navigation
The discussion also covers the history of Mugen, founded by Soichiro Honda's son after he chose not to work directly for Honda.
Cargo space
As expected for an S2000, cargo capacity is modest at about 5 cubic feet. During filming, the hosts discover the original spare tire is still in the trunk, joking that removing it would provide an easy weight reduction for track days.
Powertrain
The car retains its stock 2.2-liter F22C1 four-cylinder with factory internals but adds a CARB-certified Greddy turbo system. Key features include:
- Approximately 310–325 horsepower
- Smaller turbo for strong mid-range performance
- Koyo radiator and upgraded cooling components
- CARB certification allowing the car to remain street legal in California
RJ emphasizes that reliability, drivability, and legality were priorities rather than chasing maximum horsepower.
Driving impressions
On the road, Jonathan finds the modified S2000 to be remarkably cohesive. The turbo broadens the powerband without sacrificing the engine's character, while the KW Clubsport suspension delivers track-ready precision without being excessively harsh. He praises:
- Excellent manual transmission feel
- Direct steering
- Balanced chassis
- Strong braking performance
- Turbo whistle combined with Honda's signature VTEC sound
He concludes that the modifications feel purposeful and integrated rather than a collection of aftermarket parts, comparing the finished product to what a modern-day S2000 CR might have been if Honda had continued developing the platform.
Overall conclusion
The review portrays RJ de Vera's S2000 as an exceptional OEM-plus build that honors Honda's original engineering while thoughtfully modernizing the car. Rather than maximizing horsepower or visual drama, the project focuses on balance, reliability, track capability, and factory-quality execution, resulting in what the host considers one of the finest modified S2000s on the road today.
via Autobuzz Today
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