2004 Honda S2000

Some things are best left alone and the Honda S2000 is one of them. True to Honda form, the S2000 embodies the perfect blend of track-proven, race-inspired technology and daily driveability.

Developed in celebration of Honda's 50th anniversary as a testament to the company's multiple technology breakthroughs (as well as a spiritual successor to the S600 and 800 roadsters from the '60s), the AP1 leaves very little room for improvement.

Perhaps no one recognizes the sanctity of this street/strip fusion better than Loi Song of Vista, Calif. A true rear-wheel-drive enthusiast, Song had his eye on the S2000 ever since its late-'99 unveiling. He liked the 50/50 weight distribution, the 2.0-liter powerplant and the classic rear-wheel-drive configuration of the anniversary car. All he needed was to get rid of his late-model RX-7 and navigate to his nearest Honda dealership. It took nearly four years to make that trip, but he's since found himself behind the wheel of a serious '04 S2000.

As owner of So. Cal. speed shop Sportcar Motion, the resources for Song's S2000 buildup came easily. The only question was, in what order? Even before the dealer plates came off, upgrades were already on paper.

Handling is a top priority for Song, a canyon carver at heart who regularly hones his skill among the twisties of nearby Palomar Mountain and the Highland Valley. It's no surprise most of Song's efforts fell to the suspension, one of the few areas where Honda did leave some flexibility.

The automaker addressed several owner complaints regarding oversteer and ride harshness with softer springs on the '04 S2000. The change may have quieted the phones in Honda's complaint department, but the softer spring rates also increased body roll. First on Song's list of upgrades was a complete coil-over solution from JIC-Magic. The FLT-A2 suspension offers 15 positions of damping adjustments, which Song and his techs dialed with the aid of Sportcar's corner scales.