The Finale to a new beginning
Author/Photographer: Kai Her - December 2nd, 2024
Welcome back to another Xplicit Projects blog! Here is a big “thank you” to all the supporters and readers! Without you, I wouldn’t be this motivated in continuance to acquire new content and write. Just knowing that I’m building traffic to readers across the globe is an unforgettable experience and something I think I will never obtain the opportunity to perform in my lifetime. You’re very much appreciated and are always welcome here…wherever you are!
The title is “really” what it sounds like! There are no secrets, but to only be transparent with you all that the assembly of the S2000 in finally coming to an end. The accumulation of parts, experiences, and headaches has been nothing, but a wholesome and significant journey. Giving myself the chance in sourcing rare JDM components and to working through late nights in the garage preparing for shows, every step has pushed me to my limits with this car. However…now, with everything coming into its final form, the finish line is in sight. I can see the checkered flag not so far away from the completion of this build expedition. I would like to say, it’s been a process full of accomplishments, recognitions, and struggles, but the satisfaction of seeing the coming of the build near its final chapter is unexplainable, than to just simply state: “it’s the end.”
What can I say? As much as I would like to continue dumping money and put in more wrenching time onto this amazing machine that has completely changed my life, every story has a resolution. When something is already at it's peak, it’s best to just camp on top of that summit than try to continue building stairs. So, I’ve made up my mind. Time to devote my attention to a different project than add water to soda. There’s only so many things you can toil with before the pursuit of perfection starts to slowly eat away from the joy of what’s already been accomplished. Upon my reflection, I believe it’s about recognizing in taking a step back, appreciate the phenomenal work and time you have effortfully put in, and then channeling that energy into something new. A new journey embarks, a fresh and new challenge! Time to take on that head on with the same energy and style! Ride that wave and build that same momentum in adding fuel to that ember that ignites your devotion into a firestorm.
In this blog, I would like to guide you back to the beginning of what and how the S2000 have become a pen to the pages of my autobiography. I have said this many times over and over again, but it’s fact. The S2000 and car community has completely changed my life (in a good way). I’ve learned to have high self-esteem, be humble, getting out of my comfort zone to be an extrovert, and even getting the chance to meet people how has inspired me. I’ve built and cultivated lifelong friendships, getting to share my accomplishments and struggles with them and with my wife, and to add, continue appreciating all the things the car life has done to me. Battling to control the environment around me, learning lessons, and then creating moments with the important people surrounding me. The shared experiences and the memories made have all been an essential factor into shaping who I am today. The journey has been as much about the people I've encountered and the relationships I've established as it has been about the car itself. So…you will get a glimpse to visualize all of that in this read. Thanks again!
(This is how the S2000 currently sits inside my garage. Still currently on Volk Ray’s Te37’s. The S2000 will actually be undergoing some minor body work very soon to fix some minute nicks it has acquired from just driving to the car shows up and down California.)
Let me just begin stating that if you have been up to date with my social media platforms, I have been posting up parts for sale. Reason being was, those parts were substitution parts of what I initially wanted to put onto the S2000. I have finally decided to get what I have really wanted from the beginning to finish off the build. That is the factual reason behind why those parts are up for sale!
Ok! Now, let’s begin! When I was involved the accident back in 2014 with my Honda Civic Si (EM1), my next automotive roadmap was to get something I really wanted: a Honda S2000. The late nights reading “AP1 vs. AP2” on the S2ki forums helped me determined what to sought after. I was more attracted to the newer and more modern styling of an AP2 (exterior & interior) compared to an AP1. I made up my mind to attain a AP2 a month after. Through the rigorous search for the perfect S2000 within my budget, the roadster I currently owned came all the way from Tennessee via Car Max.
(A track inspired style was what I have envisioned from the beginning. I think I got it! The Voltex Type 2 wing really sets off that appearance!)
Just within two weeks of ownership, I quickly purchased a set of Desmond Regamaster MP’s for the S2000 and slammed it with some Apexi EXV N1’s. Alongside the Spoon Sport style diffuser. It didn’t take me too long over the next few years to continue sourcing and building this car the way I have always envisioned it.
As I would like to build this car with my older brother (because he was the sole reason why I got myself into modifying and tinkering with cars), that dream didn’t come to manifestation. He suddenly passed away due to an unexpected medical condition and all that I had left to help me stay on track after his passing was to work on the S2000. The car transformed into a powerful reminder of how I first entered the car community, and of the bond shared amongst me and my brother through our mutual passion and vision to be featured through Super Street one day (which came true). In those moments when the grief of my brother felt overwhelming, the garage became my place of comfort, and the S2000, as my refuge acted as a connection to him that I could still feel in every turn of the wrench. I owe my brother a huge debt of gratitude for introducing me to the world of cars during my early college years. His influence is integrated into every part of this build, and it’s through this project that I continue to honor his memory.
(Not too long after, I was fortunate enough to grab one of the last GoTuning/Greddy Collab exhaust before they were discontinued. The dual titanium tips was ideal to me! AND the drone on the exhaust was what I wanted as well. Nothing obnoxiously loud and that will allow me to still drive comfortably whilst still being able to hear what my passengers have to say.)
(I decided to purchase with a Spoon Sport rear diffuser. I think I made the right decision with the Spoon Sport version. In my opinion, I think it’s a bit more extreme compared to how subtle the Voltex diffuser contours under the rear bumper. The Spoon Sport one is more “edgy” and sharp.)
(When I purchased the GT wing, I had Evasive Motorsports expedite the wing to me the next day! LOL! The wing is 1700mm long. Which is the longest one offered for the Type 2 version. I also purchased the 275mm wing stands, which actually allowed the wing to sit higher on the truck.)
(As amazing as it looked on the S2000, it made a world of difference with how functional it was. The S2000 is notorious for it’s heavy “fish-tailing” upon driving on windy and rainy days; or even if you’re just accelerating at high speeds, you have to be cautious and a bit diligent. With the GT wing, it stabilized the car immensely and allowed the S2000 to be safer than it already was.)
The S2000 gradually transformed thereafter. After my brother’s passing, I tinkered with the car as much as I could. My first car show ever that I attended was at an Import Face Off (IFO) in Bakersfield, CA. Little did I know that this show would be an impactful turning point of my life. It was my initial meeting with Kong who is now one of my lifelong friend. Little did he know, I knew he drove a clean and well-executed Civic (99-00) hatchback from seeing it posted for sale on Facebook Marketplace just a few weeks before the show. I assume he wasn’t able to get the price he anticipated, so he kept it and attended the show with the Civic.
This is another point proven to myself that the S2000 did hold onto the pen in writing my story of who I have met and how much I’ve grown. It’s not just a lifeless vehicle on 4 rubber tires. Instead, it served as a constant foregoing tide that I sawm with into shaping me in ways I never imagined. Through this car and attending car shows, it really goes to demonstrate the crossed paths with some of the most incredible people; each encounter left an unforgettable impression in my life.
From the very fist time when I sat inside the S2000 and to where I stand now, this car has been monitoring me and allowing me to reflect on my self-growth and the relationships that have defined me. It’s a symbol of how far I’ve come, and a reminder of the friendships I’ve forged with it.
(Color variation is everything! The silver titanium lug nuts, the OG black/white decals suits the blue Spoon monoblocks well.)
(The Nardo Gray Te37’s are 18x10 +40 squared. The Spoon monoblock calipers is a nice addition to the wheel and have served as a promising execution to my car for a long time with the various sets of wheels shelfed in my garage. Barely used, I purchased the monoblocks from another seller that used the caliper for a different FA5.
The aftermath of a car show is a very bad financial hole you don’t want to be stuck in. As soon as you get in, climb your a$$ out! LOL! Just right after IFO, it motivated me to spend more money. I quickly purchased a set of Spoon monoblocks from the inspiration of Kong’s Civic.
On a side note, I have never really cared about my tires. As long as it fitted the car, I made it work; or at least tried to. Since I was able to capture the Falken RT660’s here, way before the Falken sponsorship, I have always wrapped my wheels with Falken rubber. Another inspiration from Kong. Thank you for always being willing to share your knowledge and honest opinions.
(The red Reacro Pole Positions originally came off an NSX. Another S2000 enthusiast had purchased it and utilized the seats purposefully for track events. When I have posted up an inquiry about buying a pair, he reached out and shipped them to from the Midwest. He was also kind enough to include the seat belt buckle extension, and Buddy Clubs rails. Sounds like a win & win situation for me.)
(Keep reminding myself I need to grab myself a pair of Renegade Motorsport’s lasered key to replace the worn out OEM keys. The 90’s keyless entry remote still gives a nostalgic sensation.)
(A six point full Cusco roll cage was added on shortly alongside with many minor upgrades throughout the interior.)
(I sought after a black/red interior. I kept the door panels, interior pieces as OEM as I could.)
(An NRG hub and quick release was added to fit onto the detachable MOMO steering wheel. Titanium hardware was used to hold the wheel intact to the steering column and recently, the Spoon Sport 3rd Gen. button have been switched out to an NSX-R horn button to execute off that OEM look.)
As the year progresses (toward 2016 & 2017), more parts found it’s way to the S2000. Slowly and tastefully transforming it into a more refined and capable machine. What started as a simple project to overcome my brother’s passing quickly gained a surge of momentum, with each new modification to improve the S2000’s performance, handling, and aesthetics.
The interior was also updated, with Recaro bucket seats, a burnt titanium finished ARC shift knob, a Cusco six point roll cage, and a sleek new MOMO steering wheel made the driving experience feel even more immersive. With each upgrade, whether it being big or small, the S2000 trudged toward an evolution beyond its original design. It was a true expression of passion and commitment toward the same goal established from the beginning (with the S2000).
(The Spoon S-Tai bumper is the only aftermarket bumper with fog lights.)
When 2018 came, I finally decided that I will register for Wekfest San Jose and compete amongst the best competitors California has to offer. It was a great experience it being my first indoor car show. I loved the atmosphere, the quality of cars, and just how professional the event was ran. First impression is everything, and because my initial experience with the Wekfest staff was so positive, it’s an annual show I attend with the S2000 every summer now, with the NnovatioN brothers.
That year, I was also fortunate enough to be placed as the S2000 of the fest. Little did I know that I will bring home an award at a Wekfest event, I believe it was a stepping stone for me to march on forward in continuing modifying the S2000 to higher heights. Upon reflection, the most awarding reward for me was the huge inspiration I felt and took back home with me from Wekfest.
(The oem bumper have finally been put away after a few years of service. Upon replacement, a Spoon Sport S-Tai made up the new front nose!)
(To complete the installation of the Spoon Sport bumper, a Type One decal/sticker was added to the bottom of the bumper.)
(Comparison to it’s aftermarket peers, in my opinion, the Spoon S-Tai bumper is the shortest and roundest bumper. Unlike it’s other competitors, they dive out forward and are more sharp. Even the OEM bumper is longer.)
(As the interior and exterior was getting goodies, the engine bay did as well. I went through multiple changes with my engine display and choice of parts, but I think I can finally say that this is it’s final form. Unless I find a good deal on a J’s Racing header.)
(One of my favorite parts inside the engine bay is the M&M Honda engine torque damper. I love the fuchsia finish on the damper. It contrasts with the whole color scheme in the bay very well.)
(I utilized titanium hardware to bring some sparkle inside the bay. What was ironic about it was that I never envisioned it that way. I slowly dressed up the engine bay and realized that I had a color scheme going on, and it was a titanium infused bay. LOL! It’s quite funny how that turned out and how well it worked out, actually.)
2019 was a impactful year for me. Not just how the COVID shut down negatively affected me, but what it allowed me to do when I was working from home. I just needed to get my hands busy and I thought that it good quest to rewire and clean up the engine bay the best that I could.
I dropped down the whole motor and transmission with the subframe and then relocated as much components as I could. The ABS unit was tuck away under my fender, the primary and secondary fuse box is under my dash, and the battery have been rerouted to my trunk. In result, it was a tough, yet knowledgeable mission that I almost didn’t finish. Kong came by and laid down new paint on the engine bay and I worked in a reverse fashion to put everything back to where it belonged.
(My final touch-up to the engine bay is the notorious and discontinued ARC induction box. For some reason, Kong picked up the box and never used it and when he have asked about selling it, I jumped on it. He even provided me brand new ARC foam filters and polished the box for me. Thank you, best friend!)
(An ARC titanium shift knob. )
(A small but detailed modification was integrating in the FK8 Mugen push start button into my S2000. Something so small can make such a big difference in the cockpit of the S2000. It constantly lights up in red and looks like it meant to be for an S2000 as well.)
In 2021, it was a life changing event for me. The formulation of NnovatioN began and the meaning behind the crew name was just too accurate. We would try our best to live by it in always changing parts on our cars. Whether it be a new set of wheels, or something that will permanently stay on the car, the flow of execution was most essential and we performed a outstanding presentation to that motto.
The brotherhood grew as we recruited close friends and family members to be a part of our automotive family and culture. Each new member brought their unique set of skills, passion for cars , and perspectives, edifying the collective experience. Over time, our bonds ripen, united by a shared adoration for cars, meticulous craftsmanship, and the thrill of the competition pulled us closer to each other. We celebrated successes together, endlessly bullsh!t with each other, learned from setbacks and lessons, and that molded a strong, supportive community where everyone felt like family. When the whole gang is not together, it just doens’t feel right. What started as a few like minded individuals evolved into a thriving network of relationships in the car world, each person contributing to the ongoing NnovatioN legacy we continue to build till this day. “Never cease in elevation, it’s a timeless pursuit.”
(One of the latest modification the S2000 is the Ballade Sport Spoon monoblock big brake kit. In retaining the e-brake cables and functional, it looks beautiful!)
(The complex wheel and caliper clearance with the big brake kit is difficult to make various wheels sit flush.)
(Renegade Motorsport titanium/silver lug nuts!!!)
In present time, the S2000 has served and been a part of my healing, ever growing circle of friendship, and a reminder I went through. It has not only been a vehicle, but a symbol of resilience, camaraderie, and self-personal growth. Every drive, every conversation, every car show, and every moment spent with my automotive family has reinforced the story of this car and my own autobiography. The car has been more than just a lifeless interacting object; it has been a constant companion, progressing me to overcome my challenges and celebrate my triumphs alike. As I bring this journey to an end, the S2000 will always and forever remain a lasting testament to the road I’ve traveled and everything I encountered in life, the relationships, and memories that will never be forgotten!
Every ending brings to a new beginning. I will continue to attend car shows with the S2000 whilst directing my attention to the Civic more frequently than before. I got big plans for the coupe and hope that within time, it will be another project I can bring to the show and park next to the S2000 that have paved a path for me to walk on.
As I close up this blog, I would like to thank every single one of you from being with me from day one with the S2000. Your support, encouragement, and shared passion have left an impression to my build and style. Whether you’ve offered advice, positive feedback, or just sharing in the excitement of a new modification, it encouraged me. Each of you has played a vital role in making this experience unforgettable. It will forever live within me. Like I have always mentioned in my blogs, it’s not just about the car, but yet, it’s really about the community we’ve built together, surrounded by cars. I’m immensely grateful for the friendships and the memories created. Now, I look forward to continuing this new journey with all of you by my side, once again. Thank you for being a part of my story!
