honda s2000 did rj de vera make the perfect buildThe 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementThe 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.AdvertisementAdvertisementA transcript, summarized by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.[Image: YouTube Screenshot]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.SummaryHost 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 S2000RJ 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementExterior modificationsThe build emphasizes subtle enhancements rather than flashy aftermarket styling. Highlights include:Honda Japan's 20th Anniversary S2000 front bumperCarbon fiber front lipRed Honda emblem sourced in JapanWider Downforce front fenders18x9.5-inch Mugen NF10 wheels in a square setupYokohama 255-section tiresBrembo six-piston front brakesSpoon mirrorsDownforce side skirtsRare Mugen carbon-fiber hardtopMugen rear wingDual T1R exhaust designed to support the turbocharged engineThe result is a car that looks factory-designed while incorporating extensive performance upgrades. InteriorAdvertisementAdvertisementInside, the OEM-plus philosophy continues with carefully selected upgrades:Recaro Pole Position seatsAlcantara Mugen steering wheel with quick releaseBronze-finished teardrop shifter inspired by the NSX-RASM Alcantara shift boot imported from JapanMugen carbon-fiber hardtop visible from insideModern infotainment system with smartphone navigationThe discussion also covers the history of Mugen, founded by Soichiro Honda's son after he chose not to work directly for Honda. Cargo spaceAs 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. AdvertisementAdvertisementPowertrainThe 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 horsepowerSmaller turbo for strong mid-range performanceKoyo radiator and upgraded cooling componentsCARB certification allowing the car to remain street legal in CaliforniaRJ emphasizes that reliability, drivability, and legality were priorities rather than chasing maximum horsepower. Driving impressionsOn 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:AdvertisementAdvertisementExcellent manual transmission feelDirect steeringBalanced chassisStrong braking performanceTurbo whistle combined with Honda's signature VTEC soundHe 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 conclusionThe 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.
