Legendary js racing s2000: Touge Monster and Tuning Icon

The Legendary js racing s2000

The Honda S2000 is widely regarded as one of the greatest affordable sports cars ever made. Designed to celebrate Honda's 50th anniversary, the S2000 was launched in 1999 and represented the Japanese automaker's engineering prowess and racing heritage. One particular S2000 that has achieved legendary status is the "js racing s2000" built by master tuner Junichi Shimodaira, founder of js racing.

js racing and Junichi Shimodaira

Junichi Shimodaira started js racing in the late 1980s as a small tuning garage in Japan. His skills quickly earned him a reputation for extracting incredible power gains from Honda engines in a reliable way. When the S2000 came out, Shimodaira immediately recognized its potential and set about building what many consider the ultimate example of the car.

Shimodaira's attention to detail is renowned. Every aspect of the js racing s2000 is meticulously engineered for performance, from the brakes and suspension to the hand-built engine. No shortcuts are taken, using only top-shelf parts that can withstand the extreme demands of racing and tuning. The result is an s2000 taken to its absolute limit, with staggering horsepower numbers reliably produced run after run.

The Creation of a Legend

Starting with a stock AP1 S2000, Shimodaira reinforced and lightened the chassis to improve handling. Brembo brakes with huge cross-drilled rotors provide fade-free stopping power. Ohlins adjustable dampers allow the suspension to be precisely dialed in. Lightweight Volk Racing wheels shod in Advan tires put the power to the ground.

However, the beating heart of the js racing s2000 is its 2.2L F20C inline-4 engine, bored and stroked from the factory 2.0L. With Shimodaira's custom-ground cams, hand-ported & polished cylinder head, upgraded valvetrain components and expert ECU tuning, it cranks out a staggering 500 horsepower while remaining tractable enough for street use. The delivery is best described as savage, with tremendous high-rpm power.

Taming the js racing s2000 Beast

Managing 500hp in a lightweight, rear-wheel drive roadster requires advanced driving skills. On public highways, the js racing s2000 is a barely-contained tornado of power oversteer. Professional driver Nobuteru "NOB" Taniguchi of HKS fame demonstrated how to unleash its performance without ending up backwards in a ditch.

In videos, Taniguchi attacks Japan's winding touge roads, using delicate throttle control and weight transfer techniques to put the power down. Drifting at will, the js racing S2000 is utterly explosive in the hands of a master. Even at full tilt, Taniguchi keeps the S2000 poised and controlled as if connected telepathically. The car's limits are so high that it appears bored by speeds that would terrify mere mortals.

Legacy of the js racing s2000

The legendary js racing s2000 influenced a generation of Honda enthusiasts and tuners. As one of the most extreme S2000 builds ever, it showed just how capable the chassis is and inspired others to push the envelope. The blend of everyday drivability with otherworldly performance perfectly encapsulated the S2000's appeal.

Today, clean low-mileage examples of the js racing s2000 change hands for over $100,000 USD. Over 20 years after its debut, the car still has an avid following throughout the world. Videos of the js racing S2000 in full attack mode continue to accumulate millions of views online.

Junichi Shimodaira has since retired but his masterpiece creation cemented his reputation as a titan of Honda tuning. The js racing s2000 will live on as a benchmark sports car build and an object of desire for all hardcore Honda fans.

The Insane World of Touge Racing

The js racing s2000 was built to dominate touge road racing. Touge (literally "mountain pass" in Japanese) racing originated on the narrow, convoluted roads of Japan's mountainous interior. Illegal street racing occurs on these public roads with no safety measures - a decidedly dangerous activity.

Roots of Touge

Winding mountain roads like Mount Haruna and Mount Akina became popular youth gathering spots in the 1980s. Racers would drive the passes as fast as possible, perfecting their car control skills. This gave birth to touge racing, along with the late night meetings and hangout culture associated with it.

The goal was simple: set record times on the downhill passes and prove your worth against the top racers. With no official oversight, the events were anarchic free-for-alls with few rules. Reckless speeding and lack of run-off room meant crashes were a constant threat.

Touge Racing Techniques

To set a fast time on a narrow touge road requires extreme concentration and car control. Maintaining momentum through the curves without running off the road separates the skilled from the amateurs. Late braking, heel-toe downshifting, and throttle steering are essential techniques.

The line is critical as well. Racers memorize the ideal braking points, apexes and racing lines to minimize time spent off-throttle. A single mistake can mean a deadly plunge over the guardrail. Winning requires total commitment and willingness to take hair-raising risks.

Touge Culture

Touge racing spawned a distinctive DIY tuning scene as racers modified cars for maximum power and grip. Lightweight body parts, sticky tires, powerful engines and stiff suspensions were developed to set the fastest downhill times.

The culture was popularized globally by Japanese manga and anime like Initial D. Fans found the rebellious, illegal street racing an appealing contrast to sanitized motorsports. Touge-style meets and time attack events are now held worldwide thanks to Initial D's influence.

Dangers of Touge

Despite its outlaw image, real touge racing is extraordinarily dangerous. Japan's mountain roads have claimed many lives over the decades. Running at the limits of traction at high speeds with cliffs inches away is inherently precarious.

Nowadays increased police enforcement has reduced the number of illegal events in Japan. Amateur racers are instead visiting circuits or designated closed courses. Still, the allure of the original illegal mountain battles persists in media and popular imagination.

The S2000's Place in Honda's Sports Car Pantheon

The S2000 was far from Honda's first major sports car. By the late 1990s, Honda had already proven itself a serious contender with classic machines like the S600, S800 and NSX.

Honda S600/S800

Launched in the 1960s, the compact S600 and S800 roadsters were Honda's first sports cars. They featured advanced DOHC engines, with the S800 producing a then-impressive 100hp from just 791cc. Sophisticated engineering and nimble handling made them Japan's answer to contemporary European roadsters like the Triumph Spitfire or MG. Today the S-cars are beloved classics that established Honda's sports car credentials.

Honda NSX

The 1991 NSX (sold as the Acura NSX in North America) was a revolutionary supercar. Its mid-mounted V6 featured Honda's VTEC variable valve timing and lifted the bar for performance through cutting-edge technology. The aluminum monocoque chassis kept weight under 3000 lbs while remaining stiff and rigid. Early prototypes were tested extensively by F1 legend Ayrton Senna for incredible handling poise.

With Ferrari-beating performance at a fraction of the price, the NSX shook up the supercar establishment and remains one of Honda's all-time greats. It was a fitting halo car as the company entered a new era.

S2000: A Modern Roadster

Against this backdrop, the S2000 had a rich sports car lineage to build upon. Capitalizing on its racing knowledge, Honda aimed to create a modern lightweight roadster in the spirit of its earlier classics. The original S2000 stayed true to the formula of a high-revving naturally aspirated engine, rear-drive, and perfect weight balance.

Like the S-cars and NSX, the S2000 also showcased new technologies - the F-series engine introduced innovations like VTEC and lift control valve systems. More than just a nostalgic throwback, the S2000 advanced Honda's engineering prowess into a new millennium.

The S2000's Tuning Potential

The high-strung F20C engine, advanced chassis and aftermarket support make the S2000 a tuning icon. It responds extremely well to modifications - especially forced induction.

F20C Engine

The factory F20C is a marvel of a naturally aspirated engine, with Honda's highest specific output of any mass production car at the time. However, the low-torque powerband is peaky. Turbocharging or supercharging transforms the character by fattening the torque curve. The tough internals handle boost with aplomb.

Upgraded fuel injectors, cambelt, pistons, rods and head gaskets are usually required for big power gains. But it's common for tuned S2000s to put down over 600 horsepower to the rear wheels. Handling and traction become the limiter at that point.

Aftermarket Support

The S2000 was a popular tuner platform and remains so today. All major suppliers offer bolt-on parts like intakes, exhausts, cams and springs to unlock extra ponies from the naturally aspirated F20C. Suspension and brake upgrades cater to those seeking sharper handling.

For engine swaps or forced induction builds, custom parts are readily available. The engine bay can fit turbochargers, superchargers, larger motors and even 6-cylinder and V8 swaps with the right expertise. Stripped interiors, roll cages and wider fenders transform it into a track beast.

Chassis Dynamics

While the front-mid engine layout is less forgiving than traditional front-engine, rear-drive, the S2000 chassis has enough balance and adjustability to handle big power. Stiffer sways and grippier tires counteract the oversteer and make the S2000 a giant-slayer on both road and track.

Lightweight, 50/50 weight distribution and an intimate connection between controls and response enable skilled drivers to fully exploit modified S2000s with surprising agility. Few cars offer such incredible upgrade potential straight from the factory.

The Future Collectability of the S2000

With production ending over a decade ago, the S2000 is entering the collector car phase. Its timeless design, enthusiast following and daily usability make it a modern classic with staying power.

Appreciating Values

For years, the S2000 flew under the mainstream radar and deals were plentiful. However, values are undeniably rising, especially for AP1 cars. Rare special editions like the CR now command serious money. Well-kept examples with low miles are topping $40k USD, more than double their cost when new.

The AP1 tops most buyers' lists for its 9000 rpm redline, rawer character and lighter curb weight. As an analog driver's car with few electronic nannies, it offers a purity missing from many newer sports cars. Supply will only get scarcer going forward.

Future Icon

The S2000 checks all the right boxes as a future collectible. Its cult following means there is a built-in base of enthusiasts who treasure the car. The design still looks fresh and resists dating. Mechanical simplicity and reliability reduce running costs. Modern enough for daily use, classic enough for weekend fun.

Manufacturing quality is superb and Honda reliability ensures longevity when properly maintained. Low production volumes and one-generation lifespan make it a rare sight. As the successors to the S2000, the Toyota 86 and Mazda MX-5 help keep the lightweight roadster spirit alive.

The Last of its Kind

In many ways, the S2000 was the last instance of Honda's old performance formula - a naturally aspirated, high-revving engine in a lightweight two-seat convertible chassis. Turbocharging, all-wheel drive and increasing electrification changed the landscape.

Cars like the Civic Type R and NSX prove Honda's engineering prowess continues. But the back-to-basics, modified road racer spirit that birthed the S600, S800 and S2000 only exists now in history. That intangible quality seals the S2000's place as a sought-after Honda icon with enduring appeal.

FAQs

How much power does the js racing s2000 make?

The legendary js racing s2000 built by master tuner Junichi Shimodaira makes around 500 horsepower from its highly modified 2.2L F20C Honda S2000 engine.

What is touge racing?

Touge racing originated in Japan as illegal street racing on dangerous mountain passes known as touge. It involves racing flat out on public roads with no safety measures.

Why is the S2000 becoming so valuable?

As a modern classic sports car with timeless design, high build quality and enduring enthusiast appeal, the Honda S2000 is increasingly sought-after by collectors which has driven up values.

What transmission does the S2000 use?

The Honda S2000 has a 6-speed manual transmission driving the rear wheels. This allows full driver control and involvement for an engaging driving experience.

How reliable is the Honda S2000?

The S2000 benefits from Honda's legendary build quality and reliability. With proper maintenance, high mileage examples can still provide years of fun and daily use.