Custom LED Tail Lights for the Honda S2000 - Modifying the Rear End

Custom LED Tail Lights for the Honda S2000

The Honda S2000 is a beloved roadster that was in production from 1999-2009. With its high-revving 4-cylinder engine, precise handling, and convertible fun, the S2000 quickly became a favorite among driving enthusiasts. One of the most popular modifications for the S2000 is custom LED tail lights. Upgrading to modern LED lights can give the rear of the S2000 a unique and eye-catching look.

Benefits of Custom LED Tail Lights

There are several benefits to installing custom LED tail lights on an S2000:

• Brighter output - LEDs are much brighter than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. This makes the brake lights, turn signals, and reverse lights more visible.
• Longer lifespan - LEDs can last up to 50,000 hours compared to just 1,000 for incandescent bulbs. This means less frequent replacement.
• Lower power draw - LEDs use less electricity, reducing load on the electrical system.
• Modern look - Custom LED tail lights give the rear of the S2000 a contemporary, stylish look.
• Personalization - Aftermarket LED tails allow owners to customize the look of their S2000.

Popular LED Tail Light Choices

When upgrading the tail lights on an S2000, owners have several styles to choose from:

• Altezza lights - Altezza-style lights feature a thin strip of LEDs for the brake and turn signals. This gives a clean, uncluttered look popularized by European luxury cars.
• LED bars - These tail lights use straight LED light bars for the various lighting functions. LED bars can give a high-tech look.
• OEM+ - OEM+ LED tails retain the stock shape but upgrade the lighting elements. This maintains the classic Honda styling.
• Color change - Some aftermarket LED tails allow owners to choose custom colors for the turn signals, brake lights, etc.

Installation Tips

Installing LED tail lights on an S2000 is straightforward but does require some mechanical skills and patience. Here are some tips to make the job easier:

• Use a plastic pry tool to remove the stock tail light housings from the body panels. Take care not to crack the plastic.
• Unplug the light bulb sockets and remove the old housings from the vehicle.
• Test fit the new LED housings and trim if necessary for proper alignment.
• Connect the new LED wiring harnesses to the existing vehicle wiring.
• Apply silicone sealant around the LED housing edges to prevent moisture ingress.
• Snap the new LED tail light housings into place and test all lighting functions.

With proper care, the installation can be accomplished in an afternoon even by DIYers with minimal mechanical experience. Alternatively, a professional shop can handle the install if the owner prefers.

Legal Compliance

When modifying the tail lights on any vehicle, owners must ensure the changes remain street legal. LED tail lights for the S2000 should meet regulations for light brightness, visibility, and color. Checking with local laws before purchasing aftermarket tail lights is highly recommended. It's also wise to keep the stock tail light assemblies if inspection laws require OEM equipment.

Customizing Your S2000's Taillights

The Honda S2000 already stands out from ordinary roadsters thanks to its high-winding 4-cylinder engine and nearly perfect 50/50 weight distribution. But the right set of aftermarket tails really makes the S2K pop. Here are some custom touches any S2000 owner can add to take their LED tail lights to the next level:

• Tint film - Adding smoke or color tint film is easy way to change the look while retaining the OEM housing shape.
• Altezza accents - Strategically placed Altezza lenses, like near the reverse lights, can supplement the OEM+ LEDs.
• Clear lenses - Swapping the red portions of the tail light lenses for clear exemplifies the bright LEDs shining through.
• Carbon fiber - Real carbon fiber panels replace the stock plastic lenses for a true performance look.

With LED technology and some creative vision, S2000 owners can customize their tail lights far beyond the stale stock appearance. A set of brilliant LEDs makes a big impact both day and night.

Safety Considerations

While custom tail lights allow owners to put their personal spin on the S2000's rear end, safety should always come first:

• Avoid any design that reduces the visible surface area of the tail lights.
• Only use DOT/SAE approved LEDs from reputable brands.
• Never sacrifice function for form - don't disable wiring or features.
• Check local laws regarding modifications before installing.
• Aim LEDs properly and avoid glare into other drivers' eyes.

With smart planning, S2000 owners can enhance their car's style and safety at the same time. Proper installation paired with high-quality LEDs results in brighter, better tail lights all around.

Maintenance Tips for LED Tail Lights

The long lifespan and reliability of LEDs means S2000 owners will not have to service their tail lights nearly as often as with old-fashioned bulbs. However, some periodic maintenance is still a good idea for maximum safety and visual appeal:

• Inspect seals - Check for any gaps or leaks around the tail light housings and re-apply silicone sealant if needed to prevent moisture ingress.
• Clean lenses - Use a microfiber cloth with plastic cleaner to remove any buildup or fogginess from tail light lenses.
• Check wires - Look for any chafed or damaged wires leading to the tail light assemblies.
• Test functionality - Regularly confirm all lighting functions (brake, turn, reverse) are operating correctly.
• Update seals - If any seals are cracked or deteriorated, install fresh silicone gasket sealant.

With periodic inspections and cleaning, LED tail lights will last indefinitely. But don't wait for bulbs to burn out - be proactive with preventative maintenance for ultimate safety and visibility.

The Future of S2000 Taillights

LED tail light technology continues to rapidly advance each year. Here are some innovations S2000 owners can look forward to in the near future:

• OLED - Organic LEDs provide even greater brightness, contrast, and visibility over traditional LEDs.
• Laser - Lasers emit an even tighter, brighter beam of light compared to LEDs while using less energy.
• Adaptive - Tail lights will dynamically adjust their beam pattern to avoid blinding other drivers.
• Connected - Integrated transmitters will allow tail lights to communicate with other vehicles and infrastructure.
• Flexible - Flexible LED panels will enable tail light designs not possible with rigid lights.

Already the aftermarket LEDs available today surpass the technology built into the S2000 when new. As LED and other technologies continue to advance, S2000 owners can look forward to safer, brighter, and more unique tail light options enhancing the rear view of these iconic roadsters.

FAQs

Do aftermarket LED tails void my car's warranty?

Installing LED tail lights does not automatically void the S2000's factory warranty. However, any damage caused during installation could void portions of the warranty coverage.

Can I be pulled over for non-OEM tail lights?

As long as the LED tail lights are DOT/SAE certified and installed properly, they should not provide grounds for being pulled over. However, always check regional laws.

How difficult is it to install LED tails?

With basic mechanical skills and proper tools, most DIYers can install LED tail lights in an afternoon. Proper precautions must be taken not to damage the tail light housings.

Do LED tails use more power?

No, LEDs are actually much more energy efficient than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. This reduces load on the S2000's electrical system.

Can I customize the color of my LED tails?

Certain brands of aftermarket LED tail lights do allow custom color selection for the turn signals, brake lights, etc. However, check regulations in your area first.