The aforementioned J's Racing fenders not only accommodate the wider wheel setup, but serve an aerodynamic function as well. In fact, Nic chose the J's Racing Type-S Aero System because he learned it provides optimal aerodynamics having been tested on the company's JGTC vehicle. "If their demo vehicle uses this aero for JGTC, it would work great for my track use and look great for daily driving too," he says. The Mugen hardtop also offers sleeker airflow opposed to the OEM soft top, while the J's Racing GT wing provides greater downforce while minimizing unwanted oversteer.
Undoubtedly, with all these styling parts combined, Nic can feel the difference in driveability. But more so, he believes he can now truly appreciate and understand why manufacturers make these parts and the impact they really make. Other exterior fittings include '00 spec JDM OEM headlamps and J's Racing Type-S carbon canards up front; JDM OEM sidemarkers on the sides; and a J's Racing Type-V carbon-fiber hood up top.
The interior is kept simple while retaining the racing theme. The Bride seats are chosen for more aggressive track use, coupled with an aesthetic appeal for the streets. These include both a Bride Gias that uses the Low Max system, and the popular Bride Ergo 2. A Bride RO seatbase, MO seatbase and seat slider round things out. The cockpit also sees a T1R Bmax titanium shift knob, a JDM AP1 cluster, and a Zoom carbon-Kevlar rearview mirror.
In-car electronics are also kept simple with just the essentials. Including MB Quart components, a Compustar alarm, a Sirius satellite radio paired to a Pioneer/Premier head unit and a T1R LED interior lamp.
There you have it, the tale of a young man who has worked his nuts off, building an exceptional S2K. In turn, providing you, the reader, with inspiration to go out and work just as hard. Whether this entails getting off your ass and mowing the lawn, cutting your hair and getting a real job or investing that extra effort into your car that yearns and deserves so much more. The lesson is simple: Hard work will always pay off. You just can't stop the hustle.
Specs & Details
'00 AP1 (S2K) STRD
Engine
J's Racing Tsuchinoko intake system, Type S carbon duct, 60RS titanium after-cat, SPL valve cover, oil cap, SPL 66mm throttle body, differential plug; T1R ignition bridge, power header, test pipe, voltage stabilizer; Tabata TR236 dual core radiator, 1.3 rad cap, thermo switch; Spoon wire cover, reservoir covers, SEP radiator hose, drain bolts; Alex cooling plate; Motul 300v, transmission fluid, differential fluid; Ricks final gear; Exedy organic clutch
Interior
Bride Gias Low Max, Ergo 2, RO seatbase, seat slider, MO seatbase; T1R Bmax titanium shift knob; JDM AP1 cluster; Zoom carbon-Kevlar rearview mirror
Suspension
Volk Racing CE28N (17x9J)+35et all around; Falken FK-452 245/45/17; Work extended lug nut; T1R Bmax damper, anti-bumpsteer kit (f/r), cross strut tower bar (f), racing driveshaft spacers; Spoon X-brace (f), lower arm bar (r); J's Racing slotted rotors, stainless brake lines; Spoon 4-pot monoblock calipers; Seido-ya brake pads race compound; Motul brake fluid
In-Car Electronics
MB quart components; Compustar alarm; Sirius satellite radio; Pioneer Premier head unit; T1R LED interior lamp
Exterior
J's Racing Type-Saero system, Type-S carbon canard, Type-V CFRP hood, carbon 3D-GT wing, overfenders (f/r); Mugen FRP hardtop; JDM OEM headlamps ('00 spec), OEM sidemarker