SP Rides: One Serious S2000
BY MICHAEL KITCHENS
Name: Jonathan Natividad
Age: 23
Occupation: Drywall taper
Hobbies: Cars, gym, my girlfriend
Year, Make, Model: 2005 Honda S2000
Color: Desert Sage Green
Exterior: Viva Garage front and rear fender flares, spoiler, Mugen front lip, Top Secret diffuser, custom OEM hood dump
Interior: Greddy Profec Boost Controller, AEM gauges, Bride seats, Takata harnesses
Suspension: Ksport Deluxe Airtech Suspension
Wheels/Tires: Avant Garde F140 wheels 17 by 9.5 front and 17 by 11 rear on Toyo Tires sized 245/40ZR17 front and 275/40ZR17 rear
What happens when you take a 2,800-pound, two-seater roadster and shove 422WHP of turbo goodness into it? You get scared — that’s what. But then, you want more. That’s the situation Jonathan Natividad now finds himself in after becoming the proud owner of a 2005 Honda S2000.
Originally, Natividad was looking for another ride and leaning towards the Nissan 350z. Luckily for him, the car was rubbish and another door opened with a good deal on the S2000. He wasn’t a stranger to power, having owned a STi and Evolution before this. In fact, his Evolution ended up financing the build on this monster.
The Honda S2000 is rather unique for the local import scene. The kit is rare — imported from Australia — and features Viva Garage front and rear fender flares with a sleek ducktail spoiler. Natividad completed the install of the fenders himself in a marathon install the night before SPOCOM car show. A Mugen front lip and wicked Top Secret diffuser helps to accent the body lines while building downforce. The OEM hood has been modified to allow a dump tube for the Borg Warner s366 turbo to vent as well as providing additional cooling. The OEM hard top along with the rest of the body has been repainted in a stunning Desert Sage Green by Jon Felipe and once again by Second Shift Autobody. The resulting combination is absolutely gorgeous.
Adding to the appeal is a Ksport Deluxe Airtech system that has been hidden away in the trunk — allowing this car to handle the nasty inclines that could damage such a sweet ride. All of this is dropped onto some F150 quality goodness from Ag Wheels. These babies are fitted 17 by 9.5 front and 17 by 11 rear on Toyo Tires. Natividad lucked out by sending a photo of his work in progress to Avant Garde and ended up getting a killer sponsorship deal. After a six-month wait, they were worth it and really complete this exterior package.
Let’s not kid ourselves though, this car has good looks, but Natividad’s favorite modification is the turbo kit. From the factory, the car only throws down about 240HP and 162TQ. Tack on the aforementioned 422WHP and add on a whopping 308TQ and the difference is monumental. The F22C1 is known for being a high compression engine (11.1CR) but it has a surprisingly strong bottom end. After methodically planning his build, Natividad and Forever Motorsports installed the kit while Sean from Munkywurks Garage fame lent his hand in the tune.
So what does it feel like to stomp on the throttle in a ride like this? Natividad shared that the ride was a mean speed demon. “When I first test drove it I got scared. Holy, it was fast! Now, though, I’m used to it. I need more!” shared Natividad. The last tune was held back by a bad MAP sensor. With a swap, the potential for more power is a substantial reality. That’s how it is with power; it’s an addiction and you always want more.
With tons of potential still on the horizon, Natividad believes in staying true to his vision no matter what. “I built this car for myself — it’s my build. It makes me happy. If (something) doesn’t make you happy then it’s whatevers,” he explained.
