EK_Nine

In 2005, a group of friends came together to establish High End Performance. These friends turned business partners united to promote their common interest of modifying imports cars the right way. After opening the doors to the main facility in Ventura, California, the crew at High End gained even more experience and expertise in upgrading various makes and models with quality performance parts. With the success of the main office, High End traveled south to cater to San Diego-based enthusiasts. With phenomenal response, the team at High End decided to build a fleet of head-turning, high-performance cars to showcase the company's mechanical and styling skills. These high-horsepower showstoppers headline at car shows across the country, helping to expand the High End family.

Rite Of Passage

After picking up a '00 Honda S2000, Jon Magelssen, co-owner of High End Performance, began to upgrade his new roadster. After a few rounds of bolt-on modifications, High End Performance took Jon's project in for a total-tuning buildup. As the satisfaction of bolt-on upgrades faded away, the modest plans of upgrading his S2000 were tossed in favor of an all-inclusive build. The build focused on generating power, improving handling, and creating killer looks.

Rise to Power

While there are many performance options for Honda's F20C engine, Jon chose to venture into turbocharged territory. To boost the S2000, a custom RevHard Manufacturing exhaust manifold was bolted in place to mount a Precision Turbo SC61 turbocharger. The Precision SC61 turbo features a 61.4mm inducer compressor and 0.63 A/R turbine housing. To regulate boost pressure, a TiAL Sport 38mm external wastegate was incorporated into the system. Custom RevHard intercooler piping was fabricated to link the compressor to a custom RevHard air-to-air intercooler. From the exhaust housing of the turbo, a custom 3-inch downpipe was constructed to lead spent exhaust gas to a T1R 70mm exhaust system. With the turbo system complete, High End looked to supply the engine with additional fuel. To this end, a quartet of RC Engineering 750cc/min fuel injectors were fitted to the fuel rail. California's "best" 91-octane pump fuel is sent to the injectors from a Walbro 255lph in-tank fuel pump. High End then delivered the S2000 to Church Automotive to dyno tune an AEM EMS standalone engine-management system. With 8psi of boost pressure running through the engine, Church Automotive extracted 360 horsepower and 244 lb-ft of torque to the wheels from the boosted F20C.

Uphold the Image

It is necessary for every member of the High End Performance team to maintain the image of the tuning shop. In the case of Jon's S2000, custom front and rear fenders were designed to widen the track of the car. The widened fenders were matched with custom bumpers that line up with the new body work perfectly. A carbon-fiber hard top and hood by Seibon Carbon were selected to top off the S2000. Once the extensive bodywork was complete, the roadster was sprayed with BASF Candy Teal.

After finishing off the paint and body on the car, High End looked to fill in the stretched wheelwells with new rolling stock. Tein Flex coilovers were chosen to drop the S2000 onto a set of Volk Racing GT-U wheels. The front received 18x8.5-inch wheels wrapped in Falken rubber, while 18x10-inch GT-Us with 265/35R18 Falkens were bolted to the rear with Project Kics lugnuts. Peeping out through the wheel-and-tire package is a set of high-performance braking components. A combination of brake calipers from Spoon Sports and Project Mu rotors with Spoon pads comprise the S2000's brake system.