The increasing five million Honda enthusiasts in the United States constantly came across at what we are able to find in the rest of the world and say, “Arghhh!” They have the EK9, but we don’t. Their DC2 comes standard with the JDM front end, and ours is an unattractive “four-eyed”. They possess the Type-R and Euro-R Accords, and we have the “big whale” Accord. The NSX here does not impress with a Honda emblem; therefore, they can be sold for double the price. Even the JDM Odyssey looks more appealing than our American “soccer mom” version. Thank goodness for the S2000! The only devilish Honda pureblood we can get our hands on in this country.


Many fortunate Americans gain their first car by inheriting it from their Accord family. Beside the watered down versions, the Honda/Acura Company shipped them to us in exchange of our money and for family safety reasons. Remaining are the NSX, the DC2 Type-R, and the S2K for us common Americans. Real JDM fans nearby look beyond what they have under the hoods, and see the Honda brand spawning incredible racing spirit in the cars. People throw on after-market intakes, cat-back exhaust; engine swaps with super-chargers or turbos, and bang! They have a 300 horsepower show champ.


Lee McCallam is amongst real tuner guys who looked past the common misconceptions to build an incredible car. Born and raised in the U.K, he owned a 2002 S2000 that he regretted to sell in order to move to the States. Now as an ex-pat, he searched the U.S market for a new car and knew nothing can replace his old car. He then purchased a 2004 silver S2000.


Like most people, Lee likes grease on his hands and takes time to work on his own car. He said to us, "I like to do a lot of the work myself on the car - mainly because I like to learn about new things. Also, because there are not a lot of people I feel confident in working with, and having them work on my car." He fitted the astonishing JDM body kit on his car that was later painted by his trusty shop in the local Illinois area, called HCC.


Insatiably purchasing items listed on the back page of an average car magazine, Lee's S2K outerwear consists of certain rare items including the great big shark; it looked like a Top Secret front bumper. The Air walker side skirts perfectly connected with the unique front and rear end. The rear of the S2K is a combination of an INGS+1 rear bumper and a super trick Top Secret carbon rear under diffuser. Together, it looked like The Rock grasping two giant M-guns in DOOM. In addition, his car sports a Seibon MG custom painted hood and a Mugen three-piece rear spoiler, which helps keep his car fastened to the ground on high-speed turns.


Lee popped opened the Seibon MG hood and enabled our sight to pass through the S2K engine bay. It revealed his concentration in detailing, and appreciation for rare Japanese goods. There are several chosen parts from the coveted SPOON catalog that includes a carbon Kevlar intake and coil cover, air filter, and a radiator cap. In addition, a TIR test pipe +02 Simulator and a Magna-flow exhaust help expel the heat from his engine bay. Almost all the perks hidden under the hood were powder-coated with a sick shade of black chrome including the valve cover, the radiator-cooling panel, and the air box among other items.


We all know that Alex Pfeiffer and Steph Papadakis slither around with the S2K pretty well. However, true Honda fans know that the S2K is created to run on the street with its front engine rear-wheel-drive, six-speed gearbox with torque-sensing LSD, and the ass kicking independent in-wheel double wishbone suspensions. Out of the box, it already embraces the "Honda Ultimate Street King" signature all over. With the world's famous High X-Bone Monocoque Frame, it is a driver's car created by Honda with the maximum fun level.


However, it does have its flaw; it is a convertible! Even with the High X-Bone chassis, it is not the better for some tight corners in a windy city. Thus, besides adding on the factory hardtop, Lee is also working on to keep his car held to the ground with specially selected suspension items, which includes Espelir springs, Spoon and Comp-tech braces. He carried on with his black chrome powder-coated theme into his ENKEI wheels, center caps, and lugs. Bridgestone rubber help keeps his car affixed to the pavement.


Many people in the United States want their Honda to remain with the JDM factory look. Step inside Lee's S2K and you will notice all is untouched! Such as the OEM bucket seats, factory steering wheel, and the original Honda floor matt. Possibly, the only mod he performed was replacing the shift knob to a Skunk2 shift knob. Therefore, no matter how many modifications he did to the exterior of the car, how much faster it goes, and how much tighter it handles, he will always keep in mind that he is seated in a Honda S2000.


Beneath the original Interior, Lee spent time installing an incredible I.C.E. set-up, including a few key elements from ALPINE and JL. Not only that his car was designed to rip up the streets; he also appreciated some good "bump in the trunk."


The mind of his system was an ALPINE CDA-9833, which powers a KCA-420i AiNET IPOD adapter and a CHA-S634 CD changer. There will never be a lack of tunes to choose from coming out of the JL 6.5" components and from the interior of his whip. As you peek under an emblem less and shaved trunk, you will find a remarkable customized fiberglass box surrounded by a sea of carbon fiber. JL 300/4 and 500/1 amps, and a JL 12w6v2 audio sub help blast his favorite "SWISHAHOUSE" beats as he cruises the strip, looking for the ladies or races.


Admiringly, Lee's masterpiece is a well-tuned car and a show car candidate in the S2K category. Thinking that his car is only 80% complete, Lee has many other plans for his astounding vehicle that consist of a CUSCO cage and a few re-tunings of the final drive for a better acceleration.

As an avid member of UMW section of S2KI, keep your eyes peeled for this car in the future. Lee plans to keep his car and remains to mod in the current JDM fashion. In order to help dispel the preconceived notions of HONDA tuners, Lee's car is a tribute to the power of the Honda super street machine.