Vacation
This past weekend I had the luxury of taking a short 3 day cruise to the Bahamas with the family.. After returning we met up with some family in Coral Springs, Florida.. I then get a message from Sheldon saying he lives 10 minutes away.. This lead to us meeting up and me snapping a few photos of his nicely put together AP1… Enjoy!
Full set can be found HERE!!!!
-Chris Amodei-
Full set can be found HERE!!!!!!
Follow Your Heart
“When I was 17, I read a quote that went something like: “If you live each day as if it was your last, someday you’ll most certainly be right.” It made an impression on me, and since then, for the past 33 years, I have looked in the mirror every morning and asked myself: “If today were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do today?” And whenever the answer has been “No” for too many days in a row, I know I need to change something.
Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything — all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure – these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” - Steve Jobs
FRENCH
Vyets S2000 from Felix A. Lim and Simon Nguyen
Kris (auto) Kross
As the world anticipates the release of the I-phone 4s and repeatedly reminds us of the death of Steve Jobs through the social medium, the usual suspects and I sought sanctuary in the form of an auto-x. With Nassau Coliseum having just repaved their lot, the “million plus” square feet gauntlet transformed into a some what decent venue and little consideration was required to determine whether or not we were attending.
FRENCH
Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance
With Fall officially here as of today it incurs serious angst as few track days remain and Winter build plans begin. Having managed to destroy my Amuse front fascia within a few weeks of painting the OEM AP2 look and fitment is again looking very appealing. With a shopping list consisting of a super charger, hardtop and wing (for racing… smh and hardparkers with wings) it’s going to be a very, very costly few months.
FRENCH
photo credit unknown
Chillin’ In The Cut
Working at a local speed shop has provided me with the opportunity to meet just about anyone in the community. From tuners to locals celebs, my database of faces and names is detailed and extensive to say to least. Often the location for impromptu meets after hours I managed to take a few shops of Artie’s new project.
FRENCH
Spotted: Dirty’s Old S2000
Dirty’s old S2000 has managed to find its way back to the pages of ILE via Franco in New Jersey. Looking super clean on the popular XXR wheels, it always a pleasure to see cars of this caliber survive.
FRENCH
Photographer and current owner: Franco R
Media Hype – S2000
While the East Coast reconstructs from Hurricane Irene, I’d like start the week off on a similar point. As Summer ages into Fall and most of us have enjoyed our builds alongside the warm temps, some are quick to tear our cars apart as soon as it permits, I being one. Having owned my S2000 for almost a year now it has made a number of changes and this Winter, having experienced the circuit first hand, will subject the bad broad to yet another.
FRENCH
stage 1 (minus mugen wing)
Ap2 bumper and lip
rpf1s with ventus v12s
Hard dog roll bar
Amuse front bumper with SS brake lines and Rs3 tires
Destroyed Amuse
…to be continued
Influence
First and foremost the staff at ILE are friends before anything and that being so the truth which hurts so much is communicated to the fullest of detail. Most of us owning an s2000 before or currently know how capable the platform is, but few of us know more than E. Having had 2 AP1s and a turbo AP2, his newest and 4th s2k will live its unnatural life along side mine gracing the circuit. WINNING
FRENCH
PHOTOS BY THE TALENTED: Sheldon Tran Photo
problem?
Cuatro Loko
As many readers may already know, the Nissan 370z was short lived. I’m hard pressed to describe flaws in the car- overall it’s a very nice platform. Tight handling, responsive, very sexy and the auto rev-match downshifting was pretty trick. But there was always something missing with it, that in the end was pretty straight-forward, but took me a while to figure out: it wasn’t an S2000. Plain and simple. There is something about the Honda S2000 that just connects with me. So I sold the Z to a gentleman in Texas. I only made it 888 miles with the car. Here’s a picture of that very last mile:
And so, the hunt was on for another S2000. I decided that the next S2000 (number 4!) would be one of two platforms: An S2000 “CR” or Club Racer if you’re not familiar, or an older model AP1. The reason being: FRENCH has me hooked on hitting the circuit. I got a small little taste of it earlier this year at an auto-x. I realize the season is winding down here in the Northeast, but there are few months (and track days) left. I really can’t wait to get out there.
The car is a pretty much bone stock 2001. I picked it up for a very reasonable price from a gentlemen in North NJ over the weekend, who seems to have taken good care of it. It may actually be in a little better shape than my late 2004 S2000, despite having almost double the mileage. I looked at a few prior to this, and every one in this price range seemed to have been previously wrecked, or had well over 100,000 miles on it. I think I did pretty well with it.
So now the fun begins. I am scouring the internet for a good set of square 17×9″-9.5″ track wheels for a good price, while waiting for the Tire Rack to come back in stock with Hankook Ventus RS-3′s. French is lining up my Koni and Ground Control setup, while I source out a front sway bar, stainless brake lines and good set of pads. A Hard Dog roll bar will top it all of, and that’s it. Until next season anyway.
~E~
Here’s a few shots before the transformation begins:
And here’s a few inspirational photos courtesy of the s2ki.com “Your S in track trim” thread:
Holla Dolla.
Ignore the title. It was the first thing that popped into my head. I can’t really say why. It’s not that I don’t want to, I really just don’t know. The work day is nearing it’s end and I am feeling anxious.
I met up with Mr. Amodei yesterday to get some more shots of the Saab. After a little episode at the camera shop we were on our way to the top of a local university’s parking garage. The fact that they were now charging for entrance to said parking garage seemed to irk Chris quite a bit. I manned up and payed the 2 bucks. 
Once we were up there Chris got to his thing. Then there was me with nothing else to do, so I started snapping some shots on my own of the freshly painted S2000. Whenever I leave the house I always seem to forget something. Whether it’s my sunglasses or that bagged lunch I actually prepare the night before to take to work. This time I forgot my tripod. Basically that’s my excuse for only getting a few shots. It was getting dark and I don’t have the steadiest hands. Anyway here are a couple I snapped. Check the rest in a set on my Flickr.
-Brian
Discuss: Critical
Taking moment to put not only myself but also ILE in a position of judgement from an unbiased perspective it would appear that recently we’ve been taking a rather critical position on all things automotive related amongst other subjects. Given this is a medium of which we pay for and further more control, we could just flip everyone the bird and go on with our bad self but with respect to the automotive community and our followers I’ll address the issue with tact and sincerity.
The thought came to mind as would any topic of interest would, through inspiration. A conversation, exactly, although not immediately related brought into realization how opinionated we have become, passing judgement and analyzing every detail of ones build and life. To our defense, it’s just what becomes of the enthusiast when all of his/her previous expectations are fulfilled and the fine line between what’s awesome and what is mediocre is less definitive.
An inspection of myself uncovered this query; Who am I to criticize someone’s pride and joy… besides a gentleman and scholar with great tastes (kidding… almost)? In all seriousness, the decisions people make and the lifestyle they’ve selected is solely their choice and my opinion is, well, just that.
Bringing this topic full circle. I wanted to thank everyone for contributing their $0.02 (“two cents”) via our FACEBOOK and the comments section. The energy that drives this industry is strengthened within these channels and it leads to innovation that’ll hopefully reward innovators, and not imitators, resulting in faster, more reliable, attractive, sports cars.
FRENCH
CCW, a brand that has become a standard amongst the fitment concerned, at least in my opinion, has earned its “stripes” in all avenues of tuning. Below 3 S2000′s wearing LM20s and Classics join an NA2 NSX
photo credit: unknown
You Can Get With This or You Can Get With That
Sergey and Miss S2K are no strangers to the internet as both of them are overnight sensations. As a couple bound not only by their affection towards each other but also by tuning it appears that their is a glimmer of hope in the World. With an MR2 as such and an S2000 that would snap the neck of any on looker it’s hard to imagine who caught whose attention first.
FRENCH
Photo Credit: Ray Flores
Diffused S2000
Continuing on with my s2000 addiction I bring you a platinum pearl white* AP2 with a very attractive Voltex rear diffuser otherwise known as a rock collector.
FRENCH
photo credit: Viet
mmm hot
Summer Slam…
Waking up early on a Sunday is not something that I usually look forward to, but this past weekend I was headed out to Raceway Park in Englishtown, NJ for the 16th annual Summer Slam. Being that my wheels were to be traded very soon I didn’t feel like risking any damage on those crappy NJ roads, so I hopped in with a friend and her Mini Cooper S. We were cruising with another friend on his Yamaha R6 so we were not alone on the drive. After some trouble with the EZ Pass and some paperwork at the toll for the Verrazano Narrows Bridge it was smooth sailing. I had never really been in a Mini for more than a short drive before so I was curious as to how the ride was going to be. Several weeks ago she had installed some BC Racing Coilovers and after we made some recent adjustments to them they rode great. Aside from some occasional rubbing from her stock wheels and giant tires everything was gravy.
After a short stop to take advantage of Jersey’s cheap gas and to scarf down some less-than-healthy BK breakfast sandwiches we pulled up to the gates at E-Town. Walking through the parking lot up to the grand stands and the pits where the show was held I could almost swear I saw the entire Rota wheel catalog. If the show was going to be anything like the lot was I was ready to head home, but I was pleasantly surprised once I walked through the pits. I was instantly bombarded with the potent aroma of combusted race gas. That combined with the style of drag cars present put a smile on my face. From the classic Toyotas, Datsuns to the old rotary Mazdas I was in awe of the actual size of these cars in person and the fact that they run sub 8 second 1/4 mile times at speeds in excess of 180 mph. From the pits we made our way over to the bulk of the show cars. Liberty VIP car club had some of the finest vehicles there. Those guys keep raising the bar every time I see them. There were a few hidden gems intertwined with the retarded sound systems and the Lambo doors.
To finish the day off, we baked ourselves in the sun on grandstands to watch some races. It started off slow but got really good as the faster classes took to the track. Watching a car dial in at 7.90 only to break out and watch the team get just as excited as if they had won was entertaining and refreshing as well. It’s that kind of excitement that let’s everyone know that they were really pushing the car to its fullest. All in all it was a great day and the event is definitely on my list for next year.
-Brian.
Check out the full set HERE.
EK’d EG
It’s good to see individuals doing things differently in the Honda community especially if the outcome is as such.
FRENCH
here are couple recent shots of my S
Wicked Sun Burn…
This past Saturday I headed up to Stafford Springs Connecticut for the Wicked Big Meet. Spilner and Chris were headed up a little earlier due to the fact that Spilner’s car was to be featured in the EFI booth that day. I, on the other hand, was in no rush and was on the road by about 6 am. Those that know me well know I am forever late so this was after we had planned to be on the highway by 5:30. NBD.
The drive up could have been much worse. Being on the roads that early allowed me to experience the trip through metro NY without the usual bumper to bumper traffic. Win. This also made battling the warzone-like road conditions that much better. Let me tell you, NYC commuters do not appreciate you slowing down to 10 mph to go over expansion joints on the Throggs Neck Bridge!
We actually arrived about an hour earlier than the 10 am show time so we sat around and admired what was in store for us once we entered. This being an actual Subaru show I was hard pressed to find some other “fitment” enthusiasts. I did my best and scoped out a few including the BagRiders Impreza that was there. It was nice on the other hand to see the older GC’s in attendance with the numbers on their side. Definitely the most I’ve seen in one place. Some really nice representations as well.
Overall it was a great day. The venue was certainly large enough to support the 2000+ that showed up and it was really cool to see some race prepped vehicles doing their thing on the track. The one thing I did not plan for was the sun. I went home that day the same color as a lobster. Since the vendor area was hosted on the asphalt everyone baked out there. It was all worth it though. Vendors and attendees brought out their best to show off what the East Coast has to offer. Even a few from Canada made the trip down. I will be in attendance next year for sure.
-Brian
View the full set HERE.
Wicked!!
This past Saturday Spilner and I headed up north to Wicked Big Meet…..at 4am, but made some awesome time! Had to stop once on I-84 to re-fill the E-85, and knocked out (maybe killed) a little squirrel with Spilner’s front lip…. but after that, things went smooth. Here’s the shots I got and make sure you check out my Flickr for the rest of the photos!!
-Chris Amodei-
Click here for the full set!!!
And sorry to the kid that I iced!! But you took it like a champ, even though it was baking in the sun for a bit….
Limerock (& Roll)
Motivated by the remarks of Spliner and his rants about how slow my car is (in a straight line) and wanting nothing more than to be a “gentleman” and push my s2000 the its maximum potential I boldly registered for a HPDE at Lime Rock Park, CT with the PDA the evening before. Keeping ILE always in mind and being that I went “solo-dolo”, my camera was nearby to capture the action at hand. Winning
FRENCH
(my lip removed itself last week :X )
my instructor’s p-car
Summer’s Here…
With the recent heat that we have been having here on the Island, paired with the crazy hail-filled storm we were pelted with last night, I think it’s safe to say summer is in full effect. Pools are open and air conditioners are blasting. And for those of us who are “lucky” enough not to be graced with the wonder that is conditioned air, the windows are down and the breeze is blowing through our hair. Unless, of course, we are stuck in the traffic that plagues what seems to be every road traveled in the Tri-State area. Either way I am happy to see that the summer season is upon us because that means meets, cruises and car shows are here. Let’s make this year the best one yet.
-Brian
Company Policy- S2k and BMW
“Time is the friend of the wonderful company, the enemy of the mediocre.”
Summer is here and it’s time to reevaluate your friends. Cut the fat and move forward with energetic individuals.
This hellaflush, sebring silver S2000 is complemented by the good grace of a gorgeous E36 M3.
FRENCH
photocredit: travis cuykendal
Cage Match- Harddog Roll Bar Install FTL
The “bolt-on” harddog roll bar for the S2000 is far from a “bolt-on” or effortless installation. Yes, bolts are exercised in the installation process but the disassembly of the entire interior not including the door cards or dash and the cutting of the sheet metal in the wheel well would be an immediate cause for concern for anyone either than myself as “I like to party.” Finishing up the nightmare today, I still have a glimmer of hope as my goal to run this dirty girl on the road course holds strong.
Hint: Buy “bolt-on” roll bar, then have it welded in. FML.
FRENCH
pictures soon of the B$%&h installed
photo credit unknown
Evasive’s Apex Blue S2000
“If you don’t use it, you lose it” may not apply to owning a “high” performance car but if your ownership is leaning towards the conservative side of things than you are only doing yourself a disservice.
FRENCH
Evasive takes this Apex Blue S2000 to the a new level of performance with Spoon aero pieces amongst other performance parts.
New Perspective: Chris Amodei’s S2000
Chris Amodei’s photography challenges the abilities of many published photographers but his automotive lifestyle runs far beyond the lens. Working in the industry and attending any and every meet within reason, you may have already seen his ebony S scattered across the forums or on his own personal flick’r. Having met up with him the other day after work, I made a small effort to at least be on par with his shoots.
FRENCH
a little mugen lip action
some staggered blitz wheels are always a secure investment
sabre-skulls will be available next week <3
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