Tema: Jade-D-M S2000 !!!

"Why does that guy keep looking at me?" I think. "Do I still have leftover cheese doodle crust on the side of my mouth?"



When you ride shotgun with Jade Motorsport's James Kendrick in his super-clean S2000, dozens of paranoid thoughts run through your head. You think everyone is looking at you like you're a superstar. Of course, that surreal sensation lasts only until you realize it's not you they're interested in; it's the super-clean S2000 you're pimpin'.



When looking at the specs and the amount of work put into this project, it's amazing to think it only took Kendrick a little over a year to transform the car from start to finish. It's even more amazing when you consider he purchased the S2000 on the spur of the moment. He originally wanted a supercharged Saleen Mustang. He was waiting to start modding the 'stang when his friends convinced him to test-drive Honda's new ragtop. The moment he got behind the seat of Honda's only rear-wheel-drive offering, it was amore. He signed the papers immediately after the test drive, and shelved his Saleen plans next to some old, dusty Ricky Martin and Spice .





Not one to leave well enough alone, Kendrick went straight to work on his JDM fantasy. Although the factory suspension setup is more than capable of handling any corner thrown at it on everyday streets, Kendrick wanted a suspension that was a tad more capable. So off went his stock rollers and taking their place was a set of U.S.-bound 17-inch C-West-spec Advan RGs from Japan shod with Yokohama AVS ES100s. To stiffen up the body more than your grandfather on Viagra, he installed a host of Spoon and Cusco goodies, including sway bars, braces, tie bar and chrome-moly five-point roll bar. He then finished off the suspension with a set of Espilir Active Super Down lowering springs and Koni yellow shocks on all four corners. After an initial run through some twisties with our plump asses securely planted in the Spoon Sports carbon-Kevlar racing seats, X-rays show our internal organs seem to be permanently deformed and out of place.







Next, he addressed the engine. The stock setup isn't without power, but the tach needs to go toward 9000 rpm to find the factory motor's happy place. Most would add nitrous or forced induction to squeeze out more "go juice," but for a true JDM enthusiast like Kendrick, the most exclusive way to enhance the stock motor was simply to replace it entirely.



A call to Spoon Sport's distributor, Classic Motorsports, and $10,000 later, a motor of Honda-engine folklore was on its way to the States. Totally balanced, blueprinted and manufactured by Spoon Sports, this precision engine came with a complete head, ported intake manifold, throttle body, alternator-all the fixin's. Kendrick also installed an HKS Racing Suction kit converted for a left-hand-drive engine compartment. As one of only four U.S. owners, Kendrick rolls in an exclusive crowd.



Installed by Joshua at Fournier's Automotive, this yellow roadster is now home to the only complete Spoon F20C motor in the United States and Canada (at this point in time). Talk about an "army of one." Mash the gas pedal or drop the clutch, and there is absolutely no drama for your mama here, baby. Just beautiful, smooth, ass-flattening acceleration while the engine sings a song you want to hear over and over again.



With all of the performance details taken care of, it was time to improve the looks and aerodynamics. Acknowledging the stock bodylines are already sexy, Kendrick decided to accent the body with a genuine Veilside Version 1 front lip, sideskirts, rear lip and trunk lid spoiler. Along with the kit, he custom flared and rolled the fenders out about an inch on eachside to give it a more aggressive stance. C-West headlight eyelids, J's carbon-fiber hood, Mugen hood pins and Spoon Sports blue wide mirrors further accentuate that aggressive vibe. Finally, Racing Zone in Orlando, Fla., put the icing on the cake, or rather the wasabi on the sashimi: Numerous authentic JDM emissions certifications, a license plate and Veilside badges adorn the spa yellow pearl paint job to complete the look.



As for the audio system, you won't find a 700-pound fiberglass custom install with 10 video screens and a flush-mounted English muffin toaster oven. But just in case his passenger wants a change of pace from listening to that $10,000 motor sing, Kendrick has an alternative: Excelon speakers, subs, amps and head unit, compliments of his sponsor, Kenwood USA.



In its current state of coolness, Kendrick has received a good amount of exposure for his sponsors and team. But in true 2NR fashion, he's not prepared to rest on his laurels. "With the car the way it is and as a member of Jade Motorsports, I haven't left a show empty handed. My crew has become a second family for me, and with their support, I will continue to develop this car."



"Continue to develop this car?" we asked. What's left besides adding a sushi bar in the glove compartment? We can't wait to see what this rising star comes up with next.