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Honda engineered the S2000's F20C and F22C to within an inch of their lives — 120 hp per liter naturally aspirated, a 9,000 RPM redline, and one of the most responsive throttle calibrations ever put in a road car. But the factory intake prioritizes NVH suppression over induction theater. The sealed airbox, paper panel filter, and complex resonator plumbing silence the very VTEC scream that makes this car legendary. The engine breathes well — it just doesn't sound like it.
This Flashark intake replaces the restrictive factory airbox with a large-diameter, mandrel-bent aluminum intake tube and a high-flow dry-cone filter. The open-element design eliminates the intake silencing, letting the F20C/F22C's VTEC crossover at 6,000 RPM hit with the full-voice induction howl the car was built for. Power gains are modest — expect 3-5 wheel horsepower on a stock engine, because Honda already pulled 240 hp from 2.0 liters, and there isn't much left on the table. The real upgrade is the sharper throttle response above 4,000 RPM and the sound.
Installation is straightforward but requires patience. The S2000's stock airbox is buried behind the fender liner and takes some careful disassembly to remove. Once out, the Flashark kit mounts to factory bolt locations with the included bracket — no cutting, no drilling, no permanent modifications. Basic hand tools, 60-90 minutes, and your AP1 or AP2 finally sounds the part.
Key Features
Large-Diameter Mandrel-Bent Aluminum Intake Tube — Single-piece construction with integrated mounting points. Finished in heat-resistant matte black powder coat. Eliminates the restriction and silencing of the factory airbox and resonator assembly while delivering a smooth, uninterrupted airflow path.
High-Flow Dry Cone Filter — Red cotton-gauze media, washable and reusable. Dry-type filtration requires no oiling — critical on the S2000's MAP-based engine management, where filter oil is not a MAF contamination concern but adds unnecessary maintenance. Clean with filter cleaner, rinse, air dry, and reinstall.
Engineered for MAP Sensor Compatibility — The S2000 uses a speed-density (MAP/IAT) system rather than a mass airflow sensor. This means the ECU measures intake manifold pressure and temperature rather than airflow directly — it adapts to changes in intake without retuning or sensor recalibration. No MAF to worry about, no check engine light risk from airflow reading errors.
Direct-Fit Silicone Coupler — Bridges the intake tube to the throttle body with a precise, airtight seal. Heat-resistant silicone maintains flexibility and seal integrity through extreme underhood temperature cycles.
Complete Hardware Kit — All mounting brackets, clamps, breather connectors, and fasteners included. Everything shown is in the box — no extra parts to track down.
True Bolt-On Installation — Mounts to factory bolt locations. The stock airbox and resonator can be reinstalled at any time. No cutting, drilling, or permanent modification required. Note: removing the stock S2000 airbox takes some care due to its deep fender-well mounting — budget 60-90 minutes total.
VTEC Induction Scream — The open-element filter and aluminum tube unleash the F20C/F22C's VTEC crossover sound above 6,000 RPM. At wide-open throttle, the intake howl is sharp, mechanical, and addictive — exactly what these engines were engineered to produce before Honda silenced them for the showroom floor. At idle and light cruise, the sound is subtle and won't fatigue on long drives.
3-5 WHP on Stock Tune — Honest, realistic gain on a stock F20C or F22C. Honda extracted 120 hp/liter from these engines from the factory — there is no cheap horsepower left to unlock with an intake alone. The improvements you'll actually feel are crisper throttle response from 4,000 RPM up and a dramatically enhanced induction soundtrack.
Specifications
SKU: FLIS25062
Intake Tube Material: Aluminum
Intake Tube Finish: Matte black powder-coated
Filter Type: Dry
Filter Media: Red cotton-gauze
Estimated Install Time: 60-90 minutes
Package Includes
2× Matte black powder-coated aluminum intake tube
1 × High-flow red dry cone air filter
2 × Silicone throttle body coupler
1 × Complete hardware kit (mounting brackets, clamps, breather connectors, fasteners)
1 × Installation guide
| Years | Make | Model | Engine |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000-2003 | Honda | S2000 (AP1) | 2.0L F20C DOHC |
| 2004-2005 | Honda | S2000 (AP2) | 2.2L F22C1 DOHC |
Q: Does this fit both AP1 (2.0L) and AP2 (2.2L) S2000s?
A: Yes. The intake tubing routing, throttle body location, and mounting points are identical between the 2000-2003 AP1 (F20C) and 2004-2005 AP2 (F22C1). The same kit bolts directly onto both generations without modification.
Q: How much horsepower will I gain?
A: 3-5 wheel horsepower on a stock F20C or F22C. Let's be honest — Honda extracted 240 hp from a naturally aspirated 2.0L engine in 1999. The factory intake is already very efficient. There are no cheap horsepower left to find on this engine with an intake alone. The real upgrade is the sharper throttle response in the 4,000-6,000 RPM range and the VTEC induction howl above 6,000 RPM — which is what most S2000 owners are actually after.
Q: Will this intake make my S2000 sound better?
A: Absolutely — this is the main reason S2000 owners install an aftermarket intake. The factory airbox and resonator plumbing were designed specifically to silence induction noise. Removing them unleashes the F20C/F22C's natural VTEC scream. Below 4,000 RPM, the sound is subtle. At 6,000 RPM, the VTEC crossover opens with a sharp, mechanical howl that's addictive at wide-open throttle without being fatiguing during highway cruising.
Q: Do I need a tune after installing this intake?
A: No. The S2000 uses a MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) and IAT (Intake Air Temperature) sensor system — also called speed-density — rather than a MAF sensor that measures airflow directly. The ECU calculates fuel delivery based on manifold pressure and temperature, so moderate changes to the intake path are automatically accounted for within the factory fuel trim range. A tune can extract additional gains if you've also done exhaust, header, or test pipe modifications, but it is not required for the intake alone.
Q: Will this trigger a check engine light?
A: Extremely unlikely on the S2000. Because the car uses a MAP-based system rather than a MAF sensor, there's no airflow reading that can be thrown off by intake changes. The two things to check are: ensure the breather hoses are connected and not kinked, and verify that the intake air temperature sensor is properly seated. If a CEL does appear, scan the code before assuming the intake is the cause — S2000S of this age often have unrelated O2 sensor or evaporative system codes.
Q: Is this a "cold air" intake or a short ram?
A: This is a short ram intake — the filter sits in the engine bay, not down in the fender well. A true cold air intake on the S2000 would route the filter behind the front bumper or into the fender cavity, which would produce slightly cooler intake temperatures but would introduce hydro-lock risk in wet conditions. This short ram design prioritizes ease of installation, zero risk of water ingestion, and maximum induction sound — all without the complexity of routing tubing through the fender.
Q: Will heat soak be an issue?
A: In stop-and-go traffic or after extended idling, intake air temperatures will rise with any engine-bay-mounted intake — this is inherent to the short ram design. Once the car is moving, airflow through the engine bay rapidly normalizes intake temperatures. The S2000's MAP-based fuel system handles temperature changes smoothly. For track use where sustained high RPM generates significant underhood heat, consider a heat shield or thermal wrap.
Q: Does this fit right-hand drive (JDM/UK) S2000s?
A: This kit is designed for left-hand drive (LHD) North American S2000s. RHD models have the brake master cylinder, steering column, and some accessories positioned on the opposite side of the engine bay, which can interfere with the intake tube routing. Some RHD owners have successfully installed similar short ram intakes with minor adjustments, but this is not guaranteed. If you have an RHD S2000, verify fitment with service@flasharkracing.com before ordering.
Q: Is the filter dry or oiled?
A: Dry filter — no oil required. While the S2000's MAP system doesn't have a MAF sensor to contaminate, a dry filter is simply less maintenance. To clean: tap off any loose debris, wash with filter cleaner, rinse thoroughly, air-dry completely, and reinstall. No re-oiling step, no mess, no guessing if you applied too much or too little.
Q: How difficult is the install on an S2000?
A: Moderately involved — budget 60-90 minutes. The S2000's stock airbox is mounted behind the front bumper on the driver's side and requires removing the fender liner (or at least partially peeling it back) to access the lower resonator box. You'll need basic hand tools and a trim panel removal tool is helpful for the plastic clips. The Flashark kit itself mounts directly to factory bolt locations — the challenge is disassembling the stock system, not installing the new one. Plan for a Saturday morning, take your time, and the result is worth it.
Q: Will this improve throttle response?
A: Yes — the reduction in intake restriction and elimination of the factory resonator chambers produces noticeably crisper throttle response, especially from 4,000 RPM up. This is the improvement you'll actually feel day to day, more so than any peak horsepower gain. The engine simply reacts faster when you tip into the throttle.
Q: Will I get better fuel economy?
A: No meaningful change. The S2000's fuel economy is dominated by the 9,000 RPM (AP1) or 8,200 RPM (AP2) redline and the driver's willingness to use it. If you're installing this intake for the VTEC sound — and let's be honest, that's why you're here — you'll be visiting the upper RPM range more often, which will likely decrease fuel economy rather than improve it. An intake won't meaningfully change the MPG of a 240-hp 2.0L engine that Honda has already optimized to an obsessive degree.
Q: Does this intake work with the factory strut bar?
A: Yes. The intake tube is routed with sufficient clearance for the factory front strut tower bar on both AP1 and AP2. Aftermarket strut bars with larger diameter tubing or different mounting geometry may interfere — check clearance before finalizing clamp positions.
Q: Is a cold air intake worth it on the S2000?
A: Depends on what you're after. If you're expecting a big horsepower number, you'll be disappointed — the F20C and F22C were engineered to the limit from the factory, and there are no cheap gains left. If you want to hear the VTEC crossover the way Honda's engine builders intended before the NVH department got involved, this intake delivers exactly that — a sharper, louder, more mechanical induction soundtrack that transforms the driving experience without touching the engine internals. For most S2000 owners, that alone is worth the price of admission.
Q: What is the return policy if it doesn't fit?
A: Flashark Racing offers a 14-day return window for unused products in original packaging. If the product arrives damaged or defective, we cover return shipping and process a full refund or replacement within 3-5 business days. For fitment questions before purchase — especially RHD or modified vehicles — contact service@flasharkracing.com with your VIN.
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