DIY Network

Honda S2000: Motorized Spoiler Installation Honda Aerodynamics Upgrade: Part 1 of 4 From "Tricked Out" episode DTRK-307

The project car: Honda S2000

In this project Andrew Totolos, host of DIY's Tricked Out, adds some active aerodynamics to a Honda S2000 in the form of a motorized spoiler and retractable canards.

What does "active aerodynamics" mean? In this case it means that, at the touch of a button, the driver is able to alter the way his car moves through the air and have a direct impact on its traction and handling. The motorized spoiler we install on the rear deck can be made to rise and fall to alter down-force. Up front we add motorized canards, also to help keep the car more stable on the track at higher speeds. From the driver's seat, the canards can made to retract for daily driving.

In this first segment, Andrew installs the motorized spoiler to provide down force for added traction when driving at high speeds.

The installed rear-deck spoiler

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	The rear deck BEFORE the installation. . .
	. . .and AFTER.

Materials/tools for all modifications in this project:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, cordless drill, torque wrench, etc.), tools and materials used to complete this entire project include:

spoiler kit
canards kit
shift knob
remote wiring
painter’s tape
cordless drill; bits and screwdriver attachment
electrical tape
utility knife
silicone adhesive
panel removal tool
grabber tool
electrical supplies
split loom
degreaser and clean rags
sandpaper
eyelet connectors
wire ties
wire extensions
hook-and-loop tape

The motorized spoiler kit comes with all the parts and wiring needed for installation. The retractable canards come with a wiring harness, solenoids, control box, key-chain remotes and a separate remote control receiver unit. For greater integration, you can add a specialized shift knob that houses the push-button controls.

DIY Difficulty Rating for This Project: We gave this a difficulty rating of 4 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Mounting these parts requires drilling into the car’s body and cutting into the bumper material, so you need a steady hand, but if you’re comfortable with that, you should have no problem.

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools or pneumatic tools. Also wear eye protection any time you are working underneath a vehicle.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

The Project Car: Honda S2000

Right off the shelf, the 'S' series Honda is the fastest offering from the Honda stable and, even without any aftermarket mods, stands out dramatically in a crowd. But because the owner of this sporty convertible is shopping for a turbo and will ultimately be spending some time on the track, the active aerodynamic enhancements added in this project will be of practical benefit in that they'll help boost track performance. The owner has already added some spice to this convertible with a carbon fiber hood, front bumper lip, a set of JDM style turn signals and 17 inch wheels.

Under the hood, the 2.0 liter aluminum-alloy inline 4-cylinder engine produces 240 horsepower in its stock state. The owner has upped the ante with a free flowing cold air intake, and spent gasses exit through an upgraded stainless-steel exhaust.

The interior of this high-end Honda is designed to create a balance between driver comfort and control, but this driver has traded some of the comfort for more control by installing a set of racing seats and harnesses. He's also added an aluminum shift knob for an updated look.

Want to see how this project gets underway with the installation of the motorized spoiler, and learn more about "the physics of spoilers"? Read on.

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