Even though Honda has switched to smaller displacement engines, turbocharging, and thus smooth power throughout the rev-range that doesn’t mean tuners haven’t ditched their NA motors quite yet. Ballade Sports dropped a dyno video and track shakedown of epic proportions earlier today (Nov 13, 2017) showcasing one of their track build S2000’s hitting a monumental 10,000 RPM on their dyno without breaking a sweat. Check out the awesome video below.

Underneath the hood of this particular Honda S2000 isn’t your ordinary F20C or F22C that you would normally find. Instead, in its place is a naturally aspirated K24 (presumably Honda’s hottest K24Z3) from an Acura TSX. Stock, these NA engines pull a stout 201 HP at 7,000 RPM and 172 lb-ft at 4,400 RPM. This engine has most likely been reworked on the top and bottom end with lighter rods and piston, a stronger valvetrain spring, reinforcements in key locations and a specially developed oil pan to make sure that there’s enough lubrication at all RPM levels.

Final power numbers show peak power, 271 WHP, with the max power being at the upper rev range. Power delivery is smooth and there doesn’t seem to be any noticeable dips or gaps.

This Honda S2000 is no dyno queen as this high-revving Voltex equipped track monster took it to the track for a shakedown run at Global Time Attack Round #3 at Buttonwillow Raceway in the Limited RWD class. This being a shakedown, we’re assuming that a full out time attack run wasn’t on the menu. Nevertheless, Ballade Sport’s driver, Alex Peng, laid down a 1:57.558 run, good enough for 12th overall out of 16. 1st place finisher, a Mazda Miata, laid down a 1:48.483. The overall winner in Unlimited AWD in a Mitsubishi Evo IX managed a 1:40.051.

The advantages of running such a high-revving engine, particularly for track use, come into play when you’ve got certain engine size, fuel, forced induction, and nitrous restrictions but still want to gain the maximum amount of power out of an engine. In addition, a wider powerband allows a driver to safely keep his engine in that upper rev range and beyond without fear of grenading the engine, thus enabling you to stay in a lower gear whereas another car would’ve shifted out to prevent engine failure, but is out of his powerband.

It’s a costly modification that yields marginal gains. But in a game of tenths and hundredths of a second, every competitive advantage is sought out.

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