The Honda S2000 is a legendary sports car that earned its reputation through a screaming 9,000-rpm redline, razor-sharp handling, and a chassis that rewards skilled drivers. However, the naturally aspirated F20C and F22C engines produce only 240–247 horsepower, leaving many enthusiasts craving more. For those who want to transform their S2000 into a serious performance machine, a supercharger (often called a compressor kit in Europe and Japan) or turbocharger kit is the most effective route. A well-engineered forced induction setup can push output past the 400-wheel-horsepower mark reliably while still maintaining the car's thrilling character. In this guide, we break down the top five compressor kits that can take your S2000 to 400+ horsepower and beyond, covering what makes each option unique, what supporting modifications you need, and how to choose the right system for your driving style and budget.

1. Jackson Racing Supercharger Kit

Jackson Racing has been a trusted name in Honda performance for decades, and their centrifugal supercharger kit for the S2000 remains one of the most complete and refined systems on the market. Designed to bolt onto both F20C and F22C engines, the kit uses a C38-91 supercharger head to deliver smooth, linear power from idle to redline. With the standard pulley setup, owners see approximately 380–420 wheel horsepower on a properly tuned car. For those chasing the 400+ goal with some headroom, an upgraded pulley and additional fuel system work can push numbers closer to 450 wheel horsepower.

Power Delivery & Driveability

The centrifugal supercharger behaves much like a turbocharger without the lag: power builds progressively as revs climb, creating a familiar, satisfying feeling that mimics a larger-displacement naturally aspirated engine. Unlike a positive-displacement blower, there is no abrupt torque spike, making the car easier to manage on track or during daily driving. Jackson Racing includes a CARB-approved tune (for 50-state legality) that retains the factory idle and part-throttle behavior, so the car still starts and drives like stock until you put your foot down.

Kit Contents & Installation

The kit ships with the supercharger unit, custom cast intake manifold, intercooler (air-to-air), charge piping, belt drive system, fuel injectors (upgraded 600cc or similar), a reflashed ECU, billet aluminum pulleys, and all required brackets and hardware. Installation is a weekend project for an experienced DIYer, though most owners opt for professional installation to ensure belt alignment and tune validation. The supercharger uses its own oil supply (self-contained), so there is no need to tap into the engine's oil system.

Supporting Modifications

To reliably hit 400+ horsepower on a Jackson Racing kit, you will want to address the fuel system. The included injectors and pump are adequate for the base setup, but for higher boost levels, a Walbro 255 LPH fuel pump and an adjustable FPR are recommended. A larger intercooler core is not required for 400 hp, but if you plan to push beyond 450 hp, consider a front-mount intercooler upgrade. A lightweight flywheel and upgraded clutch (e.g., ACT or Competition Clutch) should be considered mandatory once you exceed the stock torque capacity. Avoid running the kit with the stock radiator without a ducting upgrade if tracking the car.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Linear powerband, CARB legal, excellent build quality, retains factory cold-start and driveability, strong resale value.
  • Cons: Higher entry price compared to budget turbo kits; belt slip can occur at very high boost levels without additional tensioning upgrades; intercooler piping routing can be tight in the engine bay.

2. Greddy Turbo Kit

Greddy (Trust in Japan) has long been a powerhouse in the turbocharging world, and their direct-bolt turbo kit for the S2000 is designed for those who want maximum mid-range torque and top-end rush. The standard Greddy kit uses a TD06H-20G-7 turbocharger, T4 flanged manifold, and a 700x300x76mm intercooler core. With the included wastegate and blow-off valve, this setup is capable of 400–500 wheel horsepower depending on boost pressure and tuning. Many tuners report achieving 450 wheel horsepower with pump gas and nothing more than the kit’s included injectors and a boost controller.

Power Delivery & Driveability

Unlike a supercharger, the Greddy turbo delivers power in a surge once the boost threshold is reached (around 3,500 rpm with the standard equipment). This creates a strong mid-range punch that many drivers find exhilarating, but it requires more attention to throttle modulation, especially in wet conditions. The trade-off is a less linear feel compared to the Jackson Racing kit, but with a properly calibrated tune, the Greddy kit can still be driven smoothly on the street.

Kit Contents & Installation

The kit includes the turbocharger, cast-iron manifold (equal-length runners for even exhaust flow), intercooler, aluminum charge piping, blow-off valve, wastegate (external, 38mm), downpipe, oil lines, and gaskets. Fuel system upgrades are limited to larger injectors (550cc or 650cc) and a plug-in ECU reflash or piggyback controller. The kit does not include a standalone engine management system, but Greddy recommends a K-Pro or Hondata FlashPro for complete control. Installation is more involved than a supercharger due to the turbo’s heat management and oil/coolant line routing; expect at least two full days of work.

Supporting Modifications

To run 400+ horsepower reliably with the Greddy kit, you must upgrade the fuel pump (again, a Walbro 255 is the standard), install a boost gauge and wideband oxygen sensor, and probably upgrade the intercooler piping clamps for better boost retention. Heat management is critical: a turbo blanket, heat-wrapped downpipe, and a hood with functional vents will keep underhood temperatures under control. The stock AP1 transmission is marginal above 350 wheel horsepower, so consider an AP2 transmission swap or cryo-treated gears if you intend to drag race or do repeated hard pulls. A stronger clutch is a must.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Strong mid-range torque, high peak power potential, well-supported by aftermarket parts, lower initial cost than some supercharger kits.
  • Cons: More heat management required, installation is labor-intensive, turbo lag is noticeable in stop-and-go traffic, no CARB approval available.

3. Comptech Supercharger Kit

Comptech (now owned by Jackson Racing but still available as a distinct product line) produced one of the earliest supercharger kits for the S2000. It uses a smaller blower (Eaton M62 or similar roots-type in earlier versions, but later revisions moved to a Vortech V2 centrifugal) and prioritizes simplicity and reliability over absolute peak numbers. On a properly tuned car, the Comptech kit reliably produces 350–380 wheel horsepower on the standard pulley, but with a smaller crank pulley and modified tune, 400+ horsepower is achievable. Many owners prefer the Comptech because of its extremely low maintenance—the cast bracket design eliminates many belt issues seen in other kits.

Power Delivery & Driveability

The Comptech kit delivers power in a very predictable curve, with the centrifugal V2 providing linear boost much like the Jackson Racing kit. It feels almost like a naturally aspirated S2000 with an extra 150 horsepower. The supercharger noise is subtle—a slight whine at full throttle, but not intrusive. Comptech’s tuning was historically conservative, which contributes to engine longevity.

Kit Contents & Installation

The kit comes with the supercharger unit, mounting bracket, intercooler (if intercooled version), belt, injectors (440cc), and a reflashed ECU. Some older kits are non-intercooled; for 400+ horsepower, an intercooled setup is mandatory to keep intake temperatures in check. Installation is straightforward for a shop familiar with S2000s, and the belt tensioning is one of the easiest to adjust in the industry.

Supporting Modifications

Since the Comptech kit tends to run lower boost (~8 psi), reaching 400 wheel horsepower requires a pulley upgrade and higher octane fuel (race gas or methanol injection). Fuel system upgrades beyond the provided injectors may be necessary—at least a fuel pump upgrade. The kit’s tune is conservative, so a custom dyno tune with a K-Pro will unlock 10–20 extra horsepower safely.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Bulletproof reliability, easy installation, conservative tune protects engine, quiet operation, can be used with CARB EO numbers on some versions.
  • Cons: Lower peak power potential without extensive upgrades; older kits may lack intercooler; parts availability is less common than Jackson Racing; limited tuning flexibility out of the box.

4. Vortech Supercharger Kit

Vortech Engineering is one of the most established names in centrifugal supercharging, and their V3 Si or V-10 supercharger series kits for the S2000 are popular among enthusiasts who want to push beyond 500 wheel horsepower. The Vortech kit features a self-contained oiling system (no engine oil tap), a billet compressor wheel, and a high-flow intercooler. With the standard pulley, the kit produces around 400–430 wheel horsepower on pump gas. With a smaller pulley and supporting mods, 500+ wheel horsepower is on the table, making it the highest capacity kit on this list.

Power Delivery & Driveability

The Vortech centrifugal design provides a linear powerband that builds speed progressively. However, because the kit is designed for high-boost applications, the base boost pressure is higher (around 10–12 psi) than other kits, meaning the car will feel noticeably stronger at part-throttle as well. The self-contained oil system eliminates the need for oil lines to the engine, reducing installation complexity and potential leaks. The Vortech supercharger emits a distinct high-pitch whine that many S2000 owners love.

Kit Contents & Installation

Vortech supplies the supercharger head, mounting bracket, intercooler, all charge piping, a belt system, fuel injectors (650cc), a Bosch fuel pump, and a custom tune (via reflash or supplied piggyback ECU). The kit does not include an intake manifold—it uses the stock manifold with a custom throttle body elbow. Installation is moderate; the most involved part is mounting the intercooler and routing the intake piping. A typical professional install takes 8–12 hours.

Supporting Modifications

To reach 400+ horsepower, the Vortech kit needs very few additional parts—just a boost-a-pump upgrade for higher fuel pressure (optional for 400 hp) and a stronger clutch. The included injectors and fuel pump are sufficient for up to 450 wheel horsepower on pump gas. For 500+ horsepower, you'll need upgraded intercooler piping, a larger intercooler core, and likely a standalone ECU (Motec or Haltech) to fully tune the fuel and ignition maps. Because the Vortech spins at high speeds, belt health is critical—consider an upgraded belt tensioner and a steel crank pulley.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: Highest power potential among bolt-on kits, self-contained oiling system, linear power delivery, strong aftermarket support.
  • Cons: Higher cost, belt slip can occur at extreme boost levels (requires additional tensioner), intercooler placement can block radiator airflow without a custom fan shroud, not CARB approved.

5. AEM Water/Methanol Injection Kit (Performance Enhancer)

While not a standalone compressor kit, the AEM Water/Methanol Injection Kit deserves a spot on this list because it acts as a force multiplier for any forced induction system. By spraying a fine mist of distilled water and methanol (typically a 50/50 mix) into the intake air stream, it drastically lowers intake air temperatures, suppresses detonation, and effectively increases the octane rating of the fuel. This allows tuners to run higher boost pressures and more ignition timing without encountering knock. For S2000 owners running a supercharger or turbo kit, this means the difference between 380 wheel horsepower and 430 wheel horsepower on the same setup—often with a simple tune revision.

How It Works & Installation

The AEM kit includes a high-pressure pump (150–280 psi), a controller with boost-based activation, a reservoir tank (typically 1 gallon), and an injection nozzle that mounts in the intake piping. Installation is relatively straightforward: mount the tank in the trunk or engine bay, connect the pump, run wiring to a switched 12V source, and install the nozzle after the intercooler (or before the throttle body). The controller activates the spray at a user-adjustable boost threshold (e.g., 4–6 psi) and increases flow proportionally with boost.

Benefits for 400+ Horsepower Builds

On an S2000 already equipped with a supercharger kit from Jackson Racing, Vortech, or Comptech, water/methanol injection can add 20–40 wheel horsepower safely without increasing exhaust gas temperatures. For turbo setups like the Greddy kit, it allows running 10–12 psi on pump gas where 8 psi was the safe limit before. The system also helps keep intake valves clean (methanol is a solvent) and reduces carbon buildup. The biggest gain is the safety margin—if you are targeting exactly 400 wheel horsepower, adding water/methanol injection means you can achieve it with a more conservative tune, reducing the risk of engine damage.

Considerations

  • Pros: Inexpensive relative to a full kit; easy to install; can be removed or transferred to another car; works with any forced induction system; reduces knock.
  • Cons: Requires regular refilling of the methanol/water mixture; pump can fail if run dry; not a standalone power adder (it only enhances existing boost); may not be legal in all states if not part of a certified system.

Comparison: Supercharger vs. Turbo for the S2000

Before committing to a specific kit, it helps to understand the fundamental difference in philosophy. Supercharger kits (Jackson Racing, Comptech, Vortech) offer instant throttle response, linear power delivery, and easier heat management. They are ideal for track driving, autocross, and daily driving where consistent power is important. Turbo kits (Greddy, as well as offerings from Full Race, Lovefab, and others not on this shortlist) provide stronger mid-range torque and higher peak horsepower potential, but with increased heat, complexity, and a more aggressive power delivery. For a 400+ horsepower target, both routes are valid. Superchargers tend to be more reliable for sustained high-rpm use, while turbo kits can deliver a more exciting street experience.

Choosing the Right Kit for Your S2000

Your choice ultimately depends on your goals: do you want a turn-key daily driver that can embarrass exotics on the track (Jackson Racing or Comptech), or a fire-breathing street monster that delivers a rush of torque when the boost hits (Greddy)? If you plan to chase big numbers (500+ hp), the Vortech kit is the clear winner, but it demands more attention to supporting modifications. If you already own a supercharger or turbo setup and are falling short of 400 hp, the AEM water/methanol injection kit is a highly effective and affordable way to reach that target safely.

No matter which kit you choose, remember that achieving 400+ horsepower in an S2000 requires a comprehensive approach: a strong tune (Hondata K-Pro or FlashPro are strongly recommended), upgraded fuel delivery, a reinforced clutch, and a cooling system that can handle the additional heat. A professional dyno tune by a shop experienced with S2000 forced induction is not optional—it is the key to reliability and performance. With the right combination, your S2000 will reward you with a driving experience that few cars can match.

Final Thoughts

The S2000 is already a fantastic platform, and adding a compressor kit elevates it to another level. Each of these five options—Jackson Racing, Greddy, Comptech, Vortech, and the AEM water/methanol injection—can help you achieve the 400+ horsepower goal, but they cater to different priorities: reliability, peak power, simplicity, or cost-effectiveness. Do your research, consult with a trusted tuner, and invest in supporting modifications from the start. A well-executed forced induction system will transform your S2000 into a supercar-killing weapon while preserving the raw, connected feel that makes it one of the greatest driver's cars ever built.