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Welcome to the new 618 Garage Blog! Going forward, the new blog will be a collaboration between myself (Mark) and my friend Matt. We are both big into cars, and we also share a passion for food, specifically BBQ. What better than a blog focused around both at the same time!? Between the two of us, we expect to be able to provide more regular … Continue reading Introducing 618 Garage
For those of you that own a 00-05 S2000, you likely are aware that it is extremely expensive to tune. While you have options, they all seem to have their own set if drawbacks; high cost, lack of available tuners, non-working oem sensors, or a combination. I had pretty much abandoned my hopes of gaining mid-range out of my little 2.0L, until I stumbled across … Continue reading AP1 S2000 Greddy E-Manage Ultimate
With fresh Bilstein 5100’s installed all the way around I needed to next look into upgrading the front and rear suspension. In my mind there were two main reasons for doing this: For one, the new Bilsteins would most likely bottom out with my current 3 inch lift set up (yes, I ordered the correct shocks, Bilstein doesn’t make a perfect size for my current … Continue reading Jeep XJ Overhaul Part 3: Rear Suspension
With the decision to move forward with the Greddy E-Manage + Karcepts base tune, I had to pick up 2 additional parts; an intake and a HFC. This post details some of the things that I ran into, but is not a full installation how-to. since those already exist. Old intake OEM intake removed Air pump and coolant hard lines removed. Since you need to … Continue reading K&N FIPK Intake for S2000
With the brake system completely finished and functioning well, it was time to focus on upgrading the XJ suspension. When I inherited the vehicle from my father-in-law it was clear to me that the aftermarket shocks that he had put on years ago were absolutely toast. While doing the brake work I had a chance to take off the shocks and take a closer look. … Continue reading Jeep XJ Overhaul Part 2: New Shocks
With no major vacation plans this year I knew we wouldn’t be traveling very far this summer and I also knew that the Jeep wasn’t going to be hitting any trails a long distance away either. The timing of this really couldn’t have worked out any better as the old XJ needed some serious TLC. So, this would be the summer of repairs. First up, … Continue reading Jeep XJ Overhaul Part 1: Brake System
After installing the rollbar, I only had about .5″ of clearance between my helmet and the broomstick test, something that wasn’t sitting well with me. The BYS lowered seat bracket is a nice option, which lowers the seat position by about .8″, essentially mounting the seat base just off the floor. While you lose some of the rearward adjustability, it was a worthy tradeoff for … Continue reading Backyard Special Lowered Seat Bracket
After 20+ hours of detailing the AP1, I decided to go for a little cruise around town and take a few pictures. Enjoy! Continue reading Mini Photoshoot: AP1 S2000
I finally got around to doing the paint correction on the S2000. Ive wanted to do this ever since I got the car, as there is a lot of particulate on the paint that needs to be removed. The paint is probably overall in about 7/10 condition, but needs a little attention to really shine once again. I doubt the previous owner ever clay barred … Continue reading S2000 Paint Correction
Replaced the intake elbow and cowl seal. I also ordered new radiator hoses, shifter insulator, and AP2 oil jet banjos. Continue reading Misc OEM Parts Replacement S2000
