The 2000 Mugen S-MX. A seriously cool micro hauler!

The S-MX is similar in appearance to the larger Honda Stepwgn, shortened substantially in length and height. Whereas the Stepwgn had three rows of seating to accommodate eight passengers, the smaller S-MX has two rows of seating for four or five passengers.

In order to maximize space for passengers, the S-MX uses a front bench seat and a column shifter for the four-speed automatic transmission (the only available transmission). The S-MX was powered by a 2.0 L version of Honda's B-series engine featuring double overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder; it did not use Honda's VTEC system. Peak power output was 128 hp (130 PS; 96 kW) @ 5,500 rpm and peak torque was 135 lb·ft (18.7 kgf·m; 183 N·m) @ 4,200 rpm.

This engine was shared with the Honda CR-V compact crossover. Similar to the CR-V, the S-MX was available with front-wheel-drive or optional four-wheel-drive.

We like the Mugen logo molded into the side skirt. This is something rarely seen on Mugen aero kits.

Let's face it, you can't build every amazing Mugen car out there. So we resort to the next best thing -- building out your collection with scale models. Ebbro has made amazingly detailed die-cast models for Honda and the Mugen variants for many years in the tidy 1/43 scale (about 3-4" long). I've only ever seen them sold in stores in Asia. You can see a few at the King Motorsports showroom, where King's CEO displays a part of his collection.

In the early 2000's, Mugen worked closely with Ebbro to produce this collection of Mugen models. The details are truly stunning, right down to the precise livery placement and colors on the race cars. As with all Ebbro models, they feature complete interiors and include details like exhaust pipes, radio antennas, cannards, Honda/Mugen badging, clear headlight/taillight housings, window vents and windshield wipers. Ebbro does not cut corners when they make these things. They even have Mugen part numbers!

MUGEN S2000. The colors are faithful to the gray Mugen prototype we showcased on our blog and even includes the Mugen logo in the quarter window of the hardtop.

MUGEN INTEGRA TYPE R. See our blog post for the Mugen DC2R to see how faithful this model is to its full-size counterpart!

MUGEN STREAM

MUGEN FIT

MUGEN NSX JGTC 2002

CASTROL MUGEN NSX JGTC 1999

CASTROL MUGEN NSX JGTC 1999

LOCTITE MUGEN NSX/JGTC 2001

Mugen have continued to partner with top-quality manufacturers like Tamiya, Ebbro and Autoart to create 1/24 scale plastic model kits, 1/10 scale R/C kits, 1/43 scale die-cast and 1/18 scale die-cast replicas. If you love Mugen cars and have more shelf space than garage space, these models are a great place to start a collection!

See the current catalog of Honda/Mugen models from Ebbro on their website. Scroll to the bottom to drool over the discontinued models. Check out Ebbro.net for more pics and 360-degree views!

Here is a nice tidbit from our archives for you CR-X fans. This is a visual timeline of Mugen's second-gen CR-X models.

1987: CR-X PRO.2 F1 Marshal model

(Includes bonus "CYBER SPORTS" graphics!)

1988: CR-X PRO.2 Products model [EF7/8]

1989: CR-X PRO.2 VTEC [EF9]

See all our current performance parts for the second-gen CR-X at the King Motorsports online store.

Skunk2 Thermal Intake Manifold and Throttle Body gaskets are designed as direct replacements for OEM gaskets. Skunk2's advanced high temperature thermal polymer material protects against heat soak and maximizes horsepower gains by reducing heat transfer. With the use of Skunk2 thermal gaskets, air intake temps are minimized which provides the your engine cooler air for combustion, and that means horsepower. This and bypassing several heat sources can provide you up to 5% more power.

Skunk2 Racing thermal intake manifold and throttle body gaskets are perfect for your race, weekend warrior and street application.

Features:
- B/D/K-Series Applications
- Direct replacements for OEM intake manifold and throttle body gaskets
- Protects against heat soak and reduces the incoming air temperature before it reaches the cylinder head.
- Reduces HP robbing heat transfer into the intake manifold
- High Heat deflection

• Acura B17A1
• Acura B18A1, B1, C1, C5
• Honda B16A2, A3
• Honda B20B, Z

Thermal Intake Manifold Gasket (B16a)
372-05-0290

• Acura B17A1
• Honda B16A2, A3

Thermal Intake Manifold Gasket (K-Series non-Si)
372-05-0320

• Acura K20A2, A3, Z1
• Honda K20A3, Z3
• Honda K24A1, A4, A8, Z1

There are many reasons to downgrade your car back to stock form. Most of the time, it's because life has struck. Maybe the car was munched up beyond repair, or finances are forcing some hard choices.

But sometimes the reasons are happy ones -- like upgrading to a newer model!

That's what's happening to our old friend John Hinrichs. John was one of the first to Mugen-equip his 2010 CR-Z. We documented his impressions of the Mugen carbon fiber air box, Mugen 17x7 GP wheels, Mugen cat-back exhaust and Mugen 5-way sport suspension for our blog. And now he's trading in his 2010 CR-Z for a fresh new 2013 model.

We asked him to send his thoughts on going back to stock form after enjoying his Mugen parts for the last 40k miles:

>> With 40k of the 41k miles on my CR-Z having used the Mugen suspension, I didn't remember how the OEM setup felt. Now that its back on, I can tell you I'll be in a hurry to get the Mugen gear onto my 2013.

>> There is little difference in comfort between the two. On the highway, or even a lumpy backroad (if it doesn't have any curves in it), I have to pay fairly close attention to notice the change. Large bumps do take the OEM suspension a bit longer to sort out, so if anything the Mugen setup is more comfortable by being less bouncy. But then there is the cornering. While the Mugen suspension did leave some body roll (it is a comfortable street setup, after all) turn in was immediate, and the way the car's weight would shift was linear and predictable. Not so much with OEM suspension. Not only is the body roll worse, but turn into a corner with any vigor and it takes two or three tries (read: bounces) before the suspension settles in. And it has to figure it out all over again if I try to change my line mid-turn. The OEM setup is best described as vague, if not a little bit unsettling.

>> Oh, and the fender gap is back to barely acceptable with my 16" winter wheels. Would look downright awkward with 17"s.

Thanks John for the report and we're looking forward to your future mods!

Check out all our CR-Z performance parts at the King Motorsports online store!

The 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon just wrapped up yesterday. Since most of us find it a tad difficult to drop everything to hop on a plane and attend this annual JDM lovefest, we are doing you the favor of letting you live vicariously through a few choice smartphone pictures.

This year's Mugen / Honda display emphasized heritage and cutting-edge technology.

One of the Mugen concept cars that got our attention is the Mugen CR-V concept vehicle. Definitely gives the CR-V a bit of attitude!

The Mugen N-One Premium: Mugen aero kit, sports suspension, wheels and exhaust. Should this car come to the US? We think so!

The Mugen N-One Racing concept car is our favorite. Just imagine a race grid full of 20-30 of these cars, much like the old City Turbo race series in the 80's! That would be too cool! We love the No. 16 -- a shout out to all the great Honda race cars that shared the same number.

This is one of the 300 limited edition Mugen CR-Z RZ cars. A supercharged hybrid is hard not to like. With close to 200 hp, the Mugen CR-Z RZ punches well above its weight.

This booth shot features the Mugen CR-Z GT race car. Thanks to 歐陽明曦 for posting this on our Facebook page!

Update 1/22/2013:

One of our favorite cars at the 2013 Tokyo Auto Salon was the Mugen Racing N-One Concept (pictured below). We are pleased to announced this car was awarded the Grand Prix award! This prestigious "Best in Show Award" is awarded to the car that best embodies design, ingenuity and the spirit of the Tokyo Auto Salon. Congratulations to Mugen!!!

http://www.mugen-power.com/english/news/2013/20130122/index.html

Today we're taking a look at the factory tuned Civic Type-R that Mugen unleashed on the Honda community in 2009. Based on the 2008 FD2 Civic Type-R, the Mugen Civic RR Advanced Concept was upgraded and enhanced to the point that its performance even rivals Mugen's Civic Type RR model released in 2007.

Basically every panel that could be removed has been replaced with carbon fiber. Engine upgraded. Suspension, brakes and tires beefed up. New aero created. Titanium components added. The result: 2414 lbs, 260 hp NA 2.2L K-series and a 1:04.096 lap run @ Tsukuba Circuit (YouTube video).

This page shows a closer look at some of the weight savings of the Advanced Concept. The CFRP doors are so light they are actually difficult to shut! Just amazing ...

So how does the Mugen RR Advanced Concept stack up on the track in comparison to a Civic Type R and Mugen Civic RR? Lap times for Tsukuba Circuit are below:

Civic Type R: 01:07"494 (March 15, 2007)

Mugen Civic RR: 01:06"688 (March 15, 2007)

Mugen RR Advanced: 01:04"906 (December 5, 2008)

Check out the Tsukuba Circuit time attack telemetry from the RR Advanced Concept. When Mugen say their parts are track-proven, they mean it. Right-click see the image larger.

The heart of the Mugen Civic RR Advanced Concept is the bespoke Mugen 2.2L engine producing 260 hp @ 8250 RPM! We like the Recaro/Mugen RR seats, yellow dash gauge and shout-out to the Mugen Time Machine Wristwatch. Right-click see the image larger.

How does horsepower compare?

Civic Type R: 225 hp

Mugen Civic RR: 240 hp

Mugen RR Advanced: 260 hp

Here's Mugen's display for the Advanced Concept at the 2009 Tokyo Auto Salon. The individual components are laid out in that familiar, meticulous OCD fashion we all love.

(Image courtesy of speedhunters.com)

See a gallery of detailed track and action shots of the Advanced Concept over at Nippon News.

Check out the currently available performance parts for the FD2 Civic and Type R at our online store!

It's EG Friday here at King Motorsports! Here's our roundup of Mugen EG models and the parts offered at the time! Above is the Mugen EG hatch with NR-10 wheels. Below is Mugen's red sedan with MR-5's.

The catalog offers additional details for the aero parts and a unique sports exhaust system called the Aero Exhaust.

More images from the catalog show wheel, valve cover, exhaust, steering wheel and suspension possibilities for both the EG hatch and sedan ...

This is the first-gen Aero Exhaust, which Mugen made specifically for the EG Civic. As usual, Mugen includes all the mounting hardware and bits to ensure a perfect fitment.

This streamlined and slim exhaust design was later replaced with the Mugen Twin Loop design around 1996. A version of the Aero Exhaust is also popular with the EF Civic crowd.

And here's how the Aero Exhaust looks bolted up under the EG sedan! We love how Mugen used to badge these exhaust systems. "If you care enough to look down here, then we want you to know this car is equipped with Mugen AWESOME."

And here's the exhaust on the Mugen EG hatch (thx Gerado D. for the find):

You can see all of our currently available performance parts for the EG Civic on our online store.

Earlier this week we finally rolled up the garage door and nudged our Prelude race car project out into the bright, gleaming light of the winter sun. "San Pedro" is the 4th gen Honda Prelude we've been re-building from the floorboards up, and it's shaping up to be a performer!

Here are some of the first pictures of San Pedro freshly hosed off and ready for a few more aero "details" before we get ready for spring testing!

Bonus picture! Merrit M. sent us this photo she took of San Pedro circa 2000 (or 2001) at the SCCA Runoffs at Mid-Ohio. Thanks Merrit!

There are cars that find new life as race cars, and then there are cars that are practically delivered straight to the track. This 4th gen Honda Prelude (BB4) is a very storied car that's been a race car its entire life -- winning a few championships in the hands of Bob Endicott (it was Bob's car). We are currently reinventing this thoroughbred race car for its next chapter -- which is sure to be very interesting! :)

Orange is the color of the year over here at King Motorsports. The Prelude race car project -- nicknamed "San Pedro" -- is geting a fresh paint job in a bright new color. Some call it Hugger Orange, we prefer to call it Daytona Yellow!! Here it is over at Don's Auto Body in West Allis, WI (Don does all of our paintwork, give him a call at 414-541-5155 if you need anything).

Next stop back to KMS for final assembly and setup.

Now that "San Pedro" is back from Don's Auto Body with a fresh coat of Daytona Yellow (some call it Daytona Red), Chad begins final assembly. Installing the fuel bladder, rear tin work and a set of freshly rebuilt and revalved Penske triple adjustable shocks are the first on the build list.

Fresh new parts and fresh paint-wonderful!!

Rear tin work-bead rolled to eliminate vibration noises. Dzus fasteners are used for easy access to the fuel systems.

We just installed the engine/transmission assembly into "San Pedro" Trick transmission with carbon synchro's and a Mugen limited slip (super rare). The engine is built to the limit of SCCA EP prep rules with a camshaft set ground to our specifications. We'll be using a Hondata S300 for tuning. Can't wait to get it on the dyno!

Getting closer to firing up San Pedro for initial engine break in on the dyno. The engine is now completely plumbed and the engine harness has been installed.

Fitting an oil catch tank on a Prelude is always tricky. We fabricated our own and plumbed it with Aeroquip -10 braided lines.

Here is where we vent the H series valve covers. Here the motor has a race header that DC built specifically for the car years ago. We will use it to establish a baseline before we start developing our own race header for it.

The fuel cell is completely plumbed. We ran a hard line under the car to the engine bay for the fuel feed and return. Connections are -6 Aeroquip.

The Penske triple adjustable damper canisters are mounted for ease of compression and rebound adjustments. Controlling wheel movement is the one of the most important considerations in making a race car handle properly.

Just started fabricating the dash for San Pedro. We use .080" sheet aluminum. We will mount an Autometer tach, oil press/temp and water temp gauge in this panel. Once fabrication has been completed we will send it out to be powder coated flat black to reduce glare.

View from the top of the dash.

San Pedro is alive!! The engine has been broken in on our dyno and we are now testing various intake and exhaust solutions.

It is critical that the initial start and break in of a new engine be monitored closely on the dyno with a wide band. We have seen far to many engines ruined by improper A/F ratios and poor "base line" tunes.

Chad is busy fabricating a new H23 dyno header for San Pedro...

On the dyno with San Pedro with our new H23 stepped race header.

Detail shot of the H23 header....

Finishing up TIG welding the 3" stainless race exhaust on "San Pedro" with a Magnaflow 3" stainless muffler.

Here is the header to Mid Pipe Flex Joint.

Some finishing details on "San Pedro" dash is in and gauges wired up.

Fuel filler fabrication.

Interior tin work completed and plexi windows fabricated and installed.

We rebuilt San Pedro's front suspension using new uprights, bearings, hubs and upper control arms. ARP extended studs were also installed.

More updates will be added to the blog as we go. Be sure to check out our Facebook page to see the updates on San Pedro as they happen!

Update 12/4/2012:

We haven't had an update on the progress of "San Pedro" in a while. Christmas came a bit early yesterday in the form of the correct steering hub to mount the steering wheel. We even hear a pair of factory side skirts are on their way to us. "All" we have to do now is fabricate a carbon front air dam to mount the splitter and it's off to the races!!

Update 12/13/2012:

Here's a picture of the newly-painted Volk TE37's with Hoosier race rubber:

Update 12/21/2012:

We are finalizing chassis setup on "San Pedro" -- this orange beast is on the scales and will soon be ready for testing!

Update 1/9/2013:

Finally... San Pedro gets a new windshield!

San Pedro sees the light for the first time in 2013! Spring testing is coming soon!

Clicky-click to see "Re-inventing 'San Pedro' Part 2" for a continuation of the build pics!