The 2000 model Birkin 7 modification features the F20C engine with Honda VTEC.

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Birkin 7 modification features the F20C engine with Honda VTEC.

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↑↑↑Please watch the archived video above with audio if possible...

Installed with Honda's renowned F20C (AP1) engine, generating 250PS/8300rpm in a lightweight body of 640kg...! The VTEC engine's characteristic switch in camshaft at 6000rpm perfectly matches the nimble Seven...! Noteworthy is not only its "furious acceleration" but also its "ease of handling," effortlessly navigating low-speed city driving...!

"Mounting Honda's AP1 F20C VTEC on the ultra lightweight Seven... This could be promising...!"

The test car presented for auction this time is a Birkin 7 equipped with the engine of the S2000, Honda’s front-end AP1 model F20C (AP1), which was released by Honda in 1999, just before the millennium, as a new era sports car that swept the world…

Once mounted with a crude same-year Kent engine, the Birkin 7 underwent a transformation from Weber carb settings to engine tappet adjustments, widening the track and replacing dampers, crafting a racing screen, converting to a single-seater, and even installing a custom-made muffler and roll cage. Completely altering its original form, the engine becomes the fulcrum, swinging the driver, offering a thrilling ride that shakes the brain. The author, who thoroughly enjoyed the encounter with fellow enthusiasts who shared the same passion and understanding of the car’s unique language formed over years of tinkering, eagerly approached the coverage of the shocking Seven fitted with AP1 F20C VTEC.

With a lightweight pipe frame, enhanced by a responsive engine, steering, and brakes, the Seven invites endless imaginings of “what if we do this… or that…” Pursuing never-ending images, driven by expanding dreams, the joy of letting the owner touch “as much as desired” and the depth of forgiveness in its simple structure are felt. Even now, after half a century since Sir Colin Chapman, in a free-spirited manner, passionately crafted this car in his girlfriend’s backyard in the 1950s, parts of it remain touchingly appealing.

Hence, despite being cynically dubbed as “variations outside of Caterham,” once you get behind the wheel, such remarks become inconsequential. Before you know it, you’ll find yourself deeply immersed in the “quagmire” of enjoyment. Such a fun, truly enjoyable world awaits you…! (laughs)

A Honda F20C AP1 VTEC engine in such an extraordinarily enjoyable Seven…!?

Before we let our overflowing fantasies run wild, let’s cool down and organize a bit…

Launched in April 1999 as part of Honda’s 50th anniversary celebration project, the S2000 boasted a development team from the NSX camp and was strategically launched worldwide, representing the company’s future. Despite being an open-body vehicle, it offered exceptional driving performance, encapsulating the joy of driving…

Following the model change, the later AP2 model, with a focus on mid-low speed, saw the rev limit voluntarily reduced to 8500 rpm. However, the F20C engine, installed in the early AP1, had a rev limit that was unheard of in production cars until then—a staggering 9000 rpm. Until the early AP1 model was phased out in 2004, the pre-facelift S2000s are still cherished by enthusiasts worldwide and are considered cars equipped with an iconic machine that will never be replicated…

Mounted in a front-midship position in a “vertical” layout, the F20C engine generates a maximum output of 250 PS. Let me repeat, with an astonishing permissible rev limit of 9,000 rpm…! This masterpiece is a product of Honda’s passion for engine development, as seen in the late 1980s McLaren MP4 and refined in the NSX—a domestically produced high-revving engine. The piston speed of the AP1 F20C engine installed in this S2000 is comparable to that of an F1 engine and is known as an ultra-high-revving engine that is unheard of in production cars…

While being an open-body car, the well-balanced S2000 is brimming with rigidity and weighs 1240 kg… Comparatively, when this test car underwent official vehicle weight measurement during its vehicle inspection, the dry weight stated on the Birkin 7’s vehicle inspection certificate was a mere 640 kg… Considering Chapman’s lightweight philosophy of “adding lightness,” 600 kg is an astronomical technical figure… Does your imagination continue to grow…?!

The F20C engine, placed in the ideal engine position familiar from Kent engines, is paired with a Honda-developed 6-speed manual transmission that allows the engine’s ultra-high rev limit of 9,000 rpm. While slightly tightening the leg space for the driver of this Seven, the transmission fits perfectly in its original shift knob position, providing an incredibly precise and short-stroke shift feeling unique to the S2000’s 36mm short-stroke shift operation, allowing up and down shifts with just a flick of the wrist…

It’s hard to imagine what a 600 kg lighter version of the S2000 with the F20C engine would be like… However, if we change our perspective and approach…! A Seven with an F20C engine installed in a 600 kg lighter body exhibits a massive, stunning proportion right in front of us…!

"Mounting Honda's AP1 F20C VTEC on the ultra lightweight Seven... This has got to be good...!"

The author, who genuinely believed in this concept, reached this realization and bravely conducted an interview with the owner, who had spent nine years in blissful harmony with this Seven.

The prominently raised power bulge surrounding the F20C engine gives the Seven a more muscular appearance...! Paired with the finely installed F20C VTEC and 6-speed transmission, and complemented by Aragosta at the feet...! This superb Seven, with its high level of completion, is incredibly flexible, easy to handle even in city driving, making you want to go anywhere...!

An F20C VTEC engine boasting 250PS and capable of tolerating 9000rpm, perfectly mounted on a 640kg Seven, truly one-of-a-kind in the world… By now, you must have received a vivid imaginative image… Let’s delve into the details of this one-of-a-kind creation without delay…

The base is a 2000 model Birkin 7… With a powerful engine installed, meticulous frame reinforcement has been carried out, especially around the engine area, including rods connecting the left and right lower arms. However, the front A-arms, steering mechanism, and the rear Birkin-specific 5-link rigid suspension appear to be original… Additionally, the fender portion of the cycle fender is offset slightly outward, and Aragosta adjustable dampers & coil springs adorn the setup…

Currently, the front ride height is set at a minimum ground clearance of 9cm from the lower part of the oil pan to the road surface, which is also a legal requirement for vehicle inspections… This setup ensures no scraping, providing a sense of security, but of course, it’s also possible to lower the front ride height for a more aggressive look…

The heart of the matter, the F20C engine, is said to be from the GH-AP1 early-model final version, famously known as the “last S2000 to rev up to 9000rpm” from 2004… Including the air intake, PGM-F1 throttle body, and 6-speed manual transmission, all components are transplanted from the 2004 model S2000… The engine swap was carried out and certified for roadworthiness…

The nose cone is said to be original FRP, with a raised rear section that exudes power, even when viewed from the front… This section appears to also be formed from FRP…

Originally, the inline-four exhaust manifold and muffler were left-sided, but now, a custom-made vertical downward exhaust manifold, SARD catalytic converter with exhaust gas report, and a one-off titanium silencer have been installed on the driver’s side… This setup allows the driver to feel the pressure of the F20C engine’s sound just below the ears and experience the exhaust sound riding on the cams from 6000rpm onwards, which must be a delightful sensation…

Furthermore, the outlet hole for the exhaust manifold on the unused left side of the body has been neatly sealed with aluminum…

Notably, a custom-made engine hood with a genuine power bulge was crafted to accommodate the F20C engine… While the original hood was made of aluminum, it’s now FRP… Due to a few years passing since its manufacture, there are some cracks observed on the painted surface…

While the meter panel layout remains unchanged from the original Birkin 7, a Pivot-made stepper motor-type tachometer displaying up to 10000rpm was installed to match the F20C engine’s 9000rpm redline… The image of the 6-speed manual shift lever and the original S2000 shift knob sitting perfectly in the same position as the original is truly impressive… Additionally, it was noted that the width of the transmission offsets the inner wall of the foot space slightly, necessitating specific shoes for the Seven…

Reflecting the change in imagery, the steering wheel is a Momo Aeroplane-type in backskin… Its worn-in feel suggests it’s easy to drive anywhere, embodying the character of this individual… Both seats are original Birkin, and while the seat belts are the original 3-point type, Sabelt 4-point racing harnesses are also included…

The boot of the handbrake has been replaced with fabric and is temporarily secured with cable ties… Some cracks can also be seen on the center console…

Currently, there are no major issues reported, but there was a previous issue with the fuel tank sender unit, which was addressed by replacing the float… Interestingly, a sender unit for a Volkswagen was used, but even with a full tank, the gauge only points to about halfway… However, the position when the fuel is low is said to be accurate, but as the Seven’s fuel tank was never very reliable to begin with, the owner doesn’t seem to mind…

This Seven epitomizes the joy of driving…! Every little detail can be tailored to the owner’s preferences… That’s what makes owning a Seven so enjoyable…! It’s the deep, fulfilling part of Seven life…! Let’s quickly start the engine and blow away those small concerns…! Let’s go for a drive…!

When the ignition is turned on… the uniquely stimulating sound of the PGM-F1 system echoing in the open-air because of the Seven’s structure is quite thrilling…! Then, turning the key further, the F20C engine instantly comes to life with a dynamic mid-range boosted sound…! The finely granulated sound of the inline-four typical of high-revving engines, coupled with the responsiveness felt through blipping, sets it apart from the typical Seven engine…!

Please continue reading along with the attached edited video…

"Putting a Honda-made AP1 F20C VTEC engine into an ultra-lightweight Seven... Now that's impressive!"

“The author’s subjective perspective gradually changed as well…!”

2000 Birkin 7 Modified: Impressions After Interviewing the F20C Honda VTEC Equipped Vehicle

“The first car I drove after getting my license was the Fiat-era X1/9 designed by Bertone…

The owner, who works in the automotive industry and has experienced the speed of renowned sports cars from around the world, was deeply drawn to the pure simplicity of the Super Seven, which stripped away all unnecessary elements. He shared that the Super Seven represented the pinnacle of his automotive journey…

When it came to driving a Seven, the owner wanted an injection-equipped one that he could confidently take anywhere. He encountered this flexible Birkin with the F20C VTEC engine in 2015… Over the past nine years, he has enjoyed a honeymoon with the Seven, embracing a lifestyle centered around it with his family…

Despite being familiar with the characteristics of fast cars from around the world due to his profession, the owner emphasized that the incredible speed of the VTEC cam switch in this Seven is extraordinary. He casually mentioned, ‘I’m used to it now,’ but I could sense that he comfortably resides in a higher realm of ‘enthusiasm’…

Despite possessing such a fantastic appearance and specifications, the owner mentioned that he has never used this Seven on a circuit. Living in Gunma Prefecture, where one can enjoy some of the best winding roads in the country just a few minutes from the garage, he has relished the unique joy of driving through the mountainous winding roads with high-speed corners echoing the sweet sound of the F20C…

He has spent nine years thoroughly enjoying life with the Seven, from everyday to extraordinary experiences, with his family. However, he made the heart-wrenching decision to part with it to embark on the restoration of his cherished X1/9, which he has held onto for 30 years since purchasing it as his first car in his youth. Touching upon his emotions, I found myself deeply moved as well…”

Installed in a lightweight body weighing 640kg, the renowned Honda engine F20C (AP1) generates 250PS/8300rpm...! The characteristics of the VTEC engine, with the cam switching at 6000rpm, perfectly match the lightweight Seven...! Notably, alongside its "exhilarating acceleration," it also excels in "easy handling" during low-speed city driving...!

"Please come and see for yourself the perfect match between the AP1 F20C VTEC engine and the Seven. We welcome you to visit us in Gunma Prefecture for a tour!"

We have conducted detailed interviews with the current owner, including discussions on past maintenance records and repair history, as well as checking for any accident records. If there were significant accident histories or if the current owner’s ownership history is extremely short and details are unclear, we may decline the interview and take measures to ensure peace of mind for prospective buyers.

This article was written based on interviews and test rides conducted with the owner on a sunny day starting from 1:00 PM on April 13, 2024, over a period of approximately three hours. Please note that due to the limited time for confirmation, the description of the actual condition of the vehicle may not be 100% accurate, and not all details in the article have been independently verified. Comments on the condition are based on the weather and circumstances at the time of the interview, as well as the author’s subjective opinion.

For inquiries about the featured vehicle or to schedule a viewing, please contact us via the link at the bottom of this page. Please note that as this is a private transaction, viewings will only be available to customers who are considering a purchase.

Thank you for your consideration.