2006 Honda S2000: Looking for a sharper turn in

[rabbit1986]

Hello,

My previous car was a Lotus Elise Sport from 2016.

Last year I bought a Honda s2000 from 2006. A mint example.
But somehow I'm missing a bit of sharper turn-in. The car is bone stock.

Things already executed:
- Did a sharper alignment.
- Fitted a set of new Micheline PS5 tyres, the grip and turn in are already a tad better.

But still looking to improve that turn in appetite.

I was looking into fitting a Bilstein B14. To lower it a bit, and make it go flatter around the corner.
Other people with AP1's (prefacelift models) are advising to just fit some lowering Eibach Springs.
Others say the facelift S2000 are just a bit more softly sprung and that I will need a harder shock like the B14.

What do you guys reckon? Looking for some decent honest advice. Most of the communities / boards of S2000 are more like a bunch of fanboys not answering my question.

Any advice is appreciated

[_Rodders_]

I'd play around with tyre pressures first off. Maybe take a few psi out of the front and see how it feels.

If it's a long way from what you want it might be best to move onto something else rather than spend a chunk of money modifying this one.

[rabbit1986]

_Rodders_ said:

I'd play around with tyre pressures first off. Maybe take a few psi out of the front and see how it feels.

If it's a long way from what you want it might be best to move onto something else rather than spend a chunk of money modifying this one.

Good idea ! Might give it a try

[donkmeister]

TBH it's probably not something many feel the need for.

Really, you have:
1) improve tyre grip - done
2) sharpen the geometry - done
3) lower centre of gravity - doing
4) reduce roll - doing
5) reduce compliance - fit some harder bushes
6) lighten - replace body panels, remove interior, go on a diet.
7) road surface - drive somewhere else.

[normalbloke]

Try a small amount of toe out on the front. Just a weeny bit. Something you can do yourself and reset easily if you don’t like the increased tendency to follow surface defects.

[Boylston]

Tyres. I've had my S2000 since new. The orginal custom Bridgestone Potenza RE050 (MZ) were EXCELLENT. It was SO pointy. You cannot get these any more. The secret of these tyres was a CRAZY stiff side wall. So what I do is find XL tyres.

Ezzer

[Tim Cognito]

Firmer suspension, dampers not just springs.

More aggressive geometry.

[havoc]

Boylston said:

Tyres. I've had my S2000 since new. The orginal custom Bridgestone Potenza RE050 (MZ) were EXCELLENT. It was SO pointy. You cannot get these any more. The secret of these tyres was a CRAZY stiff side wall. So what I do is find XL tyres.

Ezzer

Yoko AD08R, if you can still get them.
AD09 if not (if the right sizes exist)
AD08RS has mixed reviews - some like them.

In all cases be advised that they behave even worse than the original S02's in standing water, but are good in damp conditions.

[LG9k]

I didn't like the B14s a friend fitted, the ride was not up to scratch.
The B16s I had were terrific, softer for road use, stiffer for tracks. Adjust to taste.

Others have sworn by a front lower brace of some sort.

What geo settings did you get? The feel of the car can be massively changed.

[Belle427]

I have not long done all the bushes on mine, fitted a full hard race kit which was a nightmare job but it has certainly sharpened the car up.

[donkmeister]

Belle427 said:

I have not long done all the bushes on mine, fitted a full hard race kit which was a nightmare job but it has certainly sharpened the car up.

Do you drive it on the road? If so, what's it like when you hit bumps and potholes?

I occasionally think that I'm overdue a suspension refresh on my S2000 so am always interested to hear what people find with non standard bushes.

[Belle427]

donkmeister said:

Belle427 said:

I have not long done all the bushes on mine, fitted a full hard race kit which was a nightmare job but it has certainly sharpened the car up.

Do you drive it on the road? If so, what's it like when you hit bumps and potholes?

I occasionally think that I'm overdue a suspension refresh on my S2000 so am always interested to hear what people find with non standard bushes.

All road use and yes its certainly firmer, depends on the roads you drive on. My daily 12 mile commute is on mostly dreadful surfaces and you do notice it but on better roads is where you really feel the sharper response.
No doubt it's firmer but not unbearably so.