What’s Up in the Forums: Member Contemplates Cutting up His S2000 CR
The S2000 CR is a very rare bird. But does that make you crazy for wanting to make it safer on the track?
Though they may not be worth a ton of money (yet), the Honda S2000 CR is still a rare car. Production for the track-focused version of Honda’s venerable roadster was originally slated at around 2,000 units, and yet, only 699 were built in 2008 and 2009. Which, of course, leaves owners in a bit of a pickle. Should they modify and drive the S2000 CR as intended, or should they seal them up in a hermetic chamber like a collectible? That dilemma is what caused member CR295 to head to the forums when he began to have thoughts about hacking up his rare car.
“I’d like to add a roll bar in addition to a bucket seat and harnesses mainly for safety and to improve driver feel. I track my car a decent amount, but find myself in pain (mainly back) after just a few sessions from having to brace myself in the OEM seat. So my question is, am I completely destroying the value of my 38k mile RYP delete by cutting notches in the wheel well for the backing plates? Did I buy the wrong car? Can I get away with a just a bucket and OEM 3 point belts?”
You can’t blame the OP for wanting to make his S2000 CR safer on the track. But as HawkeyeGeoff points out, maybe there’s a way to compromise.
“I’d just start with a fixed racing seat and the standard 3-point to keep the value of your car. At the same time, it’s meant to be enjoyed. If you’re keeping it for a long time, a roll bar isn’t the worst idea in the world.”
Still others wonder if the OP would be better served cutting up something less rare, including silvio1522.
“It’s like buying the Mona Lisa because you need a canvas to paint on. Why not sell the CR for top dollar, being it is low mileage and a delete, and use the money to buy a clean AP2. Pay for all your mods you may want to do and still have a few bucks left over. When it comes time to sell your AP2, you’re not going to get someone lowballing you because you butchered a collector car. Wish I could say, sell me your CR.”
Then again, Inspired just gets right to the point.
“I won’t sugarcoat my answer. Yes, you will negatively affect the value of the car by doing said mod since it’s irreversible. That kind of alteration (along with fender rolling) really affects the value of base models. On CRs, it’s just as bad if not worse. And yes, in my opinion, you’re doing it to the wrong car. That said, you paid for the car and the taxes. Therefore it’s your prerogative on what you would like to do. If you don’t see yourself selling the car and there is a need for this type of roll bar, then have at it!”
It’s a tough spot to be in, that’s for sure. Personally, we’d be hesitant to hack up an S2000 CR, but that’s just us. And we want to know what you think! Is the OP crazy to even consider desecrating his rare ride? Or is he perfectly in the right to do so? Head on over here and chime in with your thoughts and opinions on the matter!
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