What on track experience do folks have with some of the less expensive spring solutions out there?

Looks like kg/mm non-adjustable springs or Ground Control adjustable perches with Eibach springs are available for about $400. While I'd like a set of $1200 per corner high-end true coil-overs, probably not in the cards for the immediate future. $400 plus a new alignment would be pretty easy to swing, however. I know the stock shocks are actually pretty decent, but how well do they match up with aftermarket springs?

Will these spring upgrades actually improve on-track handling and decrease laptimes? Fast canyon road handling? At what daily-driving expense?

I have no interest in the cosmetic benefits of such an upgrade. Only to push the balance a little more towards handling performance at the potential expense of daily commute comfort.

 

I've a bit of experience with a really cheap spring solution - the stock ones. This may not be what you want to hear but better tires (i.e. Toyo RA-1 or Yokohama A032R) will make a much bigger difference than springs, especially if you're staying with the stock shocks. Honda did an excellent job from the factory and handling won't be improved upon without spending some serious $$$ on the suspension.

$1200 does not buy a set of high-end coil-overs for the S2000. It might pay for one corner.

Get ye to the track and find out what the fast guys are using. You might be surprised to see most of them on the stock springs.

 

Already running the A032R's, Mugen front sway bar, Spoon X-brace, and the Spoon strut bar with aggressive alignment.

I would rather not change anything on the shocks/springs than make a change and have handling deteriorated, hence my question wether anybody is having great on track experiences with aftermarket springs and stock shocks...

 

You seem to be in the same boat I'm in and I'll be sure to follow this post very closely. I just bought wheels and A032R for the car. I read from your sig that you have done some mods to your car. Are you happy with the results. My goal is to make the car a little stiffer to aid in feel and handling without making it too twitchy.

 

Hmmm, sounds like a pretty good setup so far. I'm not convinced X braces and strut bars make you any faster but that's a debate for another day.

I always like to find out what the fast guys are running and why. FWIW most of the fastest ones (that I've seen here in CA) are using stock springs, with three exceptions. Two are using H&R race springs - but one has Moton shocks, the other has custom-made Konis. The other is using the full Mugen coilover setup, which I hear is fantastic. So unfortunately none of this experience first-hand, but maybe one of those three folks will chime in. You know who you are...

I'd say another set of wheels with Kumhos or Hoosiers are probably your best bet. Going that way won't compromise street civility, and will give you 1-3 sec. per lap over the A032R's. The hard part is getting them to the track...

Good luck!

 

I run comptech springs and it makes a significant difference. I'm not sure about other brands but I give the comptech's a

 

I have Tein RA's w/ spoon sw388's and toyo RA-1's for the track. they work very well together.
For around $400, you could get a set of ground control adjustable perches, which come w/ Eibach ERS springs. The good thing about this setup is that you can specify the spring rates to whatever you want.... Mugen, Spoon, etc.. specs.

 

I have Advance Design shocks with Eibach Springs, 325 lbs/in front and 380 lbs/in rear, and Comptech front and rear matched swaybars. The car feels well balanced now with the stock front rear tire stagger. The stiffer springs need much more damping. With 225 size front tires and 245 rears I will go to 350 or 375 lbs/in. springs at the front

Don't mess with stiffer springs at the rear with the stock shocks - the stockers will be way underdamped and the car will be a handful. I found the stock shocks to be useless after about 5000 to 7000 miles (with the stock springs). The car needs stiffer springs at the front to get the handling more balanced, my guess would be 250 or 275 lbs/in at the front. The 2002 models have stiffer springs (probably more evenly matched rates between front and rear) and weaker sway bars. The handling is reported to be much better.

So, if you want to keep the stock shocks stiffen the front springs only, get the Comptech front and rear swaybar, and don't lower the car more than 1/2 inch. The Koni's might be a good option for $160 each. Ultimately, the stock shocks are well made but underdamped, fade badly, and won't get you very far at the track, especially on a hot day

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by speeeding
[B]For around $400, you could get a set of ground control adjustable perches, which come w/ Eibach ERS springs.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by jzr
[B]