golfnutintib

New to the board - I have learned a lot and enjoyed reading many of the threads. Would like to get the advice of experienced hands here on my S2000 I have just bought (and will receive next week via transporter)...

-- AP2 (MY 2004) with 37k miles NFR - very well cared for car
-- it has Espelir lowering springs (~1.5 in drop, I understand) and Koni Yellows in place from prior owner
-- has stock AP2 V1 wheels and fresh Hankook V12 Evos in stock sizes
-- I assume the car was re-aligned post install of the aftermarket springs/Koni's
-- original stock suspension parts are coming along with the car
-- this will be a weekend car, canyon carving/brisk drives - no track use planned
-- I am an experienced driver (in my 50's, countless track days, long time DE instructor)

What advice would you give me regarding the current suspension setup? What should I check, if anything, with a mechanic after receiving the car? (My current plan is to have the alignment checked and reset if needed once I get the car. I would expect camber may be set on the slightly aggressive side given the lowering...)

My intent is to enjoy the car pretty much as Honda intended it, as weekend fun car. Visually, I do agree that the modest lowering does makes it look a bit better. Based on the pics I have seen of the car, I would say I may want it brought back up a bit closer to stock stance just for more ground clearance... if the handling is not materially compromised by the current degree of lowering.

I have read generally good things about the Espelir/Koni setup on the S2000 boards. I know Koni's well, Espelir's not so much.

Any thoughts or advice would be welcome.

Thoughts and advice welcome.

Slowcrash_101

Upper control arm bushings.

Chuck S

A buddy and I have worked on our cars together since we bought them (used) three summers ago. His '02 was lowered and grounded/scraped everywhere and lowering didn't make it handle better than my '06 OEM height car. We were able to source original OEM springs for his model year on Ebay (of course!) and the stock ride height and spring rate is superior in our opinions especially now that he fitted AP2V1 wheels. Be sure the seller gives you the OEM springs although I recall the complete set of four was under a hundred bucks shipped.

-- Chuck

B serious

My advice is to drive it and see how you like it.

Then swap the OEM suspension back on...get it aligned and see how you like that.

Easy to make a choice after you've experienced both.

B serious

Other tips would be to buy a lifetime alignment somewhere.

These cars are tricky to align because of all their dependent angles. So a good alignment is key.

I don't want to affect your opinion...but generally speaking, Koni yellows are a more comfortable shock as compared to OEM.

They offer more rebound damping in certain situations, but less high/low speed compression damping.

The OEM shocks are monotubes...so they respond faster.

I kinda like the OEM (Showa) shocks more, for driving feel. But I'm sure Konis make the car easier to drive at the limit.

You have some combinations to try.

Konis/espelir.
Koni/stock springs.

Showa/espelir.
Showa/stock springs.

See what you like. Make sure someone knowledgeable is doing the work and doing things like clocking bushings for every change.

A S2000 has very short rear shock travel. With stock springs/shocks, there's only ~22mm (7/8") of travel before touching the (soft/progressive) bumpstop.

golfnutintib

Thanks all for the input. Specifically I would like advice from any people who have had the Espelir/Koni combination. I am well aware all the combinations/permutations can be tried. Just want to benefit from the experience of those who have first hand knowledge.

sam_spider

Was this the car you bought? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2004-honda-s2000-15/

B serious

^Dang! that was a deal