I am a new owner to the s2k, just purchase an 08 this week. I am looking to slowly turn my car into a track beast. I have been doing some reading on suspension/handling, but there is not a whole lot of numbers/stats to go off of. I hear so many people say this feels better or handles better then that but it is all subjective so I am looking for proven numbers/stats. I figure my best bet would be to take something that has numbers to back performance like the s2k on the G-Masters article and re-create it. My goal is to get at least 1g on the skid pad so I basically want to toned down version of the car in the article.

Follow this link to check out.
http://www.sportcompactcarweb.com/features...le_specs_2.html

It seems like the only handling mods are TEIN Super Racing Spec Circuit Master N1 coilovers, Yokohama Advan 225/255, wheels, weight reduction, and an aggressive alignment.

So basically I was wondering what you guys think as far as:

Things that should be considered in creating such a car (i.e. - comfort, impact on street drivability, price, etc)

What order should I tackle this if I re-create it slowly over time

Is there anything I am not seeing as far as handling based mods?

Are there mods that I can leave out that will not have a big impact on handling? (I was thinking of leaving out the wheels, get slightly less aggressive alignment, and only a little weight reduction)

 

As far as weight reduction a good place to start is with a hardtop, if you dont mind that. Although you would have to remove the soft top and the associated parts to save any weight. Also you could cut weight with a new exhaust. The stock is a very heavy one piece unit. Just be careful of what one you get. Some of them can be very loud. You could also take out all the stuff in the trunk to save a few pounds but most people do that for the track anyways.
As far as the handling mods the chassis is pretty good stock. You could do some coil overs like you mentioned but you would likely sacrifice ride quality on the street. I've seen some good reviews on the KW variant 3s but I've also heard good things about the bilstein units; pss9 i think. You may want to consider sways but be careful if you aren't on slicks because the car might get a little tail happy.

 

pm Mark (MugenRioS2K) about the Teins. He has those on his car IIRC and loves them.

The first upgrade I did was a Gendron FSB. I love mine. I'm staying in the stock class auto-x so maybe after some seat time I'll get some nice shocks.

I don't think you will ever get under 2200 lbs in a S2K no matter how much you carbon fiber, cut out, etc.

Just make a plan, search the forums (the Racing forum is a good place to start) and read the FAQs. There are plenty of guys racing their S2K and will be more than helpful.

 

Under tonne is quite difficult espec with it being rear wheel with extra stuff like Diff and driveshaft etc. you can shave a fair amount off though...just need to keep goin at it and buying carbon everywhere lol

 

best handeling mod.....track days with instruction. what's the point of the car being able to do 1g if the driver can't pull 1g?

 

Yeah for sure... I have had a buttload of experience on the track and I am very good at keeping lines, braking, etc. I have hit up road courses about a dozen times (over 2hrs track time per), about a dozen drag days, and years of smashing around the streets in my last car. I definitely need the experience with this car now, but I guarantee you I will be just a good of a driver as any in an s2k with some experience. But with any car, why not try to max out performance? I do not plan on doing any mods in the near future, I just like to research well in advance so I know what to do and in what order when the time comes.

 

I am using the SRC basically the same thing as the N1 but with a steel body instead of AL and slightly lower spring rates but the SRC are valved to handle the N1 spring rates if you want to swap them out.


Tein SRC (16K; 900in-lbs; F &R) (N1 -- 18K 1007inlbs Front ; 20K 1119inlbs)
Tein Dual EDFC
Ricks X-brace
Cusco Rear Tie Bar
Cusco 3 piece floor bars
Cusco Rear sway bar
Static X Motorsports Adjustable Front sway bar< basicaly same as Gendron
Volk GT-7 17x8+49 17x9+49
Falken Azenis (225/45F 255/40R


Front camber: -1.5 degrees
Front toe: - 0"
Caster angle: 6.25 degrees
Rear camber: -2.25 to degrees
Rear toe: - 1/4"

For damping and rebound adjustment you will need to experience how the car handle and make the adjustments on how you want your car to handle.

I have my rebound and compression set so the car will slightly 4 wheel drift coming out of turn progressing to slight push if I give it more throttle.

I have a bit more down force in the front them most ppl so my setting will not necessarily be the ideal setting for you.

Once you get around 1 to 1.2 Gs of lateral loading from that point you ability to get more cornering G

 

Well said

Most cars especially the S2k have a maximum performance limit that is above most ppl conferment limit.