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Question on Springs and Softtop

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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 12:31 PM
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Hi, I recently purchased a S2000 and it's lowered by 1 or 2 in. I was wondering how much it would cost to replace the springs with stock ones to get it back to stock height. Also, currently the set up for the tires is set for even wear. If the springs are changed back to stock, what kind of alignment would I need to have the tires at even wear?

On the soft top, there are hints of slight wear on the drivers and passengers side just above the hinges (typical wear points I think). Is there some way I can reinforce the inside of the top with metal or some sort of material so it doesn't rip a hole on the soft top?

The previous owner also put in a K&N Air Filter in the stock air box. I read it can be washed instead of replacing it. Whats the difference between this filter and the stock one?

I'm new to the modding cars so I don't know much about these things.
Thanks for any input or comments.
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 12:44 PM
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i have stock ap1 springs, where are you located
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 12:48 PM
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oh I already have the original stock springs, I was wondering how much it would cost for labor and probably alignment(?).
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 02:07 PM
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Originally Posted by bakalag,Aug 22 2009, 02:31 PM
On the soft top, there are hints of slight wear on the drivers and passengers side just above the hinges (typical wear points I think). Is there some way I can reinforce the inside of the top with metal or some sort of material so it doesn't rip a hole on the soft top?
I just put black duck tape on it. I'm sure there are better solutions, but that's all I've done. It's fine in spring/fall/winter but annoying in the summer if the car is in the heat since the adhesive starts to let go. On the upside, it was extremely quick, is completely reversible, and it fixes the problem. On the downside, it looks miserable whenever I look at it.

Originally Posted by bakalag,Aug 22 2009, 02:31 PM
The previous owner also put in a K&N Air Filter in the stock air box. I read it can be washed instead of replacing it. Whats the difference between this filter and the stock one?
In practical terms, not much difference at all as far as I know. I'd bet it's similar to using a different/"better" oil filter. Better or not, in the end, the oil will still be filtered well enough for the car, and the car runs much the same otherwise.

If you want to try something out, take the lid off and drive around without it for a week. The sound is intoxicating to many of us; that's why a CAI is a common change. It only adds ~5hp, but it gives the car that same sound, and that sound is different and much more aggressive.
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 02:49 PM
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For the top, pick up some vinyl fabric and some GOOP glue. Get the good from the autoparts store. Glue the vinyl side to the inside of the top leaving the cloth side of the vinyl out so the bar can slide across it. I live in Florida and this method worked for me for a long time. Everything else I tried came unglued as soon as it got hot outside. Keep the top protected and conditioned. I did not and it just continued to rip.
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Old Aug 22, 2009 | 04:08 PM
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Originally Posted by kalibo,Aug 22 2009, 04:49 PM
For the top, pick up some vinyl fabric and some GOOP glue. Get the good from the autoparts store. Glue the vinyl side to the inside of the top leaving the cloth side of the vinyl out so the bar can slide across it. I live in Florida and this method worked for me for a long time. Everything else I tried came unglued as soon as it got hot outside. Keep the top protected and conditioned. I did not and it just continued to rip.
/\/\
That sounds like a great answer! I'll have to replace my tape when I get some free time. Thanks!
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Old Aug 25, 2009 | 10:05 PM
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ah thanks for the input, are there any pictures of how it should look? I think I get the concept but I'm not really sure what you mean by the cloth side bar sliding part.
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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 12:46 PM
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Instead of starting a new thread on a spring question, I'll just post in this one.
I also got the soft top wear solved.

I'm still considering changing my springs, though my question is this: how would it impact the handling or the traits of the car? I'm on Tein S Techs -2 inch approx. on stock struts. I'm thinking about going back to OEM AP1 stock springs.
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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 02:55 PM
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changing back to stock springs will make your car look worse (like a 4x4)

springs don't do much for handling, most people will argue it makes it handle a little worse, so you MAY see a LITTLE improvement going back to stock, or, more likely, you won't be able to tell a difference
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Old Nov 14, 2009 | 11:51 PM
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Actually I want to get some side skirts but the speed bumps where I'm living BARELY clear my car (that sentence is structured weirdly but you get the idea). If I go faster than 5 MPH it hits the area behind the front wheels (even diagonally). I'm still considering it though. If I don't get side skirts I'm just going to leave it as is.
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