Hi all,

I just recently got hit in the front right half of my 03' which did about 4k worth of suspension damage. My buddy has a full set of 00' OE suspension. I figure I can just save some insurance money and sepnd it on something else if I just replace all my suspension with 00' suspension.

Does anyone know the differences between these years? I have heard that the springs rates are different... but a definite answer would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

-Mike

 

Having driven both an '02 and an '00 model back to back recently and knowing that the '02 and '03 are the same...

The '00 model car will be much more lively in the back end than what you're used to. All of the parts should bolt right on, but you'll want to drive with a bit more care. I found the '02 to be much more forgiving than the '00 model when I made a mistake.

I, unfortunately, can't speak of which parts are different.

 

I don't think there are any differences. I am no expert, but that is the impression I am under.

 

There are differences in spring rates and sway bars between "00/'01 and '02/'03. If you replace the components, do so as complete sets. It will make your car more "lively", so many match a slightly larger front sway bar to the earlier components to help keep the back end planted.

 

MY00 suspension is firmer. They tend to handle better if you know what you're doing, or get you in more trouble if you don't. Drive a MY00 before you decide to swap your suspension out. Make sure it's what you really want.

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys... I'm planning on just swapping out the shocks and springs and not any other suspension components. I'm farely used to the touchiness of the 03', so im hoping that the 00' isn't too much of a difference.

If anyone can elaborate further, it'd be much appreciated.

Thanks again for everyones' help,

-Mike

 

An '03 is a pussycat when compared to a '00. If you find the '03 to be at all touchy, the '00 suspension is not for you. The '00 model is loose all the time while the '03 model needs to be provoked slightly.

After swapping the springs and shocks, look at the bars of the two cars. Take the larger front and smaller rear sway bars. This gives you the best shot at something tame.

 

For deciding on a sway bar to complement your new springs, this thread provides helpful information about year to year changes in sway bar thickness.

To summarize, '00-'01 cars had 28.2mm front and 27.2mm rear bars, and the '02-'03 cars were softer up front with a 26.5mm bar and the same in the rear. The softer front was matched with reduced rear spring rates, which you are now changing. Thus, you absolutely want to use the thicker front bar from the donor car unless you want a REALLY loose setup. Also, if you could source a thinner AP2 rear bar (25.4mm), it would help in keeping the back end behind you.

Tire selection will modify this balance, but it is best to tame the back end as much as possible. Mugen released an even thicker front swaybar (31.8mm) soon after the introduction of the S2000, and it was a popular choice for early autocrossers until the even larger aftermarket front bars from Comptech, Gendron and Saner were released.

 

I went from an all-stock '00 setup to an '03 coilover plus Whiteline front swaybar setup, and I must say the new setup is very, very nice for street-tire autocross.

 

Exact same here, I will say the rear is a bit loose even with an aggressive alignment but it's definetely workable.