Will a more aggressive alignment (for street and track) help someone become quicker at the track who is fairly a newbie? I want to stay in stock class for the speedventures competition so I'm looking into upgrading the brake fluid, possible brake ducting and more aggressive alignment. I have an AP2, I do not usually have the tendency to oversteer, but I have spun out a total of 2-3 times in the last 2 track days.



Gabe

 

You probably need practice more than an alignment. But if you don't know what your alignment is right now, then yes, you should get one as a baseline.

 

maybe you should practice your pedal control. that's what i did. the last time i was at the track i spun out also because i was being too aggresive with the pedals. now i can catch it real quick when the back end shows a little bit of oversteer.

 

I'm not sure if you drive an AP1 or not. If so, get an alignment or you can opt for a BSK (aka. traction control) Either way you'll still need an alignment after instal. Reason being it makes the learning process much easier with some sort of bumpsteer intervention.

never mind: you have an AP2.[edit]

 

Get the Firestone lifetime alignment. Its only like $120-$140 and you can go as often as you like. When you run r-compounds, you have to dial in more negative camber to maximize traction. Otherwise, I think youll be okay with standard alignment. I suggest getting UK spec aligment for a little more stability.

 

I can tell you now that the Firestone lifetime alignment won't be good as even one alignment at a quality race shop like Westend Alignment. I've gone to Firestone and they aligned my car assuming it was a Honda Prelude even after I told them it was a S2000. So, don't trust the avg. alignment shop to do a good job

 

Standard alignment should probably be better for track novices since it has built in understeer to get newbies out of trouble. When you develop decent car control skills then you can switch to aggressive alignments.

 

Since you've done some track days then fluid and pads are probably necessary, but not ducting (though it won't hurt), esp. since you are running street tires. Negative 2* camber all around would help, but focusing on improving driving is by far the most important.

 

I have seen a noob crash from what I suspect was a poorly factory aligned car.

It's a good idea and to have your car aligned for any track use (even if it's stock alignment)

Spinning could be from any number of reasons, having a proper alignment and tire pressures would be a good place to start if you want to eliminate some mechanical excuses.

 

OMFG You saw a newbie crash due to alignment?!? I'll be sure to stay away from those track events...

Save the $100, go have fun and when you think it might make any damn bit of difference then do it. Aside from brake fluid, pads and tires a stock S2000 is more than fine for a newbie. Don't do things to the car unless you know why you're doing them. There is no magic elixir that will instantly make you a better or faster driver. You can get an alignment just as a baseline but you're probably so green that it wouldn't make any difference.