Hey everyone, my first post on the forum, I want some first hand experienced of the car from you track days junkie.

My info: I have owned 2 previous weekend cars. The first was an 89 Rx7 T2 modified somewhat extensively, but transmission problems surfaced too frequently and eventually ended my relationship with the car. The second is a 2004 BMW M3 which I bought here in Europe. The M3 has been tracked at Nurburgring and Hockenheim on a semi regular basis and of course many backroad runs through the Alps and Eiffel mountains

My situation: I return to the US early next year and I need to make a decision as to a new track/weekend car. The M3 is simply too impractical (I already have a sedan and coupe in the US) and expensive to own so I have decided to sell it. I am now in the process of choosing a decent weekend cruiser and occasional track day car. I looked at the NSX at first but their high initial investment and repair costs deter me from the vehicle. I also looked into the Miata (too underpowered) and the Mr2 (engine is finicky and again not quite up to speed) only to arrive to the conclusion that both have inadequacy for a road track. Autocross would be perfect for the Miata, but I am more interested in open track days. Another Rx7 (FC or FD) is another choice but I honestly do not want to deal with the problems (3 Rx7 owned including the track car) and subsequent headache of the car.

The question: So I have been looking into the S2000 more and more. I want first hand opinions of owners as to the track capabilities of the car.

How does it perform as a track car (road course)?

Does it stand up well to the abuse of a 30 minute track session?

Does the car handle well in the stock configuration?

Is it more prone to under or over steer?

How is the steering feel?

I would also appreciate any video links or first hand account of an S2000 on a track. Thanks everyone in advance.

 

The car is a great track car. All it needs is a set of brake pads and some fluid, and it's ready to be thrashed. It's bias toward under/oversteer is controllable via tire pressures, alignment and driving inputs. In other words, it is very neutral.

Typical semi-stock configurations include:
1. Pads + fluid, stock tires (S02s), stock everything else
2. (1) + 205/245 RA1s
3. (1) + 225/245 RA1s + bigger front sway bar

 

1) Extremely well.

2) No overheating issues, although there are some sparse reports of oil starvation. My impression is that a typical stock S2000 running Kumho Victoracers in a DE environment will never see this issue, however. The diff should be fine unless you do drag racing, but the CV joints and rear wheel bearings can wear out and require replacing. Transmission issues are possible, but that doesn't have anything to do with the track - some cars do that in all circumstances, but if a particular car is trouble free on the street it should be fine on the track as well.

3) Yes, although my belief is that the handling deteriorates as the shocks get more miles on them.

4) It'll understeer at an autocross if you go into a corner really fast and get into ABS to slow down. At a road course, I've never felt it understeer, even on slow hairpin turns.

5) Steering feel is wonderful.

S2000 at Texas World Speedway:
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=125464

 

go with the s2k. ive had 4 rx7s ( 89 gxl, 87tt, 93 base, 93 touring) and although i miss having an 11 second car, i dont smell like exhaust all the time and the maintence on the car is minimal. plus, youre already used to the lack of torque

 

[QUOTE=Elistan,Dec 14 2004, 07:55 AM]5)

 

1- My regular track is Watkins Glen, '05 will be my third year of schools with this car, and prior to that I have 10+ with my '90 CRX-SiR. The S performs very well, I love it!

2- My Fridays are open track days, this past school in September I drove for a solid hour. Got off track and drove down to the village to fill up the tank. Drove back to the track and drove for my second hour. Got off track and drove down to the village to fill up the tank. Drove back to the track and drove for my third hour. The only gaps in time were the 15 minutes or so it took me to go and get gas and come back. To me the limiting factor is the damn tank is too small. The CRX-SiR will run non-stop for just over 2 hours on the track, and that is exactly how I like to drive.

3- My car has the stock suspension with an x-brace, a shock tower brace, a custom roll bar, 205/55-16 Front and 245/45-16 rear r-compounds and non-OEM alignment as the only suspension mods. I think it handles great- don't listen to these people that say it has horrible oversteer...

4- Depends on how you want to set it up. I believe the car is rather neutral and can be made to be either.

5- This is the only thing I wish was better, for me it is a bit too firm and does not have enough feel. However, keep in mind I'm coming from a decade of FWD on the track, and there is no way in hell a RWD car will ever have as much steering feel as a FWD.

6- I love this car! Here are a few still pics for ya.

 

5 years on mine. No major issues, just maintenance. Engine is original and stock. Just change the oil. New clutch and a new CV joint. 64K miles with lots or track time. Stock config is good but you'll be wanting more (we always do). Easy and cheap to maintain. Takes punishment well, rock solid. Steering feel is light, quick and direct tho some say a bit flat. An excellent choice as a track car as 00 models can be had for < $20K with reasonable milage. I've spent all of my money on brake pads, rotors and tires (as it should be)

 

Also the brake system is great. Put on semi-race pads (like Cobalt GT Sport), make sure you've got some decent Dot 4 fluid, bed them properly, and you can just drive and drive. Seldom needs bleeding, and they do not fade on the track.

I think venting the fronts is a good idea, but a lot of people don't.