This is COMPLETELY off-topic, but I have to say I am always surprised to see how many people autocross, particularly in stock class. The rules are so constraining that it definitely makes it hard to get a car running right without bending the rules at least a little. Anyway, back to the topic at hand.

 

The rules give plenty of lattitude to make the car work well. It just takes $4000 shocks and big front sway bars.

 

Jamal, there's a topic about wheel choices for the 2004 S2000 in this forum that I recently posted to. It covers a bunch of good options. Ahh, here it is.

John (Reverend), it's actually not so bad getting a lot of cars to work well in the Stock category for autocross. A stiff front swaybar and some cheap adjustable shocks is all it takes for most cars. The AP1 S2000 is a bit of an oddball with its super-stiff rear swaybar, and does require the super-expensive shocks to tame the wheelspin.

Actually Andy, do you think that now that you have figured out the settings for your Penskes, they could be built into a non-adjustable shock (like a Bilstein)? Or is there too much variation in ideal settings from site to site?

 

[QUOTE=The Reverend,Oct 29 2005, 01:02 PM]This is COMPLETELY off-topic, but I have to say I am always surprised to see how many people autocross, particularly in stock class.

 

Greece_S2000- interesting tip, but not legal under our SCCA stock class rules. There is no allowance for modification to any part of the rear sway bar, not just parts but geometry as well. You are also responsible for running a properly operating car, so you can't just say "oops, it disconnected itself". Well you could, but you'd still be subject to protest.

Cone_Killa- did you have an M Coupe before? Thought I saw that car for sale. I recently sold my '99 Z3 2.8 Coupe and if you are who I think you are I remember you from way way back on bimmer.org

Reverend- it's not that hard- everyone is subject to the same regulations as you are. As has been shown in this thread, the problem on this particular AP2 was not improper setup due to rule constraints, but rather a loose bolt that effectively made 124Spider's car have no front bar. It just goes to show that it's always a good idea to check for proper function before you go re-inventing the wheel.

As for the rules, ease of setup really depends on the car. Some cars like the ITR are so good out of the box that odds are a novice would make it worse by goofing with it. You'd never believe how well behaved my '93 MR2 was with just a FSB, Konis and an alignment. The AP2 similarly is pretty good with just a front bar.

Stock class is a popular place to start for people who still want to DD their cars and have fun on weekends. Honestly I learned a lot driving the MR2- thanks to the stable setup I was able to concentrate on improving my driving rather than constantly goofing with the car. It is a challenge and sometimes art to optimize a car within the rules. You don't have to bend them either, alignment can do wonders

I now run an '89 Civic Si in Street Touring, which allows more freedom on the suspension. Yes we can do things with this car that we could never do in stock, and yes it is fun to learn all the new tuning possibilities. But I would not trade the experience I gained running stock for 5 years, you can still learn a lot and have fun.

Peter

 

[QUOTE=PoweredByCamry,Oct 29 2005, 03:11 PM]Cone_Killa- did you have an M Coupe before?

 

On my car ('00 model) there is a large variation in shock settings between concrete and not-so-good ashpalt. I think you could build a good non-adjustable unit for concrete and smooth grippy asphalt, but it'd be loose as a goose on more slippy surfaces.

And it'd be absolutely miserable on the street. Ouch!

Edit: I should also add that there is a HUGE difference between running Hoosiers and running Kumhos. The shock differences are night and day when constrained by stock class rules.

 

I'm as sure as I can be that the missing bolt was the cause of the problem. As has been pointed out, it is worth looking under the covers sometimes. However, autocross is done here, until February or so, so it'll be a while before I can be sure.

I have the big Kumhos on SSR GT7 wheels, which are stock legal (apparently made just for the the S2000, to be stock legal). No rubbing at all.

All my other tires are on used stock wheels I bought on this board (price is dropping, and is about $800 or less for a good set of four).

 

Cool! I figured there can only be so many gearhead Jamals from FL...

I agree, the S2000 is different in most every way from the Coupe. The good news is that you're going to love it. S2000 is just so responsive on the street, the controls are quick and precise like nothing else. It will definitely take getting used to on course, but it's not half bad their either

Peter

 

I have no doubt it's a fun car! Love the steering response and how smooth the shifting is! I just gotta remember that there's not much power down low, my SC Coupe had tons of power available everywhere, but wasn't an easy car to drive.