Got my first taste at VIR with a bunch of Cobras this weekend, and what a blast! Now I am thinking about my S2000...

What does the S2000 need for the track? Perhaps a better way of asking it is, what did you do to your car before you went to the track? What equipment do you deem critical, beneficial, and what do you feel is unnecessary?

I'm in NC (Durham), so if you know any particularly good places to take the car for upgrades, let me know.

Thanks for any opinions.

 

Brake pads and fluid are the key things the S2000 needs to work its best on the track. There's a good thread on brake fluid at the top of this forum, and many threads on brake pads. For a beginner at the track I recommend ATE Superblue brake fluid and Porterfield R4S or Carbotech Panther Plus brake pads.

There are a variety of places online where these things can be purchased. I've always got my pads from Ben at Bulletproof, a board sponsor.

Have fun!

 

I dont believe you can run the S at VIR due to lack of roll cage. However, if you have a hardtop.. well, anyone know specifics with VIR restrictions?

Things you'd want to have: brake pads - and a backup set. Hopefully a track only pad if you are heavy on the brakes (I currently sell Porterfield as well). High temp brake fluid like ATE Super Blue or Motul 600. Tools to bleed the brakes in case they get boiled. A helmet SA or M2000 rated, even though you can get away with an M or SA95 rated which will last a few more years.

 

I agree with the above, you need to replace the stock brake pads and fluid. I also suggest cutting off the sheet metal splash guards protecting the inside of the brake rotors for better brake cooling.

Check engine oil after each session, in certain right hand corners the Honda will loose oil through the vapor recovery system. This happens rarely, but be sure to check.

Check tire pressures after each session as pressures will increase due to heating. If pressures rise too high you will loose grip. Stock tires seem to like 36-37psi as a hot, operating pressure front and rear in my opinion. Let air out as necessary throughout the day.

Finally, wheel alignment. With factory alignment the front tires have less grip in high speed corners than the rears. You may want to increase front negative camber, add front toe out, and reduce rear toe in for a better balance, more neutral handling. The result may be slightly more oversteer in slow speed corners, but that is natural and to be expected given the lower transmission gearing ratio.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by stedge
[B]Got my first taste at VIR with a bunch of Cobras this weekend, and what a blast!

 

VIR, those words make me cry.

Without additional rollover protection the S cannot get on VIR. A very nice lady, by the name of Jean will take by the ears and say, "No, no, no. You can't play here." But her hands are tied and she can't do nothing 'bout it.

Ahhh, the Roller Coaster, the Climbing Esses, Oaktree. Carroll Shelby, says it best and I quote, "One lap around VIR is like 100 at Watkins Glen." The road surface is billiard table smooth no patches nowhere. Runoff areas as far as the eye can see. Water drainage so good, no standing water even in heavy downpours. Countryclub setting. Furthermore, I think its going to be an FIA certified track! Imagine the possibilities. I can go on and on, but alas, it is not to be.

It is really unfortunate that our S is lump alongside the rest of the other convertibles without any rollover protection whatsoever. We all know, how well Honda design the S. As a matter of fact, the S faired better than some hardtops in rollover situations. And to add insult to injury, the S shines on VIR, its a tour de force and that hurts even more.

A member of the board Allan Haggai, pro racer. Traded his beloved S. Do you believe that! Traded-in-his-S. JUST TO DRIVE VIR! I think that's the real reason, and not about having a new baby! I know I've got my priorities right and I am never wrong. Admit it Allan, you're busted. Mikey is in direct correspondence with VIR, fighting the cause. Unfortunately still unsuccessful, but not for the lack of trying. Sexton, (I don't see him here anymore) I think resigned his membership at VIR.

Any decent rollbar will require cutting up the S and hours of installation, or should I say removal. I enjoy slow drives in my S through country roads and Sunday jaunts as much, if not more than trackdays. And for the record, slow drives is where she shines best. I am yet unwilling to compromise.