rim width trumps lighter weight any day in my book, Hell, I'd rather run rear AP2 wheels in the front then run 1 inch narrower RPF-1s, even if they're heavy. Plus you still have to deal with potential rubbing issues. From what I've read, several guys that track their cars with stock springs have reported that there is no/minimal rubbing with wheels similar to 949 racing specs. If anything, they rub on the a arms when you go full lock.

When you decide to go STR wheels, just get the 949 wheels. There's only one set of wheels that are better, but require $$$ due to the JDM bling factor.

As far as the disadvantage of the AP1, I think you're overexaggerating it a bit. Yeah, we can't reflash like the 06+ cars can, but one of the benefits of that is that they need to raise their redline to get better gearing, whereas the AP1s obviously don't. VAFCs will get the job done. Main thing the AP1 needs is to lower the VTEC engagement. After I+H+E, a good tune will pick up some power. We'll still be at a disadvantage to the AP2 in regards to power, but I also like peace of mind that I'm not gonna grenade my motor either like we'll start seeing with some of these AP2s down the road.

Just my 2 cents.

James Yom

 

[QUOTE=glagola1,Jan 6 2010, 11:51 AM]Dave, I wouldn't get those wheels.

 

I have an 01... with I/HFC/E and im stalling suspension later this week, Plus I got some used Volks in 17x9 +63 14.8 lbs each... Im not gonna slam the car, just a real mild drop so Ill let you know how I do on the rubbing and performance front.

I was originally waiting for the 949 wheels, but when I found these wheel used at a good price I jumped on them. If I were to get a second set of wheels for Rain or something I would go 949.

On the AP1 front, I think it will be interesting to see how they do when prepped nicely, However I don't know if any National guys are gonna be prepping Ap1's so I don't know if we will have an answer to that question. Currently the BOD is looking at expanding the use of Piggybacks allowed in ST classes, if they do that would certainly close the gap, but VAFC will be a big help anyway especially in 00-01 cars since they run real rich anyway and could be leaned out a bit. VAFC's can do A/F ratios and Vtec point legally so we at least have that.

I gotta get Sal Dipompo to run my car at a bigger event and see how it does. that will give a better indication of my car's abilities than I ever could.

 

Dave, we should do a dyno day (same dyno, same day) before and after the cars are tuned. Maybe some others can join? I'm sure this will help give some data out to the community. We can both use the same wheel/tire setup if it matters.

As for tearing up an AP2 motor, I just don't see any evidence to date indicating the <8600 redline will harm the motor outside the normal wear and tear expected from the increase in revs. For every horror story I have found, there are a plethora of success stories, so nothing unusual IMO. Still, I wouldn't go over 8500 if I were to flash my motor today just as Hondata recommends. I'm also keeping a close eye on the engine management thread in regards to the Flash Pro and any updates to this topic. If anyone has new info, please post!

+1 more for the low-prepared STR local and B-Stock National intentions for next year. I plan to use (4) 17x8.5 OEMs on whatever tire is popular when I buy. Everything else will be stock for now.

-Marc

 

I am in on for a dyno day with our cars. We need to lock down a day as I have a free session coming my way. It would be very good info for comparison purposes:
...AP1 Stock class mods
...AP2 Stock class mods
...AP2 Stock class mods but with it flashed

Crap, there goes my chance to win STR or even get 2nd place trophy at home events (if David Patrick decides to go with a STS prepped Miata in STR). Oh well, at least it will be cheap fun! LOL

-Dave

 

Please do and kindly let us know the results

But most of the ppl that have bumped up their rev limiters only use the extra revs when accelerating thru the gears. Most of those people hardly ever touch the rev limiter, let alone sit on the limiter like some autoxers do.

I mean, Honda's engineers didn't drop the RPMs an even 1000 for the AP2 becuase it's a nice round number, there are lots of factors that went into it. If they could have just given it 200-300 more RPMs, you wouldn't drop out of VTEC every time you shift, and you'd spend more time in the meat of the power band. But the fact is, they didn't. I do hope that all of you guys bumping up the rev limiter have no issues, but if I were to buy someone's AP2, I'd shy away from any that were used in STR...

It really would be a shame to run that CR in anything else but BS... it's made to win BS!

 

You're already sitting on the next best thing! Since you're only going to run STR regionally, 4 AP2 rears should be fine. When you start thinking of a serious STR build, then I'd spend the money on some nicer wheels.

 

or how about the guy that beat him at the last couple events?

 

You bring up a very valid point. The cheap @$$ side of me is starting to wake up and force me to consider this as an option.

Marc, who are you going to get to modify your 8.5" to fit up front? We might as well do both sets at the same time. Maybe we can get a better price break doing that. Just thinkin'.

-Dave

 

That is good to consider, but I do feel differently about a couple of things here...

The tracked AP2s with the same setup takes a much bigger beating due to the temperatures the motors reach. An auto-x S2000 will never see those temperatures unless something is wrong. The tracked cars also stay in the revs much longer. The amount of time the tracked cars spend in the throttle in one track day would account for many seasons of auto-x. This is according to the track guys who prep my car and the credible info found here on s2ki.

Also, I would much rather buy a autocrossed S2000 than any one that has been modified for the street, drag, track, pimped, etc. Looking at the field at Nationals, most the owners take good care of them. Again, there are many people having success with the bumped rev limiter and for many years now. That still wouldn't stop me from keeping a fresh motor around as a spare.

Lastly, I never fall out of v-tec when I shift It should be somewhere above 6200rpm from 1st to 2nd when done properly...