Hey Guys need a little advise. I used to autocross quite competitivly many years ago. Got into sailboat racing and kinda let the autox go. I've been thinking about getting back in to it but I don't think my NSX will be competitive. It's really a track car and doesn't transition well. I'm thinking about gettin an S2k since they seem to be very competitive with little expense and setup (bar, tires, shocks and allignment). My question is: which generation is best for autox? It seems to me the higher revs of the older cars would be preferable but I really don't know a lot about them. Would some knowledgable guys give me an opinion and why they feel that way?
Thanks
Tony F

 

I think its pretty course and driving style dependent. Nationals was won last year with an AP1 (00-01 I think), but third place was an AP2. One difference I like is that the AP1's have a taller 2nd gear so on all but the very fastest of courses, there shouldnt be a need for 3rd gear. AP2's might run into some problems.

I'd say, if you're getting it just for autocross, get an AP1, use the money saved on the car towards preparing it, and you'll be good to go.

 

I auto-x my AP2 but there are a lot of guys that run AP1s. I would not go higher than a 2005 since 2006 started the DBW. They are all in the same class A stock even with the new CR. I would just buy the one that you get the best deal on.

 

I have a 2006 and it does pretty good, I dont run into any problems with the DBW system. I think what car you get has alot to do with what class your going to run. Personally, if it was only about auto-x I would have gotten a Solstice GXP with the ZOK suspension package but I wanted a car that when I put the top down I still had a trunk. Add a good set of shocks, lightweight wheels and a cat back single exhaust and your got a car that handles well and has a shitload more torque than our cars make.

 

Wise words.

I don't think either version is necessarily superior to the other, although course specific considerations might come into play sometimes. Your own skill and how well you prep the car will have a much larger impact on your competitiveness.

 

The 2004-2008 are probably the cheapest/easiest to set up, 2000-2003 seem to require somewhat fancier shocks to deal with wheelspin and the stiff rear suspension. But you can't really go wrong with any S2000. I think drive by wire is a non-issue on the S2000. If you want the cost-no-object best S2000 for Stock autocrossing, you're looking for the 2008 S2000 CR.

 

Interestingly, an ap1 turned in the fastest time in every Nats where an ap1 and ap2 were in the same class. That might change this year if a national level driver enters a CR.

If you are just going to compete locally, it really doesn't matter that much. While the ap1 has longer gears, most would probably find the ap2 easier to drive fast.

 

Thanks for the input guys, I probably won't get passed the local and it's just for fun so I guess like someone said whatever I can get the best deal on. My NSX has DBW and it hasn't been a problem. I turn off the TCS and it acts like any other car. I hate the idea of a Slostice. Can't imagine driving a pontiac. I plan to use the car to get to and rfrom my office some so I think I'd feel more comfortable in a Honda rather than a pontiac. I like the idea of the taller gear. My recolection is downshifting back to second after a very short run in third was a time killer. think I'll look for the lowest milage 03 I can find. Will set up be different for a AP! from an AP2?
Thanks

 

03's are great I found mine with 9k on ebay in Florida
I think some people just bought them because they were convertible and never drove them

 

02/03 or CR