Is there any way to:

Lower the S2000 by 1-1.5" without negatively affecting handling (ie compared to stock '02 model) and without using a full coilover setup?

IE -- is there a known shock/spring setup which would be at least as good as stock?

And if so, what is it?

I've got zero interest in touching this car's suspension if I can't at least duplicate the rather perfect matching of the stocker's springs/shock valving. I'd also rather not spend >$2000 for a coilover setup if I can avoid it!

Thanks,

Erich

 

Buy a set of Koni shocks for about $600 and use the lower spring perch setting. Not positive, but I think it lowers the car about an inch. You can keep the stock springs.

 

I'm worried about the Koni's soft bound settings vs stock. I hear turn-in isn't as crisp...

 

Yeah the shocks are softer -- using the lower perch lowers the car about 1/2". Keep in mind that changing springs takes you into a different class in SCCA.

 

I'm going with Tein Flex or Bilstein PSS9 coilovers.

Cheap = Crap, as usual...

 

pss9's are great. you can adjust the stiffness of ride. i took me a couple weeks to get it to my liking. currently i have it at 6 in the front and 4 in the rear.

when adjusting the passenger rear coil, be careful when putting back in the spare tire. it kinda rubs the dampening adjuster and pushes it ever so slightly to a different setting.

 

Oh I almost forgot, the crew at Bulletproof swears by Swift Springs, they're supposed to be the best springs in the world (heard that from a few people). They only drop the car like 0.8" front, 1" rear and are made to run with the stock shocks. I've heard from them that they actually make the car handle and ride better than stock (rare for just springs on an S2000) and are the only real improvement you can make in that area for under $1500. Just passing on what I've heard from them, though.

 

I have also heard good things about Swift springs, any one else have any first hand experience with them? I currently have a set of Tein S-techs, but not sure if I should go with the swift springs instead,

 

flex = crap. go PSS9

 

PSS9. Read nothing but good things about these.