Quick question for anyone who knows. What exactly are the suspension changes from AP1 to AP2 that made the rear end less twitchy? What can be done to an AP1 to make the suspension a little more forgiving like the AP2? I won't be tracking at all, so I would rather a softer suspension that lets me keep the car out of a ditch. Thanks.

 

The AP1 doesn't just throw itself into ditches. If it ends up there it is most likely your fault. Learn to drive and you shouldn't have any problems...

 

I don't know all the specifics, but they softned up the rear a bit. Maybe adjusted the rebound rate. Anyway, I'm sure it would be an easy swap if you found some used parts in a wrecking yard.

 

Thanks to cyclon. To the other guy...why do you even bother responding to a thread if all you have a a misplaced snide remark. You don't know my driving ability, you don't know that I've ever been in an accident, you don't know me. The suspension changes were made for a reason...they help keep the car out of ditches. But what does Honda know. I guess they just made the changes for the hell of it.

If anyone else has any info, without judgement, it would be appreciated.

 

Struts, springs, sway bar, and tires.

The tires probably being the biggest help, as the s02's while fantastic in dry warm weather were hideous in the rain. They were also so stiff that they didn't make any noise even as you were sliding off into a ditch. A sqeal here and there is good sometimes

 

Would adjusting the aggressive alignment settings help at all?

 

The front springs/damper assembly is stiffer than the AP1, and the rear Springs/dampers are a little softer than the AP1. The difference is more than the suspension...you have a slightly more rigid chassis, plus the difference in tire and tire width. The AP2 is more prone to understeer than the AP1, but you have increased stability - especially at higher speed cornering. A good balanced setup on your AP1 will accomplish the same thing.

 

Bigger front sway bar will give more understeer.

You could also try adding more rear toe in.

You could also use the AP2 rear swaybar (it is smaller).

I have owned both AP1 and AP2. For street driving I don't think there is enough of a difference to make any changes (and noone should be driving at the limits on the street anyway).

Both car feels similar on the track with the AP2 being a bit more stable, the same hold true at autoX.

 

Thank you to both Rio and Tube. I was under the impression that the changes were dramatic enough to reduce the bite at the limit and provide more leeway in street driving mistakes. I will probably make some of the small changes you suggested just to see if there is a difference, but otherwise I'll stick will some racing classes to learn proper techniques. Thanks.

 

What changes were made for more rigid chassis for AP2??