I've read some threads about people getting wheel alignments done with UK specs - can a dealer do this if I were to give them the numbers? Or is this done only by specialized shops? I take it tire wear will be shortened somewhat from the more aggressive setup. Thanks.

Edit - do S2000s in other European countries have the same alignment numbers as the S2000s in the UK? If not, I take it the UK alignment gives the best performance? What about Japan specs?

 

Yes, if you carry the # with you then any competant shop can do it. And yes, you are correct about the increased tirewear.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by speed4tu
Yes, if you carry the # with you then any competant shop can do it.

 

Even though this notice says the alignment only applies to MY99-01, I take it that this applies to all models up to MY03?

Also, does the UK alignment in any way make the handling characteristics more dangerous in any way? I've read that it makes the rear end more planted but I'm just wondering if this new setup would make the car snap in a more unpredictable manner. I hope the only con is increased tire wear.

 

It will increase the max corner speed but at the expense of less gradual break away. You gotta figure if the more agressive alignment which allows for faster corner speeds, when you mis-judge how fast you should have gone things happen that much faster.

From my experience (On my 3rd set of rear SO'2) if you drive agressive the extra tire wear is not a night and day difference. With stock settings I got 12k on my original rears, 23k out of the fronts. 2nd set of rears (UK spec alignment) lasted 12k miles more or less. If you do alot of strait line driving at spree-way speeds then I think you get a noticable amount of inner rear tire wear. just my .02 and that is prob about what it is worth

*edit* I think it is safe to assume the UK spec aplies up to MY03, however I remember reading something about the spring rates on MY02-03 be'n different then previous years. Someone correct me if I'm wrong? But the alignment above is close to what I have on my '02 and seems to be money.

*edit* My Honda dealer would do nothing but U.S. spec. Don't know if it is just them or an issue with doing something that they saw as "out of the norm".

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Uber-s2k

*edit* I think it is safe to assume the UK spec aplies up to MY03, however I remember reading something about the spring rates on MY02-03 be'n different then previous years. Someone correct me if I'm wrong? But the alignment above is close to what I have on my '02 and seems to be money.


Your right. The suapension geometry and spring rates and damper settings were changed in the UK post 01. Also, the torsion bar was made thinner to try and provide more driver feedback. I'm sure 1 Honda dealer would do it.

 

I just got my car aligned with the UK specs in prep for the Dragon! I think it definately feels more tight through the corners than before..... than again my springs I just installed didn't hurt any either.