Collin,

I have found the S2000 to be the most forgiving high performance car I've owned. The "problem" is that it does not like large (or fast) steering inputs. The quick steering ratio can be a bit of a handful for first time RWD car owners. The chassis is so communicative that slight changes in tire pressure can really affect how the car performs. The stiff sidewalls of the S-02s can mask a low pressure situation, one person actually came home from a track day and found they were running with 14 lbs of pressure!

Having said all this, I agree that you may have the spring spacers still in the car. I feel you may be looking at a combination of factors: Spring spacers, inexperience with 50/50 RWD, and potential tire pressure and alignment issues. Definately look for the spacers, then find out when the next local autocross and get involved! Good luck (nice name btw)

 

I think FWD is more likely to oversteer due to pull in direction of turn. My RWD BMW will pretty much only understeer if I power a turn.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by alexh
[B]I think FWD is more likely to oversteer due to pull in direction of turn.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by alexh
[B]I think FWD is more likely to oversteer due to pull in direction of turn.

 

I might be swinging out into left field here, but.....could you be taking these turns at high revs? If so..I have been told this can cause unwanted weight transfer if your not on the gas.

Who knows.Just a thought.

 

One thing that has not been covered so far is that it is also possible to have the back end break loose from taking your foot off the throttle in a turn. If you are near the limits of the rear tires' adhesion you are pressing the accelerator enough to maintain speed or accelerate and you lift off the accelerator abruptly, you could spin. This is due to the introduction of another force (engine braking) to tires that are close to breaking loose and forward weight transfer unloading the rear tires (decreasing their grip due to less weight)

There are more ways to lose control in an oversteering car than anyone can think of, that's why 99.99% of production cars are designed to understeer. The answer is to drive smoothly with the accelerator, brakes, and steering wheel and gradually learn (with training from instructors) the vehicle's dynamics and limits.

One more thing: Brake before a turn, not in it.

 

Very interesting thread. I have a FWD Civic Si, which was lowered, strut bars and on 17"s, so it handled like it was glued to the road. I was able to punch it while in turns with no fear of losing control ever. If I try this in the S2K when I get it, am i going to end up in the wall? My last two cars(only 2 cars) have been FWD cars. What tips can you guys give a first time RWD driver on driving on turns? I bet once i throw some 18"s on the S2K, it will grip a lot better in the turns.

 

Thanks for the clarification. I guess it's just the setup of the car. Not really the stability control, as I always know when I trigger it.

 

rylan......please wave the "flag"

 

Collin228,

I spun the car 3 times during my first 4 months driving in Austin.
I know how you feel; I used to drive FWD Integra GS-R and felt that I could take the turns at higher speed (although with much more body roll).

After 6 months of driving, participating in track events, and drove my friend's Boxster a few times, I adapt to the quick steering and 50/50 RWD.
Now, I know for sure I can take any turns faster than my previous Integra GS-R or any Jeep

In my old Integra GS-R, I apply more steering inputs as I goes faster into the turn.
In my S2000, I can bring the rear around by applying throttle and require quick flick (reduce) steering inputs as I am coming out of the turns.