The S is very unforgiving and will snap around with very little warning to the driver beforehand -- and it also has way too much bumpsteer.

Hey Steve, that sounds nothing like my 'stock' S2000 when on the track. My S2000 is one of the the most forgiving and progressive cars that I have ever driven on the track. Not only that but when driven by an instructor, he had no problem having the car on and beyond the limit in every corner (ie. drifting it through corners at speeds 40 - 90mph). The instructor, after 3 laps in my car could carry good 5 - 10kph through every corner than me ... he was happy drifting it through and commented that the car handles on the limit very much like a Lotus Elise.

I have had a fair few cars on the track and the S2000 is the most forgiving and progressive car that I have expriences there (that includes Lotos Elise). Even on the road I find it very progressive and forgiving ... sure it is a tad too loose for my liking sometimes, but it is always very forgiving and progressive.

 

Well, I see I've opened up a hornet's nest here.

Please read my original post before you reply, people. When I say I deliberately tried to get the back of the car out, I don't need replies stating that I should drive smoother at the limit, or take driving courses (I have). I'm TRYING to go over the limit, here.

Also, at the limit handling is different from over the limit handling. Over the limit handling has to do with a tire's dynamic coefficient of friction, and how much lower it is than the static coefficient of friction, and I still submit that there is a big gradient between the two on these tires.

Has it caught me out? No, but I'm a decent driver. Should I be running them in this cold weather? No, but my winter wheels haven't arrived yet.

All I did was post my observations. Try the same exact experiment I did and post your observations.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by S2kRob
[B]Hey all,

I'm wondering if the S02's are too compromised for this car on the street.

 

I agree with Bieg. When the first unexpected breakaway happens, everybody blames the equipment. It is completely natural and should be expected.

But as you gain experience you will realize that there in fact are subtle signs that you learn to recognize.

But I think this only goes so far - I don't think anybody can catch every breakaway.

 

[QUOTE]It is not the car that matters (so much) it is the driver. If you still do not get it maybe this will help. I know it's a roadster and not a coupe but it's only for illustration purposes. I'm only trying to help you realize that you can drive your S faster with out dumping a ton of money into it. The S is going to require more from you as a driver, that's what makes it so much fun. Change what you are doing behind the wheel and it will make a world of difference.

 

Since buying this car, I have read many threads about the stock tires and how they perform in rain and snow conditions. I was worried after reading some of the experiences that people have had and feared driving in such conditions. Well, I got my first experience this morning driving to work. It was raining when I left for work and my experience was one of surprise - the car and tires handled the road conditions exceptionally well. I used my gears instead of my brakes - kept my speed down and all was well. When I left work, it was snowing. Again, the car was great - none of the experiences that I have read on here. Some of my drive to work is via the interstate, the rest on a two lane road in the middle of nowhere. I am very pleased with the way this car reacted in the above conditions and I am no longer scared of the little rain and snow that we receive here in Albuquerque.

 

The stock tires are high performance tires, not all season. Do not get over confident in their abilities to move you safely in the snow and rain. Body work is expensive.

 

Not sure if this has been covered, but what tire pressure are you using? I've noticed the higher my pressure the sooner and more abruptly the rear end slides out.

 

steve c, very correct

I dont even own one, (one of my very favorite cars btw) but I know that M Coupes are 2.6 times stiffer than the roadster and are great track cars. Get coilovers ect and forget about it. I find that my S is easy to break lose, most of the time induced (drifting), sometimes foolish driving. I love my S0-3's but I have never driven with S0-2's. When I get BBS RG-R's, I am getting S0-3's again. M Roadster=not so stiff (talk about breaking lose, after driving one, it feels so unstable), M Coupe=very stiff. The S2000 and M Coupe are 2 of my very favorite cars ever, real drivers cars, track cars. If you guys really want to help with oversteer, find one of those lists to help induce some understeer. Stiffen everything in the front: springs, shocks and sway bar if you can, ect. Like steve c said, with some mods (adjustable front sway, X brace, high quality dampening adjustable coil-overs ect, the S2000 would be absolutely incredible.