speaking of which technically our cars are mid engine since the motor sits 'behind' the front axle, but we all know its front engine haha...just a flaw in typical motor knowledge but its funny to say

 

I agree with dantediss above ^^^ "balance" typically refers to the F/R weight distribution. In that respect the S2K is pretty, um, respectable. The front-mid layout helps to keep that polar moment of inertia close in to the driver's center of mass where he can instinctively feel what is happening with the chassis.

That said, I agree with the posts above that cite the car's balance of power to weight, brakes to power, performance to reliability and running costs to driving enjoyment. The S2000 hits that sweet spot for me where my interest in something a bit "different", desire for fuel economy, expectation of reliability and my wife's love of open air motoring all intersect. That's what balance means to me.

To address your post more specifically, I would argue that most guys that modify their suspensions do so because it looks cool. Most have deluded themselves into thinking that their car couldn't possibly be set up properly for performance driving from the factory and whatever parts they bolt on are an instant panacea for whatever ails them. Too bad that the ailment is typically a lack of understanding of vehicle dynamics or lack of driver skill. Or both. A suspension can, of course, be modified to better suit a particular purpose but unless you live next to a race circuit or autocross the car every Saturday, the factory setup strikes a pretty nice balance between streetability and handling.

 

i think that is backwards. the rear is heavier than the front

 

^ This happens a lot. There are certainly plenty of heavily modded cars out there and drivers without much skill. Seems to me that they're missing out but their cars, their choices.

Not so much a "flaw in motor knowledge" as it is nitpicking semantics. Placement of the engine relative to the axles does make a difference.

 

I have a hard time believing there could be more weight on the rear axle (unless the driver weighs 300 lbs). Our engine may be behind the front axle but it's still a front engined car.

 

Per official American Honda website, the 2009 S2000 has a 49/51 f/r weight distribution.

http://automobiles.honda.com/certified-use...ifications.aspx

 

Honda's brochure, for 2007 anyway, says 49 f / 51 r

 

yea that what i have read 49 front 51 rear.

 

A lot of good responses in here.

For 50% of people, suspension is an aesthetic mod. 45% are looking for performance and think that no body roll = good suspension. 5% actually do research and try to improve upon the stock setup instead of just slapping springs or coilovers on their cars.

Suspension balance is all about personal preference and driving style. Some people may prefer a car that oversteers a bit. Some prefer a bit of understeer. Depends on the driver.

I'm one of those that loves to tinker. I'm always doing something to the car. I've switched between stock and aftermarket exhaust at least 6 times in the past year. I have 2 shift knobs that I alternate between every couple months. It's just how I am. I have always had that urge to modify. Switching back & forth between parts keeps me busy without emptying my bank account and not changing the car too much. I love the S2000 in stock form and don't want to ruin that balance.

 

Yes. It is the most perfect EVAR.