rain? try ice and snow on stock tires.

That is FUN!

 

[QUOTE=xviper,Oct 7 2005, 03:03 PM]...
What do ya want?

 

This shouldn't be difficult to figure out. If rain and snow performance is at the top of your list, neither the s2k nor any other true sports car is your cup of tea. They aren't made for it any more than they are made for hauling hogs!

But around here, one can never be sure when a shower will occur when one is out in his s2k. Allowances have to be made, and more conservative driving is called for in these cases. This is just common sense.

But I think the historical problem stories about s2k's in the rain originated with the pre '04 models equipped with OEM SO2's with perhaps a bit of wear on them. In this instance, I found that no amount of conservatism in my driving would curtail the slipping and sliding.

But unless your s2k is pre '04 AND has OEM SO2's the same kind of driving the s2k in the rain is called for as if you were driving a Boxter, Z4, SLK 350, and so on.

Thanks,
Richard

 

[QUOTE=aronparsons,Oct 7 2005, 07:02 AM]It does beg the question that's been answered hundreds of times.

 

[QUOTE=xviper,Oct 7 2005, 08:03 AM]
BINGO!

 

Well, I'll agree with all this. All it takes is a little common sense and a little experience with the vehicle you are driving. Granted, I just couldn't seem to drive conservatively enough in my '01 s2k with somewhat worn OEM tires to feel truly safe. But with some unworn newer tires (no, not "H" rated but in fact "Y" rated) my s2k handles as well and securely in the rain as any other RWD car, or any FWD car. But I don't push ANY vehicle in the rain nearly as hard as I might on the dry. And I think this is the best advice.

Thanks,
Richard

 

My car could barely go past 50mph on the highway when it started to pour...rear end was stepping 2 feet to each side...this was on stock S02's (AP1) that were getting a little thin in the tread dept. but were by no means bald. New tires and now I can go 70 I think rain does affect our cars, you just have to drive differently is all and not drive like you would if it were 80 degrees and sunny.

 

I posted this before:

I remember just before we finished with the 2001 Spa and the tires were getting old. My wife already had her new '04 Suzuka (RE-050). It was raining "cats and dogs" and she just whistled away while I crept along at 45-50 which was "my" appropriate speed considering my tires (older S-02s) and the conditions.

 

This discussion really has no fixed answer. In a particular rain, how long has it been since it rained significantly before? If it has been some time, the rain raises the oil slick on the road and creates a hazard, for all vehicles. If it had just rained cats and dogs yesterday, the oil slick will be gone, and your drive will be much safer.

Bottom line, fact is sports cars are not for rain or snow. If you get caught in these in ANY sports car TAKE IT EASY!

Thanks,
Richard

 

The only fixed answer is that each driver must be aware of the conditions, and the condition od their car on that day. New S-02s are a different animal than worn ones. Just as an F-1 driver changes thier driving style to suit the conditions, we need to make adjustments in our road cars. To say otherwise is foolish and will likely put you in the gutter or guard rail one day.

The other day it was damp out and I was on my favorite cloverleaf, one that I can take with little drama at 50ish in the dry. As I approachd the apex, I could feel the front tires getting "light" and the steering wheel had less resistance. I wasn't going much faster that 35, but slowed down anyway (gently with no brakes or sudden changes). My RE-050's have 12,000 mles on them and are not as grippy as they used to be. In the case was I pushing? Yes, a little, but it was to feel where the limit would be. Was I talking on the phone? Eating a hamburger? NO! 100% of my attention was on what I was doing so I learn how my car felt with 70-80% worn tires.