Snap Oversteer
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From: FT
Snap Oversteer
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Hello people. I'm waiting for my loan to be processed to pick a 3rd-Hand 1999 White Honda S2000. I've doing plenty of reading and been concerned about the behaviour of the tail. My main concern is its tendancy to snap in oversteer with little warning. I've driven several Porsches and currently own a TVR, both of which have been relatively well-behaved. Even the current owner of the car has warned me about the tail, especially in the wet. The car does however, have pretty worn Bridgestone S-02s (any suggestions for new tyres..I'm in a hot/rainy climate). Love to hear from S2000 owners regarding the above and anything else to watch out for. By the way i did also hear some worrying sounds from what appeared to be the clutch...the car had 18,000 kms on it...is early wear a problem. Sorry for the lengthy mail... THank u all in advance and happy and safe motoring to u all. Peace.
Hello people. I'm waiting for my loan to be processed to pick a 3rd-Hand 1999 White Honda S2000. I've doing plenty of reading and been concerned about the behaviour of the tail. My main concern is its tendancy to snap in oversteer with little warning. I've driven several Porsches and currently own a TVR, both of which have been relatively well-behaved. Even the current owner of the car has warned me about the tail, especially in the wet. The car does however, have pretty worn Bridgestone S-02s (any suggestions for new tyres..I'm in a hot/rainy climate). Love to hear from S2000 owners regarding the above and anything else to watch out for. By the way i did also hear some worrying sounds from what appeared to be the clutch...the car had 18,000 kms on it...is early wear a problem. Sorry for the lengthy mail... THank u all in advance and happy and safe motoring to u all. Peace.
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A lot of S2000 owners moved up from FWD cars and don't know what to expect from pushing a RWD car.
I think you would do fine, becuase the rear end of this car is actually very predictable, and even more so when a well-designed rear STB is put in.
You should definately test the car out first, and you'll know what I mean.
As of tires, S-03s are better for the rain, but not many DOT-approved tires can come close to the S-02s when it comes to gripping dry pavement. Still, as long as there is sufficient tread on the S-02s, the car is not as scary in the rain as a lot of people describe it. When you read posts regarding the rear end of this car, the key words were "WOT" and "100mph" at free-way on-ramps, not to mention a lot of them happened in the rain.
I think you would do fine, becuase the rear end of this car is actually very predictable, and even more so when a well-designed rear STB is put in.
You should definately test the car out first, and you'll know what I mean.
As of tires, S-03s are better for the rain, but not many DOT-approved tires can come close to the S-02s when it comes to gripping dry pavement. Still, as long as there is sufficient tread on the S-02s, the car is not as scary in the rain as a lot of people describe it. When you read posts regarding the rear end of this car, the key words were "WOT" and "100mph" at free-way on-ramps, not to mention a lot of them happened in the rain.
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Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Denver CO
IMO, The snap oversteer issue is borderline myth created by people who didn't want to admit that they made a mistake driving. I've owned this car since Oct. '99 and somehow I've managed to not destroy the car or kill myself, despite tracking the car and spending lots of time in the canyons.
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From: Kingston
If you find a TVR a reasonable car, then you will love the S. Less grunt on the bottom end (little torque), but less bump steer too.
I may go back to Pilot Sports when these S02s wear out, as that is the most incredible rain tire I have ever had in a high perf car. They shed water at at an unbelievable rate. The rubber gets rather hard below 40 F, but they are great on the track.
I may go back to Pilot Sports when these S02s wear out, as that is the most incredible rain tire I have ever had in a high perf car. They shed water at at an unbelievable rate. The rubber gets rather hard below 40 F, but they are great on the track.
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From: NoVa
Originally posted by JL9000
...Still, as long as there is sufficient tread on the S-02s, the car is not as scary in the rain as a lot of people describe it. When you read posts regarding the rear end of this car, the key words were "WOT" and "100mph" at free-way on-ramps, not to mention a lot of them happened in the rain.
...Still, as long as there is sufficient tread on the S-02s, the car is not as scary in the rain as a lot of people describe it. When you read posts regarding the rear end of this car, the key words were "WOT" and "100mph" at free-way on-ramps, not to mention a lot of them happened in the rain.
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From: WA
Snap oversteer can happen in RWD cars with LSDs if you drive into a deep puddle - esp if only one rear tire is in the puddle and hydroplanes. The effect is worse if your tires are worn.
This can happen in a straight line and even at constant speed - but worse if you are accelerating.
This can happen in a straight line and even at constant speed - but worse if you are accelerating.
and welcome aboard. I'm from Penang. 
