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2006 version suspension differences

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Old Oct 10, 2017 | 07:33 AM
  #1  
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From: Mickleover, Derby.
Default 2006 version suspension differences

It may be just my perception but I think my recently acquired 2006 car feels a little softer than my 2004 that I sold a few years ago.

I've had a search but can't seem to find an answer. Are there any suspension differences between a 2004 and a 2006? Are the ARBs less stiff?

I am going to get it booked in for a geo check soon but wondering if it might be worth sticking some different coilovers on at the same time.

Thanks all!
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Old Oct 10, 2017 | 08:02 AM
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Originally Posted by RossP
It may be just my perception but I think my recently acquired 2006 car feels a little softer than my 2004 that I sold a few years ago.

I've had a search but can't seem to find an answer. Are there any suspension differences between a 2004 and a 2006? Are the ARBs less stiff?

I am going to get it booked in for a geo check soon but wondering if it might be worth sticking some different coilovers on at the same time.

Thanks all!
Yes, see the tech FAQ post 5, the changes are a bit marmite, earlier cars are more "raw" and by some thought to be harder to handle, later cars softer more comfortable and dare I say safer handling.
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Old Oct 10, 2017 | 10:05 AM
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Everything you need to know is here: https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-br...prings-818884/

There's actually almost no difference between a 2004 and a 2006 in terms of springs and ARBs. No-one seems to have done any work on dyno-ing the dampers, though.

Last edited by lovegroova; Oct 10, 2017 at 10:07 AM.
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Old Oct 10, 2017 | 11:37 AM
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Ohlins DFV transformed my 04,as any good High end coilover will
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Old Oct 11, 2017 | 12:01 PM
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See the article linked in the Lovegroova post a couple above this. I'm betting all the bits and parts are available on Ebay. At least in North America.

Cursory read of the article confirms the 2006 rear suspense is softer. Also handles better. Remember Honda was making these changes every two years to improve street handling.

-- Chuck
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Old Oct 12, 2017 | 10:15 AM
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That thread LG links to is very interesting. I see that the first two S's I had which were early models had much stiffer rear ends and softer front end. The MY07 that I now drive seems much more planted and is roughly 50-50 in stiffness on that technical thread. It feels much more stable to me than I remember my old ones - on these same Norfolk roads my older ones felt skittish. Of course now I only go out in the S when I choose, which is on dry roads!

The original sales point, the S has a near 'ideal' 50-50 weight distribution: does that have anything to do with this?

Last edited by arsie; Oct 12, 2017 at 10:19 AM.
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Old Oct 12, 2017 | 01:21 PM
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A la MM15, take her out on soaking wet roads!

The article in question has been a round a while and is very informative, a great piece of work. The revisions make newer cars very well planted.
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Old Oct 13, 2017 | 12:14 AM
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It's worth remembering, as I noted above, that the thread only covers spring and ARB rates. The dampers are probably more important n terms of how "soft" or otherwise the car feels. That was certainly my experience when I had adjustables on the car. "Track" and "road" settings made the car an entirely different animal.
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