Ginzilla

Hi all,

I’m hoping that some of you can impart some of your technical expertise as I have got to the point of going around in circles theorising what to do with regard to improving the ride and handling of my S2000.


I bought that car early 2013 with the following modifications:

• 18” Rota GTR wheels (unknown offset):
  • Front: 18x8.5 (estimated width) with 215/35 tyres
  • Rear: 18x9 with 215/35 tyres (+5mm spacer)
• Buddyclub N+ coilover suspension

The car looks fantastic with the current stance however it can be unstable when pushing on an A/B-road and is too low for some speed-bumps.

My question is; how can I alter the setup to cope better for everyday driving without sacrificing too much of the look of the car or having to modify the arches?
My current plan is the following:

• Change the tyres:
  • Front: 225/40
  • Rear: 245/35
• Raise the ride height to clear the new tyres by 1.5-2”
• Install rear tow arms
• Geometry setup by Centre of Gravity/TGM/Area Motorsport

Any constructive advice would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Gin

mikefifth

Hi there.

Car looks ace, however as said is very unpractical.

If height is the issue I would just raise it until it is the bare minimum height you require.

Not particularly useful advice but just how I see it.

Ginzilla

Thanks Mike, raising the ride height does improve things however it reveals the stretch of the tyres (which only look good when lowered in my opinion). I think the tyres are too narrow and stretched at the moment which doesnt help with the stability. I believe the new tyres I plan on installing may improve the ride but I'm not sure on the arch clearence.

mikefifth

Ahhh I see you dilema.

Stretched tyres does only look good on lowered / euro imho.

I think its going to be a matter of putting some decent rubber on that fits correctly and then seeing how much space you have.

You could always go outside with a tape measure and have a go at figuring what tyres will fit.

Im sure someone will be along shortly to offer some better/ more detailed advice than I can offer - which is rather limited!

nick300zx

Like you say ditch the 215 rear tyre and stick on a 245/255 possibly loose the spacer, raise it a bit (10mm) and get a good geo done, could put a little camber on it but your tyres will wear uneven.

Ginzilla

Thanks Mike and Nick. Nick, I agree with you however the front tyres will still be stretched to their limit. I think a 225/40 on the front should match the 245/35 on the rear with only a minor difference in the rolling speed. See: here (offsets are estimated).

nick300zx

Yep 225 40 & 245 35 are the same as what I had on my prodrive wheels only %0.16 different on the rear and 3.41 On the front.

richmc

If you want your S to drive as intended, go back to stock, if you need to keep the look you will take forever to get it to drive as a "road car".

noodels

Rota GTR wheels> perhaps measure offset first,may have too get wheels within spec.
Also have you thought about roll center adjustment ball joints also rack position.
also what Geo has it atm.

ps also is it polybushed ,just putting rear toe arms on may upset active steering correction .

Ginzilla

Thanks Rich and Noodles. I'm definately not looking to return the car to stock more like adjust it to behave like a fast road car. Noodles, I have given thought to roll centre adjusters and anti-bumpsteer kits however I'm leaving that to the geometry specialist to advise on that once tyre specs and ride height are confirmed. At the moment it hasn't had a proper geometry/alignment done yet not does it have polybushes.

If wheels are the limiting factor the other option is to sell the 18's and go for a set of Rota Fighters in 17's (with possibly 225/45 on the front and 255/40 on the rear)?