Nick Graves

Maybe not at first, but get the thing seam-welded if you want to use those rates long-term.

Many an MX-5 shell has been wrecked by aftermarket suspension.

MB

On that note, i've noticed that the 04 onwards has a lot more seam welding going on in the engine bay. Might be my imagination though.

Ultra_Nexus

Nick - In all fairness, an MX5 is NOT an S2000, the person i'd most expect to comprehend that on this board would be yourself The chassis is MUCH stronger on an S2000.

Mark - You are dreaming if you think that an 04 has more welding!!

If you had your dampers from USofA, then they would be 12/10. Got them from Japan or UK, then they are 10/10

http://www.tein.co.uk/installation_manual/...P1-AP2_00-.html

Ta.

Paper Lawyer

Ron, wait until you hit 30 years old - you will be cursing rock hard suspension then

Nick Graves

Probably the presses were a bit worn & that's more silicon gunge over the seams.

They're spotwelded.

Which is why even the stiffest shells tend to 'loosen' over time.

MB

Have either of you inspected an 04 engine bay? I'm sure it was Dixon who commented on my old S that they had seam welded a lot more. Definately wasn't silicon (i'm a mechie!)

Ultra_Nexus

Already 31 and have the knee surgery to prove it! I even spent last week walking like a 90 year old man after putting my back out. Nope, not mountain biking, not hockey, not even in the gym - putting my socks on. Felt like i'd been shot!

I suppose it helps when you have decent seats (Fixed buckets instead of the standard S benches), but your mind is a devious bit of kit - if it likes something (the responses, the feel of the road, the connection between you and the car), it simply ignores everything else.

On a cold wet November's day, I surely must be the only idiot to hop out of a Westfield with its non padded seat and describe it as comfortable!

Nick - I understand the lifecycle of a machine - being an aircraft engineer safe life was something you knew about. Steel is an excellent material in resisting cycle fatigue. Heavy, yes, but if you are after strength pretty much unbeatable. We also knew about was lines of force. I'm pretty sure that Honda knew too, which is why you'll find welds in appropriate places as to flow with lines of force, not perpendicular. Infact a perfectly designed chassis should be one that provides omni-directional rigidity without any joint adhesive. Obviously, this is impossible, but to achive a high percentage number is very achieveable, even taking into account mass production compromises.

And all this talk of suspension, let us not forget that tyres offer up a massive amount of deflection and absoption.

As such, i'd certainly have no trouble in believeing an S2000 chassis ouliving multiple engines, even with 'ricer' suspension!

nomadicS2k

This really has opened up a can of worms, and is really causing some good discussions.

The spring rates are an interesting start but without knowing the valve rates then its really a best guess exercise.

The 350lb all round sounds good, but what was the difference in the valve rates front and rear...that would be the interesting bit!