Here's How To Get Your S2000 Track Ready

Made for It

One of the many appealing factors about the Honda S2000 is its capabilities not only on regular roads but also on the track. Even in stock form, the S2000 is a ton of fun to wring out at your local circuit, whether you're actually competing or just trying to improve your skills. However, there are a few things you'll want to do before you head out and try to shave a few tenths off your personal best lap time.

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Thorough Check

It goes without saying that like any used vehicle that's getting long in the tooth, the S2000 needs some basic maintenance to keep it running in tip-top condition. Thus, you'll want to make sure that you're not facing any leaks or worn-out suspension components before hitting the track, as those kinds of things can cause serious issues in a performance-based setting. After all, who wants to be the guy that's leaking oil everywhere, ruining the day for everyone else?

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Stop and Go

The same goes for suspension components, which could be worn out yet also break while enduring the stress of high-speed cornering, which could obviously turn a great day into a very bad one. That's also true of brakes - make sure yours aren't worn down to the bare metal because you'll want them to work properly when you're diving into corners at high speed.

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Brake Upgrades

Speaking of brakes, it certainly doesn't hurt to upgrade those particular components, even if you're just swapping in a set of high-performance pads. Those things are extremely cheap and can make a big difference in the way the car drives, as well as its lap times. You can spend as much money as you want on brakes, of course, but you'll also want to give them a good flush and make sure your fluid is fresh, too.

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Track Alignment

One thing that we rarely think about - unless we're adding a new set of wheels and tires to our rides or when it's pulling hard to one side - is its alignment. But cars respond in a big way to a true track alignment, which is why some modern vehicles like the C8 Corvette come from the factory with suggested suspension settings for track use only. You'll obviously want to re-align the car after your track day to minimize tire wear, but this is another way to maximize your car's performance.

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Minimize Oil Consumption

Cars tend to use up some oil on the track, particularly during hard cornering, when oil sloshes around and winds up getting sucked into the intake manifold. But that's why catch cans exist - they provide a little bit of protection and keep that oil from entering places it should go. They're a bit of cheap insurance for street cars, and even more so if you tend to take yours to the track.

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Tires

Last, but certainly not least, you'll want to inspect your tires and make sure they're in good condition before hitting the track. Even if you don't drive your car a ton, tires can dry out and weather crack over time, so be sure and check those dates. Similarly, low tread levels can cause a car to drive completely differently on the track, as any pro race car driver can attest, so it might be a good idea to get a fresh set - or a track-focused set - before you head out. 

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>>Join the conversation about the S2000 track modifications right here at S2Ki.com.