Lone Star Drift Covers Interesting S2000 Drift Build
You seldom see S2000’s in the drift world, maybe there is a reason why.
The Honda S2000 is an awesome pick for a backroad burner, or a track day, or autocross build. However, you seldom see S2K’s drifting, and w one has to wonder “why?” It’s lightweight, rear-wheel drive with a limited slip differential, has fantastic handling and massive aftermarket. So, what gives? Well, it seems there are a few impediments to making an S2000 a competitive drifter.
First off, the powertrain is less than ideal.
The F20C is an amazingly fun engine to wring out to it’s 9000RPM redline. However, it’s torque deficiency doesn’t go unnoticed in a sport where torque is everything. A torquey power delivery helps keep the wheels spinning, even in the slower corners. To this end, Jeff’s S2000 has a stroked engine for more displacement, 2.4 liters of the stuff. Additionally, it’s fed with a wet shot of nitrous to upset the rear wheels’ traction on command. That 70 shot and built motor is good for 298wHP and 233WTQ. Off the bottle, the car makes 244WHP and 177WTQ.
Additionally, S2K differentials are notoriously fragile when it comes time for hard track work, and drifting is no exception. Enough mid-corner clutch kicks, combined with the extra engine output means blowing stock diffs up left and right. Once you really start hustling out there, expect to go through a diff or two.
Then we get to the steering issues.
Electric power steering, for the most part, is fine. However, when it comes to drifting, where the car sees maximum steering angle for prolonged periods of time, it’s an issue. Specifically, flicking the wheel from lock to lock, smoothly. The EPS can lag and get confused when being tossed around like that. EPS doesn’t “self-steer” like some hydraulic racks, like you would find in the requisite drift car: a 240sx. Jeff seems to just drive through it, stating he learned with the car, and it’s become normal to him.
The lack of steering angle is also an issue for smooth sliding. To that end, Jeff fabricated custom knuckles for more angle. From there, he uses a slightly narrow wheel (17×8) for clearance issues. He shows that nearly 2″ of spacer is required to get full lock from the car without the wheel or tire contacting the body or suspension. Wow.
However, the car as it sits is super well sorted, and Jeff absolutely slays the pavement in his S2K drift car.
