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suspension theory?

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Old 06-24-2009, 04:59 PM
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Default suspension theory?

ive always been told that the 00-01 s2k were the best to race because the stock suspension was really nice. now compared to my CR suspension, my front spring rate is much stiffer, somewhat for compensation of a slightly bigger engine. but the rear rates decreased which makes me wonder.

What really is the optimal suspension rates for road racing for an aftermarket suspension, if getting a custom system what rates are the most beneficial.

does anyone know what rates race teams like spoon, J's, etc. use?
Old 06-24-2009, 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by 08s2000CRbackinblack,Jun 24 2009, 05:59 PM
ive always been told that the 00-01 s2k were the best to race because the stock suspension was really nice. now compared to my CR suspension, my front spring rate is much stiffer, somewhat for compensation of a slightly bigger engine. but the rear rates decreased which makes me wonder.
I'll bite -

The F22c and F20c are almost the exact same weight. The CR rates are not different to compensate for a change weight or weight balance even. The CR is actually the lightest of the S2000s when you consider is has delete options (A/C and radio) and no soft top. The spring rates and compression damping (rebound is somewhat close to that of standard S2000s) are increased to support a more track oriented chassis setup. I've seen the following stock spring rates (in pounds/inch) posted a few times, which doesn't make them right...but they're probably close...

MY00-01: 218 front / 291 rear --> fronts are 25% softer
MY02-03: 249 front / 306 rear --> fronts are 19% softer
MY04-07: 256 front / 207 rear --> fronts are 24% stiffer
MY08 CR: 375 front / 264 rear --> fronts are 42% stiffer

Also, the CR FSB has similar stiffness to the MY00-01 AP1s, which have the stiffest sway bars of all the years.

The stock MY00-01 is a handful on the track because it requires VERY smooth inputs and responds very harsh to anything but smooth inputs. This where the term "snap oversteer" was coined...even though it should just be called driver error. It can be quick, but needs to be in the hands of a skillful driver. AP2s and AP1s with bigger FSBs are easier to drive at their limits because they won't rotate as quickly. All versions of the S2000 are very capable...it's the driver that dictates how quick the lap times are.

Do you track your car often or plan to do so in the near future? A good track setup will generally not equate to a good street setup. They are two separate sets of conditions and require different solutions.
Old 06-25-2009, 01:33 AM
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yes, i want to track my car in the near future. my current mods are intake, exhaust, TP, and kpro reflash. i figured suspension would be next in line and one of the more important aspect i need to look at when it comes to tracking the car soon.

i know my front spring rates are nice, but would i want any stiffer in the rear or no?
Old 06-25-2009, 03:45 AM
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A minor point, but even with no radio, A/C, or power soft top, the CR is no lighter-weight than the early AP1.

As far as the "best" suspension settings, all are a compromise.
The CR's is probably the best for track work.

Don't mess with anything now, spend your money on track days/seat time!
Old 06-25-2009, 12:56 PM
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I agree with ZDan, seat time will be the best investment for quite a while. It'll also help you better understand the OEM chassis setup and give you more insight about what aspects of the suspension you would like to change. Good luck
Old 06-25-2009, 06:34 PM
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what i would like to know is what mod would have to be done to prevent the ap2 from snap oversteer around a turn? instead of the back comming out rapidly to where recovery would be difficult, how could u make it come around slower, where u have enought time and warning to correct it, is this possible with diffrent swaybars or is it just the driver?
sry for the thread jack
Old 06-25-2009, 07:17 PM
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i agree about getting more seat time and not worry about modding. but would a little stiffer all the way around help? i figured anything over 300 in rear for the cr would make the back wanna get loose but i got 9" rims with 255's so it might be nice? i thought i remember seeing a j's video that says there running 12kg all the way around, that cant be right?
Old 06-25-2009, 08:42 PM
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[QUOTE=08s2000CRbackinblack,Jun 25 2009, 08:17 PM]i agree about getting more seat time and not worry about modding. but would a little stiffer all the way around help? i figured anything over 300 in rear for the cr would make the back wanna get loose but i got 9" rims with 255's so it might be nice?
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