I did my first HPDE @ Thunderhill (with the s2000) yesterday and i must say im thouroughly impressed! Coming from strictly FWD cars, I could not even imagine the difference driving a RWD car makes on the track. Around turn 2 i was at least 10mph faster than I was previously, it just felt way faster everywhere, especially powering through turns. My only suspension mods are Koni Yellows and 400f/450r Ground Controls and if i was going to make this a dedicated track car I would definiately go huge on the spring rates like some of you guys do - but the rates I have are an acceptable balance of street comfort and track performance. I did also notice that the car (setup like I have it) would benefit from some sway bar tuning as well. The power was more than adequate for the track, I think my top speed coming into turn 1 was just about 110, depending on where I wanted to start braking, although if i could ever figure out turn 13-14 im sure I could stack another 5 mph on top of that.

Some lessons (specific to the s2000, not HPDEs in general) learned from my first day with the S:

-No matter what people may say, the car LOVES 100 octane (especially in 100deg heat). Those who mock it probably have not tried it.

-Stock S02s are totally balanced on the car. They worked GREAT on the track and I will not hesitate to replace them (again) when they wear out, even though they are pricey.

-The s2000 probably does not need a big brake kit. I am running Carbotech XP8 pads and Motul RBF 600 and didn't deal with a bit of fade during the day, I was asking alot of the brakes too. I say probably because although im sure they work great, the stock brakes were more than adequate.

-On track MPG is about 8-10 when really on it.

-Your car is much faster and better balanced w/o a passenger

-If you decide to run with your top down, your head gets banged around by the wind at high speeds with the helmet on, its a weird feeling and something that took awhile to get used to.

- Check your oil between sessions, I lost about 1/3 qt over the day (Im sure every car is different)

Basically if you own a s2000 you owe it to yourself to get it on a track where it was meant to shine - save the $500 you were going to get on a body kit and get yourself a good set of brake pads and a helmet and hit the track!!!

-Todd

 

Glad you had fun, and learned something while at it.

 

Great post! I think I'll be HPDE'ing my 97 ITR this fall and like to hear about people's experiences in track schools.

Don't most clubs require some type of rollover protection on convertibles? (roll bar/cage)


I've been toying with the idea of replacing my car with a rear drive two seater with a lot tighter steering.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Utilitarian &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Don't most clubs require some type of rollover protection on convertibles? (roll bar/cage)
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As far as NASA rules go, the S is one of the few cars exempt from having additional rollover protection.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FR-MOB: Projekt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

As far as NASA rules go, the S is one of the few cars exempt from having additional rollover protection. </TD></TR></TABLE>

That is not true true for NASA across the US. That is only true for your Cali Nasa. If you come over to the east coast, you are required a roll bar. You will not be allowed to drive at a track event run by NASA here. This goes for NASA northeast and mid atlantic. It is a rule that varies per region.

It really depends on your location.

 

How did you get away with it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by FR-MOB: Projekt &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">How did you get away with it?</TD></TR></TABLE>

I only did once and that was because I was helping NASA with volunteering. I was told it was a once only. The rules had been vague previous years and up to interpretation. This year however, they were made clear... Convertibles need rollbars, no exceptions.