When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
After having a lowered vehicle for 5 years, the wheel gap on the S2k is really starting to drive me crazy. With being a cheap ass and thanks to good reviews, I'm leaning towards the Espelir springs. I don't want to go as low as the TL was, so I'm not really considering coils, though I could be persuaded.
Any suggestions or thoughts? I just want some of the wheel gap gone.
After having a lowered vehicle for 5 years, the wheel gap on the S2k is really starting to drive me crazy. With being a cheap ass and thanks to good reviews, I'm leaning towards the Espelir springs. I don't want to go as low as the TL was, so I'm not really considering coils, though I could be persuaded.
Any suggestions or thoughts? I just want some of the wheel gap gone.
Do it right the first time and get coilovers. FWIW the s2000 stock suspension is very rough so you'll have more comfort while being lower if you go that route.
Coilovers are not for everyone. I pieced together the setup on my MINI after the OEM rubber strut mounts tore. I went with Bilstein Sports / Swift springs and Vorshlag camber plates. I probably could have sourced a set of BC coilovers for less but I didn't need the height adjustability, nor can I go low since my driveway is too steep for anything lower. I had to remove the air deflectors from underneath the front bumper. The lifetime warranty on the Bilsteins convinced me, since I plan to keep the car forever.
The Swift/Bilstein gave a moderate drop and they ride is many times smoother than stock... the camber plates allowed me to dial the camber in right where I needed it.
Physics dicktastes that if you lower the mass, it'll handle better.
Also, if Sam didn't have a lowered unfriendly driveway, he'd be lowered.
Well boys, I considered going lower, but after having the silver (Chip Themachine's) S2000 be at the fender friendly height and flush limit...I decided I'll stick with the moderate setting I have it on and not worry about rubbing or fuckage.
Must say, I'm super happy and in love with my decision to get the Advan and have them powdered. Guy I sold and rebought them from is very happy too, he loves the look and says he's happy that they went (back) to a good home.
Best part...got room to go 225/255 next time
Having had square setup before, I'm MUCH happier with my stagger back.
If anyone gives a fuck, I'm stock tire sizes...
17x8 +37 Front
17x9 +42 (45+3MM spacer) Rear
As for the feel of my car, I have absolutely no complaints. I don't scrape anywhere and it's not back breaking...it's just the wheel gap that kills me. My ideal setup would lower the vehicle about an inch and would ride like stock. I'm just trying to figure out if that's achievable with a cost that I can justify.
As for the feel of my car, I have absolutely no complaints. I don't scrape anywhere and it's not back breaking...it's just the wheel gap that kills me. My ideal setup would lower the vehicle about an inch and would ride like stock. I'm just trying to figure out if that's achievable with a cost that I can justify.
Chip sold me the Espilir/OEM combos from his car when he went coilovers. I have to admit, they were a bit lower than I expected. Once I torqued the suspension correctly, I got about a 1.25" drop. Handles fantastic, rides well. Just gotta watch for the bumps and dips. I'm still on my AP1 16" OEM wheels and tire sizes. My Jeremy/Chip Espilirs:
One of these days I'll drop $200 on a car cover, but..meh. And I'm keeping my snowblower stock so I can get top $$$ for it on the off chance that transfer to Maui ever comes through.
For those of you who drive in snow on a regular basis.
Is snow chain really necessary?
The reason i asked is because for the past 3 years i have been going up to Big Bear for New year and we were required to put on snowchains (There was actually some snow)
But i feel the chain has made the drive more dangerous since i would be sliding everywhere without any kind of traction. The car felt like it was falling apart under 20mph, which is what my average speed due to traffic.
I am just thinking to ditch the snow chain and drive on regular tires this year. (on a FWD Civic of course)
For those of you who drive in snow on a regular basis.
Is snow chain really necessary?
The reason i asked is because for the past 3 years i have been going up to Big Bear for New year and we were required to put on snowchains (There was actually some snow)
But i feel the chain has made the drive more dangerous since i would be sliding everywhere without any kind of traction. The car felt like it was falling apart under 20mph, which is what my average speed due to traffic.
I am just thinking to ditch the snow chain and drive on regular tires this year. (on a FWD Civic of course)
If the CHP requires snow chains, you don't really have a choice of using them or not.
In the few experiences I've had driving in snow on the way to Iddywild, chains were a must - especially if snow had been on the ground for a few days and there's a layer of ice underneath.
A friend of mine brought a much heavier 8G Accord sedan without chains and you guessed it .. absolutely no traction and couldn't make it up a gradual hill .. There was about 1-2" of hardpacked snow with ice underneath it.
FYI - We didn't have any issues using snow chains on my GF's Corolla .. they were meant for 195 size tires and sure the ride was rougher than normal, but didn't feel like it was damaging the car.
For those of you who drive in snow on a regular basis.
Is snow chain really necessary?
The reason i asked is because for the past 3 years i have been going up to Big Bear for New year and we were required to put on snowchains (There was actually some snow)
But i feel the chain has made the drive more dangerous since i would be sliding everywhere without any kind of traction. The car felt like it was falling apart under 20mph, which is what my average speed due to traffic.
I am just thinking to ditch the snow chain and drive on regular tires this year. (on a FWD Civic of course)
Snow chains are only helpful in deep loose snow. Also, they only help with forward momentum, not so much with turning or sliding.
Does the Civic have summer tires or all seasons? All seasons will get you by in a little snow (
wtf? it just cut off all the stuff I wrote...will follow up with new post.
Snow chains are only helpful in deep loose snow. Also, they only help with forward momentum, not so much with turning or sliding.
Does the Civic have summer tires or all seasons? All seasons will get you by in a little snow (< 3") if you take it easy and don't be stupid. If you're on summer tires, you're fvcked regardless of amount of snow.
If you're going to tackle any more than 6" of snow or are driving up/down inclines regardless of amount of snow, snow tires are going to be your best bet...but I'm guessing that you don't need those on a daily basis. Are you in CA? If so, I'd get all seasons and leave it at that since you won't want to run snows on your daily drive.
If you do it enough, are willing to pay, and can store them, just get a set of shitty rims with snows and swap tires as needed.
Adding: Chains are good in a pinch but no one around here uses them. They use high end all seasons or dedicated snows. I have dedicated snows for my wife's car (Accord) and the Jeep uses all terrain tires and brute force. I used snows on my old E46 and it was a tank.
Adding again: My snowblower has chains to help it drive through deep snow and chew up hard packed snow. But it's not really the same application...
Here, the mountains are only a few hours away and they get DUMPED with snow. Chains are only required in very very few areas (more remote locations, with unusually steep roads). 99.9% of roads do not call for chains.
With good winter tires, you should never have problems.
I have noticed the the ride is much better with Deep snow but most of the time it creates more problem than it solves in my experience.
There was a slight hill and we stopped due to traffic, when i step on the gas very very lightly, the car was either going sideways or just doing burnout without any smoke.
It just seems like a California thing where most of the people are freaked out with any kind of weather other than Sunny.
but yah the snow chain i got is from autozone> They are a lot cheaper looking than the one posted. The whole dashboard was falling apart at low speed.
Adam, sho you right, that's why I haven't lowered more, man...my last S was probably a 1/2" lower and it was obvious over bumps. I haven't heard my tires rub on anything yet, and I'm gonna keep it that way!
Here, the mountains are only a few hours away and they get DUMPED with snow. Chains are only required in very very few areas (more remote locations, with unusually steep roads). 99.9% of roads do not call for chains.
With good winter tires, you should never have problems.
+1 Good snow tires with plenty of meat should do the trick. If you run into a lot of ice issues then get them studded.
My tire of choice is General Altimax Arctic, the TL, RL and odyssey all ride on the altimax come winter time.
I've never used chains. Haven't needed to, plus I don't think any areas around here allow them. (Or roads are bad enough!)
Speaking of snow, we are under a winter storm warning. Could have anywhere from 3-8" of snow starting tonight and going through tomorrow. Best part... I haven't swapped on my winter tire set yet. Next week will be in the 50s! If I didn't have to go to the airport tomorrow for a pick up I would wait another week, but it looks like tomorrow morning I'll be working on the car. I'm not ready to go back to the stock wheels again.
DSC_0525 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0496 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0505 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0557 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0550 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0215 by rock star, on Flickr
DSC_0224 by rock star, on Flickr
. 
. A custom built 9hp (rather than the usual 6hp) Honda HS924, built this thing last year. 
