S2K AP2 Body Modification For Racing Purposes (vs. just visual)

[jembr325]

Hey Guys,

For those of you who are s2k owners, what body modifications have you done?

I've seen a lot out there, but theres not much yet for AP2s from what I can tell. Has anyone found any good airdams and other modifications that are cost effective, look good and that will provide maximum performance on the track versus something that just "looks good."

Is there anyone who is doing some good custom fabrication for AP2s?

Thanks!

[8695Beaters]

First of all, airdams are mostly uneffective. That's why NASCAR has splitters on their new cars. Unfortunately the best racing splitters are the worst street parts. If you can add a splitter that is removable, then you can have a good track part. But that means it has to bolt to the bumper itself, not the plastic cover.

But that's not what the S2K needs. The S2K has oversteer, so you need to plant the back end. A nice fat rear wing like on the S2K CR is what you really need. Then again you might as well buy the whole CR body kit.

Except that the S2K has snap oversteer. A wing will help constant oversteer, but it won't do much for snap oversteer. That's where suspension tuning comes into play, and that's what you need. A good set of tires and shocks will get you more handling than any aero. Aero does not work until you hit 60 mph and even then, the effect is small. Chassis tuning will get you further.

[PrimeTimeV6]

I would try to find a HFP lip kit and drop it on a nice set of coilovers.

[8695Beaters]

The oppeative word being nice. A cheap set of coilovers will kill the S2K's handling and ride (much like the EVO). Although I bet you knew that already...

[jembr325]

Thanks for the ideas guys!!!

I was looking at the difference between airdams and splitters -- and I agree, I like the idea of a splitter better, but its hard to find a lot of pre-fab parts (from my research anyways) for the ap2.

Beaters, do you know of anyone thats making a decent splitter for the s2k? Some of the solo events have sections where you could hit 130 or more. I like some of the CR parts.. but to me, the CR looks a little "overdone" so I got the standard s2000 with plans to do the remainder of modifications on my own.

Thanks!

[8695Beaters]

It may "look overdone" but the parts on the CR do work. They add something like 100 pounds of downforce. Most aftermarket parts have never even seen the windtunnel. Real aero parts will be expensive too, so remember that.

If you want to get real aero, you will have to do some custom work. If you look around enough, you should be able to find a good strong spliiter. APR would be a good place to look. Then you will need to build some custom brackets to support it. I would say screw it to the plastic bumper cover, but leave some hanging off behind. Then use some thread stock or a long piece of threaded tubing and bolt the splitter to the metal bumper. The holes you drill won't weaken the bumper too much so you will still be safe. Make sure the splitter is removable or you will risk breaking it on the street. And if it's just supported by plastic, it will bend and won't do anything. Whatever wing you want is up to you, just buy something that looks like it came off a race car and is adjustable. And buy it wide. Air that has gone around the windshield creates more downforce than air that has gone over it.

Can you really go that fast on a Solo course? I always thought you went under 80. I'm still waiting to do my fisrt Solo so I don't know. Even so, chassis tuning will cut more time than the aero through the tight corners.

[jembr325]

Thanks for your suggestions!

I finally found a good splitter that can be attached to the stock front wing for an ap2 -- looks fantastic. (Go Tuning Unlimited) It could be removable, but I think I would leave it on -- assuming its not too difficult to drive with on a daily basis -- clearance looks like it would be okay. I'm looking into wings... I may have to stick with somthing thats not to outrageous ... Veilside type 1 spoiler or something stock... to keep the look Im looking for, but I do like your thoughts. Next I'll stiffen up the chassis, per your suggestion, with braces and get an engine management system.

As an aside, for those of you who have an s2000, make sure you work on getting the car to breathe first, the stock car appears to be pretty restrictive -- the car drivers MUCH smoother / more powerfully with intake and or exhaust / headers. Now I just have to figure out what makes the rattling noise under the hood in 1st and second gear at low rpm -- seems to be resonance from a heat shield or the exhaust system. The noise was there before but is more pronounced now -- its a buzzing sound like putting your hand on the blades of a desk fan while its running on high.

Thanks for your help Beaters!

[8695Beaters]

That's the splitter I was talking about. You will still want to support it from behind though. Check out Sport Compact Car's time attack Miata. They use the same splitter and you can see how to support it.

Look at this: Project Miata Splitter Mount Photo

I still say you will be better off if you just do chassis work instead of aero. And the S2K does need some help in that area, even as brilliant as it is.

[jembr325]

Wow! Yeah they definitely used come creativity with all of that mounting hardware on the miata.

You make a good point -- you need to do some additional bracing to ensure it doesnt rip off your bumper at a buck fifty. I think I could fabricate four L braces that can be bolted to the frame such that they look part of the stock car -- I have a few other things that need paint anyways.

Yep, per your suggestion I'll stiffen it up and may consider replacing the suspension -- although the suspension is pretty darn good -- So I may ride that out a while.

Thanks buddy! Hope you had a good weekend!

[8695Beaters]

You will need a bumpsteer kit. All S2Ks need them even the AP2s. Make that your first mod. If you go ahead with the splitter, make it removable, since carbon fiber and curbs do not go well together.