Best S2000 Suspension Components for Street and Track Use: Brands and Technical Insights

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The Honda S2000 is renowned for its exceptional handling and performance, making it a favorite among car enthusiasts for both street and track use. To maximize its capabilities, upgrading the suspension components is essential. This article explores the best S2000 suspension components available, focusing on brands and technical insights that cater to various driving experiences.

Understanding S2000 Suspension

The S2000 features a double-wishbone suspension setup, which provides excellent handling characteristics. However, factory components may not always meet the demands of spirited driving or competitive racing. Upgrading to high-performance suspension components can enhance ride quality, improve handling, and increase overall vehicle stability.

Key Suspension Components

  • Coilovers
  • Sway Bars
  • Strut Braces
  • Control Arms
  • Bushings

Coilovers

Coilovers are one of the most popular upgrades for the S2000, offering adjustable ride height and damping. They allow drivers to fine-tune their suspension setup based on driving preferences and conditions.

Top Brands for Coilovers

  • BC Racing: Known for their affordability and performance balance.
  • Tein: Offers a range of options, including street and track-focused setups.
  • KW: Renowned for high-quality engineering and adjustability.
  • Function and Form: Popular among enthusiasts for their performance and value.

Sway Bars

Sway bars, or anti-roll bars, help reduce body roll during cornering, improving handling and stability. Upgrading to stiffer sway bars can enhance the S2000’s responsiveness.

  • Whiteline: Offers adjustable sway bars for customizable handling.
  • Progress Technology: Known for their performance-oriented designs.
  • H&R: Provides a balanced approach to handling improvement.

Strut Braces

Strut braces help to increase chassis rigidity by connecting the strut towers, which can lead to improved steering response and handling precision.

  • Neuspeed: Offers high-quality aluminum strut braces.
  • Cusco: Known for their effective and stylish designs.
  • Skunk2: Provides performance-oriented options for enthusiasts.

Control Arms

Upgrading control arms can improve alignment settings and handling characteristics, providing better tire contact with the road. This upgrade is particularly beneficial for track use.

Top Control Arm Brands

  • SPC Performance: Offers adjustable control arms for precise alignment.
  • Skunk2: Known for their lightweight and durable designs.
  • Function and Form: Provides performance-focused control arm options.

Bushings

Upgrading to stiffer bushings can enhance responsiveness and reduce flex in the suspension system, leading to improved handling and performance.

  • Energy Suspension: Offers a wide range of polyurethane bushings.
  • Hardrace: Known for their durable and performance-oriented bushings.
  • SuperPro: Provides innovative bushing solutions for improved handling.

Technical Insights for Suspension Setup

When upgrading suspension components, it’s essential to consider several factors to ensure optimal performance.

Alignment

After any suspension modification, a proper alignment is crucial. Adjusting camber, toe, and caster settings can significantly affect handling and tire wear.

Damping Settings

Adjustable coilovers allow drivers to set damping settings based on their driving style and road conditions. Finding the right balance between comfort and performance is key.

Ride Height

Lowering the ride height can improve handling but may affect ride quality. It’s important to find an optimal height that suits both street and track use.

Conclusion

Upgrading the suspension components of the Honda S2000 can dramatically enhance its performance on both the street and the track. By choosing the right brands and understanding the technical aspects of suspension setup, drivers can unlock the full potential of their S2000, ensuring an exhilarating driving experience.