**The Art of Suspension Modifying**
One of the most popular modifications for Honda S2000 owners is to upgrade their suspension system. While the car's original setup handles amazingly well, some enthusiasts want to add an extra layer of performance and style to their ride. In this episode of Mighty Car Mods, we'll explore the process of modifying our S2000's suspension with aftermarket springs.
We've chosen to go with springs as our suspension upgrade, rather than coilovers. While coilovers offer adjustability in terms of height and damping, they can be costly, with a decent set running upwards of $2,000. Springs, on the other hand, are a more affordable option, with prices starting at around $500. This drop will provide us with a noticeable reduction in ride height, while also maintaining good drivability and minimizing noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH).
To begin, we'll need to remove our factory struts and replace them with the aftermarket springs. We've chosen a three-centimeter drop, which should give us a decent amount of lowering without compromising too much on ride quality. Once we have the new springs installed, we can test fit them to ensure they sit properly on our suspension geometry.
**Test Fitting the Springs**
Our first step is to test fit the spring to make sure it sits correctly and doesn't interfere with any other components on our suspension setup. We're careful to position the spring in a way that ensures proper alignment with the control arm, while also making sure it's securely attached to the shock absorber.
As we work, Benny and I are having a bit of fun at each other's expense. He's not impressed with my string-changing technique, but he's happy to let me take the lead on this part of the job. We've learned through experience that aftermarket fiberglass body parts often require a bit more persuasion to fit properly, so we're making sure everything is secure and in place.
**Rear Suspension Modifying**
Moving on to the rear suspension, things are a bit trickier due to the location of the fuel filler neck. Benny is right – it's a bit of a pain in the ass! We've managed to access the shock absorber by removing some extra parts, but I'm not sure how common that setup is on other cars.
As we work our way around the suspension, we're careful not to damage any surrounding components or interfere with the fuel lines. It's a delicate process, but one that's essential for getting everything working smoothly and safely. We've learned through experience that proper modification techniques are key to avoiding common pitfalls like damaged body panels or compromised safety features.
**Reassembling the Rear Suspension**
Finally, after what feels like an eternity, we're ready to reassemble the rear suspension with our new springs. It's a bit of a challenge due to the tight spaces and limited access, but we've managed to get everything fitted together without any major issues.
With the springs installed and secured, we can now put the fuel filler neck back in place and test fit the wheels to ensure they're all lined up properly. This is the final step before we can consider our suspension modification complete – and judging by what I'm seeing so far, it's going to be a real beauty.
**The Finished Product**
As we put the finishing touches on our suspension modification, I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and satisfaction. It's been a long day, but the end result is well worth it. The car looks and handles better than ever before, with a noticeable reduction in ride height that's sure to turn heads.
Of course, this is just the beginning – there are still plenty of other mods to tackle and upgrades to consider. But for now, we can sit back and enjoy the fruits of our labor. We've learned a lot through this process, from the importance of proper testing and fitting to the value of taking your time when working with complex suspension systems.
If you're considering modifying your own car's suspension system, be sure to check out our detailed videos on changing speakers, installing head units, installing lowered springs, and installing coilovers. These mods are all relatively straightforward and can make a big difference in the way your car handles and performs on the road.