Squeaky (the yellow car) and I had just burned through a set of RE71RS's and while that tire gave my setup incredible grip and better lap times, I as a driver needed some real seats. With the slower and less grippy Conti's, the car is at the right balance and playfulness and that tire is very thermally stable; seems like it can play that way all day long which I did that day. End of the day I was exhausted. On my final session I burned through most of a tank of gas and only came off when I had an empty tank; tires were just warm to the touch.
1.3 seconds with much slower contis and no aero is pretty impressive and speaks volumes about the shortcoming of the KW dampers. Looks like the yellow car could benefit from some alignment or setup changes too.
I’m sure KW makes great motorsports dampers, but I couldn’t stand my V3s (on E36 M3). They’re supposed to be street oriented coilovers that can handle some track use, but I found them to be pretty awful on the street, and entirely unimpressive on track. Switched to Annex FastRoad Pro coilovers, and for $1000 less they’re everything I wanted the KWs to be.
That's pretty much the gold standard for ride comfort and the occasional track day. It won't slam the car if that's what you're looking for. I'm a dealer and would be happy to get you set up for a great price.
@zygrene valid point. You and Kevin have me spinning whether to keep my gr86 paired with my type r or find something else. All this s2000 content makes it tempting.
Your amazing track driving skills really shone in this video! Three S2Ks with different tires and setup and you were able to handle the car well near/at the limit. Don’t let all the seat time and experience with the FR platform go to waste! Looking forward to more FR/MR track content! 🔥
I have kw v3 on my miata but never loved them either. Their sales pitch was they developed those shocks on a chassis dyno. The rear doesnt have enough travel or bottom out control and i frequently bottom out around town even on max ride height
It mostly bottoms out because the spring rate on KWs is so low. On a nc it is 5/4kg progressive. The dampers themselves are decent and have enough travel.
honestly , the only way to really do a comparison is data, seem like there is aim logger on one car and it should be easy to install between the cars, that would be the only way to really see the difference.
I've never been a fan of KWs for this platform, all of their off the shelf options are too soft for track duty. Even when they first came out they were slower than the other off the shelf options of the time, I'd only image this problem has gotten worse with how much sticker tires are now.
Actually, the V3 is designed to be a street coilover with occasional track use, but my Cayman drove better at autocross when I changed the compression and rebound from the default street setting. The general rule is lowest rebound and highest compression for your platform. Not sure what the actual clicks to set for the S2000 though.
@@DC5BrandonI know they aren't a dedicated track oriented coilover and imo they are too soft for your average hpde warrior but I see them recommended from time to time or in track builds. The V3 CR are barely an improvement over the V3. KW need to release a new coilover for the S2K, the V3s are from like the mid 2000s. I'm sure they could make something way better now
@@sbfd3s Yes, the V3 is categorized as "street performance" by KW. Even though off-the-shelf there is only a V3 Clubsport, you "could" get something custom made via Development Request. In theory, the options are V4/V5 Clubsport and V3/V4/V5/V6 Racing. Someone from the US recently got them to develop a V5 for the NA1/2 NSX...
Great video. What are the wheel offsets, these are all 255 square tire setups? Would love to have the KW clubsports included here because they are more track focused over the V3 which is street focused. Would also love to hear your opinion on the OSG diff vs stock as I imagined it would contribute more to lap times then it seems to be doing.
Yup all 255 square setups with 17" wheels. Unsure of the offsets. OSG diff definitely helps corner exit but I actually find that the OEM diff, if in good condition, does a pretty good job.
ahah just like the second s2000 I bought one with 25k miles in 2018 with the idea to enjoy it original and now it is modified and I track it as much as I can which is not much but still :) buy the finest showroom example and then trash it ahah well I keep it well honestly I just enjoy it as it should be enjoyed. nice review very interesting. I have the 71rs on my S660 here in Hong Kong and they really are incredible and well behaved on the road like a normal tire. My s2000 wear Nankang AR1 and it seems to be on a tractor tire in comparison
The best suspension is the one that has properly matching springs and damping for the specific car setup and driver. Just get tractive, adjust it on the fly, forget the rest, forget that you had extra $6-9k before getting it.
you mean how much did I pay for it? I bought it for 32 back in April. had a few issues due to it sitting for a few years but after resolving them it turned out to be a very good buy. it's a sweet car with just the right mods now. just need to quiet the brakes a bit.
Great comparison. I know the AP1 has some differences, but would you think the AP2 comparisons would translate similarly into AP1 going for similar setups? Thanks!
Looking for a set of wheels.. Id like to run 17x9 with 245s square. Does anyone have recommendations? Barber motorsport days and autocross. I dont want to roll fenders. Should i stick to a 60mm offset?
I went over Tillett's website, and based on the overall shape, the seat looks like it's the B8 model with the optional two-panel cushion set added. The seat by itself is padded only on the headrest by default. Could be wrong, but I'm pretty confident it's the B8. Hope this helps
@@DIYGuysvideo yeah no way around it; except of course to switch to a lesser caliper. since my car will not be turned fully into track focus I may do that in the future.
Any noticeable difference in the shifter feel on the blue car? I have been eyeing the Hybrid detent springs for a bit, but haven't seen much feedback on them.
They give a more solid engagement and disengagement in gears. I personally like them but some may find it too stiff. They’ve definitely broken in and got softer
Nvm, description answered my question. You would like well setup clubsport set. Better damping profile for track work and slightly stiffer spring rates. The normal V3s are like a touge setup.
@@harrybuhse8622 what does a discontinued car add to this world of faster and more modern cars?? All u guys idolize this and other old jap cars but its not until U won one u find out that well.. they old lol there is a reason zygrene doesnt have one and so many other bought and sold them.
interesting video, but there are too many variables (wheels, tires, spring rates, dampeners, cost of suspension, how old each design is) to be accurate
Kw v3 < Ohlins DFV < JRZ R1 < Ohlins TTX < JRZ 12 31
Squeaky (the yellow car) and I had just burned through a set of RE71RS's and while that tire gave my setup incredible grip and better lap times, I as a driver needed some real seats. With the slower and less grippy Conti's, the car is at the right balance and playfulness and that tire is very thermally stable; seems like it can play that way all day long which I did that day. End of the day I was exhausted. On my final session I burned through most of a tank of gas and only came off when I had an empty tank; tires were just warm to the touch.
1.3 seconds with much slower contis and no aero is pretty impressive and speaks volumes about the shortcoming of the KW dampers. Looks like the yellow car could benefit from some alignment or setup changes too.
I’m sure KW makes great motorsports dampers, but I couldn’t stand my V3s (on E36 M3). They’re supposed to be street oriented coilovers that can handle some track use, but I found them to be pretty awful on the street, and entirely unimpressive on track.
Switched to Annex FastRoad Pro coilovers, and for $1000 less they’re everything I wanted the KWs to be.
Was looking for an upgrade to OEM AP2 sus, leaning towards DFV's with a front sway bar, thanks for the S2000 content!
That's pretty much the gold standard for ride comfort and the occasional track day. It won't slam the car if that's what you're looking for. I'm a dealer and would be happy to get you set up for a great price.
I can’t believe with all the s2000 videos that you don’t own one at the moment.
Well that's exactly why I don't own one. I can drive them basically whenever I want LOL
@zygrene valid point. You and Kevin have me spinning whether to keep my gr86 paired with my type r or find something else. All this s2000 content makes it tempting.
Nice comparison. 👍🏾 Scary part with the first S2K. Always look forward to your videos!
Definitely a WTF moment
How fun to be able to drive all these back to back like that! Awesome video and who doesn’t love rip some vtec
I've never turned down an offer to review an S2K on track
Your amazing track driving skills really shone in this video! Three S2Ks with different tires and setup and you were able to handle the car well near/at the limit.
Don’t let all the seat time and experience with the FR platform go to waste! Looking forward to more FR/MR track content! 🔥
Seemed very smooth and zen like in Bluey.
Excellent content.
Fantastic, thanks for sharing
That Blue S2 seemed spot on.
Nice comparo! I run JRZ RS Pro 3's on my Gen 1 R8 V10 manual, so I'm a little biased!
Niiiiceeeeee. Great owners, great drivers, great cars, great video.
The balls required to drive like that! I would have pissed my pants at 3:22
I have kw v3 on my miata but never loved them either. Their sales pitch was they developed those shocks on a chassis dyno. The rear doesnt have enough travel or bottom out control and i frequently bottom out around town even on max ride height
It mostly bottoms out because the spring rate on KWs is so low. On a nc it is 5/4kg progressive. The dampers themselves are decent and have enough travel.
Great driving 💪😊
honestly , the only way to really do a comparison is data, seem like there is aim logger on one car and it should be easy to install between the cars, that would be the only way to really see the difference.
Would be nice if you could check KW CS equipped car too because that’s more track enthusiast specific product than V3
I've never been a fan of KWs for this platform, all of their off the shelf options are too soft for track duty. Even when they first came out they were slower than the other off the shelf options of the time, I'd only image this problem has gotten worse with how much sticker tires are now.
I've driven a couple of cars with KW Clubsports on the street, and they feel great. Need to try it on track next.
Actually, the V3 is designed to be a street coilover with occasional track use, but my Cayman drove better at autocross when I changed the compression and rebound from the default street setting. The general rule is lowest rebound and highest compression for your platform. Not sure what the actual clicks to set for the S2000 though.
@@DC5BrandonI know they aren't a dedicated track oriented coilover and imo they are too soft for your average hpde warrior but I see them recommended from time to time or in track builds. The V3 CR are barely an improvement over the V3. KW need to release a new coilover for the S2K, the V3s are from like the mid 2000s. I'm sure they could make something way better now
@@sbfd3s Yes, the V3 is categorized as "street performance" by KW. Even though off-the-shelf there is only a V3 Clubsport, you "could" get something custom made via Development Request. In theory, the options are V4/V5 Clubsport and V3/V4/V5/V6 Racing.
Someone from the US recently got them to develop a V5 for the NA1/2 NSX...
Great video. What are the wheel offsets, these are all 255 square tire setups? Would love to have the KW clubsports included here because they are more track focused over the V3 which is street focused. Would also love to hear your opinion on the OSG diff vs stock as I imagined it would contribute more to lap times then it seems to be doing.
Yup all 255 square setups with 17" wheels. Unsure of the offsets. OSG diff definitely helps corner exit but I actually find that the OEM diff, if in good condition, does a pretty good job.
Do you know who tuned the OSG? Just curious.
ahah just like the second s2000 I bought one with 25k miles in 2018 with the idea to enjoy it original and now it is modified and I track it as much as I can which is not much but still :) buy the finest showroom example and then trash it ahah well I keep it well honestly I just enjoy it as it should be enjoyed. nice review very interesting. I have the 71rs on my S660 here in Hong Kong and they really are incredible and well behaved on the road like a normal tire. My s2000 wear Nankang AR1 and it seems to be on a tractor tire in comparison
The best suspension is the one that has properly matching springs and damping for the specific car setup and driver.
Just get tractive, adjust it on the fly, forget the rest, forget that you had extra $6-9k before getting it.
Harris, how much was 15k mile s2k pick up? Awesome for adding both road and track miles on such a low mi pickup
you mean how much did I pay for it? I bought it for 32 back in April. had a few issues due to it sitting for a few years but after resolving them it turned out to be a very good buy. it's a sweet car with just the right mods now. just need to quiet the brakes a bit.
I had the same experience with the V3's. They also fall off and seem to get a lot worse when putting a lot of laps on them in a full session.
Missing the best of class, MCS suspension.
surprised of the oem diff performance vs OS
great informative video! may i ask what hood that is on the blue s2k?
you should test a "cheap" option like bc racing, to see the diference between a 1000$ and 4000$ like jrz
Will the Tillett B8 seats fit with full interior with out rubbing door panel or inner panel trim?
Excellent.
Great comparison. I know the AP1 has some differences, but would you think the AP2 comparisons would translate similarly into AP1 going for similar setups? Thanks!
I would think the same mods would translate to the AP1 also, maybe with minor differences due to suspension geometry.
@@ZygreneAwesome! Thanks for the reply! Love your content!
RE-71RS's go off a little bit after 2-3 laps for me.
Looking for a set of wheels.. Id like to run 17x9 with 245s square. Does anyone have recommendations? Barber motorsport days and autocross. I dont want to roll fenders. Should i stick to a 60mm offset?
Hope you have some earplugs coz holy brake squealing batman. Did you think the rigid collars make a difference compared to the other S2ks?
on the 2007 Rio Yellow S2000 what sequential shift light is that
Nice video.
What model tillet seat and rail did they have???? Thanks!
I went over Tillett's website, and based on the overall shape, the seat looks like it's the B8 model with the optional two-panel cushion set added. The seat by itself is padded only on the headrest by default. Could be wrong, but I'm pretty confident it's the B8. Hope this helps
What shift light is that in the yellow s2000?
Why does the door on the blue s2000 look like a face imprint on it…
Someone backed into it with their SUV a couple months ago. 😢
How were these compared to the prius? 😅
Prius stomps all over VTEC
Seemed to be some understeer on the first car.
Did the second car have any copper grease inside the calipers?
Yeah the first car (silver) understeered more than the third (blue). Yellow car had the most under and over steer, probably because of the tires.
no would that help with squeal? it's honestly driving me nuts.
The squeal is likely just the C43 kit with race hardware on the rotors. It just be like that
@@DIYGuysvideo yeah no way around it; except of course to switch to a lesser caliper. since my car will not be turned fully into track focus I may do that in the future.
If you wanna drive another TTX car in a month or so, hit me up
Oooh boy I will take you up on that Nate. Will reach out
@@Zygrene hmu dude. I'll be in a sling for another week or two but I'll probably be coming out a bit after that.
You know alot people with these cars…what city yall in?
Bay Area (and California in general) has a ton of S2000s
16k/16k 😅
Any noticeable difference in the shifter feel on the blue car? I have been eyeing the Hybrid detent springs for a bit, but haven't seen much feedback on them.
TBH I didn't notice any difference in shifter feel, but I did notice I could shift quicker with the blue car (maybe due to the clutch)
They give a more solid engagement and disengagement in gears. I personally like them but some may find it too stiff. They’ve definitely broken in and got softer
Were those V3s or V3 club sports?
Nvm, description answered my question. You would like well setup clubsport set. Better damping profile for track work and slightly stiffer spring rates. The normal V3s are like a touge setup.
@@yasuke1075 yeah I've done a few canyon drives in other platforms equipped with KW CS and they feel great
I thought fortune auto are best coilovers in track market?
Heck no!
@nezabytes what are best coilovers for track thn?
please spare me with the "propriety mods" hush- you dont work for NASA ok.
Always say no to twin tubes... (KW)
HKS Hipermax Rs FTW for 2 way adjustable. Height/damping
Don't use the Oem hardtop on track. It will bend from forces in the corners and is very expensive and collectable these days
That's a lot of body flex then... no bueno
Js racing.
Twss
If u are gonna keep comparing s2k can u at least throw a miata in there somewhere not just the failed
Sport car please..
What would a random miata add to a suspension comparison?
@@harrybuhse8622 what does a discontinued car add to this world of faster and more modern cars?? All u guys idolize this and other old jap cars but its not until
U won one u find out that well.. they old lol there is a reason zygrene doesnt have one and so many other bought and sold them.
interesting video, but there are too many variables (wheels, tires, spring rates, dampeners, cost of suspension, how old each design is) to be accurate
5:40 gatekeeping is for losers grow up. @harrykwan734