Project '03 GPW: Build-up for Open Track Events

This new section covers our project car, a 2003 Grand Prix White/Tan S2000.

The purpose of Project '03 GPW is to build a dual-purpose street and track car, with the emphasis on excellent handling dynamics. We'll sacrifice a little bit of ride for the street, and this will not be the ultimate track car (there are inherent limitations that limit that, and which if resolved would make the car unstreetable). Instead, it will highlight the best of both worlds and stay true to the true purpose of the S2000: to be a drivers car.

The car had 50k miles on it at the start of the project, and had been tracked in essentially stock form for three years. The only mods to begin with were a carefully arrived at street/track compromise alignment, stainless brake lines on the front, Hawk pads all around, and Motul race brake fluid with Speed Bleeders. The tires were OEM S02s on the stock 16" rims (the best tire for that rim). The car exclusively runs Mobil synthetic, and the transmission and differential fluid have been replaced. The stock shocks were totally worn out when we began (and the handling on track was terrible), and the stock clutch had been replaced with another stock unit. The front nose has been scrapped on a high curb. Otherwise the car was in excellent condition for a car which had always been driven hard - it was not a garage queen. See the Events section for details of some of the events this car has been driven in.

Each step of the project will be detailed with extensive images and some degree of accompanying text. Note that that complete installation instructions are not shown - follow the instructions on the parts you are installing and use the factory shop manual. All the installations were done "shade tree" style in our garage, not professionally or by a registered mechanic. Having done modifications of this type for >30 years and driven on high speed tracks for 28, I'm familiar enough with the requirements to do this at home. You may not be - carefully consider that before you decide where your own mods will be done or who should do them. Because this car will be driven at 10/10ths on a racetrack at speeds up to over 130 MPH, I am very careful with my adjustments and checking my work. You should make sure you are qualified and prepared to do the same before attempting this type of work yourself.

Follow the links to the left to read about each step of the project.

Sample images:

Sources:

• ESE Tuning - KW Variant III coilovers
• SoulSpeed Performance Suspension & Tire - the best suspension shop in Texas. Alignment and corner balancing. They can also help you choose components and do the install or you. Reasonable prices, and the owner is an autocrosser and open track driver himself and knows what he is doing.
• The Tire Rack: Hawk pads, RE01R tires, and AEW V2 cold air intake.
• Autobacs USA: ASM cross-brace and about $180 dollars worth of souvenirs from our visit in person. Specializes in ASM S2000 parts, and has a full-tilt JDM ASM S2000 on the premises.

References:

• Sport Compact Car - this excellent article covered their own buildup of a similar S2000.

Comparing Project '03 to the 2008 S2000 CR

The '03 started off with 16" wheels, which may have been optimum when the car was designed and tuned in the late nineties but which also don't cut it today. The large sidewalls flex, and steering response suffers. However, the '03 does have the fast steering ratio which the 2008 CR brings back to the line.

Project '03 runs AP2 v1 17" wheels (same offset and size as the CR - and presumably more or less the same weight). When we started RE070s were our preference, however those were not available. We choose the Bridgestone RE01r instead (215/255) and found phenomenal results - these are probably the best all-around tire for the S2000. I'm particularly interestedd in trying the RE070s, and will try them if the Re01Rs wear out before we eventually switch to a separate set of race tires and race rubber. Otherwise we'll stay with the RE01Rs and use dedicated race tires and wheels for the track.

The CR includes several interesting braces. The rear shock tower brace cannot be used with the stock convertible top - I've looked it over and it won't clear the top when it's down. Too bad. The steering rack braces look interesting, and while the ASM x-brace negates most of their potential value to us, I may try them anyway because they are inexpensive and light.

What would be the point of getting a CR? That has been a subject of debate (and much incorrect information). Setting aside collectability, you would benefit tremendously from the experience of Honda's own engineers. Undoubtedly the CR will out-handle Project '03 - at least until the CR shocks start to degrade (which I believe they'll do a lot faster than the KWs will). The only net benefit in the end is that it would make a nice off-the-shelf track car (with stainless lines and race pads). The loss of the convertible top ruins the CR for street driving. Perhaps the Japan-only S2000 "Type S" - which combines an improved suspension (not as seriously tuned as the CR) with the convertible top - would be the best compromise to meet our own goals. In fact, you might call Project '03 a "Type S".

The solid top would be a major benefit. Track organizations are changing rules governing use of convertibles - currently your head must clear the roll hoops. Soon (and today in some organizations), convertibles won't even be allowed. The solid top alone in the CR doesn't meet these rules because it is not attached solidly - meaning only a couple of latches hold it in place. Eventually, a 4-point roll hoop and attaching the top solidly (like the SCCA rules for Spec Miata) will be required.