New to me 06 S2K - soooon

[S2KFromAbove]

Hey guys, seems like a great group of people peopl reading through some threads. I currently own an 04 Mazdaspeed Miata with some light mods to it. While I do LOVE this car, I decided it was time for a change and pulled the trigger on an 06 AP2, Silverstone. I get the car in 9 days - and I have a feeling it will be a VERY long 9 days.

I have lots of track experience in the current toy - so I'm eager to see what the S2000 is capable of. I know it's more, I'm quite curious as to how much.

Can anyone offer up an opinion on the ability to control the tail end of the beast compared to something like a turbo Miata?

Happy to be here!

[D1sclaimer]

Welcome to the forum!!!! Did you have an NA, NB, or NC?

About the tail end kicking out, the problem is mainly with AP1s. AP2s fixed it for the most part. Alot of people get larger front sway bars and they claim it fixes it. Some companies also make anti bumpsteer kits so you adjust toe, but they cost alot.

[lonestarbuzz]

welcome! DJ can't read, so he will need to see pictures!

[DJJSR]

Welcome aboard! I almost bought a Mazdaspeed Miata just last year but it was a little too broken in. Great car, especially when you get it wound up!

You will absolutely love the S2000. It's really not that tail-happy and since yours is an '06, it has VSA for a little help on the street. Just be sure your eyes are open when you get up to 6k RPM, that's where she starts breathin heavy.

Don't forget the pictures. (thanks Buzz)

[Java Junky]

Welcome aboard FA. 'Great crowd. 'Think you'll like it.
Very liddle time in'a Speed, but whut I remember is an ability to steer with the gas pedal, similar to a Mustang. Power on a rheostat.
Stewie'll give you very liddle warnin' before it goez'n when it goez, it's sudden'n very determined not to be disturbed while in the process.
If you're one that enjoy'z steerin' with the gas pedal, Stewie'z about to change yer life.

[S2KFromAbove]

Thanks for the responses guys - no pics yet, but will grab some when I grab the car.

As for throttle-steering, etc - While I DO definately enjoy being able to steer the car with my foot, my question was more about the controllability of the car. I found the Mazdaspeed miata exceptionally controllable, and I am GUESSING the s2000 will behave more like a real race car than a street car in dynamics. In other words, set the line and commit, if you have to adjust or catch the rear, be precise and smooth, smooth, smooth. I've had (VERY little) seat time in an F3000 open wheel car, so I do know about dynamics at the extreme end of things - and the fact that it'll jump quickly doesn't bother me that much do long as it's predictable and controllable.

Ya know what I mean?

[Java Junky]

"Smooth, smooth, smooth."

You'n Phil're gonna gedd'along jus' fine.

[Scooter]

Welcome! How is the soon-to-be-your-baby "from above"?

[philiam]

Originally Posted by Java Junky

"Smooth, smooth, smooth."

You'n Phil're gonna gedd'along jus' fine.

Got that right. With practice you'll feel when she starts to break. Lift the foot for a second give a slight twitch in the direction of the break and get on it. The main thing is not too much steering input and not too much power. The car is really well balanced for an experienced driver.

But you have the right idea. Smooth is the word.

[S2KFromAbove]

so it sounds like this car isn't too bad to throttle steer, but takes a skilled and smooth hand to do so... works for me

as for the "From Above" part - I'm Canadian

[R32_S15_S2000]

Srry but, Yes! It will be a very long 9 days!

[philiam]

Originally Posted by S2KFromAbove

so it sounds like this car isn't too bad to throttle steer, but takes a skilled and smooth hand to do so... works for me

as for the "From Above" part - I'm Canadian

This is an amazing car to drive, if you pay attention. Too many people get it because it's sporty and don't appreciate what they are driving. Then they get on a slick road, give it the gas, vtec cuts in and they lose it. The car just goes where you point it.

[gomarlins3]

Welcome to the site. Be glad it is only 9 days. I had to wait 6 weeks for mine when I ordered it in 2001. Mrs. GM3 says that was the longest 6 weeks of our marriage.

[S2KFromAbove]

Thanks for the responses guys. This car sounds like everything I expect from it, and these 9 days are going VERY slowly!!

I have to admit... I'll miss the torque of the mazdaspeed turbo, and the ease and forgivingness of the chassis - but at the expense of being forgiving, I believe the limits are ultimately MUCH higher on the s2000, and it requires more skill to get all you can from a stewie. This is precisely the step up I was looking for!

Looking forward to being one of the clan!

[S2KFromAbove]

After a vacation and several delays - I'm now the proud papa of a Silverstone 2006 S2K. I couldn't be happier...

I only really have two complaints...
The radio - and I know that's been discussed to death. I intend to see what the Apline 9886 sounds like with stock speakers and take it from there.
The steering feel - is it a tad numb? I haven't really pushed her hard yet - and it seems surgically precise, but I find myself missing the feel my Mazdaspeed MX-5 had...

Otherwise -

Fit and finish is quite good, and absolutely no cowl shake. This REALLY impressed me.

A phenomenal car, with an unreal transmission/engine/suspension combination. I find myself leaving work early just so I can get into it and drive again

I am SO very excited to get this car on a track.

[desmo4]

The only reason AP1's are claimed to over steer is due to the driver. I four wheel drifted my AP1 at about 95 miles per hour on SKyline in Menlo Park CA, when it had 5000 miles on it and no mods. It was Perfectly balanced then and is indescribably excellent now with Mugen NZ dampers and Swift sway bars. The suspension is superior to a CR by a mile.

Jonathan

[DJJSR]

Congrats on the new car! I also have an '06. Don't forget the button to turn off the VSA!

[leahysailor]

Enjoy your new baby, I felt just like you and I only had to 4 days for mine! Remember every time you fill it up CHECK THE OIL!

[lonestarbuzz]

looks great! congrats!

[ppat1989]

Originally Posted by leahysailor

Enjoy your new baby, I felt just like you and I only had to 4 days for mine! Remember every time you fill it up CHECK THE OIL!

this is super important i blew mine up due to the lack of oil from the dealership! do this do this do this. dont feel bad about the 9 day wait i have to wait until the 8th of september for mine (11 days from now)

[JOECHY]

Welcome to the site! I am surprised no one has mentioned the secret compartment yet (unless I missed it). It took a while for a lot of us to accidentally discover it.

You won't fully appreciate her until you stretch her legs out fully. Reserve judgement compared to your old Mazda until you have time to shift her from 1st - 6th in vtec. Nice car.

Any potential plans for aftermarket upgrades?

[ppat1989]

i never did find the secret compartment on mine

[redS2k06]

Originally Posted by DJJSR

Welcome aboard! I almost bought a Mazdaspeed Miata just last year but it was a little too broken in. Great car, especially when you get it wound up!

You will absolutely love the S2000. It's really not that tail-happy and since yours is an '06, it has VSA for a little help on the street. Just be sure your eyes are open when you get up to 6k RPM, that's where she starts breathin heavy.

Don't forget the pictures. (thanks Buzz)

got that right DJ. keep the vsa on till u come to terms with the car.

[S2KFromAbove]

Oh trust me, I've already ran her through the gears... maybe not to 6th, but I've got a good feel for it now. It definately feels fantastic once it picks up steam and you keep it on the boil.

I've been leaving VSA on for now - I intend to softly explore the limits of this car. It's tough to come from a car that was so easy to throw sideways and bring it back - but at the cost of ultimate handling limits.

This car is absolutely a better handler, but I guess - less organic in it's movements.

As for the secret compartment... Bamn - found it. Now I use it for good!
[edit] The below was removed as it actually belonged to a paragraph where I totally blew the secret, than realized it and edited it out [/edit]

I really have to say I haven't looked back on my decision to get this car - it suits my driving style and I can't stop looking over my shoulder after I park the car and walk away!

[DJJSR]

Smile and stare, smile and stare........It's ok, we all do it. It's just not as much fun as smile and shift, smile and shift.

[leahysailor]

I bought mine in may of 2003 and every time I get out of it and walk away I still can't resist the urge to look back it! I'm 53 years old and the S is the most incredible car I have ever owned.