We recently welcomed this Honda S2000 into our workshop for a carefully selected package of suspension, drivetrain and chassis upgrades. The work included fitting Hardrace differential mounts, a front anti-roll bar and adjustable rear toe arms, along with a set of Spoon rigid collars.
The S2000 is already known for its sharp handling, balance and driver involvement. On a car like this, modifications do not need to be dramatic to make a worthwhile difference. Choosing components that address movement, alignment and chassis control can improve the way the car responds without taking away the character that makes it enjoyable to drive.
Hardrace differential mounts
The first part of the job involved installing upgraded Hardrace differential mounts.
The differential is subjected to considerable load as engine torque is transferred through the drivetrain to the rear wheels. As the original rubber mounts age, they can soften or deteriorate, allowing more movement than intended. This can make the drivetrain feel less precise, particularly when accelerating, changing gear or moving on and off the throttle.
The Hardrace mounts are designed to control this movement more effectively. By locating the differential more securely, they can help provide a more direct and consistent response through the drivetrain.
As with many uprated mounts, the trade-off for greater control can be a small increase in noise or vibration compared with the original components. This is always worth considering when choosing parts for a road car, especially if comfort remains a priority.
Upgraded front anti-roll bar
We also installed an uprated front anti-roll bar.
An anti-roll bar links the suspension on opposite sides of the vehicle and helps control body roll during cornering. Changing its stiffness can alter the balance and response of the car, so it is important to consider the upgrade as part of the vehicle’s complete suspension setup rather than as an isolated component.
On this S2000, the new front anti-roll bar was fitted to give the owner greater control over the car’s handling characteristics. All mounting points and associated components were inspected during installation before the bar was secured correctly.
If you are considering similar work, our steering and suspension repair service in York covers the inspection, repair and replacement of steering and suspension components on standard, modified and performance vehicles.
Adjustable rear toe arms
The factory rear suspension geometry on an S2000 plays a significant role in how the car behaves. Rear toe affects straight-line stability, turn-in and tyre wear, and the available adjustment can become particularly important when ride height or other suspension components have been changed.
We fitted adjustable Hardrace rear toe arms to provide more precise control over the rear-wheel alignment. These replace the original arms and allow the toe setting to be adjusted accurately for the car’s intended use.
Adjustable arms are not simply about fitting brightly coloured aftermarket parts. Their real value comes from giving the technician the ability to establish suitable geometry after the components have been installed. Correct adjustment is essential if the upgrade is to deliver predictable handling and avoid unnecessary tyre wear.
Spoon rigid collar installation
The final part of the package was a set of Spoon rigid collars.
A vehicle’s subframes are attached using bolts that pass through holes which must allow enough clearance for production-line assembly. This means there can be a small amount of space between the mounting bolt and the surrounding hole.
Rigid collars are precision-shaped inserts designed to occupy this space and help centre the subframe more consistently around its mounting points. As the mounting bolts are tightened, the collars locate the components and create a more uniform connection between the subframe and the body.
Installation requires the relevant subframe mounting points to be loosened in a controlled sequence so that each collar can be positioned correctly. The bolts must then be tightened correctly once all the collars are seated. It is a relatively discreet modification, but one that requires careful fitting.
A considered package of S2000 upgrades
Together, these modifications address several different areas of the car:
Hardrace differential mounts help control unwanted differential movement
The front anti-roll bar alters roll control and handling response
Adjustable rear toe arms provide greater control over rear-wheel geometry
Spoon rigid collars help locate the subframes more consistently
The result is a more considered chassis and drivetrain setup rather than a collection of unrelated parts. With a modified car, it is important that every component works as part of the overall package and suits how the owner intends to use the vehicle.
A road car, fast-road car and dedicated track car may all require different choices. Stiffer is not automatically better, and the most expensive component is not necessarily the right one. Tyres, ride height, suspension condition, alignment settings and intended use all need to be considered before deciding which upgrades will be genuinely beneficial.
Modified and track-preparation work in York
At The Garage at Lord Gowthorpe’s, we provide professional performance-parts installation and track-car preparation in York. We work with owners to install aftermarket components correctly and build a setup that suits the vehicle’s intended use.
Our work includes suspension upgrades, uprated bushes and mounts, adjustable arms, anti-roll bars, chassis components, drivetrain modifications and general track preparation. We can also inspect the condition of existing parts and advise on any maintenance or repair work that should be completed before further modifications are made.
You can view our wider range of car servicing and repair services for standard, modified and performance vehicles.
Planning upgrades for your Honda S2000?
Whether you are refreshing worn components, developing a fast-road setup or preparing your car for track use, careful parts selection and installation make a real difference.
If you would like to discuss suspension, chassis or drivetrain upgrades for your Honda S2000—or another modified vehicle—contact The Garage at Lord Gowthorpe’s in Dunnington, York, on 07539 453343.
