Ride quality
Although all the first-generation AP1-chassis S2000s seemed to exhibit more flex or chassis fatigue than their AP2 counterparts, this particular Moton-equipped chassis seemed especially soft. There was a definite (and strange) difference in feel when turning and the car flexed more than any other S2000 when going up the driveway. In a straight line however, the Moton S2000 couldn't be touched. There was more noise than stock through the suspension, probably due to the pillowball mounts, but the Moton Clubsports virtually glided over road imperfections. Compliance over any road surface was nothing short of amazing. It should be noted that we found this supposedly straight and stock S2000, and offered it to the good people at Moton to represent their suspension. Chassis set-up was handled by Steve Mitchell of M-Workz who, despite his own objections, lowered the ride height to the owner's specifications.
On-Track Behavior/Lap Time
Hope brought the Moton-equipped car back to the pits before even crossing the starting line. His first question to the owner was: "Is there any air in the left rear tire?" The owner double-checked it, then we hunted around underneath to locate the problem. There was nothing obvious, but on the track something wasn't right. The only other car we've driven that felt this bad had a torn rear subframe and was toeing out under compression.
Hope took it back out to get the best numbers he could. It did well on left turns, carrying more exit speed out of the Bus Stop than the KW car. But the back end would wash out on right turns. While the adjustability of a racing suspension can create a set-up far worse than stock, the uneven windshield-to-hardtop gap and unusual overspray on the chassis' underside were indications that something far more serious was afflicting this poor yellow Honda.
Damping qualityThe first noticeable aspect about this set-up was the chassis. The car displayed noticeable cowl and steering column shake on our street route, leading to the belief that there was some previous underlying damage. The Moton Clubsport dampers, however, provided a smooth and comfortable ride, masking some road bumps completely. Kojima noted that these were probably some of the best dampers in the pack, but were mated to the worst chassis of all. Out on the track, the suspension displayed excellent platform control but oversteered turning right and, when turning left, understeered on turn-in and oversteered on exit. This, combined with the even more apparent chassis flex when on track, reinforced our theory that the donor car had been damaged.
Modifications
Peak Power: 197whp @ 8300rpm
Peak Torque: 129lb-ft @ 6600rpm
Weight: 2745 lbs (50.3/49.7)
Model Year: 2003 (AP1)
Engine Code: F20C
Engine Modifications: Stock
Chassis: Stock
Suspension (other): Eibach ERS Springs
Brakes: Stock
Wheels: Volk Racing CE28N, 17x8.5 +50mm (F), 17x8.5 +50mm (R)
Tires: Continental ContiSportContact 3, 245/45/17 (F), 245/45/17 (R)
Body: OEM hardtop
Interior: Soft top removed