Ultimate S2000 Lowering Springs Guide
Are you looking to improve the handling of your S2000 while also improving the aesthetics? These S2000 lowering springs will get your S2K sitting pretty.
- Introduction
- TEIN High.Tech
- TEIN S.Tech
- Swift Spec-R
- Eibach Pro-Kit
- Spoon Sports Progressive
- H&R Sport
- Espelir Active Super Down
- Godspeed Traction-S
- Skunk2
- D2 Racing PRO Series
- Our winners
In a hurry? Here are our S2000 lowering springs winners
Budget Choice | Drifted Choice | Premium Choice |
---|---|---|
Godspeed Traction-S Honda S2000 Lowering Springs | TEIN S.Tech Honda S2000 Lowering Springs | Swift Spec-R Honda S2000 Lowering Springs |
🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 | 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 |
Buy Now | Buy Now | Buy Now |
Introduction
Even in stock form, the S2000 can hang with the most impressive handling cars in the twisties.
Honda is renowned for bringing out the best handling abilities in their cars, and although they’re not often used to producing RWD cars, there’s no arguing that they did a fantastic job with the S2000.
However, tuning houses across the globe have been fighting it out since the initial launch of the legendary roadster in 1999, eager to prove that their aftermarket suspension setup is the ultimate choice.
We’ve written this guide to sum up the pros and cons of the most popular Honda S2000 lowering springs on the market.
But, before that, we’ll visit the most common consideration when it comes to choosing the ultimate aftermarket suspension for your specific needs.
Lowering Springs vs. Coilovers
When you dive into the controversial world of aftermarket suspension setups, you’ll revisit years of arguments on owners’ clubs about whether owners prefer coilover or suspension setups.
The beauty of tuning your car is that you can choose the perfect setup for your specific budget and requirements.
If you’re entirely new to aftermarket suspension, we highly recommend checking out our Coilovers Vs. Lowering Springs guide to help you decide which one will be best for you. We even dive into air ride and air cup setups to answer all of your suspension questions.
While both lowering springs and coilovers will vastly improve the looks of your S2K, coilovers come at a price that some of you would prefer to spend on other S2000 tuning upgrades.
With the savings made by opting for lowering springs instead of coilovers, you could perhaps consider an exhaust or intake upgrade.
Or, if you have big-power goals for your S2000, where handling isn’t so much of a priority, you could put the money saved into a turbo or supercharger upgrade.
Although S2000 coilovers are undisputably more adjustable and superior for track use, they often come at the cost of both cost and comfort.
Lowering your S2K by a small amount on lowering springs transforms the car’s aesthetics, improves the handling, and often retains the OEM comfort that Honda provided from the factory.
A coilover kit combines the abilities of a strut, with the damping of a shock within a single unit, instead of separate struts, mounts, and springs found on the OEM setup.
For this reason, lowering springs are often the perfect solution for a daily driven S2000 that looks the part when cruising the streets.
Fitting S2000 Lowering Springs
Thankfully, lowering springs fit onto your existing suspension setup, so all you’ll need to do is swap the old OEM springs over with the upgraded shiny upgraded ones before you can get back to cruising the streets.
However, some enthusiasts may also opt to upgrade the shocks with their new springs, with Koni Yellow Sport Shocks being the most popular choice.
However, once you’ve paid out for both shocks and springs, you’ll likely be forking out similar money as you would for a full coilover setup.
Although installing springs isn’t the most challenging task, we would recommend having a qualified mechanic or a knowledgeable friend help you out if you’re not too familiar with a spanner.
There are some fantastic videos on YouTube to show how its done, such as this:
Best Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Now that you’re confident lowering springs are the best option for your needs, let’s take a look at the best kits on the market for your S2000.
Tein High.Tech Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: TEIN
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1.2″
- Rear height reduction: 1.2″
- Spring rate front: 4.6kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 5.7kg/mm
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Tein High.Tech Honda S2000 AP1 Lowering Springs |
Tein High.Tech Honda S2000 AP2 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Also known as the Luxury Master TEIN H.Tech, this progressive lowering spring kit is one of two options provided by JDM legends, TEIN.
The main benefit of this kit over the S.Tech alternative below is that this provides superior comfort, which makes them perfect for a slight drop on a daily driven S2K.
However, if you’re willing to sacrifice some ride comfort in exchange for a more significant drop and superior handling, then the S.Tech below is going to be the better option.
TEIN’s suspension offerings are among the finest in the market, and this “gentleman’s choice” option certainly won’t disappoint if you’re looking for an OEM feel with superior handling and a slightly lowered stance compared to stock.
Manufacturer description: “TEIN High.Tech springs utilize the latest spring and material technology to optimize comfort, performance, and quality.“
“Designed and tested in North America to be used in conjunction with OEM or similar shocks for excellent ride comfort and slightly increased handling.“
TEIN S.Tech Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: TEIN
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1.5″
- Rear height reduction: 1.5″
- Spring rate front: 5.3kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 6.5kg/mm
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Tein S.Tech Honda S2000 AP1 Lowering Springs |
Tein S.Tech Honda S2000 AP2 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Unlike the luxury-spec High.Tech kit above, which prioritizes comfort, the S.Tech lowering springs from TEIN puts handling at the forefront and provides a more significant drop.
This kit is one of the most popular choices and is often considered the ultimate choice when it comes to S2K lowering springs.
With a reasonable price tag, along with a sporty yet non-crashy ride and improved handling, it’s easy to see why these progressive springs are so popular among enthusiasts.
Manufacturer description: “TEIN S.Tech Springs are an excellent step towards suspension tuning. They offer approximately a 1.5 inch drop for a more aggressive appearance and increased road holding capability.“
“Designed to be used with OEM or OEM replacement shocks.“
Swift Spec-R Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Swift Springs
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1.25″
- Rear height reduction: 1.25″
- Spring rate front: 7.5kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 7.0 kg/mm
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Swift Spec-R Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: The Swift Spec-R springs are another popular choice among S2000 enthusiasts, and many believe that these, combined with the Koni dampers, provide the perfect match.
If you’re planning on frequently heading to the track yet feel that lowering springs will be an ideal option, then these could be a perfect choice.
Built with track action in mind, these springs are designed to utilize the full potential that your OEM or upgraded shock has to offer while also being comfortable enough for daily use.
Manufacturer description: “Built for track duty, Swift Spec-R springs are designed at the upper limits of the OEM shock valving. Track tested and tuned for optimum performance yet comfortable enough for a daily driver.“
“From HPDE events to SCCA competition, Swift Spec-R Sport Springs are made for the track enthusiast looking to take their vehicle to the next level.“
Eibach Pro-Kit Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Eibach
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1″
- Rear height reduction: 1″
- Spring rate front: 4.7kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 6.1kg/mm
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: Eibach Pro-Kit Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Another aftermarket suspension giant brings their hand to the table, and this time it’s Eibach with their Pro-Kit.
With one of the smallest drops, Eibach’s goal is to provide the benefits that lowering springs have to offer while enforcing less pressure on your dampers compared to competitors to ensure maximum longevity.
This kit aims to improve upon Honda’s intentions, reducing body roll on the corners, nose-diving under braking, and squatting under acceleration.
With Eibach’s million-mile warranty, you can guarantee that this kit has been built to last and surely won’t disappoint along the way.
Manufacturer description: “The Eibach Pro-Kit is the perfect answer for most popular street cars. It´s our legendary spring system that dramatically improves both a vehicle´s street performance and appearance.“
“Every Eibach Pro-Kit is designed and tested by our suspension engineers and performance driving professionals, to deliver aggressive good looks and high performance handling, without compromising safety or ride quality.“
Spoon Sports Progressive Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Spoon Sports
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1″
- Rear height reduction: 1″
- Spring rate front: 4.7kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 6.9kg/mm
- Value for money: ???
- Purchase link: Spoon Sports Progressive Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Honda fanboys rejoice! SPOON Sports enters the market with these progressive springs.
Designed to provide optimal ride height and camber, these will give a smooth ride while daily cruising but still provide optimal handling at speed.
While these will be a great choice, it’s difficult to ignore that they’re more than twice the price of some alternatives.
SPOON recommends using these with their dampers for optimal performance, but that’ll undoubtedly put you well into respectable coilover budget territory.
If you’re willing to pay the SPOON scene tax, we’re sure these will serve you well, but we feel the additional cash could be better spent on alternative upgrades.
Manufacturer description: “Spoon progressive springs are designed to provide optimal ride height and camber, while working in conjunction with the stock dampers or the uprated Spoon fixed dampers.“
“The progressive spring lowers the vehicle ride height reducing the amount of roll, increasing manoeuvrability and stability without compromise to ride quality. Comfortable ride at city driving speeds and stiffer, more responsive handling at higher speeds.“
H&R Sport Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: H&R
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 0.75″
- Rear height reduction: 0.6″
- Spring rate front: 5.2kg/mm (Approx.)
- Spring rate rear: 5.8kg/mm (Approx.)
- Value for money: ?????
- Purchase link: H&R Sport Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: If you’re looking for a minimal drop along with near-OEM ride comfort, then this progressive spring kit may be for you.
Hugely popular among S2000 owners and with an incredibly reasonable price tag to match, H&R provides one of the best all-around packages with this kit.
If you’re looking to slam your S2K, there will be better-suited alternatives, but as a sensible option to improve your S2K’s handling while maintaining practicality, you can’t go wrong here.
Manufacturer description: “Sport Spring kits are H&R’s number one selling product. Enhance the look of your vehicle with a reduced fender well gap.“
“H&R Sport Springs lower the vehicle center of gravity and reduce body roll for better handling. The progressive spring rate design provides superb ride quality and comfort.“
Espelir Active Super Down Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Espelir
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1.2″
- Rear height reduction: 1.6″
- Spring rate front: 5.5kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 7kg/mm
- Value for money: ?????
Our comment: If you’re after a noticeable drop, this Espelir ASD kit is a popular choice with S2000 owners, with many that have fitted this kit believe it sits even lower than stated by Espelir.
Although these springs are becoming increasingly difficult to source, with many suppliers discontinuing their stock, many believe that these are the best value for money kit out there - assuming you can get your hands on them!
While we wouldn’t typically recommend going for used springs, it may be your only opportunity to get your hands on these in the current market. However, we feel there are enough great alternatives to consider where you won’t need to worry about lifespan.
Manufacturer description: “n accepting the challenge to develop superior suspension springs that meet governmental minimum ride height requirements while at the same time enhancing the need for road hugging good looks, ESPELIR proudly introduces LOW FORM.“
“LOW FORM continues the legacy of durability, refined road responsiveness, and superior technology that driving enthusiasts expect from the company that defines “Unrivaled Automotive Suspension Engineering.”“
Godspeed Traction-S Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Godspeed
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 1″
- Rear height reduction: 1″
- Spring rate front: 3.0/6.8kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 2.89/4.6kg/mm
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: Godspeed Traction-S Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: As the cheapest options in our guide, these Godspeed lowering springs may seem too good to be true, but we’ve been hearing impressive feedback from owners.
They’re certainly not the most popular choice, but they may well be worth considering for those looking to save their bucks for other upgrades.
Godspeed has used improved technologies with their Traction-S kit, which provides a multi heat-treated wire, preventing sagging over time, which many other brands suffer from.
Since they’re so confident in this technology, they’ve provided a limited lifetime warranty, which certainly makes them a tempting proposition for the price.
Manufacturer description: “Each GodSpeed Project Suspension product is engineered with care and further developed with comprehensive research and development tests while implementing advanced computer simulations.“
“ Parts have been tried and tested on the asphalt which resulted in championships and new records.“
Skunk2 Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: Skunk2
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 2.25″
- Rear height reduction: 2″
- Spring rate front: 6.8kg/mm
- Spring rate rear: 4.3kg/mm
- Value for money: ???
- Purchase link: Skunk2 Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Skunk2 certainly isn’t shy when providing lows for the S2000 owners.
These springs have been the cause of many arguments among S2K owners over the years and have somewhat of a love/hate reputation.
Although they provide an impressive drop, enthusiasts believe that the setup works better when fitted the wrong way around (front springs in the back of the car, and vice versa.)
We prefer to go with tried and tested methods, and with enough fantastic alternatives out there, with plenty of R&D, we’d rather play it safe instead of switching springs back and forth to see what works best.
Manufacturer description: “Corner faster, stop quicker, and improve the look of your vehicle with Skunk2’s legendary Lowering Springs.Skunk2 Lowering Springs for the ’00-’09 S2000 are designed to dramatically improve handling performance and driver feel through significantly increased cornering grip and reduced body roll.“
“All Skunk2 Lowering Springs are CNC-wound using the highest quality SAE 9254V spring steel, shot-peen stress relieved, and corrosion-protected thanks to powder coating and specialized phosphate treating processes.“
D2 Racing PRO Series Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
- Manufacturer: D2 Racing
- Fitment: Honda S2000 1999-2009 (AP1 & AP2)
- Front height reduction: 2.2″
- Rear height reduction: 2″
- Spring rate front: Progressive
- Spring rate rear: Progressive
- Value for money: ????
- Purchase link: D2 Racing PRO Series Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our comment: Although D2’s coilover range is commonly used in the tuning scene, not so many have opted for their progressive lowering springs.
The feedback we have heard so far has been good, but unsurprisingly, considering the significant drop similar to the Skunk2 above, many have found it to provide a somewhat crashy ride.
Still, if you’re on a budget, and looking to slam your S2000, then these lowering springs could be worth a shot for the money.
If you’ve fitted them to your S2000, we’d love to hear your thoughts on this setup.
Manufacturer description: “D2 Racing Pro Series Lowering Springs feature an aggressive drop for those who want their car low!“
“To maintain ride quality with such a low drop, D2 Racing created these springs to be progressive rate which increases the spring rate the more the spring is compressed.“
Our winners
Our Drifted Choice goes to TEIN
Our S2000 lowering springs winner is the TEIN S.Tech Spring Kit.
Providing a sensible drop but prioritizing the ultimate handling capabilities, we feel that these lowering springs from TEIN are the perfect all-rounder.
Comfortable enough for daily driving, with enough clearance to get over speed bumps, yet up there with the best when it comes to throwing your S2K sideways or into the twisties on the canyons.
Thankfully, this excellent package has a reasonable price tag to match, which is why we feel it deserved the Drifted Choice award.
TEIN S.Tech Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our Premium S2000 Lowering Springs Choice
Our Premium Choice is the Swift Spec-R lowering springs.
Many believe these to be the best springs out there, and when matched with Koni Yellow Dampers, they’ll beat any of the rival lowering spring setups at the track.
While they’ll handle exceptionally well, they are more track-focused, which may not be ideal for those looking for the OEM feel that Honda intended.
Suppose you want something a little more sensible, the TEIN High.Tech lowering spring setup should definitely be considered.
Swift Spec-R Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Our Budget S2000 Lowering Springs Choice
Our Budget Choice is the Godspeed Traction-S lowering springs.
While this may come as a surprise, we’ve heard great feedback from many S2000 owners regarding this kit, and since it’s the cheapest on our guide, we feel it’s earned our budget award.
Godspeed is standing by their multi heat-treated wire technology with their limited lifetime warranty, which prevents sagging over time. Now that’s what we call good value for money!
Godspeed Traction-S Honda S2000 Lowering Springs
Thank you for reading our S2000 Lowering Springs guide.
We hope we’ve found the perfect choice for your lowering needs with this guide, whether you’re looking for a sensible OEM-style daily setup or going as low as possible on a budget.
If you’re looking to carry out more mods to your S2K, check out our Ultimate S2000 Mods Guide!
Photography credits
We would like to thank the following sources for the use of their images:
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