Post-Track Day Maintenance

With 3 track days out of the way, it was time for some basic post track day maintenance, specifically an oil hange and quick nut and bolt.

Maintenance Update:

Mileage: 70,716

- 5.5 quarts Amsoil 10W-40 Signature Searies

- New Honda OEM oil filter

NJMP Thunderbolt with HOD Northeast

After replacing my broken front sway bar, I wanted to go back on track to try it again so I could see if there was any performance difference so I decided to head back to NJMP Thunderbolt once again, this time with Hooked On Driving NorthEast.

NJMP Thunderbolt - 8/22/2026

NJMP Thunderbolt - 8/22/2026

The day started with some heavy rain and I was anticipating a wash out all day but we lucked out and the track dried pretty much after the first session and it stayed dry the rest of the day with mostly overcast conditions. With the new bar in place and rear bar reconnected, the directional change was definitely faster. I settled for 28psi all around on my 255/40R17 Bridgestone Potenze RE-71RZs and that made the car feels pretty balanced at all speeds. 

Once I got comfortable that there was sufficient grip out there I was able to push hard and improved m personal best by almost 1.5 seconds from my last trip less than a month ago. I'd say we're moving in the right direction. 

I had also wanted to mount my Solo2 DL away from my windscreen and found someone who used a general purpose quadlock adhesive mount on a Solo2 mount on his bike so I gave that a try and it worked wonderfully with the Quad lock mount already on my car for my phone. 

Solo2 DL mounted using a quad lock mount

New PB for Thunderbolt: 1:33.97

New Front Sway Bar

After the unfortunate sway bar failure I had at NJMP a few weeks ago, I ordered a new Karcepts 1.25" front sway bar to replace it. I realized that if the car handled well with no bars I didn't get to get as crazy of a bar as I had before so I went down the the more normal "big size" front sway bar and only set it to the 2nd hole from full soft.

New front sway bar

New bar installed

Obviously the rear bar was now reconnected as well and I left that at full soft. We're heading back to NJMP in 2 weeks so looking forward to see if this makes an improvement or not.

Also, I noticed at that event that my AC was no longer blowing cold so had SJF refill the freon and now the vent is pumping out 50F ice cold air at full blast.

Maintenance Update:

Mileage: 70,295

- New Karcepts 1.25" Front sway bar

- AC refilled

NJMP with S2K Takeover

Due to all sorts of scheduling issues, my first track day of 2026 ended up being in July. I ran at both NJMP Lightning and Thunderbolt with S2K Takeover alongside EMRA. 

Starting the day in the wet

It had been raining quite a bit during the morning but thankfully it dried out by the time we got on track. During the first session, I felt something on the car but wasn't sure what it was. Turns out the front sway bar arm that had fallen off on my way to NYST year fell off again, this time completely. I was obviously not going to attempt to reinstall it and have it fall off a 3rd time so I disconnected one of the endlinks from the rear sway bar to have some semblance of balance. I'm going to replace this with a brand new sway bar, this time not as big as the oversized one I had from the car's BSP days.

Front sway bar arm that decided to peace out

This year I made some massive changes to the car over the winter. We put in MCS 2-way adjustables with 850/750 springs, I added an AP Racing BBK with Carbotech XP10 pads, I switched to the new Bridgestone Potenza RE-71RZ 255/40/17 all aruond on new Volk Racing 17x10 wheels and I replaced my PasswordJDM intake with a J's Racing intake. Surprisingly, even with no sway bars, the car handled exceptionally well. I was a bit tepid during the first sessions to feel out the balance but once I gained confidence I was able to put in good lap times. The smaller snorkel of the J's Racing intake also allowed more air to make it to the radiator allowing my engine to run cooler or rather, to cool down more quickly after a hard run. I ran ok times at NJMP Lightning but not faster than last year. The tires hadn't achieved full grip yet and the same was true for my new brakes so I wasn't able to push as hard as I wanted. 

NJMP Lightning - 1:21.26

On day 2 we were on NJMP Thunderbolt. The torrential downpour we had the night before made the day much cooler than the day before and we were blessed with sun throughout the day. I was able to push hard this time and despite not having any sway bars, I was able to set a new personal best, beating my time from last year by 1.5 seconds. 

NJMP Thunderbolt

NJMP Thunderbolt - 1:35.23

Nasty air cabin filter

I'm usually really good about maintenance but since I don't put a ton of miles on the S2000, I figured the air cabin filter wouldn't be that dirty. Clearly I was wrong.

New cabin filter

Time flies so I think it must've been 5 years now since I last replaced it so noting it here so I don't forget in the future.

Maintenance Updates:

Mileage: 69,675

- New air cabin filter

J's Racing Intake

I ordered a J's Racing Intake from Japan late last year since I wanted a snorkeled carbon fiber intake like my PasswordJDM intake that takes up less space and doesn't block the radiator as much. With it raining all day, I figured it'd be a good time to install it. Installation could've been smoother. I had to use a Dremel to open up the snorkel tube hole to actually fit the air filter and it was a bit of a pain lining everything up and to clear my cooling plate but overall it's a nice piece and should function well.

MCS 2-Way and AP Racing Competition Brakes

It's been 7 years now since Bumblestook was retired from true competition trim and being a bit of a do it all car. One thing that always bothered me though was the compromise I made on raw handling performance opting for just a decent suspension setup and blingy brakes.I suppose it was fine when my initial goal was to maybe drive it around a lot more on the street with a few fun events every now and then. However, looking at my actual usage in the past years it was time to take the gloves off and put in something real again.

I worked closely with Brian at Karcepts to spec out a MCS 2-way adjustable damper setup with remote canisters that would optimize track handling while still being manageable on the street. I settled with Hyperco 850 lb/in front and Hyperco 750 lb/in rear 2.25" ID x 7" springs, Karcepts top hats and matching MCS 2-way remote dampers. It was also matched with 0 rate helper springs and Delrin couplers to avoid binding and minimize noise. 

I had SJF do the install since I needed to get holes re-added to the rear of the car to get the canister into the cabin but unlike the car's BSP trim, I wanted this install to be much cleaner. I got some RS Pro canister holders so it could get mounted up on to the rollbar for a clean install with easy adjustment.

Rear canisters mounted cleaning on the rollbar

I had a similar thing done to the front except mounted to a plate so that it could sit in the space behind the bumper and in front the radiator away from the engine heat while still being easily adjustable. The lines going to the passenger side dampers were really at the limit here due the location of the canister. There's just enough slack to make it work but I think if I have these serviced in the future I'm going to get slightly longer hoses made.

Front canisters mounted 

Cooling plate trimmed to allow knob adjustment

Clean install in the front

While we were at it, new tie rods and tie rod boots were all installed since my old ones were starting to show some signs of wear and I wanted everthing as buttoned up as we possibly could.

New tie rods and tie rod boot

Since I was already going down the slipper slope of performance upgrades, I worked with Brad on securing AP Racing Competition brakes with 325mm J-hook rotors from Sakebomb Garage. I decided to continue with using Carbotech XP10 front pads with part number CTFRP3116. This is for the D50 radial depth pads so that they have proper coverage on the 325mm rotors. My carbon brake duct shields needed significant trimming to not interfere with the new rotors. I don't even think they're really that necessary anymore but since they're already on there might as well still have the extra brake cooling.

New AP Racing calipers with Carbotech XP10 pads

Brake duct shield trimmed

Brakes fully installed

A few other things had to be done. A bit of the brake pad needed some sanding down since it was a tad too thick and contacting the rotors without the brakes applied. Also, for winter I run Enkei RPF1 17x8 wheels in the front to clear to the Spoon calipers but even with 5mm spacers they barely clear these calipers so I opted to put on 12mm spacers to get enough clearance. Thanksfully I already run extended studs so the added offset wasn't a problem. New brake lines were also installed and of course the whole thing flushed with Motul RBF600 fluid. Also flushed the clutch fluid and since we're doing fluids, flushed the diff fluid as well.

And of course the ride height was adjusted to what I previously had and a new alignment done.

Fresh alignment settings

Driving the car home, I was absolutely pleased by how the car rode even on its "race" dampers settings. It had a very "Euro" drive dynamic to it, stiff yet comfortable. Cornering felt nice and flat and the brakes felt great too. I can't wait til it warms up and I can really put the car through its paces.

Big thanks to Brian at Karcepts and Brad at S2K Takeover for the part selection and settings guidance and of course SJF Performance for bringing my ideas into reality.

Maintenace Update:

Mileage: 69,631

- 1qt 80W140 Redline diff fluid

- 1L of Motul RBF 600 brake fluid for brakes and clutch

- New front brake hoses

- AP Racing Competition front big brake kit with 325mm J-hook rotors

- Carbotech XP10 CTFRP3116 front pads

- New tie rods and tie rod boots

- MCS 2-Way Remote dampers with 850/750 springs and Karcepts top hats

Season End Track Day - Watkins Glen - 25th Anniversary Honda S2000

For the final event of the S2K Takeover track season we ended it with a 2 day event at Watkins Glen. 2025 coincides with the 25th anniversary of the S2000 and we had a terrific turnout of 40+ S2000s. We also got blessed with incredible weather, sunny, dry and in the low 80s. Everything you could ask for, we got.

Watkins Glen International - 9-29-2025
Photo by: John Mascarinas

During lunch for the first day, we had had a parade lap so we could capture some epic photos that will be etched in our memories forever.

Watkins Glen International - 9-29-2025
Photo by: John Mascarinas

Watkins Glen International - 9-29-2025
Photo by: John Mascarinas

Watkins Glen International - 9-29-2025
Photo by: John Mascarinas

I set my PB on the first session of day 1 but in my biggest bonehead move of the season, I didn't replace my tires thinking I could get away with a full season of track on a set of RE71RS except I forgot I actually changed out these tires late 2024 so I had more track days than I remembered. The result was a pretty quick drop off in grip after that so I just kept losing more and more time as I had to back off for safety.

Tires completely worn

Overall though it was incredibly fun and I'm glad that's how the season ended and I'm looking forward to some really nice changes next season :D

Suspension maintenance and Alignment

I've been continuing to here some metal tapping/knocking sound from the back of the car when moving around at low speed. I know there aren't any loose bolts back there but wanted to get the shocks out just to make sure everything was ok. Visited SJF to get the car checked out. They were a bit dirty and the top Swift thrust sheets we installed last year had warped which I think contributes to the springs binding a bit so we removed and reassembled. The noise has been reduced but it's still there. I'm going to replace these shocks next year anyway so I'm not too worried. 

Rear shock cleaned and reassembled

We did notice that the threads on the lower shock mount bolt were not looking too healthy. I'm going to order new OEM replacements. 

These threads have seen better days

Finally I wanted to get the car realigned since the front steering wheel had to be turned left to drive straight. Turns out the rear toe slipped a bit so we put that back to what it should be (1/8" total toe in) and it's driving perfect again.

Alignment time

NSX-R Horn Button

I've had a Mugen steering wheel (basically a Momo competition wheel) in Bumblestook for over a decade now mostly because I'm such a Mugen whore going back to my RSX days. However, I've always loved the classy OEM NSX-R horn but have just always hesitated to pull the trigger. They're pretty expensive for what they are but I guess as time passes and in the large scheme of everything I've ever bought for my S2000 for the past 15 years, it's not really that crazy.

OEM NSX-R Horn

Also, as I own more and more older cars it makes me further appreciate the luxury of being able to buy new parts from the factory while you still can. The cars we drive are indeed a dying breed and while this is nothing but a superficial mod, it is a nod to a bygone ere of when Honda was making absolutely timeless classics.

Looks so at home in there

And yes, sadly it seems I have a scratch on my steering wheel but who cares. Driven not hardparked!!!

Post-track Maintenance

Well I finally got the car on the lift to do my usual post track maintenance of changing the oil. It's been a while since I sent a sample out for analysis so I think i'll do that this time. 

Fresh oil

I also replaced the bent endlink from the little sway bar debacle last weekend. Thankfully I always keep a fresh spare set so it was an easy swap. I also double checked the troque on the allen bolt for the sway bar arms to make sure they were at 85 ft/lb. 

Bent endlink bolt

Bags of backup end links

New endlink installed

I also rotated my wheels front to back so they'll be nice and fresh for The Glen next month.

Maintenance Update:

Mileage: 68,844

- 5.5 quarts Amsoil 10W-40 Signature Searies

- New Honda OEM oil filter

- New front passenger side swaybar endlink

- Rotated tires front to back

Open Track Day at NYST

I got the full season membership with S2K Takeover this year which included a private invite only open track day at NYST. It was for 2 days but I could only make the first day and it was still all worth it. It didn't start all rosy though as on my way to the hotel the night before, I felt something metallic drop from the car and drag on the highway. I was able to quickly pull over and realize my sway bar arm had wiggled its way loose from and disconnected. 

Sway bar arm came off

Thankfully I was convoying with Dhariel and he had his jack with him so we were able to quickly get it up off the ground and I was able to quickly detach the endlink from the arm to get it completely off and into the trunk so we could get on our way.

Roadside repairs

The next day I got the car up on jackstands to check underneath. There was thankfully no additional damage and I didn't lose any bolts or nuts so I was able to reattached the bar. The endlink had bent a bit but it was still enough to get it secured and working again.

Time for repairs

Re-attached sway bar arm

With the bar secured again, everything was driving back to normal. Weather was near perfect at high-70s to low-80s the whole day. I got some decent laps in the morning but as the temps started to go up, the tires started to get a bit greasy and the times started to go up so I packed it up a little early to get home at a decent time.

It was a good day

NYST Uptown - 1:40.60