type v

[absoluthonda]

hi everyone i've recently discovered this site:thumbsup: and its one of the best forums ive ever read. Been reading the posts for over two hours. Well i wondering if anyone knew about any spec V ( variable gear ratio steering {VGS})conversions done onto U.S. model S2000's or if its even possible. Thank you

[Greg Stevens]

Hi AH...! Welcome to the S2KCA's forums...glad you have found them of value.

As for a Type V conversion, I'm not aware of anyone who has done this. I remember after a bunch of us went to Japan a couple of years ago (see this thread. (http://www.s2kca.com/forums/showthread.php?threadid=447) for details of the trip), there were some folks interested in the conversion of the VGS steering wheel, which was determined not to be possible.

As for the rack, pinion and other components, I really don't think that has been tried. In fact, I'm not even sure the VGS actually ended up catching on. When we drove it at Motegi, it seemed like it was more of something of an design study more than anything. We were all intereviewed after driving the car asking for our impressions, etc...it was actually a little weird for me, at least, but that's how it struck me. I would have to bet, however, that you could probably get all the parts necessary to do the conversion, but it would be hugely expensive and there is certainly no guarantee that they would fit, etc. I think the Japanese wanted to keep this as something of their own...and it really was never destined to export.

It's a neat concept and I think there is value to it in certain situations, but I just doubt the conversion would be realistic...sorry to burst your bubble, but if someone has better info, please speak up. I can email one of my friends over there next time I get in touch and see what's going on with the VGS...but for some reason, and I could be wrong, I don't think it's in production...

Here's a picture of VGS steering wheel...

http://www.s2kca.com/photopost/data/511/2type_vgs_steering_wheel-med.jpg

[absoluthonda]

WOW! awsome (the trip to japan)how did you all manage to get to vists the honda plant, spoon , mugen....... my friends and i have been plannig a trip to japan for a couple of years but we wouldn't know the first thing to do when we got their and any information that you could share would be very helpful. Thanks for your insight on the vgs system.

[Greg Stevens]

We had the good fortune of several factors on our trip. One, was a dedicated human being to get all the logistics and planning figured out. And this person, John Speed, also made contact with all the folks in Japan that acted as our tour guides and hosts. Truly outstanding job, he did...

As for the tour of Mugen....Scott at King set that up for us. We had the carte blanche deal...Saw the entire facility, which is something that is extremely rarely granted. We were thrilled and honored to have such a luxury.

Other than that, it was a series of great connections...

The Takanezawa plant offers pretty regular tours, I believe. I believe they just need to be arranged with HMC and they can be done...

Good luck with your trip...it's worth any amount of effort to go. And hurry, the Takanezawa plant is closing next Summer!