Online Revs!
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Helmingham Hall
2nd August 2026 – Duncan Martin
On August 2nd several of our members gathered for the day at Helmingham Hall near Stowmarket in Suffolk for its Festival of Classic and Sports Cars. This event, held annually in the gardens of the Hall, brings together over 1,000 classic cars and raises tens of thousands of pounds each year for the charity East Anglia Childrens' Hospices (EACH).
This year, once again our club was attending as a joint venture along with S2KUK, the UK Honda S2000 owners' club. For the first time, though, the S800 / S600’s outnumbered the S2000’s! Our combined stand included 4 S800’s (brought along by James Cowell, Robert Fourt, Rob Williams and myself), one S600 (Philip Ronn), two S2000’s (Philip Ronn and Andy Warne) and even an NSX (Bob Holmes.) We were hosted by Eddy Alcock from the S2000 club, who had negotiated us a stand in pole position near the picturesque Helmingham Hall. Also – importantly – near the ice cream van! Thanks again Eddy!
Three of the S800’s, including mine, travelled in convoy along the A14 having met up just outside Newmarket. On the way we received many smiles, admiring glances and thumbs up from our fellow motorists! James Cowell’s car was on its first long distance trip following some serious mechanical work (new head gasket, anybody?) and its recent MOT. Thankfully the car performed well on the day, though James did report that at 70mph he couldn’t hear or feel his teeth on the way home!
As usual our cars attracted much interest and the weather was glorious – we were grateful for the gazebo which Eddy had brought along and which provided some welcome shade in between talking to the visitors to our stand.
Time flies when you’re having fun – before we knew it, the day was drawing to a close and it was time for the journey home. Here’s looking forward to next year’s show!
BRDC Silverstone
24th – 26th July 2026
Tony Sighe mixing it with larger engined competition. The S800 excels in the bends.
The Silverstone Classic had grown as an event for some 20 years. It included racing but also live music, food, drink, stalls, new cars, club displays and an auction. It was so vast that the organisers put on a bus service to get people around the site!
For 2026 the old Classic was split into two events – the BRDC Classic and CarFest. At the moment the BRDC Classic has some fantastic racing, but not much else. The aucton remains but somewhat remotely over at the Wing paddock. The car club displays were back but diminished from recent years. Fortunately our friends in S2KUK went all out as usual with their blow up gazebo, food, drinks and refridgeration. If there were awards for the best club display they would have got it.
The organising club (the HSCC) organised a huge array of tentage for the competitors which gave welcome relief from the blazing hot sun. We also had access to some hospitality suites overlooking the start/finish straight so were able to cheer on Tony Sighe in his green S800 coupe.
Tony Sighe's S800 coupe entering the start/finish straight.
Tony was taking part in the Post Historic Roadsports Championship – the first time a Honda S800 had been entered for over 30 years. Spectators report that the sound of Tonys Honda at max revs just about everywhere on the circuit was incredible – and Tony described the event as a life's ambition fulfilled.
As to the race results – well no-one expected anything in terms of a good result at Silverstone. The place is VAST and much more suited to larger machinery with much greater horse power – it is the home of the British Grand Prix!
Our display of cars as part of the S2KUK stand.
Nevertheless the club put on a display which far exceeded any previous years with no less than three S800s on display on the infield and of course the racing S800 howling around the hallowed F1 venue.
Many thanks to our display team of Marc Hughes and friend who between them brought two cars (!), Duncan Martin (with navigator James Cowell experiencing open top S800 motoring) supplying the sole convertible car with Tony Sighe, Stewart Hutchinson and Elliot Harris supplying the on track display with associated spannering. Further support came from John Tetley plus Tony and Emma Lowe. Of course we must also mention Ian Eyglesheim and the S2KUK team for the kind invitation to use their display stand – and the tea/coffee, food and drinks that helped keep us alive during a proper 'scorchio' weekend!
Audlem Festival of Transport
26th July 2026
Birds Eye view of the green at Hankelow
This annual event continues to grow year by year. This year the organisers had to bunch the cars close together on the green at Hankelow to get everyone in! Can anyone spot the sole S800? Its owner was probably queuing for a bacon roll at the marquee at this point...
Ready for the off at Hankelow
This is a one day event organised by ASET (the Audlem Special Events Team). Amongst their 'stable' of events are the many live music events in the village plus art festivals, curry nights and the famous 5 day music festival. The Transport Festival is a major highlight held at the end of July each year. This event is a bit different to many car shows as it starts in a different village! The cars assemble on the village green in Hankelow before departing on a 2 mile tour of Audlem where the crowds can be 6 deep in places! At the end of the tour the cars are lined up on the playing fields for the general public to admire. In Audlem village centre there is a commentary about the cars as they pass – and each year the commentator marvels at the S800 "its jewel of an engine revs to 11,000 revs!"
Taking part in the parade
The advantage of this set up is the first part at Hankelow is primarily vehicle owners and enthusiasts looking around the cars. Its a chance to meet friends and fellow petrolheads and have a coffee and bacon roll!
At Audlem you can then look at any cars you missed and wander down to the canal to view the historic narrowboats moored up for the weekend. There is live music at the playing fields with the band playing nostalgic Glen Miller era tunes whereas down at the Shroppie Fly pub by the canal there is live folk and acoustic music.
Rare Honda S660 at the festival
Entry used to be free but ever increasing costs have resulted in ASET charging a modest £5 entry fee. To read more about how this event has developed over the years please click here.
Sadly this year we were hoping to have two S800s on display but Barry and Mary had to pull out at the last minute. Get well soon Barry.
The Gold Cup at Oulton Park, Cheshire
There is still time to book your place on our stand at this years Gold Cup meeting. Oulton are keeping the bookings open into early August but NOW is a good time to ensure you get one of our limited spaces.
Oulton Park are pulling out all the stops to recreate the Richard Seaman race meeting from years ago! This is a 'not to be missed' event with rare cars attending from across the UK and beyond. Couple the racing of many rare and historic cars with the club displays, trade stands, a classic car auction and the Concours d'Elegance – it's an event for all car lovers.
To book your place please visit our page for this particular event by clicking here.
NEC Classic Car Show
We’re going to the UK's biggest indoor car show! Birmingham's NEC, 13-15 November 2026, and this year, we've got a surprise. The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show's Debutant theme means cars that have never been seen at the show before will be taking centre stage. We can't say what's coming yet, but trust us, it's worth the wait.Over 3,000 classics, 320 clubs, live stages, the UK's biggest indoor autojumble and 500 cars going under the hammer. November can't come soon enough.Use our club code CCHONS8N6 at checkout to unlock the club exclusive £4 off adult tickets or £2 off family, child & multi-day tickets. www.necclassicmotorshow.com
Fathers Day Idea?
You've spent years taking your kids to shows, teaching them the difference between a Mk1 and a Mk2, explaining why that engine note is worth getting out of bed for. Now it's their turn!
For a great Father's Day idea, point them in the direction of the Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show, the UK's biggest indoor car show at Birmingham's NEC this November. Suggest a day out that'll remind you exactly why you fell in love with classics in the first place, because you've more than earned it. That’s what we’ll be doing!
Use our club code CCHONS8N6 at checkout to unlock the club exclusive £4 off adult tickets or £2 off family, child & multi-day tickets.
Weaver Wander
16 May 2026
This annual charity fun run has been running for some 20 years now. It still attracts a great crowd of diverse machinery and this year the event raised virtually £4,000 for local charities.
I arrived at the start venue to find that Barry and Mary Fernaly had arrived literally a minute earlier. This meant we could park together before catching up on each others news. One excellent bit of news is that both Barry and Mary will be at the AGM in their car. Some 48 years after helping to found the club and virtually 60 years after first buying their S800s thats quite an achievement.
(If you haven't booked into the hotel for the AGM then don't leave it any longer... the rooms WILL sell out!)
After signing on and collecting our route maps it was time for a brew and a bacon butty before heading out to attach our rally plaques.
The 2026 event saw the reinstatement of the 'proper' start in the very centre of Nantwich. I have mixed views over this as whilst its great to showcase the cars to the wider public the organisers picked a day when the Farmers Market was on with big queues everywhere! After leaving Nantwich we headed out towards the edge of the Staffordshire Moorlands and the Peak District via Mow Cop. Barry and Mary decided to head home early given the rain but I wonder if Barry is actually a Manchester City fan and had a bet on the FA Cup...?
From the peaks there were some amazing views back across the Cheshire plain. All too soon we were losing height and heading back to the finish where we were well ahead of many cars. I can only thank my glamourous navigator Rosemary for not getting me lost! Some cars who started near us arrived over an hour later at the finish.
My car ran fine – the new starter clutch helping the car spring immediately into life. That always helps to keep your navigator happy!
If you are anywhere near south Cheshire – come and join in next year.
Goodwood Retro Rides 2026
9 – 10 May 2026
We joined forces with the Super Hondas team to display 2 Z600s and an S800 coupe at the Goodwood Retro Rides event.
Saturday was a glorious day which saw many other cars out and about at various shows and events around the country. Sunday was back to winter again! – with our hardy crew surviving by consuming soup and tea!
This is a great event each year and Sue Truran is the Club contact point for this one. Look out for details of the next event at this iconic motor circuit.
Pulley Lock Method
11 May 2026
After some 20 years since I last swapped one, I started to experience the dreaded 'starter clutch slip'. You know the signs if you are an S800 owner – it doesn't engage when you try to start the car often followed by a horrible clattering sound.
My usual method on a Mk 2 engine is to put the car in 4th, handbrake on, chock the wheels and give it a bit heave! This time though – it wasn't having it. Maybe the passing of 20 years had allowed the nut to jam propery, but more likely it was the use of Loctite on the threads (!) meaning the nut was well and truly tight.
So over a brew, I messaged the club via WhatsApp and got a great response from Stewart Hutchinson within 3 minutes!! The picture shows how I ended up locking the pulley. The nut in the end of the alternator is a 22mm. So I slackened the fan belt and cable tied it so that it had the greatest wrap around the front engine pulley. Then adjust the fanbelt as tight as you can by moving the alternator outwards to give the greatest grip on the pulley. I then put the 22mm socket on the alternator nut and wedged the arm of the socket driver into the gap at the bottom of the inner wing. It was against the anti-roll bar at this point. Then its a 26mm socket on the pulley nut – a big heave and its undone as the pulley is locked in place this way by the fan belt and socket drive to the aternator. Ingenious Stewart!!
The new starter clutch kit from Ortmanns includes the clutch pre-fitted with rollers, springs, caps and of course the sprocket. It even includes a new metal plate which is often the start of the issues. You do have to dismantle your old clutch to supply the splined housing. At this point I was very grateful that I used hardened hexagon drive countersunk screws last time rather than the cross headed ones Honda used. If you have to get the cross headed ones out, undo the nuts (3 of) at the rear and then use an impact driver. My ageing impact driver has never failed to shift a bolt or screw in some 45 years....
To do it up – exactly the same pulley locking procedure but this time its resting on the 'floor' below where the radiator sits. It needs to be tightened to 94ftlb – so quite a tight nut...! This time be aware that the alternator nut could undo if you are unlucky...!!
Then just the rest of the re-assembly – rad, hoses, battery and bonnet back in place etc. It fired first turn which is always encouraging.
11 May 2026
Don't forget that some further events are also mentioned on our WhatsApp group – especially anything last minute or relatively small scale. If you haven't signed up to WhatsApp yet its easy – just follow the link from the home page or click here.
FBHVC
3 May 2026
Duncan has just reminded me that we have paid our annual membership fee to the FBHVC. 'Whats all that about?' I hear you say – well its the Federation of British Historic Vehicle Clubs. Importantly, its the British Historic Vehicle Clubs – not the Historic British Vehicle Clubs. A subtle difference but one that means the Federation is all encompassing. They are an important steering group for vehicle clubs in the UK who lobby the Government on various matters which help us to keep our cars on the road. They also keep us abreast of new and changing legislation.
They also publish up to six magazines a year – which are FREE to you as a club member. Just click on this link to explore whats available further. Up to 2024 the magazines could be downloaded from our website but now you have to sign into the FBHVC website. Its VERY easy – just fill in your name and email address. Then click that you are a member of a Club/Association and add a password. Then you can read endless back issues and current issues of their magazine and get lots of advice.
To visit our page about the FBHVC – click here.
La Jeune Femme Adore Sa S800s...
2 May 2026
Did she mean – 'The very NICE club of S800 owners...?'
You never know who you might bump into... Whilst down at Goodwood the S800 team met French lady Alaia who is an Instagram 'influencer' with some 167,000 followers. She happens to own a Honda S800 coupe which features on her page.
To see more of her car – just click here. You may have to download or sign into the Instagram app.
Figaty Sprint at Goodwood
2 May 2026
Our intrepid race driver Tony Sighe was down at glorious Goodwood on the May Day bank holiday weekend to take part in the Figaty Sprint organised by the Brighton and Hove Motor Club. Our man Tony was ably supported by a crew of Stewart Hutchinson, Elliot Harris and Sue and Norman Hacker.
Sue managed to sneak her car into the paddock area parking her recently renovated coupe next to Tony Sighes race car. Elliot decided to help Sue out as her brakes were not performing as well as expected. Whilst on on the jacks, a marshall walked past and enquired whether the car would be ready for the next sprint session!
Tony finally got on top of his carburettor issues making the car a lot quicker. There are reports of reaching St Marys corner at some 100mph and then deciding to do some 'grass cutting' – what else would you do on a sunny bank holiday...? With the car all pointing the right way again a decent lap time was recorded beating a number of much larger engined cars.
The next planned outing for the car is the BRDC event at Silverstone at the end of July. Remember we have a discount code for tickets courtesy of S2KUK – and you can park your pride and joy on their stand close to the action. Did I mention their gazebo plus tea, coffee and food? Sounds like a great weekend!
Drive It Day 2026
26 April 2026
A collage of cars on Drive It day.
Sunday 26th of April was the 2026 Drive It Day. This is a specific day set aside by the FBHVC where we are encouraged to use our cars to increase awareness of the classic car movement.
There were a number of events being held across the UK including one of the incredibly popular Bicester Scrambles at the Bicester Heritage Centre.
Club members turned out in force at various shows with their Honda S800s and Z600s. Robert Fourt was flying the flag at Bicester and sent in some pictures of Jenson Buttons Brawn F1 car.
Alan was down at Chatham dockyard which included the opportunity to inspect some of the moored fleet. Duncan was at the venue we used for a few previous AGMs in Stevenage as well as later outside a local hostery with the punters admiring his car.
Marc sent in pictures of his red coupe at a show with a comment to 'watch this space'... Sure enough later that day he was awarded a prize for best car!
Congratulations Marc – and also well done everyone who got their cars out on the day.
Motorsport Update
20 April 2026
Our very own Tony Sighe is out and about sprinting and racing his Honda S800 coupe. He is out at Goodwood at the beginning of May – and its free entry! For more details visit our Motorsport calendar and of course watch out for announcements on the WhatsApp groups.
BRDC Classic (24- 26 July)
12 April 2026
We have an invite to display our cars at the Silverstone Classic with the S2000 club – S2KUK. The prices this year are amazing compared to the old Silverstone Festival! – the whole weekend, which includes putting your car pass onto the stand, and two entry tickets for thw whole three days is £65!! Bring a friend and its a smidge over £10 a day..... Other options are available. For more details visit our specific page about the event by clicking here.
AGM Date: September.
24 March 2026
We are looking at having the AGM in September – full booking details to follow...
Details
Full details about the weekend will be posted soon.
Our AGM
Our AGM Weekend will be in September. The formal AGM is on Saturday with a weekend of fun activity wrapped around it – well how else would we get you to attend a formal business meeting!
Where is it
We are returning to the Kings Court Hotel at Kings Coughton, Alcester. This hotel has served us very well in the past and is central for many members.
If you want to see more of the hotel please click here, however, just use this for viewing and exploring the place at the moment – details of how to book with our special Club rate will be posted shortly.
More on Carburettors!
Paul Lancaster – 23 February 2026
We are indebted to the feedback from club members. Long standing member Paul has written some further comments about the carburettors. Firstly, you may have noticed the comment on the forum saying the float gauges we had made were wrong (!). Thankfully Paul has been able to clarify the situation with his knowledge backed up by period workshop manuals.
Paul writes: – I had a quick look at some recent posts and saw one reply regarding float gauges where one member (PPL) has stated that float height for Mk1 carbs is 17mm and 19mm for Mk2 which is wrong. 17mm is for S600 carbs. I have a Honda CV Carburetor technical manual for all the Kie-hin carbs of the time which specifically covers S cars and states this.
(So we can rest assured that the 19mm gauge IS correct. This measurement works for Mk 1 and Mk 2 carbs – as they use the same floats and the same needle valves. The different fuel flow is determined by the variation in the size of the hole in the main jets).
Paul then writes about some hacks he has used on his carbs: – Regarding my carb hacks, a little background. I retired early last year and found myself with more time than I knew what to do with and so started tinkering with my S800, As I'd not had it running for about three years I grasped the nettle and waded in. After a couple of full carb strip down, clean and rebuilds I struggled off and on for a few weeks to sought a misfire, but out of it came these hacks.
The first is quite simple and may not be original but I can't recall it ever being mentioned. It involves accurately setting the float height with a gauge by placing under the brass float a small piece of low density foam rubber (think bath sponge) only approx about 1cm cube that will offer resistance under the float. With this in place you can set the height with the carbs in any position you find comfortable and you're not relying on gravity and the usual dangling float in that awkward off centre upright balancing procedure. I now have the carbs on their back ( upside down) and use the gauge to press down the float. It will only press the float down to the 19mm point and hold it there while you adjust the tab to the point exactly just touching the needle valve. When done, just pull out the foam from under the float with a pair of tweezers. This also ensures that the needle valve is fully engaged at its highest point in the valve holder nut too as you set it. Hope this is clear?
The second is a way of determining fuel leaks deep in the carb. It involves cutting four long thin strips of thickish (approx 1-2mm) plain cardboard that are approx 250mm x 3mm in dimension. With the carbs in-situ on the car and the air box and air filter removed, feed one of the strips down the barrel of each carb. Pass it under the choke butterfly, then under and through the gap under the resting vacuum piston then pulling the throttle butterfly valve open a little, push the strip under that too. You should still have about an inch or so of strip poking out of the carb barrel entrance. Turn on the ignition to start fuel pumping to the carb but DO NOT turn the engine over. Leave fuel pumping for at least a minute to ensure float chambers are full and fuel has filled the entire carb. Then, with fuel pump off, remove each strip one by one. If all is well the the strips should be totally dry but any fuel leakage will result in the strip showing a darker damp stain where it absorbed the fuel. Depending on where the stain is on the strip you can determine the leak position and what the problem is. In my case it showed that a couple of the main jets where flooding (bad float height) and some leaking from carb casting seams which showed that some off the gaskets or threads were failing and needed some thread insert work or make some new gaskets. After sorting these problems the carbs ran perfectly.
We are delighted to add these snippets to the pool of information on the carbs. The cardboard check is simple and it works. It's so much better than waving your little finger past the choke valve and then catching your skin on the spring like a fish hook barb... I have done it and its painful to get your finger out!!
Replacement of the rear ball bearing in the S800 gearbox
Pierre Planteline – 7th February 2026
We are indebted to Pierre for producing a detailed article about this longstanding issue with the majority of S800 gearboxes. Replacement of the rear ball bearing was long thought to be impossible and later boxes were sought after as these had the ability to replace the errant bearing much more easily. These later gearboxes had pinion gears which were on splines such that they could be slid off the shaft to get to the bearing.
Pierre outlines in his article the process of removing the earlier pressed on pinions in the earlier boxes so that the worn ball bearing can be replaced.
The article is detailed with photos which cannot easily be reproduced in our Revs format. To access this article please – click here – to download this item as a pdf file.
Honda S800 – Front Suspension Bump Steer Tuning
Pierre Planteline – 16 January 2026
If you own a S800/S600 car with which you experience an instable road handing on large turns (wandering typically) or if you feel important moves of the steering wheel on bumpy roads, this article could be of some help. You will find a way to tune the variation in the parallelism of the front wheels. This may not only fix these issues, but also improve significantly the handing on winding roads.
Such tuning is always carefully done on race cars.
The principle is not complex but its implementation is rather lengthy because you need to disassemble/reassemble
several elements and it must be done carefully to obtain the expected result.
Also, you will need to buy or build a jig allowing to measure easily the variation of the parallelism (over 7 cm max in bound and 7 cm max in rebound).The range is actually smaller because of the real travel of the shocks absorbers. The range also depends on the static ride height of the car.
If the geometry of the front suspension is changed significantly (camber, or ride height variation >= 10 mm), it is highly recommended to check/tune the variation of the parallelism.
WHY WE MUST CARE ABOUT BUMP STEER?
All front suspensions are designed to limit the variations of the parallelism. A front wheel shall never too in during bump (wandering, risk of oversteering) and the variation of parallelism must be reduced as much as possible. But a “relative” symmetry of parallelism variation must also be targeted between the two wheels (especially on bump).
For a given wheel, the location of ends of a tie rod must be “compatible” with the ones of A arm (lower or upper one) in order that the instantaneous center of rotation (Rc) and its path 1) for an A arm and thetie rod,to be the same as 2) the ones of the upper and lower A arms (without tie rod).
The ride height of a S800 can be slightly modified by rotating the height adjusting bolts of the torsion bar. The S800 that I have examined for LHD cars had the same tuning forthese adjusting bolts: 3rd position for the left-hand side and 2nd position for the right one, the 1st position being the one giving the lowest ride height. In such conditions, the ride height can be modified by approximately +- 6 mm.
If the ride height is significantly lowered (by 10 mm or more), the steering case will have to be raised so that the tie rod retrieves approximately the same angle. This is done with the use of shims placed between the car frame and the steering case fixing points.
If a ride height higher than the usual stock one is targeted, the steering case would have to be lowered which is not recommended because the steering case would have to lowered and it looks pretty difficult if not impossible to mill its fixing points by more than 2mm (the steering case is very close to the frame).
There are other methods to adjust the location of a tie rod but they will not be dealt with as they may be strictly
forbidden.
WHICH VARIATION OF PARALLELISM SHOULD BE TARGETED?
One might think that the ideal tuning would lead to zero parallelism variation. Actually, from the static position of the wheel, a front wheel should slightly toe out on compression and toe in on rebound… at least for a daily driver.
Toe out decreases tire grip and toe in does the opposite. And in any case, a wheel shall never toe in on compression.
For a race car, the maximum toe variation per wheel is in the order of 0,05 to 0,2 mm /cm.
For the S800, the mean variation per wheel we can obtain is in the order of 0,2 mm / cm (measured at rim edge).
This mean variation is not necessarily the same for compression and rebound. Typically, as the hub is raised (compression wise), the variation will decrease. The variation will look higher for rebound than for compression.
Your results will be limited by the geometry of the suspension, silent block deformation, and the thickness of the shims used to set the height of the steering case.
TOOLS TO MEASURE THE PARALLELISM VARIATION
The principle consists in moving the height of a plate attached to the wheel hub and recording toe variation with the help
of one or two comparators.
As for me, I first bought a plate specially designed for this purpose (brand: Longacre) and able to adapt to differentwheel studs designs, but the height of the plate was limited (so the bound/rebound range), and I finally made larger plates from a thick plywood board. The only thing that matters is the surface of the plate: it must be flat and smooth.
Nowadays, Longacre seems to propose a more operational plate.
Regarding what has to do with the measurement of the toe, I made one jig using only one comparator attached to a frame with a hinge in the bottom part allowing the tool to follow the lateral movement of the plate that occurs when the hub is moved vertically to simulate the travel of the suspension.
The mobile part of the jig has a comparator at one end and at the other end a fixed rounded tip that follows the surface of the plate as it moves.
The tool allows to set the distance between the comparator and the fixed rounded tip as well as the height of the horizontal bar to which they are attached.
With a jig using a single comparator, the advantage is that a single number has to be recorded for each hub position to determine the toe value (once an initial value is subtracted).
On the photo, the mobile frame of the jig has been more tilted than necessary to better see the jig design. In fact, the ideal tilt is around 15° when the hub height corresponds to the static ride height.
PREPARATION:
1. Check camber and caster
2. Check that the tie rod ball joints have no play
For this, disengage the steering dust covers, ask a person to sit on driver seat and move the steering wheel to left and right. You should not see the ball joints move in their seats. In case of play, if it concerns the ball joint on steering case side, you can insert a shim between the ball joint seat and its spring or between the spring and the cap (thickness 0.5mm up to 2 mm depending on the play, internal diameter : 10 mm, external diameter : 20 mm); if the ball joint on wheel side is to loose, replace the ball joint.
3. Set the toe to zero. Make sure the length of the tie rods is the same.
4. Set jacks at frame level, lift the car and remove the front wheels
5. Disconnect the ends of the anti-roll bar from the lower A arms and rotate the anti-roll bar to clear it
6. Disconnect the tie rods on wheel side
7. Remove the shocks
8. Remove the torsion bars adjusting bolts. For this, first disconnect the ball joints from the lower A arms to clear the torsion bar fingers from the bolts.
9. Reconnect the ball joints to the lower A arms.
10. Install used shocks with shorten bump stops (length = 22 cm between anchor points when fully compressed by hand). This is not mandatory, but it prevents any damage to the ball joints when the lower A arm is jacked until the suspension is fully compressed.
11. Reconnect the tie rods on wheel side
12. Lock the steering rack on both sides, for example with collars tightened symmetrically on the rack against the steering case.
Remark: if the steering case is not centered in relation to the chassis, the steering rack ends must be centered.
13. Install the plates used to measure the toe variation on the wheel hubs et set them level.
You can buy such plates (from Longacre for example) but you can also make ones from smooth and plane plywood or so, drilled to fit the hub studs. Draw a horizontal line aligned with the center of the hub and additional reference horizontal lines at 1 cm interval over a ~ 6-7 cm range on each side.
14. Set the height of the hub to move for toe measurement to the one corresponding to the static ride height (with the driver).
The distance between the center of the hub and the bottom of the wheel arch is an easy means to achieve this.
15. Install the jig so that the nose of the comparator is aligned with the reference line in the middle of the plate when the mobile frame is tilted by about 15°. You may have to move the jig and/or move up/down the chassis.
Adjust the length of the fixed rounded tip sliding on the plate as necessary.
Set the comparator nose mid-way.
16. Use a manual (for better progressivity) jack below the lower suspension arm ball joint of the suspension side for which the toe variation has to be recorded.
MEASUREMENT OF TOE VARIATION
1. Set the suspension (by hand) to its lowest position.
2. Set the plate level.
3. Raise the suspension with the jack placed below the lower ball joint, in order to line up the comparator nose with the nearest horizontal reference line of the plate. Make sure the plate is horizontal while you jack the plate and correct the level as necessary.
Record the value of the comparator and the location of the reference line.
4. Jack up slowly the suspension by 1 cm increment while checking that the plate stays level. Record the values
of the comparator for each reference line.
Never go back if you miss a reference line. You can either jack up the suspension to the next line, or restart from the lowest position of the suspension.
Record the indication of the comparator for each reference line. Le value recorded for the reference line aligned with the center of the hub will be subtracted from the other values to be able to compare the results obtained with other shim thickness.
RESULTS INTERPRETATION AND ADJUSTMENTS
Assuming that the genuine suspension parts (A arms, tie rods, steering arms, spindle) have not been modified, there are only 2 cases to consider.
The following figures represent very roughly the possible cases of toe variation you may encounter. The real curves are never perfectly linear over the whole range except on short segments.
1st case : The wheel toes in on compression
Fix : Raise the steering rack so that the wheel never toes in when the suspension is compressed.
2nd case : The wheel toes out too much when the suspension is compressed
Fix : Lower the steering case. Target a slight toe out on compression.
The thickness of the shims placed under the steering case must be decreased in order to get a more upright curve, but make sure the wheel never toes in on compression.
Several trials may be necessary to obtain the best result.
After the best result is reached, the height of the steering height on this side is kept, then we carry on the same procedure on the other side.
Once both sidesare dealt with, you will generally notice that toe variation you recorded on the first side has been modified. This is normal as the height of the steering case on one side effects the height of the tie rod on the other side.
A second and last iteration may be necessary to complete the tuning.
Remark: You should keep the results you got for each shim thickness you tried, because it may not be possible to get toe
variation similar on bump for both sides. If this case occurs, it is recommended to set the heigh of the steering case so that 1) toe variations are similar on bump for both wheels and 2) that a wheel never toes in on bump. So, the result of the “best wheel” must be lined up with the best result you got for the other wheel.
If the ride height of the car has been significantly lowered, you may have to use shim thickness in the order of 3-6 mm.
As an example, here is a curve showing the toe variation recorded for a S800 (after similar results were got on
compression for both wheels):
The toe was recorded for a width corresponding to the one of a rim.
SOURCES
If you want to increase your understanding on this topic, here are some interesting readings:
The document at the following URL: https://www.fichier-pdf.fr/2024/04/03/les-epures-de-suspension-07/
In particular, It gives information regarding the effect on road handing of toe variation for front and rear suspension.
The book entitled « Construireune voiture de course suspension-châssis » from Bernard Gironnet edited by Dunodin 1973.
The book « Competition car suspension »from Allan Staniforth. Haynes Editions
The book « Advanced Race Car Suspension Development » by Steve Smith
There are numerous other sources.
I believe that the most comprehensive and precise description of the suspension geometry is the one found in the book “ « Construireune voiture de course suspension-châssis ».
Pierre Planteline
Restorer of the Year!
16th January 2026
Our very own Alan Stanyon has been named Restorer of the Year by the well respected Practical Classics magaazine. The article in the March 2026 issue talks about Alans restoration of his Honda Z600 – and then goes on to describe what was done and even includes a road test of the finished item. No less than six pages in total occupying one of the main classic car magazines on every shelf across the UK. Well done Alan!!
Buy a copy – and bring it to the AGM where I am sure Alan will gladly add his signature... although we must be careful not to let all this fame get to his head – I mean they are tiny cars and it would be a shame if his head no longer fitted!
Happy New Year!
We hope you are all raring to go with the new season of car events approaching. We are currently adding lots of events (including details about how to take part) to our website. Some of these are already well subscribed – so if you intend joining us, please don't leave it to the last minute.
If you need help getting your car 'over the line' then tune into our Show and Tell events. Remember, there are no 'daft questions' – we are here to help!
3D Printing
December 2025
Club member James Cowell runs a 3D printing company and has recently added some S800 related items which can be purchased. Please have a look at his site by clicking on this link – https://www.printa.uk/parts/ The main fuse box has been difficult to source for years but is now accurately reproduced. The float adjustment gauges are a MUST for any S800 owners tool box, enabling you to easily set the 19mm float height on each carburettor.
Looking ahead to 2026...
'This one goes to eleven...!'
The first Honda S800s arrived in the UK in 1966! So next year we are celebrating 60 years of our high revving sports cars... Look out for new events arriving soon – together with specific logos and graphics to celebrate the occasion. We really hope you can join us!
The NEC Classic Car Show
7th – 9th November 2025
If you missed the show, or indeed want to be reminded of what was on show here is the Official Show Guide for a sneak preview of the NEC Classic Motor Show.
Click here for the Show Guide
The Honda S800 Sports Car Club enjoyed a successful three-day outing at the 2025 NEC Classic Car Show, situated in Hall 3 next to the S2000 stand.
Preparation Highlights:
Our show preparation was led by John Tetley, who organised the stand logistics and ensured members received display vehicle documents. Exhibitors, including Philip Ronn (S600 Convertible), Marc Hughes (red S800 Coupe) and Duncan Martin (red S800 Convertible) confirmed arrival times and brought equipment, such as spare chairs and lots of polish! John Tetley brought the club backdrops and desk whilst Tony Lowe donated a camping table!
Set-up day saw us successfully place all cars on the stand by Thursday afternoon. A minor logistical challenge arose when members noted that the wristbands issued by the organisers contained incorrect dates (stating 8th to 10th instead of 7th to 9th!). We agreed this would not be an issue for entry but just proves that the most meticulous of planning can go astray. Attendees participating in the set-up and break-down days were reminded to bring their own high-visibility yellow gillets.
Events over the weekend:
The stand was exceptionally busy and received lots of public interest throughout the weekend. Tony Sighe and Trudy were unfortunately absent due to illness caught while travelling. You were both missed and we wish you a speedy recovery.
Merchandise and Gifts:
Robert Fourt provided popular posters, and James Cowell's key ring float gauges were enthusiastically received by members.
Club Hospitality:
The club cakes were described as the "Best cakes in the show", a treat enjoyed by attendees.
Car Sales Announcement:
Member Colin Adamson informed the stand that his 1967 S800 Mk1 Coupe, which Tony Sighe had recommissioned, would shortly be listed for sale via Bonhams, estimated at £16k – £20k.
Logistics Success:
The overall operation, particularly the breakdown on Sunday, was smooth. Andrew Dunnell offered presidential felicitations, congratulating John Tetley for his hard work in organising and handling the set-up and break down. As a side note we were delighted to see Andrew on our stand for two days looking a picture of good health.
Marc Hughes humorously noted his "Le Mans style exit," where he may have run over his drip tray.
The event was deemed a great success, with attendees thanking John Tetley for his excellent job coordinating the stand. The 2026 show promises to be extra special, as it marks the 60th Anniversary of the S800 in the UK, and planning for this major celebration will shortly begin.
Did you enjoy hearing about the fabulous stand, the key ring float gauges, and the legendary club cakes? Don't miss out on the next big event! Look out for further details as planning shortly begins for the 2026 NEC Classic Car Show, where we will celebrate the S800’s momentous 60th Anniversary!
New WhatsApp Community
1st September 2025
After some sterling work by Lawton we are proud to announce we have launched a WhatsApp community for club members. Use of this is entirely your choice but there are many advantages especially the immediacy of being able to ask other club members about something. Imagine being stuck as to how to do something... just WhatsApp the Honda S800 Club, community and all being well the answer will come flying back!
For full details about this new innovation please click here and all will be explained.
Home Made Evaporust!
12th August 2025
Following Sues trials and tribulations trying to separate liners from an engine block, club member David Barnes in Australia has been in touch:
Hi Tony,
In today's WhatsApp trail regarding Susan's problem in removing liners from the block I posted a links to a homemade rust remover which outperforms "Evaporust" at a fraction of the cost.
The video is very comprehensive.I suggest that you watch it and if OK I would post it on the club website.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVYZmeReKKY
If anyone tries this can they feedback if its any good. Please be aware we haven't tested this process or formula so its very much at your risk!