Suspension Upgrade For S1

[spinkro1]

I picked up my first Lotus last weekend and couldn't stop smiling all the way home (my son also who drove half the 130 miles)

 

There is a clunking frpm the rear suspension on rough roads (I suspect it still has the original shocks famed for this)

 

The guy I bought from has a full set of Bilstein shocks which he gave me!!! but there are no mounts. I have found a set of mounts on Elise parts.

 

Anyone replaced these on their Lotti?

 

Is it a big job or not and are there any special tips?

 

I suppose I could ask someone to fit them for me but thought it would be a fairly easy task for a start? I realise it will need the Goe checking after installation anyway.

 

I'd welcome feedback

[Mark82]

The S2 Bilsteins is the best all round mod for the S1 from what I've heard, especially if you do more road rather than track driving. There's loads of info on them on the various forums out there... easy job, Ideally i guess you need to know what ride height your spring platforms are set for so that you know what adapter plates to get... The guy who's probably best to speak to Re this is a guy called steve butts I think his name is (SteveB as he posts on seloc...)

 

You're lucky that you got the shocks with the car, providing they're the right ones! I'm on the look out for some for my S1 elise...

[Rus]

Changing the shock absorbers is a fairly easy job. Try a search on here, seloc or lotus BBS archives for info on the mounting brackets.

 

There's a technical section on seloc that has some pretty good step by step stuff on it.

http://wiki.seloc.org/index.php/How_to_cha...nt_and_a_damper

[Integra99]

Changing the shock absorbers is a fairly easy job. Try a search on here, seloc or lotus BBS archives for info on the mounting brackets.

 

There's a technical section on seloc that has some pretty good step by step stuff on it.

http://wiki.seloc.org/index.php/How_to_cha...nt_and_a_damper

 

 

Yep, great upgrade and fitted to mine last year....

 

SteveB is the best person to speak to re front mounts as he can supply them - he is also really helpful on queries. The ones he supplies can be mounted in two heights. You then have the choice to match up the rears depending on chosen height you want to run.

 

Best of luck!

 

Si

[Martin R]

You only need to change the rear mounts on a S1 if you are going to S2 Bilsteins Unless you are going for a really low ride height.

[MARK 182]

It made a massive difference fitting s2 billies to mine! It's quite easy to fit them and is obviously even easier if you have all the correct tools and a decent workshop I could have struggled and done it myself but I decided to save the hassle and paid for them to be fitted. I think it cost me about £70. If I remember rightly s2 springs are different to s1 springs and if you have a set of s2 springs and dampers then you'll need some new s1 specific springs for the front!

[fentuz]

How about this:

 

http://www.bell-colvill.co.uk/LotusShop/De...p?Id=A111C0148S

 

or that

http://www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.php?m...products_id=617

[GCCK]

Don't forget that if you change the ride height, you need to get the geometry re-set. In fact, if you've just bought the car and don't know when it was done last, this would be a good idea anyway.

 

Standard S1 ride height was 140mm front, 140mm rear on earlier cars and from about mid-98, it went up to 160/160.

 

Due to stiffer springs (but better dampers = better ride as well), you can run a lower ride height on the S2 kit - most settle on 110F/120R - the slight rake apparently improves the aerodynamic balance (and looks good too!).

 

Buy the spring/damper units from Steve Butts and he'll supply the replacement top mounts and set the circlips to the ride height you desire (down to 100, up to 135). DIY fitting, then take it to Horizon for a geo.

[c8lzero]

I have got a complete set of S2 susoension from an Elise S2 thats done 8k miles. I have ordered the mounting brackets from eliseparts. Is there anything else I need? One of the posts above mentions changing the front springs when fitting them to an S1 - is that correct? If so change them to what?

[spinkro1]

 

Got the Bilsteins fitted and the clunking seems to have gone. Looking to get the Geo properly checked and set up.

 

Anyone heard of a company called Centre of Gravity?

 

I have been in touch and web site looks impressive.www.cofg.co.uk

 

Welcome any feed back from anyone who knows the company.

 

Cheers

[GCCK]

Whereabouts are you from?

 

If you update your profile so we know your approximate location we could comment/advise on suitable places near you.

[spinkro1]

Whereabouts are you from?

 

If you update your profile so we know your approximate location we could comment/advise on suitable places near you.

 

Have updated location details. Am in notts on border of Derbyshire so either county is OK.

 

Also, not far from J27 M1 so access to other areas is pretty good.

[Scott_Mac]

Horizon do an amazing geometry check and many folk drive the distance to see them, Gugliemi Motorsport in Daventry may be a little closer to you and are also pretty handy with the geo!

 

c8lzero - you don't need to change the springs. Just fit them and be happy

[oodam]

Buy the spring/damper units from Steve Butts and he'll supply the replacement top mounts and set the circlips to the ride height you desire (down to 100, up to 135). DIY fitting, then take it to Horizon for a geo.

 

 

I'll second that, did it about three years ago. All good.

[fentuz]

Hi All...

 

Got a leak on a rear damper.... I'll have to do something before hollidays... I read the wiki from Seloc.... It doesn't seem to difficult....

 

I still have a remaining question.... Are the brakets difficult to fit? How are they mounted? Bolt in? loose nuts?

 

Shall I change the 8 ball joints too (as everything will be down)?

 

Cheers

Bill