Modifying For Higher Speed Use.

[Maxf]

Aplogies for only being a member for 2 minutes and already bombarding the board with repetative mod questions, but:

 

I love my Elise (120 S2), and am really thrilled with the handling on those country roads (and the occasional traffic light grand prix). However I find that at speed, on motorways/dual carriageways the front end becomes incredibly light feeling, not inspiring any kind of confidence - this is much worse on wet/damp roads. I even had the front end tracked/balanced as I didn't think this was 'right' but they assure me the settings are correct.

 

Looking around various websites, a suggested solution seems to be a front splitter and possibly a different style rear diffuser (I have the std S2 type). Has anyone fitted either of these mods? I guess the front splitter sounds the most logical to improve weight on the front, but autostyle-solutions make a good case for a rear 'finned' diffuser.

 

I'm all for spending a bit of cash to get things right - but hate wasting money! Any comments or suggestions?

[Scott_Mac]

I'm skeptical of the benfits of those things...

 

I would have thought a geo rejig would be of more use, the infamous "Walshy" setup seems to be the way to go, sorts out the understeer too... Sinclaires in Romford can do this, though I know Simon G on here recently had his geo done at Horizon and was after the walshy specs so may have them available.

[Bramble111s]

Walshy specs? Oh....

He advised me to get my geo which I have done. It is great.

But I guess I have elise specs, not walshy ones?

DOh.

are they different, Scott, oh font of knowledge...

[Kris H]

Walshy spec is different and is to do with setting toe in/camber etc slightly differently than standard for what he considers to be optimal set up (and I guess he would know). It seems fine for some but not liked by others.

 

I don't know if the rear diffuser on the S2 111s is different from standard but to be honest I don't get too much by way of lightness at the front end at speed, or not significant anyway. The rear diffuser on mine is effectively three part.

[Bramble111s]

I would be very interested to drive a car set up like this.

Anyone here have it?

Plus willing to let me have a go at a first lotus day?

I guess Andy might let me drive his, but as its an S2, it wont be a good comparison...

[jez_s]

I have to say you don't really want to be doing the sought of speeds that make the front go light when it's damp/wet (imo!)

 

How long have you owned your S2?

 

coz when i first got my S2 i was understeering like mad, but after a day with Andy Walsh i was cured!! (halleluyah!)

[Scott_Mac]

Walshy geo only applies to the S2 Bramble... they felt the handling was fine on the S1, but the lesser S2 needed a jump

 

Stick to std on yours i reckon, though i'm sure some folk may have improved things.. MarkA for instance.