Lotus Suspension

[ALCHBY]

Noticed my Recently Purchased Lotus has Koni Suspension (Gas Filled) is this standard ?

 

If it's not how do i check if it's Adjustable.

 

Al

[Scott_Mac]

Std dampers are Red coloured, they are not adjustable.

 

Uprated (LSS) are yellow and are adjustable for height only.

 

Some folks have fitted other Koni dampers... you'd have to check with the manufacturer for the specs on those.

[juicetin]

You can of course adjust the height slightly on the standard koni dampers by adjusting the spring circlip position, they are automatically set to the highest ride height by the factory.

[ALCHBY]

You can of course adjust the height slightly on the standard koni dampers by adjusting the spring circlip position, they are automatically set to the highest ride height by the factory.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How much will it drop? Will it affect the car in anyway is it easy to do

[dss123]

Al,

 

Not sure with standard Konis, but when fitting LSS (and lowering) you need to relocate the steering rack (with new adaptor plates) to avoid bump steer issues.

 

Dunc

[Ladders]

Dont think I'd be to happy moving the circlips on the suspension! Not worth weakening them IMO!

 

I'd think about S2 susp for £520 if your that bothered about changing the susp

[juicetin]

Why does moving the spring circlip weaken the shock absorber ?

There are fixed grooves where the spring height can be set. They are set to the heighest ride height by the factory, moving the clip to the lowest position would lower the ride height by circa 1-2cm.

[Ladders]

No, weakening the circlip!

[Zircon450]

Is this why early STD S1's are 140mm and later S1's STD 160mm ride height ?

[GCCK]

Early S1's at 140/140 had straight, parallel springs. Later ones had slightly barrelled springs. Theoretically a barrel shaped spring should provide slightly more progressive behaviour and lower noise. Quite why it was felt necessary to change the springs, and in turn change the ride height, I've no idea.

[Martin R]

Apparently they changed the springs because on the early ones the springs and dampers could touch and cause a noise. The barrel ones cant do this apparently.