RobS2 Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 I know there have been lots of discussions on damper options, but I am still struggling to understand what would be the better option. I am looking at either Bilstein or the Nitron Street Series 2. The car is standard and is just used on the road (and no intention of taking it on the track). the Nitrons are £200 cheaper, which means that is where my head is, but is that the best option? Any thoughts? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lithopsian Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 Everyone will tell you that what they have on their car is the best, and everyone has different expectations. Bilsteins are generally considered to be the most compliant on the road, but some complain that they're a bit soft. The Nitrons seems to evoke all sorts of responses from brilliantly compliant to so hard they're unbearable, but perhaps just differently adjusted. I never really thought of the NSS2 as a cheaper option, perhaps put off by the inevitable cost when they inevitably start leaking or just get plain soggy. On a budget, also consider Gaz Monos (not any other Gaz!), probably all you'll ever want on the road, perhaps a littler tighter than the Bilsteins, and can be rebuilt for not too much. I don't think they're as cheap as they used to be, but maybe you can still find good deals. My thought, lots of people chase all sorts of exotic components that other people swear by, then spend the next few years complaining about how noisy and crashy the Elise is. If you're driving the car for fun, don't make it hard to live with. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveb99 Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 I have the Nitron SS on my yellow S1, they are ok but need a lot of setting up. I’ve heard very good things about the Quantum’s that Eliseparts sell. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS2 Posted May 14, 2021 Author Share Posted May 14, 2021 52 minutes ago, Lithopsian said: Everyone will tell you that what they have on their car is the best, and everyone has different expectations. Bilsteins are generally considered to be the most compliant on the road, but some complain that they're a bit soft. The Nitrons seems to evoke all sorts of responses from brilliantly compliant to so hard they're unbearable, but perhaps just differently adjusted. I never really thought of the NSS2 as a cheaper option, perhaps put off by the inevitable cost when they inevitably start leaking or just get plain soggy. On a budget, also consider Gaz Monos (not any other Gaz!), probably all you'll ever want on the road, perhaps a littler tighter than the Bilsteins, and can be rebuilt for not too much. I don't think they're as cheap as they used to be, but maybe you can still find good deals. My thought, lots of people chase all sorts of exotic components that other people swear by, then spend the next few years complaining about how noisy and crashy the Elise is. If you're driving the car for fun, don't make it hard to live with. I have just looked for the Gaz option. The Gaz website only list the Gaz Gold Pro option but is quite a bit cheaper at just under £700. As it is just a road car all I am looking for is a replacement for my just failed Konis! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS2 Posted May 14, 2021 Author Share Posted May 14, 2021 40 minutes ago, Daveb99 said: I have the Nitron SS on my yellow S1, they are ok but need a lot of setting up. I’ve heard very good things about the Quantum’s that Eliseparts sell. I assumed that the setting up would be easy with the SS as bump and rebound are combined into one adjustment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daveb99 Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 Yes it’s easy. But for me, even after a lot of messing about with them they still aren’t as good as the full blown Nitron NTRs. But they are much cheaper so that’s to be expected. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrWill Posted May 14, 2021 Share Posted May 14, 2021 A vote for Bilstein over here Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS2 Posted May 15, 2021 Author Share Posted May 15, 2021 12 hours ago, Lithopsian said: Everyone will tell you that what they have on their car is the best, and everyone has different expectations. Bilsteins are generally considered to be the most compliant on the road, but some complain that they're a bit soft. The Nitrons seems to evoke all sorts of responses from brilliantly compliant to so hard they're unbearable, but perhaps just differently adjusted. I never really thought of the NSS2 as a cheaper option, perhaps put off by the inevitable cost when they inevitably start leaking or just get plain soggy. On a budget, also consider Gaz Monos (not any other Gaz!), probably all you'll ever want on the road, perhaps a littler tighter than the Bilsteins, and can be rebuilt for not too much. I don't think they're as cheap as they used to be, but maybe you can still find good deals. My thought, lots of people chase all sorts of exotic components that other people swear by, then spend the next few years complaining about how noisy and crashy the Elise is. If you're driving the car for fun, don't make it hard to live with. Thanks for the reply. We have owned the car since new and it is just a road car so not looking to do anything other than replace the Konis. Having fixed platforms dampers is appealing as it means I won’t get the corner weight scales out after fitting it. The Gaz units are so much cheaper than the bilsteins, I need to consider them, but it’s trying to avoid being sold the track option. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan E Posted May 15, 2021 Share Posted May 15, 2021 I’ve fitted Quantum’s to two previous Elise, they’re an excellent all rounder and certainly worth considering. There’s nothing wrong with the Bilsteins as fitted by Lotus, they know a thing or two about suspension set ups👍 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS2 Posted May 18, 2021 Author Share Posted May 18, 2021 Thanks for all the comments Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GreyKnight Posted May 24, 2021 Share Posted May 24, 2021 Hi had Nitron SS fitted to my S1 a couple of years ago. They needed helper springs on the back otherwise they were too low. They are fine, definitely firmer than the S2 Bilsteins I had before. Oh, they also needed the front damper mounts returning to standard S1 mounts from the S2 Bilstein mounts, so be aware of that if yours have been changed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RobS2 Posted June 11, 2021 Author Share Posted June 11, 2021 I ended up purchasing Bilsteins from Elise Parts. Whilst there were cheaper options it seemed like the best compromise for my application. Overall very pleased with the performance so far. Let’s hope they last as long as the Koni’s! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.