S1 suspension

[RobS2]

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?

[Lithopsian]

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.

[Daveb99]

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.

[RobS2]

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!

[RobS2]

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.

[Daveb99]

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.

[MrWill]

A vote for Bilstein over here 

[RobS2]

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. 

[Jonathan E]

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👍

[RobS2]

Thanks for all the comments 

[GreyKnight]

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.

[RobS2]

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!