16 replies to this topic

[Jezza123]

My NA is running on Exige Bilstein dampers with 111R springs.  The handling is awesome but the roads where i do most of my driving are sh1t so I'm thinking about changing back to standard springs and dampers.  I don't have the cash to get anything fancy and I'm not planning on tracking it so I'm thinking that the standard springs and dampers fit the bill.  I've been offered some good standard springs and dampers for £200.  The current springs and dampers were only fitted last year and have only done about 2K miles so I'm hoping to get a few quid for those - not sure what they are worth used but have a receipt from back on track for £850 to supply and fit so must be worth a bit.  I've not driven a car on standard suspension but from what I've read it sounds like it would suit me.  Any thoughts ?  Is this the best way to go, or will it be a real backward step ?  

[Mangham54]

Think the going rate for nearly new Exige suspension should be around the £250 - £350 mark. I bought a set of delivery mileage shocks for mine a few years back and paid £240 delivered (I recall)

[Thealastair34]

I have a 111r and the stock suspension is fine as a road car, better than some normal cars I've driven so not sure if your on exige springs also? And not the softer Elise ones

[Jezza123]

The receipt from back on track definitely says 111R springs and exige spec dampers.  I'm fairly sure I'm not being overly sensitive about how hard the suspension is.  I've had a few sports cars before and plenty of cars with stiff suspension but the VX is stiffer.  Problem is my VX is the only one I've driven so I've got no benchmark.  I've driven standard Elise's as well and they didn't feel as stiff.

Edited by Jezza123, 23 October 2014 - 08:48 PM.

[jonnyboy]

I think Exige and 111R springs/dampers are the same 

 

The VX is a bit lighter that than both so they wilfeel a tad harder. 

 

OEM VX220 NA suspension is the best matched to any of the cars Lotus have made on the S2 platform so I would always be tempted to go for original or original rebuilt maybe. Unfortunately as mentioned you will be looking at maybe £300 for the Exige ones. If someone has a mint set snaffled away they might be wiling to swap as Exige ones are viewed as an upgrade although it probably just the fact they are fresher that makes them feel better. 

Edited by jonnyboy, 23 October 2014 - 09:02 PM.

[Rosssco]

Exige and 111R are definitely different as I've tried them back to back. Whether they are the same dampers I'm not sure... The 111R is only slightly 'stiffer' than standard NA stuff, but I felt it was less crashy and better composed in sot other driving conditions..

[jules_s]

I think I must have the softest suspension out there Last year I researched spring rates to death....some findings.. VX220 NA = 234 / 268 lbs/in = 42 / 48 N/mm VX220 Turbo = 275 / 315 lbs/in = 49 / 57 N/mm (estimated value) VX220 Spax kit = 250 / 350 lbs/in = 45 / 62 N/mm VX220 NA Nitron kit = 375/450 lbs/in = 68/ 82 N/mm VX220 Turbo Nitron kit = 375/475 lbs/in = 68/ 86 N/mm VXR = 300 / 340 lbs/in = 54/61 N/mm (estimated value) Oehlins = 350 / 400 lbs/in = 63 / 72 N/mm (estimated value) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- S1 Standard = 185 / 220 lbs/in = 33 / 39 N/mm S1 LSS = 228 / 285 lbs/in = 41 / 51 N/mm S2 Standard = 228 / 285 lbs/in = 41 / 51 N/mm S2 LSS = 250 / 325 lbs/in = 45 / 58 N/mm Stock S2 Exige rates Stock Exige front: A122C008H 257lb/in Rear: A122D006H 371 lb/in That's from a long time ago vxwise and the seloc techwiki

Edited by jules_s, 23 October 2014 - 10:28 PM.

[Paulus H]

Cutting a long story short, a friend took me round Bruntingthorpe on std turbo springs/dampers and the car felt very floaty. However it was amazing over curbs and felt from the passenger seat very adjustable. Not exactly my style but I have thought many times since what a really well balanced set up the turbo has matched with 16/17 combo. Kindly, Paul

[Jezza123]

Useful information, thanks guys.

 

I've got TD 1.2's 16/17.  Does that have any influence ?

[Code Monkey]

Before changing the suspension have you tried adjusting the tyre pressures.

I find mine is crashy, Turbo on VXR springs and dampers, if the pressures are lower than I set them to.

 

(not putting pressures in as it is a personal thing dependant on tyres used, shape of bum type of roads etc etc)

Start with a pressure and increase decrease see how it changes things then see which you prefer.

 

Apologies if you already know how to suck these eggs just think on it as me typing for anyone searching in the future.  :-)

[Rosssco]

Useful information, thanks guys.

 

I've got TD 1.2's 16/17.  Does that have any influence ?

 

Shouldn't really, but depends what tyres you are running - semi-slicks like R888's are noticably stiffer, hence transmit more road noise (good and bad) and also won't absorb bumps / potholes as well (predictably).

 

Tyre profile will also make a difference, as will tyre pressures, but in general, if running a normal road performance tyre, you shouldn't notice a massive difference worth changing..

 

Its interesting the difference noise makes to the perception of requiring softer / more comfortable suspension - sqeaks, rattles and bangs (which we all love) give the occupant the impression that everythings very stiff.. Driving with headphones in always seems to make the car feel smoother and slightly more comfortable..  I guess that's why normal cars are packed with sound deadening and insulation!

Edited by Rosssco, 24 October 2014 - 10:08 AM.

[DanGT]

Also worth mentioning the front wishbones on the Vx's are from an S1 elise/exige, which are 8mm shorter than S2 cars. This will change the installation ratio making the front feel stiffer if you use any S2 elise variant suspension on your car. I have Exige S suspension on mine and it is ALOT stiffer than standard NA. More composed at speed though.

 

Pretty sure the installation ratio of the rear is the same. Think the wheels are the reason for the narrow track width at the rear. Not sure though, the lotus is 1507mm and a vx is 1488mm. I believe rear wishbones are all the same on S2 chassis.

Edited by DanGT, 24 October 2014 - 01:07 PM.

[Rosssco]

Alot, like the OP, use non-standard wheel sizes with a lower offset, should help make up the difference in the wishbone length (to an extent).

 

The rear wishbone (for NA's anyway) do seem to be the same as S2 Lotus parts

[fezzasus]

Check tyre pressures as well, as 24/26 tends to be ideal but most tyre places will put much higher pressures in when left to their own devices.

 

Long story short, the VX is a rigid car, and will feel much more crashy over bumps.

[xco]

Will be there noticeable change in tyre profile stiffness going, for example, from 84XL to 80?

[turbo boy]

I have exige shocks and springs from the 111R  (Toyota engine) fitted on my Turbo running the OEM alloys and Bridgestones.

 

I actually find the ride just as good, if not better than I did on the original OEM suspension.

 

Personally I would keep this set up for road use. Going back to the originals would be going backwards in my opinion...

 

I hope that this helps Jezza?

 

Jon

[Jezza123]

Appreciate all the advice everyone. I've played with the tyre pressures and you're right they are a factor but not enough of a difference. So I've decided to go for it and get a set of lightly used standard springs and dampers from Matthew Bentley. They are being fitted this week and I'll update on how they work out.