35 replies to this topic

[Mani]

I agree with siztenboots. Parts seize and rubber deteriorates if it is not used as it should be. My vxr has 50k on the clock and is well used. I had a complete suspension refresh 6 months ago. The car feels and handles as it was new. So even if a car has been used maintenance keeps it well. Sent from my D5803 using Tapatalk

[gaffer1986]

This rings true with my 2.5 year old car. I've done 64,000 miles and it's still like new. Although it's just had a new cylinder head and a new heater. It's also had new steering wheel controls, a new steering rack, new battery, new third brake light and a new infotainment touchscreen.

[james_ly]

 

Gaffer as you do track days won't you be upgrading the suspension anyway?

No way, I definitely prefer oem suspension over more track orientated suspension due to smoothness on the road. Less than 5% of my miles are track miles as I use the car every weekend and some evenings and do a track day once a month. I always found the standard suspension rather good, although there is a definite improvement with Elise shocks and Team Dynamics 1.2 wheels. I would like some good tyres also.

 

 

Adjustable suspension is good. I've recently fitted Nitron Street series, haven't been on track yet but there's noticeably less body roll and squat + dive. I found it quite jiggly so put it on full soft for the road, and it rides as well as the Bilsteins did, if not better.  

[gaffer1986]

I didn't know you could adjust the spring rates? I thought it was ride height and possibly bound and rebound settings?

Edited by gaffer1986, 07 July 2016 - 07:33 AM.

[james_ly]

Just the damping.

[Captain Vimes]

 

Gaffer as you do track days won't you be upgrading the suspension anyway?

No way, I definitely prefer oem suspension over more track orientated suspension due to smoothness on the road. Less than 5% of my miles are track miles as I use the car every weekend and some evenings and do a track day once a month. I always found the standard suspension rather good, although there is a definite improvement with Elise shocks and Team Dynamics 1.2 wheels. I would like some good tyres also.  

  Adjustable suspension is good. I've recently fitted Nitron Street series, haven't been on track yet but there's noticeably less body roll and squat + dive. I found it quite jiggly so put it on full soft for the road, and it rides as well as the Bilsteins did, if not better.  

Good choice on the NSS!

[gaffer1986]

I've heard these aren't very good. They're reasonably priced though so could be an option.

[james_ly]

I've heard these aren't very good. They're reasonably priced though so could be an option.

 

It's all relative I guess. If you believe certain people on here, you wouldn't dream of going on track without ZZRs, NTR two ways, machined uprights for camber, harnesses, roll cage...

 

Having been for a ride in Captain Vimes' car, it felt grippy enough to me!  

[gaffer1986]

Good point, to be honest I never had a problem with my old VX220 on standard wheels, tyres and suspension. The only thing I didn't like was wet braking, those Bridgestones aren't up to the job in comparison to just about every car I've ever driven.

Edited by gaffer1986, 07 July 2016 - 11:23 AM.

[sford]

Good point, to be honest I never had a problem with my old VX220 on standard wheels, tyres and suspension. The only thing I didn't like was wet braking, those Bridgestones aren't up to the job in comparison to just about every car I've ever driven.

 

And even that depends on how old the tyres are etc. 

 

I've got NSS and they aren't (for my friends and I) any different to my friends 2 ways. Just depends on your level of ability I suppose. At Anglesey there was no clear advantage between his car and mine. If you are replacing your old tired Bilstein shocks then the new ones will feel harsher. 

[Mike (Cliffie)]

My Leon has done 132k and is still on the original bushes. My VX did 80k on the original bushes but were shagged when I replaced them due to using the car on track. I then replaced those bushes after two years then every year I raced it.

 

Point is, on a car that is used, it depends on the usage and abusage!

 

 

[Captain Vimes]

I've heard these aren't very good. They're reasonably priced though so could be an option.

  It's all relative I guess. If you believe certain people on here, you wouldn't dream of going on track without ZZRs, NTR two ways, machined uprights for camber, harnesses, roll cage...   Having been for a ride in Captain Vimes' car, it felt grippy enough to me!  

I've not seen any bad reports on the NSS..? They're very well made (no corrosion or marks on mine despite them being on for a good few years). Theyre a mono tube design and work well on road or track. I don't really understand why anyone would spend double on the NTR's unless you really want a very focused track setup. The only bad reports I see are on gaz dampers.

[Stevie Dubyah]

So, have Quantums gone out of fashion again? 12 months ago we were all burning our Gaz, Sachs, Spax, Nitrons and Bilsteins on the altar of the pink Zeros. Now, nothing....

 

 

 

All this talk of baggy, worn out old bushes reminds me... I need to talk to the missus about setting aside some cash for the suspension refresh I've been meaning to do.

[gaffer1986]

I've heard these aren't very good. They're reasonably priced though so could be an option.

  It's all relative I guess. If you believe certain people on here, you wouldn't dream of going on track without ZZRs, NTR two ways, machined uprights for camber, harnesses, roll cage...   Having been for a ride in Captain Vimes' car, it felt grippy enough to me!  

I've not seen any bad reports on the NSS..? They're very well made (no corrosion or marks on mine despite them being on for a good few years). Theyre a mono tube design and work well on road or track. I don't really understand why anyone would spend double on the NTR's unless you really want a very focused track setup. The only bad reports I see are on gaz dampers.

I've only experienced Gaz, Quantum's, standard Bilstein and Elise Bilstein. Gaz and quantum were definitely too hard for me, Elise Bilstein was the best but standard is also nice. I haven't tried NSS so I can't comment. What's the spring rates of your NSS?

[james_ly]

 

What's the spring rates of your NSS?

 

 

They are 350f450r by default.

 

List of standard Lotus spring rates here http://www.vx220.org...4-spring-rates/  

[gaffer1986]

That's quite a bit firmer. Good link thank you