48 replies to this topic

[Retset]

You will probably remember that after much debating on whether to modify or buy an Exige/similar, I decided on a few choice 'bolt on' mods. There then followed another thread on whether to go for Exige suspension or Nitrons. I put on TD's and R888's recently and was very pleased, despite the front wheel arch gap which was easy to get used to.

I bought VXR suspension in the end on the basis it came from a VX variant and was, by all reports, the same as Exige stuff.

I put it on today - how very easy - no wonder there is no 'useful thread' item

I was very shocked by the rear ride height once I'd finished. I am so embarrassed that I haven't photographed it but here are some numbers measuring from centre of wheel to top of arch, all with TD's on.

1) Before: Rear 340mm, Front 359mm

2) After: Rear 370mm , Front 368mm.

The front measurement I am fine with as the standard VXR has a 367mm measurement so I expected a small lift. Suspension looks very similar:



The rear, however, was a real shock. 3cm on top of the standard gap is really noticeable. The only positive thing you can say is it introduces a rake to the car. Trouble is, that's like saying a BMW X6 is a coupe .... I put it down to the way different rear springs:



So, I put a bag on my head, and went for a blat round. The ride is a bit firmer than before but very well controlled ... especially as the speeds rise. It now corners so well that I can barely believe it. Only on a track will I be able to learn the limits. Body roll seems less - could not detect any from where I was sat!

In fact, by the time I got home, I was really happy with it till I got out and looked at the car

I'll leave it on for a bit because it drives so well and it's nice to have 9000 mile suspension when my own had 4 times that on. Ultimately though, I think it will have to go. It'll be a fantastic little upgrade for a Turbo I'm sure ....

... unless somebody has any ideas how to lower what I have. My own ideas are:

1) Thorney's springs. However, I have grave reservations as to whether they'd even fit such different dampers on the rear.

2) Lower the rear by raising the spring platform. This idea is not mine but Exmantaa's. There are 2 rings already machined into the rear tube so this could be done. I have no clue how you actually move things though as the spring platform appears to be one solid piece.

I understand the front can be lowered by using Elise lowering brackets.

[LazyDonkey]

So, I put a bag on my head, and went for a blat round. The ride is a bit firmer than before but very well controlled ... especially as the speeds rise. It now corners so well that I can barely believe it. Only on a track will I be able to learn the limits. Body roll seems less - could not detect any from where I was sat!

In fact, by the time I got home, I was really happy with it till I got out and looked at the car

I guess it's all down to personal choice. Re-read the above paragraph and think about how much it's improved your car for a fraction of the cost of nitrons.

For me unless the car is sitting next to a slammed S1 it looks abolutely fine. Yesterday three people asked me what sort of car it was and told me it was gorgeous. The fact it's a few mm higher than standard (ie the same as a VXR) matters not a jot when the car feels as amazing as it does.

At least you're being honest though

[Jase_MK]

The fact it's a few mm higher than standard (ie the same as a VXR) matters not a jot when the car feels as amazing as it does.

I'd imagine it's a fair bit higher than a VXR, seeing as most of the 80 odd kg weight diff over the NA is from the heavier engine. Stick an 80kg weight in the boot, then it might be the same height as a VXR.

Any chance of some proper ride height measurements, if you get a chance? Be interested to see exactly how high it is. Standard measurements that you'll see whenever VXs or Elises/Exiges/340Rs are referred to is floor to chassis rail (immediately behind the front wheel and in front of the rear wheel).

Watching this with interest as I'm sure it's something I might need to start looking at in the not too distant future.

Does anyone know for certain that the VXR and Exige rear shocks use exactly the same spring rates? Or is it just interweb conjecture?

[drpau]

Joe public wouldnt notice though and you spend most of your time in the car, not outside looking at it.

Go on, dont be shy, show us some pics!!!

[Retset]

OK ... I need to get you the measurements but I just snapped these before I put it away. Couldn't get far enough away for both wheels at once I'm sure the rear is not as high as cars on Exige suspension and that's why I'm thinking you need Exige stuff for an NA and VXR stuff for a Turbo.





As I mentioned, it's the rear that is really bugging as I was mentally prepared for the front!

[smithers]

doesn't look like a 4x4 to me! if it works, who cares?

[Retset]

No .... it's not quite like a 4X4 ... but it's not quite like a VX220 either Anyway, I measured from the flat bit of GRP that is like a sill, directly behind the centre of the front wheel and directly in front of the centre of the rear wheel: 163mm F and 167mm R.

[LazyDonkey]

The wheel arch gap is all about relative positions of bodywork and mounting points so just cos you think the exige looks lower doesn't mean you have VXR as opposed to VXR suspension. EDIT : An exige is heavier than an NA (and maybe a turbo?) so the suspension won't compress as much

Edited by LazyDonkey, 27 July 2008 - 11:06 PM.

[davep24]

dont know if these will fit or even lower the height but it might be worth checking out

http://www.elisepart...products_id=302

[slindborg]

The wheel arch gap is all about relative positions of bodywork and mounting points so just cos you think the exige looks lower doesn't mean you have VXR as opposed to VXR suspension.

EDIT : An exige is heavier than an NA (and maybe a turbo?) so the suspension won't compress as much

Remember that VX bodywork can be shimmed so cross vehicle measurements are kinda futile... although you did measure your car before and after so thats a "valid" test

[Retset]

LazyDonkey: Your posts (&VXJon's) when fitting Exige suspension were obviously one of my inspirations to fit similar to mine. Can you please tell me what your rear ride height is?

Slindborg: When I did the 'before', I measured both sides. To my amazement they were the same! So, just measured one side for the 'after'. It's not like you need a tape measure though I called round yours on the test drive yesterday to show you but you were out - looking at mine vs yours though was rather soul destroying!!

The lowering brackets would really seem the way to go - I found these for the S1/S2 Elise which I guess will fit apart from the ABS bracket required (I'd need help there!). They are -20mm rear and 25mm front which would bring it back to about standard, which I would be perfectly content with. It's interesting that they are for both Elises whereas the one linked to by davep24 says S1 only ...

[slindborg]

what time did you come round? It was odd on sat at the national looking at all the various ride heights and comparing to std etc... I was of the belief that mine is 140mm all round at the moment which is std (allegedly) but it was far lower than other STD N/A's. Me thinks these cars are a bastard

[Retset]

About 1530 I think - was not wearing a watch. You know the really ironic thing? Argos email has just arrived to say my nice low Clarke's jack is ready for pickup My standard one will fit now!! I live in hope so will buy it anyway, lol.

[slindborg]

Sods law that (for both things) We only left at quarter past three lol. Should be about all week (evenings) if you are out and about again.

[Retset]

Yeah - Mr Sod strikes again, lol.

Will try to pop round.

Been looking at the other threads on here and the rear of mine has definitely gone up more than those with Exige suspension.

However, look at this comparison. First pic is Exige suspension as fitted to toreide's car. The second is the VXR stuff on mine.





You'll notice that they look the same except the VXR stuff has 3 grooves in the damper mounting and the Exige has just 1. Perhaps this is because Vauxhall simply re-machined the Exige stuff to fit? If the spring platform of my VXR damper could be moved to where the Exige one is, they'd look the same. My rear ride height would then fall (as I understand it) and I really would then have 'Exige' suspension!

How can I do this? Do I simply buy a spring compressor and then it will all become obvious?? Edit: and if so, is this what I need to buy?

Edited by Retset, 28 July 2008 - 09:23 AM.

[Jameshs]

They should do it

[Retset]

Thanks - and how does the platform move? Can't quite imagine how ...

[slindborg]

hmmmm not 100% sure those spring compressors would work on our small springs....

[Retset]

You got any?

[slindborg]

You got any?

fraid not.

You could try the ultimate in pikey way...... a few jubilee (spelling) clips to compress the springs but I wouldnt advise it lol.