AVO suspension

[tuscan_thunder]

I described the 'chirrup' noise i've been getting over bumps at low speed. I suspected it was a suspension or ARB bush. phoned dealer (few hundred miles away) and they suspect it's dampers.

to me, the car rides very well at the front, but, having the seeds of doubt sown in my mind, i'm beginning to think the rear maybe doesn't ride as smoothly as it should.

does it sound like dampers or a bush?

Does anyone have experience with AVO dampers on the elise? I'm on a reasonably tight budget but at the same time, don't want to buy rubbish.

Also, does anyone have a stockist for Leda just as a comparison.

[paulwakinshaw]

The solution is to buy a new set of dampers & springs. This option now gives rise to many options from race type installations to less expensive "off the shelf" pieces.

If your on a tight budget it's easy to go with the cheapest option, but in my opinion this can be false economy. Lotus spent a fortune getting the handling of this car spot on and the main parts that help this along are the dampers/springs. I have no experience of Avo/Leda/Spax - but these seem to be the budget options available.

Next up are the Bilstein dampers & Eibach springs. These are standard fitment to the S2 Elise and have a far superior build quality over the standard Koni units. I have these fitted to my Elise S1 and the difference is massive. So quiet, slightly stiffer spring rate so handling is much improved and overall road manners are easier to live with. Where every small ripple in the road surface made a noise before, now its ghostly quite! Top end of the scale are Nitrons. Expensive, but for a reason. These pieces of kit are top quality. I haven’t driven a Nitroned car, but many people here have them fitted. Many people who do fit them do the occasional track day so the extra money spent gives them more of an edge on the track.

I did a thread some months ago about my S2 set-up, here is the link: www.pistonheads.co.uk/gassing/topic.asp?t=116449&f=15&h=0&hw=S2+suspension

Happy to help

Wako

[tuscan_thunder]

i just feel that a spring/damper combo is going to break the bank at the moment or that is what I'd go for. i'm in two minds as to keep running the, what i presume are worn, Konis for a few months and then change for a full set up, or change now for a half-way-house.

The AVOs are offered by a couple of the Lotus specialist (who advertise on this site) so I was guessing they'd be reasoable?

if anyone want to buy me some Nitrons.......

[paulwakinshaw]

well I managed to run the standard Koni's for about 6 months before changing, but this is my second car so it dosent get much use. I only really tested the car to its limits last week on a run from Newcastle to Inverness, some of the twisty roads were great fun with the new set-up.

no doubt someone will be along soon to give you an overview on the Avo/Leda/Spax options.

Wako

[matrs]

I run AVOs on my S1, when originally fitted they knocked like no body’s business and I hated them, was just about to change them when a mate recommended a local specialist who has set them up with a full geo and they now work a treat

[DanH]

Search this forum for opinions on Avos

[dss123]

Hey Tuscan,

Don't worry too much about the noise if it is the traditional "billiard ball" clanking associated with Konis.

It doesn't necessarily mean they are worn sufficiently to warrant replacement. I have similiar issues with my S1 111S running LSS.

Sure they are a bit clanky on the low speed bumps and when I first had the car it bugged the hell out of me! Now I've just got used to it and it's really not a problem - particularly as I know its not compromising performance.

Unless you go for the S2 setup you are probably looking at a sideways (or downwards) step. My advise - stick with what you've got and save up the pennies for S2s (or Nitrons!)

It sounds like your Konis arn't completely gone yet so replacing them with anything else would be a bit of a waste.

Just my opinion.

BTW, pop a piccy of your S1 on your profile - like to see another nice Chrome orange Liz!

Dunc

[tuscan_thunder]

i'll tell you what the noise sounds like (it could even be this) if you've been in a Tuscan, you'll have noticed the rear screen squeaks a lot. it sounds like that, only louder and it only happens over bumps at low speed.

I'm wondering if it IS the rear screen???

Duncan: i think an S2 set up will be my preferance for the everyday stuff I do but I can't afford that right now. Also, how do I post a picture? I have an iMac if that makes any difference.
::EDITED:: I have added a pic but now I can't remove it!! I added that one as a trial run but will probably change it. how do i remove the photo??!!

>> Edited by tuscan_thunder on Thursday 17th February 14:22

[340ragtop]

IMHO I've heard very little positive said about them on the liz.

Stick to standard, the S2 stuff, LSS (though not my favourite) or Nitrons - all cost dependent, but ya gets what ya pays for.

[dss123]

I'm not sure Tuscan,

I'm guessing you just update your profile and assign a new photo over the old one?

Don't think it lets you have more than one.


Dunc

[Ruxpin]

I'd definately check that the noise isn't the rear screen before changing the suspension.

The rear screen in our S1 certainly creaks over low speed bumps.

[stevokenevo]

Hi

I have run a set of rear AVO`s on my S1 for about year and a ahalf covering about 18k miles. They started to make a chirping, squelching noise and I found that one had blown the seal. They do have a two year warranty. To be fair they have had some hard driving to contend with and the others are fine. I think for a cheapish alternative to standard they do a good job but there are others. I think if I could afford it I would go back to standard but as you budget is the issue.

Steve