Suspension refresh
Discussion
Hi everyone.
I was looking under my 09 Elise SC at the weekend and the rear wishbones are looking scabby. I am thinking of a winter refresh, blasting and powder coating then all new bushes and bolts etc.
I did look at new wishbones but at over £300 each I think I will refurb rather than replace.
While I am doing this (or getting it done!) I am thinking of updating the suspension to a Fast Road set up (no track use).
I think I can get the powder coating done cheaply through a work colleague and updated bushes are easily available from Elise Parts but, without a bottomless budget, what suspension do I go for in place of the standard Bilstein's?
Has anyone any recommendations? I would also prefer to keep the standard ride height if possible as my garage is at the bottom of a hill and I already have to reverse in every time!
Cheers
Brian
I was looking under my 09 Elise SC at the weekend and the rear wishbones are looking scabby. I am thinking of a winter refresh, blasting and powder coating then all new bushes and bolts etc.
I did look at new wishbones but at over £300 each I think I will refurb rather than replace.
While I am doing this (or getting it done!) I am thinking of updating the suspension to a Fast Road set up (no track use).
I think I can get the powder coating done cheaply through a work colleague and updated bushes are easily available from Elise Parts but, without a bottomless budget, what suspension do I go for in place of the standard Bilstein's?
Has anyone any recommendations? I would also prefer to keep the standard ride height if possible as my garage is at the bottom of a hill and I already have to reverse in every time!
Cheers
Brian
When I refurbished the wishbones on my 111R I used Superflex bushes because my research suggested that they retain the grease better and are less likely to make squeaking noises than other upgraded bushes. There also seemed to be quite a few people recommending not to powdercoat them but to use POR15 paint instead. I had mine blasted and then electrostatically coated with a surface finish that protects them from corrosion and has a gold finish. I can't remember the name of it but am sure you'll be able to find out easily enough if you are interested.
The wall thickness of the wishbone tubes is very thin so it is very important to get it resolved sooner than later. I can't comment on struts / shock absorbers other than the fact that it depends on how you intend to use the car. The higher end stuff reputedly need to be rebuilt every now and again so that might be a consideration.
The wall thickness of the wishbone tubes is very thin so it is very important to get it resolved sooner than later. I can't comment on struts / shock absorbers other than the fact that it depends on how you intend to use the car. The higher end stuff reputedly need to be rebuilt every now and again so that might be a consideration.
Edited by BAMoFo on Thursday 7th August 18:14
I changed my standard Elise Bilstein setup for Nitron Streets....and although the ride height massively improved the look of the car, I preferred the road manners of the standard suspension.
Just something to bear in mind if you're not tracking it. Highly suggest have a ride in a car with the suspension you want before you make the jump.
Just something to bear in mind if you're not tracking it. Highly suggest have a ride in a car with the suspension you want before you make the jump.
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