pre-85 vs. 85+ front suspension
Discussion
I'm attempting to find an adjustable (ride hight) suspension for my '83 TE. The back end isn't a problem, it's the front end. Apparently GAZ makes an adjustable system for the 85+ suspension, but I doubt there is an easy solution for the pre-85 suspension (the lower spring perch is part of the lower arm and not part of the shock like it is with the 85+.)
I assume the frame probably didn't change so the top of the mount matches up, but the lower arm looks like it went from a welded piece to a stamped piece. So the question is: can I bolt an 85+ shock/spring to a pre-85 car? I know this is an esoteric fact that probably no one knows. Maybe the better question to ask would be: are there any 85-87 TE owners with old shocks (that has the spring perch on the shock) that they might be willing to sell (or loan) to me so I can test fit them?
I assume the frame probably didn't change so the top of the mount matches up, but the lower arm looks like it went from a welded piece to a stamped piece. So the question is: can I bolt an 85+ shock/spring to a pre-85 car? I know this is an esoteric fact that probably no one knows. Maybe the better question to ask would be: are there any 85-87 TE owners with old shocks (that has the spring perch on the shock) that they might be willing to sell (or loan) to me so I can test fit them?
I had a similar issue with the front suspension on my 85S3NA - one of the original front springs broke - Lotus no longer make the old conical springs for pre-85 S3's - so you need to upgrade with 'parallel spring-damper & assembly bracket' package - I did this is '96, and then have further upgraded with adjustable springs and dampers front and rear from SJ Sportcars last year.
The upgraded parallel springs give an (allegedly) better performance, so rather than use an old second hand conical spring (if you can find one) I'd suggest the upgrade.
Jonathan 85S3NA
The upgraded parallel springs give an (allegedly) better performance, so rather than use an old second hand conical spring (if you can find one) I'd suggest the upgrade.
Jonathan 85S3NA
I am looking into this mod right now. The shocks are knackered on mine and so need replacing and I want adjustable height.
As you say, with the pre-85 set up the bottom spring cup is on the arm where as on the newer car it is on the damper. The top mount is also different as the chassis is the top cup while the newer cars have a seperate cup which then bolts to the chassis with 4 studs.
However, if a newer damper will go onto an old lower arm, then the cup on the damper should clear the arm (especially with a adjustable height seat) and the new damper pistion should fit onto the older chassis at the top.
Voila..... adjustable height front suspension.
There will need to be some expeimentation with springs to get the right one but it should be do-able.
I have got PNM looking at this and will get back to you when I have some news.
Andy
1981 S3
As you say, with the pre-85 set up the bottom spring cup is on the arm where as on the newer car it is on the damper. The top mount is also different as the chassis is the top cup while the newer cars have a seperate cup which then bolts to the chassis with 4 studs.
However, if a newer damper will go onto an old lower arm, then the cup on the damper should clear the arm (especially with a adjustable height seat) and the new damper pistion should fit onto the older chassis at the top.
Voila..... adjustable height front suspension.
There will need to be some expeimentation with springs to get the right one but it should be do-able.
I have got PNM looking at this and will get back to you when I have some news.
Andy
1981 S3
Hi,
The only advise I have is to very carefully research these options. The rush to lower these cars often overlooks the fact that lowering the suspension, no matter which method or to what degree alters the suspension geometry and changes the CG of the car.
Changes to either of these areas will affect the design handling of the car. The degree with which they do this will depend upon how you go about it and what components you choose to accomplish it. Some may prefer the aesthetic of a lower car and accept negatively altered handling as a consequence, but you won't get both a lower and better handling car.
A talk with a Lotus Suspension engineer at a recent LOG (North American Lotus Owners Gathering) had him saying that a lot of thought, effort, trial & error went in to perfecting the handling and suspension. And to quote him "Don't
with it, you won't make it better...". Food for thought. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TE
The only advise I have is to very carefully research these options. The rush to lower these cars often overlooks the fact that lowering the suspension, no matter which method or to what degree alters the suspension geometry and changes the CG of the car.
Changes to either of these areas will affect the design handling of the car. The degree with which they do this will depend upon how you go about it and what components you choose to accomplish it. Some may prefer the aesthetic of a lower car and accept negatively altered handling as a consequence, but you won't get both a lower and better handling car.
A talk with a Lotus Suspension engineer at a recent LOG (North American Lotus Owners Gathering) had him saying that a lot of thought, effort, trial & error went in to perfecting the handling and suspension. And to quote him "Don't
with it, you won't make it better...". Food for thought. Happy Motoring!... Jim'85TEWell there's no rush here to lower the car. I doubt any of us considering this is interested in slamming the car. I know in my case I would be happy with a mere 1/2" drop (although I'd prefer 1".) I don't pretend to know all that much about suspension design, but Lotus had at least two different spring sets (and possibly as many as 6 different sets.)
I would be just as happy with the shorter springs. Unfortunately this is not an option neither springs are available any longer. I don't know all that much about springs, but I assume if we had the pertinent spring specs we could order custom built springs. Maybe an email to Lotus is in order.
I would be just as happy with the shorter springs. Unfortunately this is not an option neither springs are available any longer. I don't know all that much about springs, but I assume if we had the pertinent spring specs we could order custom built springs. Maybe an email to Lotus is in order.
I am inclined to disagree with Jim on this one. I am sure a set of 2004 technology tires combined with a set of double adjustable Bilsteins on properly rated springs on a conservatively (1.5") lowered and weight balanced car, would do the trick. I havnt found any car that hasn't responded well to that sort of tuning.. Contrary to what the lotus engineer might believe is best for the motoring public, IMO, I think the Esprit could handle some lowering of the CG to good effect.
Over the years Ive heard all sorts of "..oh dont do that because..." only to find the contrary to be true. Give it a test.. if you dont like the results.. go back to your baseline and try something else.
Jan 83TE..237 of 343
Over the years Ive heard all sorts of "..oh dont do that because..." only to find the contrary to be true. Give it a test.. if you dont like the results.. go back to your baseline and try something else.
Jan 83TE..237 of 343
Gassing Station | Esprit | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff