Slicks

[mikeyh]

I have just purchased a set of slicks for my S1 Elise at a very reasonable price. Does anybody have any views on whether suspension strengthening is needed to run them? My suspension is currently standard apart from Lotus Sport springs and dampers.

Also - does anyone have a spare/secondhand set of wheels for sale?

[adrianr]

Depends how you drive! The recommended practice is to change the rear toe links for the motorsport versions with uniballs and strengthening brackets; however if your suspension is in good order and you can resist the temptation to ride the kerbs then you should be OK for an experimental outing. I think the Lotus motorsport cars also changed to steel rear uprights but again, they drive like hooligans.

If you have the MMC brakes they are unlikely to cope; the standard steel ones should be OK as long as the brake fluid is new, pads are reasonably thick and you warm up and down appropriately.

AdrianR

[mikeyh]

Thanks - I have heard quite a bit about the uniball toe links so I might get a set for safety's sake. I'm not the most extreme of drivers but don't fancy a suspension failure at speed. I've had a set of the Lotus Sport brakes fitted - they seem to be very good on initial impressions (one track day!)

[smeagol]

I have heard of suspension failures with Elises when extesnively pushed, eg constantly on track. With slicks you are certainly going to pus the envelope a little more so definately get them checked. Have fun