Suspension component upgrade on T350 - Nitrons & drop links?

[NickT]

I am in need of replacing some of my suspension components on my car and am thinking of upgrading some parts rather than replace with the stock items.

I've been considering a set of Nitrons at approx £1110 and have also been recommended that I get a set of Steve Heath anti-roll bar drop links while I'm getting the work done (£68 for the a set for the front).

I don't have a lot of cash to spend on the upgrades so I wouldn't want to spend much more unless there is justification to do so.

I don't use the car as my daily driver but I do use it frequently. I travel to Europe in the car and have gone as far as Italy in it on a driving holiday. I also plan to attend more UK track days (still only done one so far in the TVR - many in other cars), I also make an annual trip to the Nurburgring. So I want something which will make the car feel better on track and the Nurburgring without compromising the ability of the car on the road. I want something which will give me more confidence in the car.

Question is, are Nitrons the right choice or are Ohlins maybe a better alternative?
Also, while I'm getting the work done is it worth upgrading the anti-roll bar drop links for these items: http://www.shengltd.com/tvrextras/cerberadroplinka...

Should I be upgrading the rear drop links as well?

Many thanks!

Nick

[earlyriser]

NickT said:

I am in need of replacing some of my suspension components on my car and am thinking of upgrading some parts rather than replace with the stock items.

I've been considering a set of Nitrons at approx £1110 and have also been recommended that I get a set of Steve Heath anti-roll bar drop links while I'm getting the work done (£68 for the a set for the front).

I don't have a lot of cash to spend on the upgrades so I wouldn't want to spend much more unless there is justification to do so.

I don't use the car as my daily driver but I do use it frequently. I travel to Europe in the car and have gone as far as Italy in it on a driving holiday. I also plan to attend more UK track days (still only done one so far in the TVR - many in other cars), I also make an annual trip to the Nurburgring. So I want something which will make the car feel better on track and the Nurburgring without compromising the ability of the car on the road. I want something which will give me more confidence in the car.

Question is, are Nitrons the right choice or are Ohlins maybe a better alternative?
Also, while I'm getting the work done is it worth upgrading the anti-roll bar drop links for these items: http://www.shengltd.com/tvrextras/cerberadroplinka...

Should I be upgrading the rear drop links as well?

Many thanks!

Nick

I'm sure there will be others who know more, along shortly, but here's my 2p worth. I went for (significantly cheaper than either of your suggestions) Power Bilsteins and new springs. I wanted good quality but did not need/want to pay for adjustablity, as the car will not be tracked a great deal. Very noticable improvement on the original set up. If budget is a signifianct issue why/how are you considering Ohlins? Are you tracking the car regularly, or once or twice a year? My (limited) understanding is Ohlins are THE choice for serious track use.

[NickT]

Me mentioning budget was an attempt to stop me spending money I don't have as I always seem to do ... I am easily convinced when knowing a solution is "the best". I have spent so much on the car since I got it 2.5 years ago (engine, gearbox, cooling system, paintwork etc.) that I fully intend on keeping the car and trying to get the best out of it and in the process enjoy it!

I do intend on taking the car on track (track days) where I can. I am probably not in the position to make the most of Ohlins at this stage (my driving ability probably needs to improve first). Thinking about it do I even need to spend the money on Nitrons? I suspect adjustability would be useful when it comes to driving to a circuit (soft road setting maybe?) and then driving on the circuit (harder setting depending on the circuit?), and when it comes to going to the 'ring a softer setting than a UK circuit but harder than road might be the correct setting to go for? So does adjustability give you the ability to tweak suspension for each scenario without having to go to have the car fully setup by professionals? Or am I thinking wrongly here? Is it likely that once set I will never bother adjusting the suspension?

I'm not sure how much more Ohlins are hence me asking, they seem to be a popular option alongside the Nitrons which is why I asked about them. If we are talking a lot more money (50% more than Nitrons or more) then they are pretty much ruled out.

earlyriser, which springs did you go for and how much were they with the dampers? I have Blistine adjustable dampers on my daily runner (SEAT Ibiza) which were fitted by the previous owner and have been impressed with them but I never track the car.

One thing I've noticed with my T350 is that tyre pressures, wheel alignment etc. all make a huge difference when it comes to how the car handles and the confidence the car gives you. This is my first RWD car and first true sports car (previously I've owned hot hatches such as Leon Cupra R). I fully intend to continue improving my driving skills through doing more driver training and track days and believe that upgrading the suspension is the right path to take. I'm hoping that by installing new suspension I will gain more confidence in the handling of the car.

Any advice or suggestions would be much appreciated!

[tail slide]

NickT said:

I do intend on taking the car on track (track days) where I can. I am probably not in the position to make the most of Ohlins at this stage (my driving ability probably needs to improve first). Thinking about it do I even need to spend the money on Nitrons? I suspect adjustability would be useful when it comes to driving to a circuit (soft road setting maybe?) and then driving on the circuit (harder setting depending on the circuit?), and when it comes to going to the 'ring a softer setting than a UK circuit but harder than road might be the correct setting to go for? So does adjustability give you the ability to tweak suspension for each scenario without having to go to have the car fully setup by professionals? Or am I thinking wrongly here? Is it likely that once set I will never bother adjusting the suspension?

I think you're on right track here (excuse pun!)

I went for 1-way adjustable Nitrons and Sag-spec springs 7000m ago, and I just use 2 settings, one for softer ride on roads (=similar to Sag standard) and a much firmer one for occasional tracks. Takes 5 mins to change, much more kart-like on track, especially a lot less dive under braking.

Was so pleased with the difference they made that I'm just upgrading to Nitron 3-ways for ultimate (as fitted to top runners in F3 champ this year) as I'll be keeping car for a long time.

I guess I ought to sell on my current springs/dampers, as low mileage, so PM me if interested.

(edited to add) I've just added the front drop links, which the TVR suspension designer advised were a good mod, but that the rears were rather less essential.

Edited by tail slide on Tuesday 15th January 14:16

[earlyriser]

NickT said:

earlyriser, which springs did you go for and how much were they with the dampers? I have Blistine adjustable dampers on my daily runner (SEAT Ibiza) which were fitted by the previous owner and have been impressed with them but I never track the car.

Eibach springs front and rear. Eibach are actually OE suppliers but the original damper/spring combo is considered poor. I purchased mine direct from Eibach, I can't remember the part no.s but there is a thread on here where it was discussed. The new Power Bilsteins are non-ajustable and the whole lot, fitted, was ca. £700. My understanding is that Ohlins are in the £1600+ bracket.

[NickT]

My initial thoughts are that adjustable dampers would be a nice thing to have but Ohlins are probably out of budget.

Therefore maybe the 1-way adjustable dampers from Nitron (http://www.nitron.co.uk/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=25) are the ones to go for. Possibly with the Eibach springs at an extra cost (£95) rather than the standard Nitron ones?

I'm getting all the geometry adjusted and set correctly as part of the work being done on my car, if the Nitrons were fitted prior to this setup is it likely that the standard 4 wheel alignment that a garage will do will cover setting up the new springs and dampers or will there be more adjustment to be made?

[tail slide]

NickT said:

I'm getting all the geometry adjusted and set correctly as part of the work being done on my car, if the Nitrons were fitted prior to this setup is it likely that the standard 4 wheel alignment that a garage will do will cover setting up the new springs and dampers or will there be more adjustment to be made?

Std alignment from a TVR specialist will be 'ok', once you decide the ride height, but you really need corner-weighting (and with a proper 4-wheel pad system) to make the most of the handling benefits, and to make sure it pulls up straight if pressing on!

[NickT]

I shall have to check what exactly will be carried out on my car and make sure I get everything sorted. The place who I believe will be doing the alignment will be Northampton Motorsport who have all the equipment (I've had friends who have had their cars corner weighted there). Either there or at TVR Power.

[VARLEYHYD]

NickT said:

Should I be upgrading the rear drop links as well?
Nick

Agree with other posts Front ones do fail soon on track,

Not tried the back but trying to keep standard looks, so may just fit some poly bushes on back.

I's worth checking length pre order as mine were too short, not sure if drop links are same as sag though.



G

[S5TVR]

What about Protech dampers which are adjustable and available through Joo at Trackcar solutions. I had Joo fit them on my Chim 500 and I was impressed. He supplies them for the T cars and I think I'm right in saying that Ceejay will be running with Protech's on his racing T350 this year.

[tail slide]

VARLEYHYD said:

I's worth checking length pre order as mine were too short, not sure if drop links are same as sag though.

G

Hi Graham, sorry to hear you came up short ...

That size is correct for T350/Tam, maybe Steve was unaware at that time of Sag differences.

[VARLEYHYD]

tail slide said:

Hi Graham, sorry to hear you came up short ...

That size is correct for T350/Tam, maybe Steve was unaware at that time of Sag differences.

Yep no probs Steve Heath made longer ones for the sag


G

PS Quaiffe LSD fitted, not run yet.
Fuel tank out at present going to improve baffle/ clockwise fuel starvation

[spicy six]

Hi tailslide
just read with interest your recent post regarding your proposed upgrade from single adjust Nitrons to three way adjustables. When do you expect to have them fitted ?
Perhaps when you will share your thoughts and opinions as to how they compare when you have had chance to formulate them.

I would agree with you that the rear drop links upgrade is well worth doing. On the original parts the rubber bushings are so thick that the roll bar only starts to work effectively at very high rates of roll, for the majority of the time the bars are completely ineffective.
The drop links ensure that the bar starts to work the instant roll begins and sharpens the handling considerably. I have fitted the rear drop links as well and felt that although their effect was no where near as pronounced as those on the front, they did help balance the roll stiffness from front to back.

How are getting on with the Quaiffe ATB ? Have you got it fitted yet ?

Regards

Graham

[trackcar]

S5TVR said:

What about Protech dampers which are adjustable and available through Joo at Trackcar solutions. I had Joo fit them on my Chim 500 and I was impressed. He supplies them for the T cars and I think I'm right in saying that Ceejay will be running with Protech's on his racing T350 this year.

Cliff is indeed on Protech dampers .. sadly we only had a couple of outings last year but at rockingham we were stunned by the performance of the car ..

despite only have 320hp and never having turned a wheel outside of the workshop the T350 was 2nd fastest class B car. it qualified 11th out of 27 cars and was fastest non sagaris or tuscan racer

[Daftlad]

VARLEYHYD said:

tail slide said:

Hi Graham, sorry to hear you came up short ...

That size is correct for T350/Tam, maybe Steve was unaware at that time of Sag differences.

Yep no probs Steve Heath made longer ones for the sag


G

PS Quaiffe LSD fitted, not run yet.
Fuel tank out at present going to improve baffle/ clockwise fuel starvation

Graham,
I would be interested to know what you do with your tank as I suffer the same clockwise starvation. I had thought about a swirl-pot and LP pump from the main tank to the pot, but winter came and I lost interest if I'm honest.

[ceejay]

T350R runs two external red top LP pumps at the back of the car connected to the bottom of the tank each side (tank was modified by Dockin Engineering). The LP pumps run as seperate feeds to a swirl pot in the front of the car which in turn supplies fuel to a motorpsort Bosh HP pump. The fuel return is connected to the swirl pot to ensure it stays full with a return from the pot to the tank. It seems to work on the racer with 250 slicks so should work on a track day car.

ceejay

P.S. The protech dampers are fantastic, handling of the T350 is superb.

[NickT]

I've been offered a set of used 1-way adjustable Nitrons for the T350 for a reasonable price which is looking hard to resist at the moment. It would seem that Nitron offer a service on the dampers at £50 a corner which should make them like new if required. Knowing this it works out cheaper to buy the second hand set and get them serviced than it would be to buy new, I'm hoping they wont need servicing though!

I'm currently investigating the cost of upgrading the standard 4-wheel alignment which is due to be carried out on my car anyway to a full suspension setup with weighting. It sounds like this is well worth doing as well.

On top of this I think I may as well get the new ARB drop links from Steve Heath front and back.

I'm hoping this will give me a very well setup car at the end of the day

[tail slide]

spicy six said:

Hi tailslide
just read with interest your recent post regarding your proposed upgrade from single adjust Nitrons to three way adjustables. When do you expect to have them fitted ?
Perhaps when you will share your thoughts and opinions as to how they compare when you have had chance to formulate them.
.....

How are getting on with the Quaiffe ATB ? Have you got it fitted yet ?

Regards

Graham

Hi SS,

Solid links are undoubtedly best engineering design, just cost more than original.

Not had car last 5 mths due to various extra work and a few setbacks, hope to have back very soon with everything fitted inc. Quaife & 3-ways, and will post impressions.

Dampers should be top notch for road and track, but extra spec is mainly for track where it will allow firm control but also, like Touring Cars, allow kerbs to be used without launching car skywards

I agree about rear d.link set, so I have one, but want to try front only first to see if I can detect any difference!

[shpub]

tail slide said:

Solid links are undoubtedly best engineering design, just cost more than original.

TVR original drop links are £104.98 a pair inc VAT ex delivery for the front.
SHENG rose jointed drop links... £79.99 a pair inc VAT and UK delivery.

[tail slide]

shpub said:

tail slide said:

Solid links are undoubtedly best engineering design, just cost more than original.

TVR original drop links are £104.98 a pair inc VAT ex delivery for the front.
SHENG rose jointed drop links... £79.99 a pair inc VAT and UK delivery.

Ah, I made an assumption and stand corrected Steve.

A genuine bargain for us then!