Elise - Track Day Suspension/Ride Height

[JimboM3]

I have an Elise being (re)built as a track day toy and, nearing completion, I am discussing suspension set ups. The idea is it will be 50/50 split between track days and limited road use and has a set of top notch 3 way adjustable suspension being fitted. This will be set up by someone who knows there stuff (i.e. not me!) but I need to make a decision on a ride height to aim for as a suitable compromise.

For this kind of use how low would you go? 90mm has been suggested (at one extreme) but will this cause trouble on the road. I understand speed bumps may be an issue at this height.

Does anyone have any experience with an elise at this height or any suggestions?

All thoughts appreciated!

J

[Thorburn]

Mine was set to 105/120mm front/rear in the past and hit EVERY speed bump on the road and at North Weald it was skimming the mud flaps along the ground through the high speed bend.

Now at 115/125mm and don't think I've had any issues, just have to take them very carefully.

Edited by Thorburn on Tuesday 23 April 08:34

[JimboM3]

Thanks for the feedback.

Sounds like 90mm would be too low! I am happy to be careful but would rather be able to negotiate a speed bump if required. I think I will suggest your levels.

J

[Scuffers]

what Elise to start with?

S1's you can just about get away with 90/100mm, S2's you can't, Toyota cars are even worse in this respect, realistically, 110/120 is about the lowest you can go without getting into kinematic issues.

[JimboM3]

That's interesting. The car is an S1. Have you run an S1 at 90/100 on the road?

[Scuffers]

JimboM3 said:

That's interesting. The car is an S1. Have you run an S1 at 90/100 on the road?

not seriously, its double, but a major pita

100/110 would be easier to live with.

[JimboM3]

Thanks for the info. Still a few weeks left to ponder but I think I will take your advice and go for a bit more clearance!

[turbotoaster]

ive run 90/100 on the road before on my s1 elise, I never had problems with grounding out on the road but then there arnt many speedbumps where I live.

Im now running exige bodywork which has been less ground clearance, came across a speedbump the other day and drove over it slowly and was fine.

You just have to be careful at this ride height about controlling bump steer, you will need some new steering arms or steering rack spacers if your running that low.


here is a picture of my elise at that height and one with my new exige body on.




Any questions let me know

[JimboM3]

Very nice. An exige / motorsport body is one of the next things on my list (perhaps next winter) after I have sorted out the mechanicals and got it run in! Your experience with swapping over would be interesting to hear.

What other mods have you done (is the name a hint?).

Jim

[turbotoaster]

Hi Jim, I could give you a big list of what ive done but I would probably recommend you read my build thread, it will answer most of your questions.

You dont need to register, just click and read, for the moment its supercharged, but will be turbocharged by the end of the year

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=358403&...

[chris7676]

You have to take into account the spring rates - if they are high, you can go quite low without grounding issues.

[JimboM3]

I somehow missed Turbotoaster's post last week! Reading you build thread with interest now...