S1 suspension upgrades

[TJRJ]

Hello All,

I have an elise S1 totally standard. It is still on koni shocks and standard suspension. I am thinking about upgrading and referbing the suspension but don't know which upgrade and who to go to. I've heard alot of positive things about S2 suspension upgrades. What are the positive and negatives about this upgrade and can anyone give feedback about other upgrades. Referbing wise i'd like to sandblast the arms, replace the bushes, total rebuild. Anyone recommend a good place to go? I live in East Sussex.

Thoughts much appreciated.

[moribund]

I'll watch this with interest - I'm in the same position and would like to do the same at some point ie blast and coat arms, new bushes dampers etc. I'm based in Yorkshire if anyone has any experiences to add.

[The Bandit]

I'm over in East Sussex too and use Steffen over at Analogue Automotive (Lotus specialists) in Petersfield.
Give him a call to ask his advice on 01730892220.
I'd say go for S2 Bilsteins as direct replacement for the old Konis as its a popular upgrade

[banx22]

Can't comment on the sand blasting bits but the replacement of bushes, TRE, balljoints etc. is very straight forward. The tricky bits are only if you encounter a stuck bolt/nut. this will add extra time on to the job. I painted my wishbones with POR15 black and it's OK; not as nice as powder coating but better than the rusty things that were there before.

Elisepart/eliseshop/seriously lotus, etc. have all the bits you need. Cost wise, I've not added it all up but it would easily be about £500, this is without changing the dampers. After you've done the work you'll need to get it GEO'd somewhere so that they can accurately set the ride height/camber/toe.

I changed my dampers to Gaz Gold Pros (adjustable) and i'm more than happy with them. I don't drive on track and i tend to drive it like miss daisy on the road so I'm not looking to shave seconds of my time getting to the shops and they are more than enough.

Moribund; I'm in Yorkshire and if you would like a hand with anything then drop me a PM.

Doing this work will transform your Elise if it's not had it done.

[Talkwrench]

I'd strongly recommend the S2 Bilstein dampers and springs upgrade. I replaced my original konis a few years ago and it transformed the car beyond recognition.
I'd also recommend a fast ratio rack if you're so inclined. My rack was showing a little wear, as they do, and I got a fast ratio rack from the original manufacturers. It really suits the car. Interestingly, when I spoke to them, they said that the fast ratio rack was the one specified by the engineers in the prototype S1. When the car was due for release, the sales team thought that the car was a little too 'quick' for drivers more used to the steering on a normal road car and a slower rack was fitted. Personally, I find the quick rack far more in keeping with the cars character.