Sports Pack Suspension on 111R

Sports Pack Suspension on 111R

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Discussion

Wook22

Original Poster:

2 posts

145 months

Thursday 30th March 2017
quotequote all
The Bilstein suspension on my 2004 Elise 111R is probably getting to the point where it needs either refreshing or replacing.

I have been offered (for about the same as it would cost for Bilstein to refurb) an effectively unused set of Bilsteins, however they are the sports pack / Exige versions rather than standard ones.

I know that these were designed for use with the Exige-spec wheels, but I don't really fancy changing to new wheels as well.

My use is 95% road and I'm quite happy with the ride as is. My questions are:

a) Are the Exige dampers and springs considerably harder than the standard 111R types?

b) Am I asking for trouble anyway by using them with the standard 111R wheels?

Any assistance much appreciated!

The Bandit

788 posts

202 months

Thursday 30th March 2017
quotequote all
Wook22 said:
The Bilstein suspension on my 2004 Elise 111R is probably getting to the point where it needs either refreshing or replacing.

I have been offered (for about the same as it would cost for Bilstein to refurb) an effectively unused set of Bilsteins, however they are the sports pack / Exige versions rather than standard ones.

I know that these were designed for use with the Exige-spec wheels, but I don't really fancy changing to new wheels as well.

My use is 95% road and I'm quite happy with the ride as is. My questions are:

a) Are the Exige dampers and springs considerably harder than the standard 111R types?

b) Am I asking for trouble anyway by using them with the standard 111R wheels?

Any assistance much appreciated!
a) Yes they are and they're not very nice on the road, stick with std Bilsteins as they're far better
b) Wheels make no difference whatsoever, not sure what your thinking is there... smile

Wook22

Original Poster:

2 posts

145 months

Thursday 30th March 2017
quotequote all
Thank you.

My thinking was that if the dampers/springs were set up for wider profile tyres and the greater levels of grip they would afford, whether a mix and match approach would lead to handling issues? I suspect not, on the road at least.

In any case, the answer to a) is very helpful indeed.

Beachbum

2,507 posts

238 months

Friday 31st March 2017
quotequote all
Would suggest looking on SELOC too. Masses of discussions about suspension setups on there. Although the general consensus, is that Lotus knew what they were doing and the Billsteins are just about perfect for road use