Keeping my S1 original
Discussion
Hello everyone.
Looking for a bit of varied pistonheads advice….
I’ve recently bought a nice low mileage early S1 Elise (MMC brakes etc).
I really like the fact that it’s original, and despite ‘upgrading’ previous cars I don’t want to do so with this.
However it’s clear that the suspension is originally and past its best, so now I’m in a quandary as to whether to replace with the original Koni set up or go with the factory upgrade kit to S2 Bilsteins (which I think Lotus have on their factory car). Any thoughts in terms of the change, the impact on its originality etc? The bushes etc will need renewing at the time.
Thanks
Matt
Looking for a bit of varied pistonheads advice….
I’ve recently bought a nice low mileage early S1 Elise (MMC brakes etc).
I really like the fact that it’s original, and despite ‘upgrading’ previous cars I don’t want to do so with this.
However it’s clear that the suspension is originally and past its best, so now I’m in a quandary as to whether to replace with the original Koni set up or go with the factory upgrade kit to S2 Bilsteins (which I think Lotus have on their factory car). Any thoughts in terms of the change, the impact on its originality etc? The bushes etc will need renewing at the time.
Thanks
Matt
I think there are three options:
1 keep absolutely original and replace with original parts (obvs)
2 keep everything original but replace some things with upgrades or options originally or subsequently available from Lotus
3 fill yer boots and make upgrades as you see fit from whatever source you want.
The question comes down to what outcome do you want and your reasons for originality? Value, bragging rights, having the original experience (with all plusses and minuses that brings).
I think it's up to you really! That's not much help though is it? Like most of my posts!
1 keep absolutely original and replace with original parts (obvs)
2 keep everything original but replace some things with upgrades or options originally or subsequently available from Lotus
3 fill yer boots and make upgrades as you see fit from whatever source you want.
The question comes down to what outcome do you want and your reasons for originality? Value, bragging rights, having the original experience (with all plusses and minuses that brings).
I think it's up to you really! That's not much help though is it? Like most of my posts!
I suspect almost nobody is running original red konis nowadays. I guess the question is whether you're wanting to keep it original for your own reasons or for resale. I suspect in the first case, you'll be happier on bilsteins. In the latter, I suspect it makes almost zero difference.
Basically I don’t want to bastardise it from what it was. The reason I sought out a car with MMC’s was to get something that was completely inline with what they produced and subsequently got game changing reviews. However I’m also a pragmatist and realise that some things were done down to a budget and others have since been improved.
I’ll probably go down the official Bilstein route as from what I understand both the motoring press and lotus themselves seem to think it a worthy ‘upgrade’. Ultimately if I did come to sell the car and someone was that bothered I’m sure they could get some ‘less good’ springs and dampers.
I’ll probably go down the official Bilstein route as from what I understand both the motoring press and lotus themselves seem to think it a worthy ‘upgrade’. Ultimately if I did come to sell the car and someone was that bothered I’m sure they could get some ‘less good’ springs and dampers.
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