Suspension - Standard, Protech or Nitrons

[bertie]

I've got a Tuscan Mk2 convertible and whilst I love it to bits, it isnt the most reassuring thing on the road.

Tends to hunt cambers and generally be a bit darty, so was looking to ge the suspension setup.

Before I send it, what's the view on standard vs Protech vs Nitron suspension kits?

I'm not after making it a track monster, just feel more confident and composed for moderate road use.

As always, all advice gratefully recieved.

[Sagi Badger]

Before the predictable responses just my thoughts. I have a couple of T cars and I know what you mean. On both I increased the tyre width to correct size per width of wheel. If you want instant steering response then stretch the tyres, if you want armchair then fatten them up. I keep side walls vertical. Dampers, springs, geo yep all a part of it but get the right size tyres, IMHO anyway. works for me

[Granturadriver]

I have just learned again how important the correct adjustment of the suspension and its components is for everything, for example the damping through the standard bushes as opposed to the poly bushes. I also learned that the cross member bolts should only be tightened under load to ensure preload. I am currently having my suspension adjusted accordingly.

So before you start flirting with other components to rectify faults, I recommend that you should first clarify whether the current setting is correct at all.

[The Three D Mucketeer]

I've got a Tuscan Convertible which I've had from new . The first thing I did (recommended by Ben Lang , TVRs Convertible suspension designer ) was to put 225/40s on the front and the 255/35s used as spares for the rear . Ben told me the only reason 255s went on the front was because Peter Wheeler prefered the " look" of fat tyres !!! that got rid of tramlining

Secondly raised the steering rack as high as it would go before fouling the chassis members . 5/6mm IIRC. .. that removed the Bump steer

When the Billies/Eibachs were done (about 3 years ago) , I replaced with Nitrons and changed the spring rates to 400lbs/inch (front) and 325 lbs/inch (rear) and I put Michelin Sports 4 on ..... that just gave the whole car a better feel

All work done by Heath Briggs at X-Works , ex TVR Service (Rectifications) Manager


PS "S" s came out the factory with different spring rates that non "S"s (well ... were meant to )

I think Nitrons are better engineered , although I'm told because they're Rose jointed rather than bushed as the Billies they need to be kept clean. But my bottom is spotless in any case .

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Saturday 29th June 10:16

[bertie]

That is all very interesting stuff, thanks for the replies guys.

I spoke to Centre Gravity who setup my Caterham (and transformed the feel of the whole car) and they said they are very sensitive to ride height, they also mentioned tyre sizes.

So it looks like I have some cheking up / homework to do before anything else.....

I will keep you posted.

[bertie]

So car is back from MOT and had chance to looy at tyres.....

Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Front - 245/40-18
Rears - 245/40-18

[The Three D Mucketeer]

bertie said:

So car is back from MOT and had chance to looy at tyres.....

Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Front - 245/40-18
Rears - 245/40-18

A bit odd ... It would have come out the factory with 255/35 GoodYear F1s all round ... although as i said previously over rubbered on the front.
I like the Michelins because even with 225s on the front there's decent rim protection , you see some tyres leaving the rims exposed to the slightest touch on a kerb.

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Thursday 4th July 11:56

[Gladers01]

bertie said:

So car is back from MOT and had chance to looy at tyres.....

Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Front - 245/40-18
Rears - 245/40-18

Mine had 235/40-18 on the front and 255/35-18 on the rear as the 245/40 for the rear was out of stock and handled very well on the standard suspension after a full geo setup (non S version)

[The Three D Mucketeer]

Gladers01 said:

bertie said:

So car is back from MOT and had chance to looy at tyres.....

Toyo Proxes Sport 2

Front - 245/40-18
Rears - 245/40-18

Mine had 235/40-18 on the front and 255/35-18 on the rear as the 245/40 for the rear was out of stock and handled very well on the standard suspension after a full geo setup (non S version)

Is that new from the factory ? A Convertible ? or MK2 Targa? What year ?

[bertie]

Not sure if you mean me but mine is a 2006 S Convertible

[The Three D Mucketeer]

bertie said:

Not sure if you mean me but mine is a 2006 S Convertible

Comment was direct to Gladers01

[Gladers01]

The Three D Mucketeer said:

Is that new from the factory ? A Convertible ? or MK2 Targa? What year ?

Not from new, it was a 2006 Tuscan 2 convertible bought at 3 years old and sold a while back, it's on the register as #1004 and had the blue cam cover fitted with blue/green springs on the suspension so probably not an S version. The same tyre combo 235F and 245/255R also worked well on the Targas and the Mk1 which had nitrons fitted

[Gladers01]

bertie said:

Not sure if you mean me but mine is a 2006 S Convertible

What number is yours on the register Bertie? #????

[The Three D Mucketeer]

Gladers01 said:

The Three D Mucketeer said:

Is that new from the factory ? A Convertible ? or MK2 Targa? What year ?

Not from new, it was a 2006 Tuscan 2 convertible bought at 3 years old and sold a while back, it's on the register as #1004 and had the blue cam cover fitted with blue/green springs on the suspension so probably not an S version. The same tyre combo 235F and 245/255R also worked well on the Targas and the Mk1 which had nitrons fitted

Are you sure ? 1004 was a rental car with Rio Prestige prior to Tamster buying it from STR8SIX as far as I know... and It was an S (I talked to Tamster at Chatsworth)
It was sold new through David Gerald Sport Cars to Rio Prestige ..I have the order form
I also remember this car because I got a very aggressive phone call from Chas @STR8SIX when I pointed this out on a PH thread

Edited by The Three D Mucketeer on Friday 5th July 14:05