Ohlins, Nitrons and suspension stuff

[Towzer]

IF I bought a set of Ohlins or Nitrons would the set up affect the 'normal' ride? I'm asking because I use the Elise as a bit of a toy at weekends and really like the ride feeling on the road. I am planning a number of track days this year and guess a better suspension setup would imporve lap times etc. Alternatively I could get some driving lessons.

As to the future resale value, does an Elise that's been tinkered with sell for more or less than a standard car?

Phil

[bogie]

depends on spring rate chosen - It will be stiffer on the road, but if set up properly can ride better on the road and track..well worth it IMO. I had S2 LSS and thought it was a good improvement over the std stuff...but it was a compromise as it isnt adjustable. So you end up being too stiff on the road and not stiff enough on the track.

Now have Nitrons with 400/550lb springs - run nearly full soft on the road and then just turn them up a few notches on track and they are a vast improvement.

As for the value - well it depends on who you ask - some buyers want to buy a std car, whilst others (who intend on modding themselve) know the value of properly done mods and will pay a little more for a car thats had £££ spent on it.

[bjc388]

I'm getting some Nitrons fitted in Jan to my 111R. The principal reason for the upgrade is down to the fact that I want to run 048's on the track. I know the standard 111R off the shelf suspension will do the trick but having canvassed opinions from various sources (inclu Alistair McQueen) it appears that the 111R will roll a lot more unless stiffer suspension is fitted (which I don't want) when using 048's.

You can run sensible settings for normal road use and rachet the dampers up when you go on track days.

Keep the standard units in case you ever need to rebuild the Nitrons/Ohlins (so you can at least drive home the same day) or refit them when you decide to sell the car.

Whichever package you go for (or even if you leave it standard) I'm sure you'll have tremendous fun

[jamieall]

I have an Exige and have had 46mm Plan's Ohlins fitted, I am picking my car up next Tuesday
The real improvements are seen on track but road settings should not be too much of a compromise.
Most of the adjustable suspension comes with a cheat sheet, which gives you a set of base values to
work from depending where you are driving and the conditions.
The adjustability allows the settings to be tweaked depending on what the car is doing. To a certain
degree for example under steer can be dialled out.
A set of Nitrons or Ohlins do have the potential to make you faster and it can be great fun making
adjustments.
I would recommend you spend some cash on training first. By far the cheapest way to go faster.
If you do go for a suspension up grade have a chat with Plans, they stock both nitrons and Ohlins and
know what they are talking about. The can also take you out on the Top Gear track and run through the
suspension and how adjustments affect the car.
www.plansmotorsport.com/

When it comes to selling mush better to take them off the car and sell them separately.