Replicate OEM Suspension - S2/RowSE/NA(part) - Not USA

[GeoffSmith]

How many miles on your S2 Tony?

[saska]

How many miles on your S2 Tony?

78,000 miles

[JonT]

Sounds good so far Tony. The S2 original behaviour sounds similar to how mine feels at the moment. Are you planning to run these for a few hundred/thousand miles before any more sets are done?

[saska]

Are you planning to run these for a few hundred/thousand miles before any more sets are done?

Dunno Jon, probably a few hundred miles. This project has been going a long time, as you know, but I'm still focussed on trying to get as close to OEM as possible.
I think the fronts are probably spot on because the dyno data, the setting on the prototypes and the run yesterday all prove out.
Less certain about the rears. The difference between the MaxF and MinF at a given setting is greater on the dynos and while I understand the rear is very light on both springs and damping, I need to do more testing before deciding on whether the present prototypes are fine or should go back to Gaz for mods. Since the OEM rear dampers are the bit no longer available, I'd like to be pretty sure before settling on a rear damper and its setting.
Anyone with an insurance cover note and some time is welcome to come and drive the S2 and give their opinion. Very welcome.
I'll have a play with the settings on the dampers and try to post all the photos, dynos, etc. at the weekend.

[saska]

Didn't get this done last weekend -- apologies -- that work thing is a real bugger.
Anyway have had more time in the car and my initial impressions are confirmed. The fronts are v. good -- the rears less so.
I had the opportunity to do the Lyth valley road in the wet and while I don't do stupid things on public roads, the car did behave very well.
That said, the rear is still too bouncy over small bumps in my view. I'll play with the settings again this weekend. Might be the best test would be to leave the Gaz fronts and springs on and put the (old but not bad) OEM rear dampers back on with the new rear springs and see what it is like then. If the lumpiness is gone then the Gaz rear dampers are definitely the culprit. Would also confirm how good the Gaz front dampers really are.
Onto the data:
Ride height is perfect if the Gaz spring seats are set at the same height above lower suspension mount points as the OEM. Ride heights are 170mm front and 159mm rear.
The OEM specification ride height should be 170 and 160 +/-2mm at Curb Condition -- full tank and 0 occupants (this is NOT Geom check which is mid-laden)
Photos:
Gaz Springs
Gaz Dampers
Top of Damper
Locking Ring
Damper Adjustment Knob

Dyno Data:
OEM Front
OEM Rear
Gaz Front
Gaz Rear
For those not used to reading dyno data: the Gaz dynos have 2 sets of curves, one set (outer) at max on the adjuster and the other (inner) at min on the adjuster.
Going to have another play over the weekend with the rear adjustment but think the rears may have to go back to Gaz.

[hodge]

You've most likely seen this and apologies if you have but in case you haven't Michael gives some fairly detailed reports of his experiences after fitting gaz dampers both immediately and after a longer period on this website http://www.lotuselan.nl/ listed under upgrades. I think his intention was to keep close to oem apart from on the track.

[madbilly]

These sound like they're going to be just the job, but alas my funds won't stretch to them atm, is it likely they'll be available to purchase direct at a later time?

And just to check, will the height, bump/rebound be adjustable? I know this isn't the intention of this kit, I was just wondering.

[smudge]

Hi Tony,

don't know where you are with the developement of these but in need of rear dampers & springs (as I'm lopsided at the rear ).

Also is there an undated price?

smudge

[texas2201]

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S1
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2

[JonT]

Hi Tony,

don't know where you are with the developement of these but in need of rear dampers & springs (as I'm lopsided at the rear ).

Also is there an undated price?

smudge

I spoke to Tony a month or so back. At that point the limiting factor was the rear dampers not quite being right, and he was going to see whether Gaz were able to make any improvements. Independently, I offered to find out more about springs - in my cars case I'm sure these are shot (ride height saggy and dives under braking). I've been in contact with dfaulkner springs and have pricing to replicate OE rates and sizes for F&R - will post these over the weekend and possibly start a new thread to keep this clean for Tony. Significant discounts are available if we get even 5 car sets.

[woody]

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/

Cheers,
Woody

[madbilly]

I just found I have a leaking rear shock so I'm in for those at least.

The GAZ website seems to say they have a single knob for adjusting bump and rebound (does that sound right) and I think we're planning the spring seat to be adjustable right?

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/
20. madbilly - rear dampers for definite, maybe the rest - SE

[JonT]

I spoke to Tony a month or so back. At that point the limiting factor was the rear dampers not quite being right, and he was going to see whether Gaz were able to make any improvements. Independently, I offered to find out more about springs - in my cars case I'm sure these are shot (ride height saggy and dives under braking). I've been in contact with dfaulkner springs and have pricing to replicate OE rates and sizes for F&R - will post these over the weekend and possibly start a new thread to keep this clean for Tony. Significant discounts are available if we get even 5 car sets.

Group buy thread for OE springs now posted:
viewtopic.php?f=85&t=20584

[ESM]

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/
20. madbilly - rear dampers for definite, maybe the rest - SE
21. ESM - Front & rear dampers - S1

[cliff]

Hi,

any update on these? Just about to do an enforced rear suspension rebuild (hole in the wishbone & MoT looming) and would rather not refit the old springs & dampers or buy something different when these seem to be exactly what i need.

GAZ list the GP5-2133 (rear) & GP8-2132 (front) in their catalogue. Not sure if these are different or a spin off from your excellent work.

http://www.absolutelyshocks.com/gazcatalogue.pdf

[cliff]

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - Couldn't wait any more, GAZ shocks bought.
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/
20. madbilly - rear dampers for definite, maybe the rest - SE
21. ESM - Front & rear dampers - S1

Sorry, due to ongoing suspension rebuild, I couldn't wait any more so I am dropping out. I have ordered GAZ shocks from SWL & springs from SJ.

Good luck with this & hope it works out.

[Jeemy]

Depending what happens with my brakes, I would like to be remembered when this comes close to fruition so am putting my name down:

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - Couldn't wait any more, GAZ shocks bought.
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/
20. madbilly - rear dampers for definite, maybe the rest - SE
21. ESM - Front & rear dampers - S1
22. Jeemy - Full set (front + rear) - S1

[JonT]

1. Denny - Full set (front & rear) - S1
2. Woody - Full set (front & rear) -S2
3. M100_DMM - Full set (front and rear) - NA - S1
4. BFG in the BRG - Full set (front and rear) - S1
5.Texas2201 - Sorry couldn't wait anymore and bought "upgraded" springs from SJ's
6. Speed-demon - Full Set
7. Gee0 - Rear dampers and springs, maybe fronts too if the price is right- S1
8. daveA - Full set (front & rear) - S1
9. ashm - full set (front & rear) - S1
10.DavidEJM - full set (front & rear) - S1
11.Cliff - Full Set (front & rear) - Couldn't wait any more, GAZ shocks bought.
12. saska - Full Set (front & rear) - S1
13. saska - Full Set of Springs + rear dampers - S1
14. JonT - Full set (front & rear) - S1 - Couldn't wait any more, Nitrons bought
15. Avonvilla - Full Set (Front & Rear) - S1
16. Discovery-Rear Dampers only - S1
17. Paul30 - full set front and rear - S1
18. Stevieshag- Rear dampers & springs depneding on time line. S1
19. kmckmc - front/rear springs and rear dampers - S2http://www.extremepetrolhead.blogspot.com/
20. madbilly - rear dampers for definite, maybe the rest - SE
21. ESM - Front & rear dampers - S1
22. Jeemy - Full set (front + rear) - S1

[Jeemy]

Whats progress with these? No pressure, but I've just had a big payout and looking to invest in some parts to prepare for blitzing the Elan back together. I'll be doing shocks after the respray - 8 weeks or so to go - so would like to have something in place fairly shortly.

[Jeemy]

Sorry about this, but you can take me off the list, I've just taken a full set of Gaz adjustables from a guy who has decided not to fit them.