WHELL SPACERS ON LOTUS ELAN M100:Help!!

[hamleto]

Hi,
I have Elan S1 and I want mount 4 wheel spacers.
Anibody have mount wheel spacers on its elan?
You can help me to find the right wheel spacer?size?measure?

Tank You

[theelanman]

IIRC its been mentioned before and its a 'no no'
completely stuffs up your suspension geometry
cheers
g

[hamleto]

IIRC its been mentioned before and its a 'no no'
completely stuffs up your suspension geometry
cheers
g

Sorry,but I don't understand what is IIRC?
Can I mount wheel spacers or not on my elan m100?

[theelanman]

IIRC
If I Remember Correctly

as for fitting them.....erm I suppose you can but it'll feel like driving a 3 wheel reliant robin......

[GeoffSmith]

Hamleto,

The Lotus engineers spent a lot of time and effort in getting the geometry of the Elan correct to such an extent that the performance was, and probably still is, a world leader fro front wheel drive cars. Basically, the setup will be affected if the position of the centre of the tyre is changed. Because of the large distance between the hub to the centre of the tyre (60mm) there are no aftermarket wheels that give the correct setup - the nearest seems to be about 45mm. Although people have not reported major problems, adding spacers will have the same effect and may change the handling and will certainly affect the wear on bearings and suspension components. I would advise you to stick with what Lotus designed if at all possible.

Note that this argument applies to any car.

Geoff

[hamleto]

Hamleto,

Hamleto,

The Lotus engineers spent a lot of time and effort in getting the geometry of the Elan correct to such an extent that the performance was, and probably still is, a world leader fro front wheel drive cars. Basically, the setup will be affected if the position of the centre of the tyre is changed. Because of the large distance between the hub to the centre of the tyre (60mm) there are no aftermarket wheels that give the correct setup - the nearest seems to be about 45mm. Although people have not reported major problems, adding spacers will have the same effect and may change the handling and will certainly affect the wear on bearings and suspension components. I would advise you to stick with what Lotus designed if at all possible.
Note that this argument applies to any car.

Geoff

Yes, I know this problem, but as you write this argument is applies to any car and there are a lot of car with wheel spacers. In anyway if I want mount little spacer for give to my elan most aggressive look,can I do it?

Tank you

[theelanman]

hamleto
how about this for an idea......
you drive it for a few thousand mile without and then a few thousand miles with then you decide.........
i get a feeling you'll be back to original after it all but there again you may like it......depends on how you drive I suppose
cheers
g

[Enright]

And Halfords do a very good line in neon lights and flame stickers for your wheelarches while you're at it!

[theelanman]

dont forget the illuminating washer jets.....!!!

[algirdas]

Dear Hamleto:

I have to go with Geoff on this one. As I have stated before offline, a great deal of work has gone into engineering the suspension on this car. If you check the posts on this site, very few of the guys change the suspensions. The geometry is well designed and the stock setting is probably the best combination of ride, handling, braking etc. of any car that I have driven. As others have proven, the suspension can handle large amounts of power with no modification.

If all you are interested in is a more aggressive look, then I think you are making a huge mistake by considering spacers behind the wheels. Not only will you probably hurt the car's handling and long-term reliability, you may also hurt yourself or your passenger. I'm sorry if I am being a bit heavy handed here, but I don't think potentially risking your health and safety along with those around you is worth it when all you are trying to do is give the car a more "aggressive" look.

In many respects the M100 is what it is and we need to accept it as such.

I hope this helps. I do not want to dampen your enthusiasm in any way. But I do not want to see you do something that you may live to regret later.

Sincerely,

Algirdas

[hamleto]

TANKs VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRECIOUS ADVICE!
I think that now I spent better my money;)

[GeoffSmith]

TANKs VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRECIOUS ADVICE!
I think that now I spent better my money;)

Good decision

[theelanman]

hamleto wrote:
TANKs VERY MUCH FOR YOUR PRECIOUS ADVICE!
I think that now I spent better my money;)

Good decision