How should the Élan Handle? Mines bad

[RogueTrooper]

Ok I've not had her long. The steering just doesn't feel direct. And when I boot her the car can sometimes without warning lurch to the side. Spoken to a few petrol heads and they say it's normal for older turbo cars to do this? Is it?
Should I get her looked at or is this normal?

[epipete]

Get it looked at as there is something amiss; it should drive like its on rails, after all that is what Lotus are famed for!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

It would be a good idea to add your location to your profile so some can suggest any reliable shops in your area.

There are several M100s in the Sheffield area so someone should be able to reccomend a trustworthy shop.

[Rambo]

And when I boot her the car can sometimes without warning lurch to the side. Spoken to a few petrol heads and they say it's normal for older turbo cars to do this? Is it?

Never ever heard that before and it is definitely NOT normal

[HJ2]

Nope, not normal.
Do you have OEM wheels, what tyres do you have and has there been any work done on the brakes?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

You also need to consider CV joints locked up, suspension bushings badly worn (there are a lot of bushings involved) or the ball joints worn.

It sounds to be bad enough that you should have someone familliar with the car's design look it over. The front suspension is NOT like any other car you have driven.

Nobody uses a RAFT or a Track Control Arm like the M100.

[Rambo]

If the brakes haven't been sorted for a while you could experience a violent lurching to either side under heavy braking (particularly with the OEM set up)

I think the concensus is clear though - get the car looked at asap

[Rambo]

It would be a good idea to add your location to your profile so some can suggest any reliable shops in your area.

There are several M100s in the Sheffield area so someone should be able to reccomend a trustworthy shop.

And that is sound advice from John too. Post up your location details under your profile. Another enthusiastic LEC'er will be only too happy to help you out if he/she lives close by

[RogueTrooper]

Thanks for replies. Am going to get her looked at. Hopefully she will be the driving experience I was expecting.

I live in the Sheffield area btw.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Thanks for replies. Am going to get her looked at. Hopefully she will be the driving experience I was expecting.

I live in the Sheffield area btw.

I found that in your first post... Best if you update your profile and put that info in there. That way, when you have questions or problems, someone local might be able to help "on site" and suggestions for support will be more likely closer to your location.

Cheers...

[Fredjohn]

Bound to be someone in Sheffield area that will know a good local Lotus garage. Fairly close though are Chris Foulds in Huddersfield, but driving the 35 miles or so get there may be a bit risky!!

Would agree with all other comments: get it looked at by someone in the know asap.

[Peter_W]

I would get the wheel alignment checked - if its out of specification the steering can take a different set with changes in speed or direction (the rear toe settings being off can have a significant effect.

[racerstev]

Something key is the wheels, the M100 has a 60mm offset. Most aftermarket wheels have closer to 40, this will make the car handle
like you state. Also th raft bushing do wear over time and will make the car pretty scarey under boost.

Steve

[RogueTrooper]

Yes the car has got aftermarket wheels. 17 inch BSA Alloys with 205/4017 tyres. So this will affect the handling like i stated? How do you rectify this?

[epipete]

Ask if someone can lend you a set of wheels to prove the theory, then buy a set. Speak to the previous owner see if he still has the old ones in his garage.

[RogueTrooper]

I bought the car for peanuts and knew i had to rectify a few problems. well a fair few . But its a project. I feel like Danny off counting cars lol. Just got the car back from garage for new radiator and fans. However i doubt the previous owner was an Elan enthusiast. The mechanic told me he did a botch job on the old radiator. I severly doubt he'll have original alloys.
But when someone mentionned the alloys and the more i think that this is the problem. When the wheels are straight the steering wheel isn't straight. Its at a slight angle.

[epipete]

I'm assuming that you have an Élan SE rather than the later S2; the reason being that the SE standard wheels are 15" whereas the S2 are 16", this matters insomuch as the S2 wheels are like Rocking Horse teeth and the SE's are relatively numerous. Which affects the price as well as the availability. I'm not sure of your budget but there should be no need to break the bank.

First option is to put a request in to the 'wanted' section for the appropriate wheels, several folks are dismantling cars at present and may be able to assist if not with all 4 then in ones and twos - collect them like stamps!

Secondly, go to Douglas Valley who will undoubtedly have a set - but they may well charge a premium! DVB are expensive but a valuable source of spares.

The things to consider here are:

1. Condition of the wheel, not just the cosmetics but also if it runs true, these wheels are elderly and may be slightly out of line, not a major issue if it's not to bad, many of us will have problem wheels that we are unaware of.

2. Condition of any tyres

3. Age of tyres, just because the treads good doesn't mean the tyre is

4. Risk of mixing tyres if buying wheels from several sources

Of course, if you are refurbing the wheels and/or replacing the tyres none of this matters.

Happy hunting!

[RogueTrooper]

Yes its an Elan SE. To be honest i prefer the 17inch alloys as opposed to the smaller 15inch original ones. However if its affecting handling will have to look for an alternative.

[epipete]

Despite the problems you've got, the lotus WILL provide more fun and satisfaction than the M3, there is some slack available to you in terms of updating and increasing the Elans resale value and this forum is second to none in terms of help, advice and support.

[daveiow]

Have a look at the front brake calipers-are they OE or replacements ? One of the reasons people go to 16" rims is it allows for brake upgrades which may have been fitted as well as cosmetic considerations.
IMHO 15" rims with decent tyres give all the handling ever needed for road use. The guys at Hethel knew a thing or two about setting up a car even if it was 25 years ago

daveiow