Federal spring/damper assembly (Front) on UK SE?

[stevieg8571]

Hi,

I'm thinking of having the entire suspension replaced as I'm sure I've still got the original setup which, after 23 years and 117k miles is getting very soft and rusty.
I've seen complete Fed spring & damper units for the front for sale, and although I know they'll raise my British SE by 5mm over standard, and probably more as it's undoubtedly sagged over the years, are they a worthwhile option? I don't mind the slight height increase as it'll be better over speed bumps and will assist getting my trolley jack underneath it.
I just don't want it to cause any handling issues.

Thanks in advance,

Steve

[Enright]

I wouldn't if I were you - I've heard of people doing this before and the car ends up looking like a 4x4 and with the raised CoG handles much worse.
Doing just one end would have some very bizarre effects.

[stevieg8571]

Thanks Enright.
I hadn't heard anything about anyone going down this route before, but what you said does make sense. I was hoping the cheaper complete assemblies from SWLotus were a viable option, but it appears not.
I'll have a look elsewhere, and hope the next MOT doesn't bring any problems.

Thanks again.

[dapinky]

Steve,

There are a number of aftermarket options - Protech, Gaz and AVO all do shocks for elans (some are better than others).

How bad are your shocks?

Are they leaking, or just a bit rusty/worn looking?

If they just look bad (and are possibly underperforming due to age), then leaving them alone (or painting them) is an option......

....if they are leaking, then they'll need changing.

(I have a pair of shocks which I took off mine when i fitted AVOS all round - a tad rusty (only surface rust, not structural) which are probably 21 years old but not leaking. I am coming up to Manchester next weekend and if you want them, then you're welcome to have them - but you'd need to be able to collect from wherever i leave them (with either Dico, Monty or Nick Walker).

Just let me know by Thursday if you want me to chuck them in the boot of the car (got the springs as well if you need them, but you'd need to use your old spring caps).

[stevieg8571]

Dave,

Thanks for the offer, it's very good of you.

I'm getting it MOT'd on Monday afternoon so will have a good look at everything then, as well as asking the tester what he thinks. I don't think anything is leaking, just worn and rusty, but I'll give you a definite answer by Thursday.

Fingers crossed for the MOT.

Steve.

[stevieg8571]

Well it passed another MOT (with some advisories) and after having a good look at the suspension & chatting with the tester I'm going to stick with my current setup. Nothing leaks, and he didn't notice any problem at all, so spending £600+ (Inc fitting) on a car that only covered 760 miles in 13 months isn't really justifiable.

Thanks again for your offer Dave, it was very good of you.

[dapinky]

No problem, Steve.

Glad you're sorted for another year