S3 silencer issues

[Allison]

Hi all,

I would really appreciate your comments on a problem with my S3 (transverse) silencer. Before a recent trip to Ireland I fitted new rear springs to try to avoid grounding the silencer. Didn't help as we did hit and pulled the long pipe out of the Y piece - roadside repairs required!

Now back and doing some research I contacted Faulkner Springs who supplied them and they confirmed they are standard springs used by most Elan spares suppliers. I also phoned Spyder who just happened to have a Sprint in the workshop. Both my S3 and their Sprint had roughly horizontal wishbones when standing. But the Sprint has 6 3/4 inches clearance under the silencer whilst my S3 had just 4 1/4 inches. No wonder I keep hitting it if the Sprint has 50% more ground clearance with the same springs! I have just 1/2 inch between the long pipe and the chassis so I can't lift the silencer relative to the car. The solution looks like different springs or threaded spring platforms.

Has anyone else had this problem and what was the answer - apart from avoiding bumpy roads which isn't practical in either Norfolk or Ireland!

Thanks for your help
Peter

[englishmaninwales]

On both my S3s it was the rear clamp that was the lowest point (down pipe to silencer joint) that always got hit especially when 2 POB, rather than the silencer itself. Resolved by fitting a clamp with a side fitting clamp screw.
Malcolm

[bitsobrits]

If your car and the Sprint had the same approximate lower control arm angle then their ride height should be the same, assuming the same tires. Tires brands/sizes can make a significant difference in ride height, btw. Measuring ground clearance to the silencer is not a valid method as the design and mounting particulars of the exhaust system can vary from car to car. You should measure your clearance to the bottom of the chassis and compare with the figure given in the shop manual. That will give you an indication of where you are and what is likely to be the issue.