Sorry I missed those Q's.
@2cams70 I kept gearbox as 2/3rd gears probably most useful, and easier than making a custom 1 speed gear.
TBH I'm finding (before lockdown) 3rd is most useful, but 2nd has its uses (best off the lights
)
@David1953 Yes the Diff is standard 3.7:1 .. and yes its been quite a challenge (but very rewarding).
Now in Lockdown I'm planning some 'lotus' work ..
Question for you guys[Background: the car was one of the last out of Miles Wilkins workshop, where it was languishing/rusting for over 25yrs before Miles put on new Chassis, Bushes, Springs and rebuilt engine].
Miles is a stickler for original parts so the new Springs are exactly the original spec: Correct wire Ø, turns, lengths.
BUT the front of the car is about 1" too high, and the rear is 1.5" too high (and yes, its driven ~ 1000 miles to settle, and bushes/Joints tightened with suspension loaded - well loaded, to try and lower these heights). The weight ended up much the same as before the mods, only ~20Kg lighter, and same F-R distribution [Result
]
I've had/rebuilt several elans over the years, and prefer the standard suspension set up with original springs giving the ride / grip / feel I like for twisty, bumpy B-roads and occasional track days (with Lower F & Rear wishbones approx. Horizontal) . I could get shorter/harder springs, and even adjustable seats, but prefer not to.
So maybe someone could enlighten me:
a) WHY do factory spec springs make an Elan sit high ? (Youngs Modulus / stiffness of steel has not changed !).
b) Did new Elans
always sit high ? (I could only afford them when they were 10-20yrs old, and the springs/ lotocones / spring bushes had settled, and rust had settled in ).
c) As an experiment, I could cut 1 coil from the rear, and 2 coils from the front (Face off, re-anneal etc.) which would give the correct fitted length - but that would theoretically put the spring rate up... I cant square this
d) ... Assuming the experiment doesn't work (correct fitted ride height, but wrong spring rate) .. I'll get Paul Mattys 1" shorter "Standard" rear springs, and Kelvedon adjustable height shox.
Insights and suggestions welcome. (Project is >
https://www.instagram.com/lotus_elon/ )