Rear Spring Identification

PostPost by: CG901 » Fri Jul 27, 2018 5:30 pm

rear-spring-numbers.jpg and
I have a rear spring with damper insert I installed on my S3 a few years ago. It was new (TTR or Spax?) came with the car, so without thinking I just installed it. I adjusted the shock to medium setting.
Problem is that the ride is so hard it will toss you out of the seat over minor bumps. I presume the PO bought lowered springs that were way to stiff. There were markings at the top of the spring, but don't know what they mean. Anybody want to venture a guess? Thanks.
Attachments
rear-wheel.jpg and
rear-suspension.jpg and
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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PostPost by: NickD » Fri Jul 27, 2018 9:34 pm

The code suggests a 12 inch long 90lb/in spring, which would not be hard enough to give the harsh ride you describe. The ride height of your car looks fairly low, so could it be sitting on the bump stops, or the dampers set too firm?
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PostPost by: CG901 » Fri Jul 27, 2018 10:29 pm

Nick, you might be right on the dampers. I'll check them again. they were rock hard with the body off, but assumed body on and some driving would make them more of an original street feel.
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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PostPost by: nigelrbfurness » Mon Jul 30, 2018 11:11 am

I can't comment on your springs but regarding adjustable rear dampers, in my experience elans drive best on softer damper settings. I would set them at their softest then gradually adjust them one click at a time until you get the combination of roll, handling and ride that suits you.
1970 S4SE/1760cc big valve/SA-AX block, L2s, 45DCOEs, 1978 Jensen GT, 1962 AH Sprite, Alfa-Romeo 159, 1966 Bristol Bus, 1947 AEC Regal bus.
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PostPost by: CG901 » Wed Aug 01, 2018 8:46 pm

Thanks to all for the great advice. I believe I may solve my harsh ride at the rear by raising the spring perches by 1-2 inches. This will provide a better ride height and hopefully softer ride. Adjusting the Spax to full soft as well.
Current: 1965 S1.5 26/4004, 1966 S3 FHC 36/5192, 1958 Fiat Abarth 750GT Zagato, 1967 Brabham BT21B, 1988 Arrows A10B-04, 1991 Brun C91-001.
Past: 1971 Elan S4/SE DHC, 1972 Europa Special, 1980 Esprit Turbo, 1988 March 881-05, 1990 Leyton House CG90105
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