Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I am getting ready to buy springs for my S3 with 145/13 verdestein radials. I have gotten the impression that the stock springs are pretty soft with modern rubber. Should I stick with stock springs or go with TTR fast road springs?

Thanks,
Rick

when talking about high grip modern rubber, it is about semi slick that would best express themselves on the track (Yokohama A048 etc), the narrow Vredestein would not fit in that category so you should not be concerned about these tires for the selections of your springs (actually, the logical thing to do would be more decide what the car is for - road or track, then decide the springs, then decide the tires)

I like my fast road springs because I can adjust them. Full soft for daily. Full hard for autocross. Someone in between for spirited driving. I also think it gives potential future owners more options. FWIW. Dan

Thanks for the input guys. This car is for street use, but I enjoy pushing it when the conditions are right!

Rick

I think we may be confusing adjustable dampers with spring rates. The TTR Fast Road spring/damper setup allows you to adjust the damper valving which softens/stiffens that aspect, but the spring rate is not adjustable. Are you looking for feedback just on the latter which is available separately, or on the suspension package?

-John

I was looking for input on the spring rates. If I go the TTR route I may look at their shocks as well. I have Koni shocks now and need to replace the springs. I wasn't sure if stock springs will feel overly soft with modern stock size street radials.

Rick

I was looking for input on the spring rates. If I go the TTR route I may look at their shocks as well. I have Koni shocks now and need to replace the springs. I wasn't sure if stock springs will feel overly soft with modern stock size street radials.

Rick

I have the TTR setup on my car along with a Kelvedon 22mm tubular ARB and 155/80-13 Michelin XAS FF. Big caveat here: I've never driven a stock Elan and I have a preference for stiffer ride and handling -- all my cars have modified suspensions. However, for me, the combination is perfect. Not too harsh, not too soft in the corners, lots of feel, and a shocking amount of stick given the size of the tires. Some will tell you the Elan is legendary for it's brilliant blend of ride and handling, and that adding stiffer springs and dampers is an egregious affront to Colin Chapman's memory. I'm not one of those people

-John

My first two Elans had totally stock suspension, and they handled superbly and were very comfortable, ride wise. My 3rd one had a super stiff track oriented set up-very which was harsh on the street. More skitter than grip on a dusty road.

Then I discovered the 'fast road' concept. "Jussst right".

These days I find a stock Elan to have much more body roll in cornering than I find comfortable, though again, they do stick and handle very well.

I installed TTR fast road adjustable shocks & springs on my S1 and was very happy with the result. It?s a firmer ride, but not overly so. Lucky I have an S2 that is completely stock to compare the ride to. The S2 is softer and leans more into corners, but I like the S1?s handling much more. Don?t get the 8 inch front springs (the chassis will sit too low for road use), get the 10 inch springs.

Thanks everyone for the input. I was afraid that the TTR fast road might be a little too stiff, but that doesn't seem to be the case. If I go that way I feel more confident with your input.

Rick

The first step is to fit a stiffer front roll bar while retaining standard suspension. On the road this gets better body roll control and grip with modern road tyres without any significant change in ride quality
cheers
Rohan.

I have fitted TTR fast road springs and adjustable dampers all round and set to the softest setting. Not surprisingly the ride is markedly stiffer than standard set up but the handling is even better than stock Elan. I have driven my car on 200 mile round trips and do not find the ride too harsh.