Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Thought this might be of interest. Took my s4 to the track for the first time. Gave it a good workout but it is interesting so see the dynamics of the rear suspension when being pushed. Standard engine, Tony thompson fast road front suspension, koni adj rear on standard springs. 155 falken sincera fyi.
I dont plan on being a regular track person but I guess the adjustable rear platforms and fast road springs would keep it in check a bit more, although totally fun as it was!
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=iPWcN5uSHZk

Arghh. Wrong video. Right one to follow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9MOh5cXLsE

Here you go.

Interesting video. Thanks.

Chapman was always a fan of soft springing and long travel. Have a look at:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzLJsxWSLTE

The 'in car' shots from 2:38 onward show the movement of the front suspension. Interesting to see it load up under braking. Compare with modern F1 where the suspension doesn't move at all.

If you compare your video with a track prepared Elan from 2:20 onward, it shows the difference that stiffer springs / ARB / dampers makes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lJelTBUTEI

Andy8421 wrote:Chapman was always a fan of soft springing and long travel.

So were the French (historically speaking that is - not the case now unfortunately)

Even today it amazes me how well Peugeot got the ride/handing balance so right with cars like the 504 and 505 with that philosophy. They totally embarrass a lot of modern machinery!

I think fitting something like an Elan with rock hard suspension is an insult to the original designers.

Andy8421 wrote:Interesting video. Thanks.

Chapman was always a fan of soft springing and long travel.

Stories go, it’s a compromise made between chassis & spring rate, stiffer springs would have required a stiffer chassis. Use of low spring rate necessitated a long spring.

Even today it amazes me how well Peugeot got the ride/handing balance so right with cars like the 504 and 505 with that philosophy. They totally embarrass a lot of modern machinery


That's why I still drive my 505 ( now with a PRV V6 ) that I've had for almost 40 years. Prior to that I had a 505 wagon and a couple of 504's. The 505 wagon rode nicely, handled crisply and had excellent directional stability.

I initially bought the 505 wagon based on advice from a friend because at the time I needed space for kids and I don’t like SUVs. I think it’s the only wagon ever produced with three rows of forward facing seats, 8 seat seating capacity and 500kg payload capacity. Admittedly the third row can be a bit tight for head space but it does have a proper footwell for the third row. Amazing what it can hold with the rear seats folded flat.
The standard LSD and torque tube rear end ensures you always have good rear traction. The engine air cleaner system also has as standard a cyclonic pre-cleaner.
The nice long wheelbase means that any oversteer situation is nice gentle and progressive. Admittedly you have to push really hard on dirt to get it to that point (unlike a Ford Escort which is why they are so much fun!).