I Need Advice on Upgrading Suspension on My 1967 Lotus Elan

[Ulyana]

Hello

I have been having a great time driving my 1967 Lotus Elan for the last couple of months; and I am thrilled to have it in my possession. While I am considering upgrading the suspension to improve both ride comfort and cornering performance for everyday use and occasional track outings; the handling is exactly as I had imagined. I seek advice from individuals with experience in upgrading suspensions for classic cars.

I am aware that technology has advanced significantly since then; my Elan still has the original suspension system. I am searching for suggestions for contemporary suspension systems or parts that will offer a decent trade off between longevity; comfort; and handling without sacrificing the vehicle's legendary driving experience.

Which suspension changes would you suggest to maintain performance on track days while improving the ride quality on the street?

Have you had success with any particular brands or kits on your Elan, particularly in terms of better driving dynamics and simplicity of installation?

Has anyone used coilovers or contemporary adjustable dampers on their Elan? If yes, what impact did they have on performance and ride height?

Should I think about replacing the steering rack and bushings together with other suspension parts?


Any advice or ideas you guys might have would be greatly appreciated. Thank you ahead of time!

I m interested in hearing your opinions.

[Andy8421]

Welcome.

Have a look here:

https://www.tonythompsonracing.co.uk/workshop-services/modifying-your-elan/

If you are considering using your car on a track, I would have replacing the existing rotoflex couplings with a CV alternative high on my list for safety reasons.

Good luck.

Andy.

[661]

I'm sure you realise that a street car with upgrades is not a race car.
Chasing 'upgrades' can ruin a street car, and give you a few extra seconds round the track. Not worth it in my view.
Having said that, and having the luxury of both, I have changed a few things on my road Elan.
All the shocks and springs are TTR fast road. I like them.
Still soft enough.
The front ARB is the same.
The bushes I changed to polybushes. This is a popcorn subject, but I prefer them.
The ride height is slightly lower at the front.
All front upper and rear lower wishbones are adjustable.
In all honesty, the first spends, if needed at all, should be good rubber and brake pads.( and geo if adjustable)

[greg40green]

Don't do it you'll ruin the ride quality .
I run a 'full' TTR suspension modified Elan S4 FHC including TTR chassis , I'm glad to get out of it after an hour on Lancashire's pot holed roads.
As a road car its not good , as a track day car it would be great.

I speak from experience of owning several Elans and spending a fortune on modifying several.
Best handling Elan I owned was a totally standard S3 Pre air flow FHC ( where are you now) , .not far behind that was a totally standard S4 DHC S4 Elan
Standard is best, don't be taken in by the modifying bug and ruin your car.
The trouble now is trying to locate standard front dampers , original rear inserts and good wish bone and 'A' frame bushes.

[mark030358]

Hi all,
Can I ask a stupid question here.....

The original front springs were 75lbs/inch and the rears were 67lbs/inch. Would it not possible to get get and fit 2.25" I.D. springs of the same rates with the same required free/compressed lengths for adjustable platform dampers?

Thanks in advance

Mark

[2cams70]

That’s like defacing the Mona Lisa. Chapman & Co. were artists when it came to designing and tuning suspension systems.