? about upgrading from standard suspension to track pack - LotusTalk

cory1000 · 05-06-2008, 07:26 PM

Anything else need to be done/replaced when upgrading from the standard suspension to the "Lotus OEM "Track Pack" Coil Over Adjustable Bilstein shocks" on a 07 Exige S?

jkolb · 05-06-2008, 07:33 PM

From a safety perspective I think you need a track rod brace like the Sector 111 RTV brace for any spirited driving. Using an adjustable front anti roll bar will give you a bit more adjustability for balancing the suspension.

Jerry

carl · 05-06-2008, 09:04 PM

just buy a set of sa nitrons a toe brace and drill a extra hole in the sway bar. corner balence max the neg in the front and -2.3 to -2.5 in the rear front toe 0 and rear .125 and the car will be much better than any track pack set up. carl

fpitas · 05-07-2008, 10:09 AM

What carl said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

cory1000 · 05-07-2008, 10:36 AM

thats a great idea, but here is my reason for not doing that... Right now its a 1k upgrade for me to get these, Im not a track expert by any means but will be tracking way more then I have in the past as I just joined a track and will be storing the car there most of the year, after I get better then I would get the Nitron race setup for 4k or something better as I will only be using the car for track.

I dont think its worth it now to spend the 4k as I am not that great on the track yet, the nitron Sa would be fine but thats 2k now and 4k later on..would rather not do that if I didnt have to...

I dont think im flawed in my thoughts but if someone sees if from a better angle im all open for suggestions.

fpitas · 05-07-2008, 10:54 AM

Only you know what you want and can afford. Obviously, drilling your stock bar for adjustability is more or less free. Sector sells their RTV toe-link brace for $300. The spring rates on the Track-Pack are kind of soft for racing, and unfortunately the springs are a goofy size, so changing them to a higher rate is difficult.

cory1000 · 05-07-2008, 11:07 AM

its not a matter of cost only, right now I just want something that is a little better then the non-track pack setup but dont want anything that is too hard for a novice to try to get setup correctly for the track, that was my thought process.. Im going to assume that by upgrading to these this is what im going to get, then when I get better ill upgrade again.

Also, it was never really answered if I can just do a direct swap or if anything else is needed, if anyone know please post...

fpitas · 05-07-2008, 11:11 AM

If you're asking do they just bolt on, the answer is yes.

carl · 05-07-2008, 01:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cory1000

its not a matter of cost only, right now I just want something that is a little better then the non-track pack setup but dont want anything that is too hard for a novice to try to get setup correctly for the track, that was my thought process.. Im going to assume that by upgrading to these this is what im going to get, then when I get better ill upgrade again.

Also, it was never really answered if I can just do a direct swap or if anything else is needed, if anyone know please post...

save your money just stay with the stock S setup and align untill you can do the nitrons. the spring rates on the stock S are the same as the adj bilstiens. carl

fpitas · 05-07-2008, 01:37 PM

I agree with carl again ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

The Track Pack shocks might be valved a bit better than the LSS, but the spring rates are still too low. Now if you could get the Cup Car coilovers instead...

cory1000 · 05-07-2008, 01:47 PM

I see your point, I guess I wont bother trying to upgrade to these then.

Now that brings up a new question, should I spend the 2k for the Nirton SA's or is it worth spending more to get something better and what would that something better be?

Thanks for all your help!

kohete · 05-07-2008, 01:51 PM

Cory, does that mean you're un-buying them (/me rubs hands in mr-burns-like fashion)?

chrisp993 · 05-07-2008, 02:17 PM

Cory

Bad enough you back out of the deal - can you remove my email address from your post please

Anyone interested, just PM me and I should get to it within a few hours

Thanks

Chris

cory1000 · 05-07-2008, 02:33 PM

Just trying to help u out and get them sold....... Sorry...

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisp993

Cory

Bad enough you back out of the deal - can you remove my email address from your post please

Anyone interested, just PM me and I should get to it within a few hours

Thanks

Chris

carl · 05-07-2008, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cory1000

I see your point, I guess I wont bother trying to upgrade to these then.

Now that brings up a new question, should I spend the 2k for the Nirton SA's or is it worth spending more to get something better and what would that something better be?

Thanks for all your help!

any thing more is a over kill i've had them on 2 cars for over 40,000mi. one set on the Elise with the 425 & 550s and this set with the 525& 650s and I like the stiffer springs better on the exige because the car is 100+ lb heaver. Andrew went from the DA nitrons to the SA because he was tired of screwing around. I've set up TA JZ's that are $7k on car and you will drive yourself nuts screwing around with them. carl

carl · 05-07-2008, 05:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisp993

Cory

Bad enough you back out of the deal - can you remove my email address from your post please

Anyone interested, just PM me and I should get to it within a few hours

Thanks

Chris

Chris, sorry if i killed a deal it wasn't my intent. carl

Charles Rozier · 05-08-2008, 03:50 AM

There is one reason one might go with the track pack if it's priced well and you drive a lot on the street. Although it doesn't really outperform the sport pack on track (and that assumes it's adjusted correctly, otherwise it's worse), it can be set softer for street use and it's very quick to change settings. Still not as good a ride as the base, but better than the sport pack.

If you are comfortable on the street with the sport pack, there's little reason to go to the track pack. But for me and the rough roads around here it helped quite a bit. And you can adjust it to better suit different tires. Makes a pretty simple dual purpose setup with 2 sets of wheels.

I have no reason to doubt the claims for the Nitrons, and people have said they can also be set to ride well on the street but they do run significantly higher spring rates, so I'm not sure they will be as compliant as the track pack set soft.

ZJChaser · 05-08-2008, 04:05 AM

Cory, I'll mirror what Carl said. Dont upgrade to the track pack. Just upgrade to the Nitrons when you can. I will be doing the same thing after recovering from the rebuild costs. Focus on your alignment. They can really vary on these cars. I started with Carls great alignment recommendations, then got shaved steering arms then I kept decreasing rear toe until I got rid of my understeer. I settled on .03 total toe in in the rear.

fpitas · 05-08-2008, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Charles Rozier

I have no reason to doubt the claims for the Nitrons, and people have said they can also be set to ride well on the street but they do run significantly higher spring rates, so I'm not sure they will be as compliant as the track pack set soft.

You'd be surprised. I have the Pro rate springs, but the ride is better than the base suspension was, even though the damping is not set all the way soft. Two different people riding in and driving my Elise have commented on it, so it's not just me.

Green Ghost · 05-08-2008, 12:44 PM

Definitely get the rear brace!!!!

The track pack sway bar is thicker then the base bar.
So you will definitely want a new one. If I remember right the sector and BW sway bars are thicker then the track pack bar. To me the Lotus bar is good and the others are too big, but that’s up to your preference. Remember light car and no rear sway bar.

Other wise I like my track pack set up. Vary happy I have it. I think what you are doing is a smart way to go, If you can get a set for a good price. You will like this set up on the road (a lot) and have more fun on the track. As you get more in to it you can then decide what shock to get.

kevin

05-06-2008, 07:26 PM	#1 (permalink)
cory1000 Help!!!! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Shaker Heights, OH Posts: 1,528	? about upgrading from standard suspension to track pack Anything else need to be done/replaced when upgrading from the standard suspension to the "Lotus OEM "Track Pack" Coil Over Adjustable Bilstein shocks" on a 07 Exige S? __________________ 2007 GG Exige S - Sold 2005 CO Elise - Sold

05-06-2008, 07:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
jkolb Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Bend, OR/Austin, TX Posts: 368	From a safety perspective I think you need a track rod brace like the Sector 111 RTV brace for any spirited driving. Using an adjustable front anti roll bar will give you a bit more adjustability for balancing the suspension. Jerry __________________ 2007 Laser Blue Exige S 1965 Elan (26r clone) vintage race car 2005 Audi S4

05-06-2008, 09:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
carl Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Posts: 957	just buy a set of sa nitrons a toe brace and drill a extra hole in the sway bar. corner balence max the neg in the front and -2.3 to -2.5 in the rear front toe 0 and rear .125 and the car will be much better than any track pack set up. carl __________________ User formerly known as 4carl

05-07-2008, 10:09 AM	#4 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,357	What carl said ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: Base, Hardtop, LSD/TC, FF Engine Damper, Arqray Twin Muffler, Nitron SAs with 525/650 springs, Katana Supercharger, Smaay's fuel rail, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, BWR 7/8" Front Bar 2000 Black Integra Type R: Konis, Neuspeed Race Springs, Mugen 26mm Rear Bar, 16x8 SSR Integrals

05-07-2008, 10:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
cory1000 Help!!!! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Shaker Heights, OH Posts: 1,528	thats a great idea, but here is my reason for not doing that... Right now its a 1k upgrade for me to get these, Im not a track expert by any means but will be tracking way more then I have in the past as I just joined a track and will be storing the car there most of the year, after I get better then I would get the Nitron race setup for 4k or something better as I will only be using the car for track. I dont think its worth it now to spend the 4k as I am not that great on the track yet, the nitron Sa would be fine but thats 2k now and 4k later on..would rather not do that if I didnt have to... I dont think im flawed in my thoughts but if someone sees if from a better angle im all open for suggestions. __________________ 2007 GG Exige S - Sold 2005 CO Elise - Sold

05-07-2008, 10:54 AM	#6 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,357	Only you know what you want and can afford. Obviously, drilling your stock bar for adjustability is more or less free. Sector sells their RTV toe-link brace for $300. The spring rates on the Track-Pack are kind of soft for racing, and unfortunately the springs are a goofy size, so changing them to a higher rate is difficult. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: Base, Hardtop, LSD/TC, FF Engine Damper, Arqray Twin Muffler, Nitron SAs with 525/650 springs, Katana Supercharger, Smaay's fuel rail, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, BWR 7/8" Front Bar 2000 Black Integra Type R: Konis, Neuspeed Race Springs, Mugen 26mm Rear Bar, 16x8 SSR Integrals

05-07-2008, 11:07 AM	#7 (permalink)
cory1000 Help!!!! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Shaker Heights, OH Posts: 1,528	its not a matter of cost only, right now I just want something that is a little better then the non-track pack setup but dont want anything that is too hard for a novice to try to get setup correctly for the track, that was my thought process.. Im going to assume that by upgrading to these this is what im going to get, then when I get better ill upgrade again. Also, it was never really answered if I can just do a direct swap or if anything else is needed, if anyone know please post... __________________ 2007 GG Exige S - Sold 2005 CO Elise - Sold

05-07-2008, 11:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,357	If you're asking do they just bolt on, the answer is yes. __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: Base, Hardtop, LSD/TC, FF Engine Damper, Arqray Twin Muffler, Nitron SAs with 525/650 springs, Katana Supercharger, Smaay's fuel rail, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, BWR 7/8" Front Bar 2000 Black Integra Type R: Konis, Neuspeed Race Springs, Mugen 26mm Rear Bar, 16x8 SSR Integrals

05-07-2008, 01:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,357	I agree with carl again ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ The Track Pack shocks might be valved a bit better than the LSS, but the spring rates are still too low. Now if you could get the Cup Car coilovers instead... __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: Base, Hardtop, LSD/TC, FF Engine Damper, Arqray Twin Muffler, Nitron SAs with 525/650 springs, Katana Supercharger, Smaay's fuel rail, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, BWR 7/8" Front Bar 2000 Black Integra Type R: Konis, Neuspeed Race Springs, Mugen 26mm Rear Bar, 16x8 SSR Integrals

05-07-2008, 01:47 PM	#11 (permalink)
cory1000 Help!!!! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Shaker Heights, OH Posts: 1,528	I see your point, I guess I wont bother trying to upgrade to these then. Now that brings up a new question, should I spend the 2k for the Nirton SA's or is it worth spending more to get something better and what would that something better be? Thanks for all your help! __________________ 2007 GG Exige S - Sold 2005 CO Elise - Sold

05-07-2008, 01:51 PM	#12 (permalink)
kohete Space Cadet 1st Class Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: SF Bay Area Posts: 387	Cory, does that mean you're un-buying them (/me rubs hands in mr-burns-like fashion)? __________________ '05 SB Elise, TP, ST2, dual HID, driving lights, 4tress, schroth 4pt asm, TP rail, SYS, CRD, microMirror, HNTpad, V1 '07 MY MINI Cooper S, lux, nav, steeeripes! '05 LR3, HSE

05-07-2008, 02:17 PM	#13 (permalink)
chrisp993 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bloomfield Hills, MI Posts: 264	Cory Bad enough you back out of the deal - can you remove my email address from your post please Anyone interested, just PM me and I should get to it within a few hours Thanks Chris __________________ 2007 Exige S Ardent Red w/Track Pack & Traction Control Mods: Ohlins/Plans Motorsport 46mm DA, Machined Steering Arms, Polyflex Bushings, Stock LSS w/R888 or Stella Corse w/Hoosiers, Lotus Motorsport Engine Mounts, Accusump, Quaife LSD tweaked to Plans Motorsport Spec, Lotus Motorsport Clutch, Pagid Blacks, Larini Sport 8 inch Exhaust, Schroth 6 Point, Data Acquisition by Race Technology DL-1, Video by Chasecam

05-08-2008, 03:50 AM	#17 (permalink)
Charles Rozier Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: CT Posts: 117	There is one reason one might go with the track pack if it's priced well and you drive a lot on the street. Although it doesn't really outperform the sport pack on track (and that assumes it's adjusted correctly, otherwise it's worse), it can be set softer for street use and it's very quick to change settings. Still not as good a ride as the base, but better than the sport pack. If you are comfortable on the street with the sport pack, there's little reason to go to the track pack. But for me and the rough roads around here it helped quite a bit. And you can adjust it to better suit different tires. Makes a pretty simple dual purpose setup with 2 sets of wheels. I have no reason to doubt the claims for the Nitrons, and people have said they can also be set to ride well on the street but they do run significantly higher spring rates, so I'm not sure they will be as compliant as the track pack set soft.

05-08-2008, 04:05 AM	#18 (permalink)
ZJChaser blah Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Laguna Hills, CA Posts: 2,152	Cory, I'll mirror what Carl said. Dont upgrade to the track pack. Just upgrade to the Nitrons when you can. I will be doing the same thing after recovering from the rebuild costs. Focus on your alignment. They can really vary on these cars. I started with Carls great alignment recommendations, then got shaved steering arms then I kept decreasing rear toe until I got rid of my understeer. I settled on .03 total toe in in the rear. __________________ AJ 06 Aspen White Exige - MWR Stage 4 motor : Exige S manifolds : MP62 : CharlieX Tune : FF 10psi pulley : RLS IC and pipes : Walbro 255 : RC550cc : Moroso Pan : VonHep Single : WR Race Header : JRZ DA Race Coilovers...(tons of other goodies)... 267hp/167tq at the wheels : Dyno

05-08-2008, 12:44 PM	#20 (permalink)
Green Ghost Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: orange county Posts: 712 Images: 13	Definitely get the rear brace!!!! The track pack sway bar is thicker then the base bar. So you will definitely want a new one. If I remember right the sector and BW sway bars are thicker then the track pack bar. To me the Lotus bar is good and the others are too big, but that’s up to your preference. Remember light car and no rear sway bar. Other wise I like my track pack set up. Vary happy I have it. I think what you are doing is a smart way to go, If you can get a set for a good price. You will like this set up on the road (a lot) and have more fun on the track. As you get more in to it you can then decide what shock to get. kevin

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