Track Pack damper upgrade

[insane]

Can the Track Pack Bilstein dampers be disassembled to accommodate stiffer springs? Anybody done it?

[shay2nak]

that's a good question.

[Robert Puertas]

Yes, they can.
Teey need to be sent to Bilstein.

[fitfan]

best bet is to sell me your track pack set-up, and then roll the money into someting better

[Lotusmotion]

I spoke with Eibach about swapping out to stiffer springs for my Track Pack equipped '06 Exige. I believe the '06 Track Pack uses Eibach springs on Bilstein dampners.

I'd like to dial out some of the pronounced body roll when on the track (present even when fronts are at 8 and rears at 7).

The idea of a spring upgrade was attractive, because four new springs are inexpensive relative to a complete set-up of Nitrons, Sachs, Penskes, etc.

Eibach indicated that collar adapters would be required to mount (if I recall correctly) their 2.5 inch diameter springs on the Bilstein dampner. Apparently, the Track Pack springs were custom made by Eibach to Lotus specs (including a specific diameter for Lotus). Eibach said that certain measurements (length, etc.) from the springs would be needed prior to my consulting their MotorSports group.

My conclusion is - given the car's downtime to disassemble and measure, reassemble, possible trial and error and need to refit alternative springs to dial it all in - the time and brain damage would outweigh any cost savings....at least for me. I just don't have that kind of time.

I can always make more money, but I have not found a way to make more time...it seems to be a one-way deal .

So, the matter is DOA for me, and a set of Nitrons will likely be in my Exige's future.

[insane]

Originally Posted by Robert Puertas

Yes, they can.
Teey need to be sent to Bilstein.

What do you know, Robert? C'mon.... spill it!

I got the Track-pack dampers, now I need stiffer springs.

[Robert Puertas]

Originally Posted by insane

What do you know, Robert? C'mon.... spill it!

I got the Track-pack dampers, now I need stiffer springs.

Well that's a problem. You can't buy stiffer springs off the shelf for these. You need to have them made...
We're working on something!

[insane]

I know.... for a while now--you told me! But you also suggested I get track-pack dampers if I could find a good deal.

I'm more concerned that you're saying the dampers have to be sent to Bilstein than I am about ordering custom springs, though....

[Robert Puertas]

Bilstein is quite good about turning around shocks for revalving in a timely manner.

I'll be meeting with some of their engineers in Topeka, KS this week at the SCCA National Championships.

Call me next week and I'll let you know what I've learned...

[AZReason]

Originally Posted by Lotusmotion

I'd like to dial out some of the pronounced body roll when on the track (present even when fronts are at 8 and rears at 7

Stiffer front sway bar?

[Lotusmotion]

Originally Posted by AZReason

Stiffer front sway bar?

No, higher spring ratings are needed IMHO...

[insane]

Originally Posted by Lotusmotion

No, higher spring ratings are needed IMHO...

Yeah, you've got the Track-pack setup, right? Doesn't that already include the stiffer, adjustable front anti-roll bar?

[Charles Rozier]

Originally Posted by insane

Doesn't that already include the stiffer, adjustable front anti-roll bar?

I have been told that the bar is the same stiffness as stock but has harder bushings. Also I have had both bars and it feels that way to me.

[insane]

Originally Posted by Charles Rozier

I have been told that the bar is the same stiffness as stock but has harder bushings. Also I have had both bars and it feels that way to me.

Maybe they are, then. I fitted the BWR anti-roll bar. The difference (from the stock bar) was more pronounced than anything else I've done to the car. But then again, I have yet to install the TrackPack dampers....

[AZReason]

Since you already have the sway bar then I offer the following free advice. remember you get what you pay for.

Body roll in not bad as long as:
1. You have good camber curves (you do)
2. You have good progressive bump stops (I assume the TP shocks do)

If minimizing body roll is a personal preference consider the following:
Stiffer springs may increase the inside rear wheel spin on corner exit issue depending on which spring rates you choose front and rear and whether or not you have an open diff.

[Charles Rozier]

Originally Posted by AZReason

Body roll in not bad as long as:
1. You have good camber curves (you do)
2. You have good progressive bump stops (I assume the TP shocks do)

I have the Track Pack/048's and need to run at street ride height of 130mm, so I get lots of roll. A guy in a GT3 behind me once told me he thought I was going to roll over... that said, I don't mind it at all and it makes the car more fluid, especially on rough tracks.

Very predictable handling actually, even on sudden elevation changes where I have seen 1.3g or more, so the bump stops must be good. But it looks like it could use more neg camber than the 1 deg front/2 deg rear I have now, esp in the rear.

[Lotusmotion]

Charles Rozier...+1, you and I have similar set-ups. My Exige runs at 130mm height (barely makes it into my driveway / scrapes at times), AO48s at the track, TP set at 8 in front and 7 in rear at the track, -1 degree camber in front, -2.25 in rear, 0 toe-in in front, and 2.75 toe-in at rear, and anti-roll bar at middle setting (3rd / center hole of the 5 hole settings).

The car feels relatively neutral and very well planted. I noticed the body roll when reviewing track day pictures of my car as well as other cars.

Inside wheel spin would not be an issue with stiffer springs as my Exige is equipped with LSD.

[Charles Rozier]

Originally Posted by Lotusmotion

Charles Rozier...+1, you and I have similar set-ups. My Exige runs at 130mm height (barely makes it into my driveway / scrapes at times), AO48s at the track, TP set at 8 in front and 7 in rear at the track, -1 degree camber in front, -2.25 in rear, 0 toe-in in front, and 2.75 toe-in at rear, and anti-roll bar at middle setting (3rd / center hole of the 5 hole settings).

Yep, mine's pretty much the same. But I have found that for Lime Rock (bumpy with hills) the car worked better with the shocks set softer: 6 front, 5 rear. Was crashing into the uphill when set per Lotus recommended settings at 8f/7r. Maybe those are OK for smooth flat tracks.

On the street I'm using RE-01Rs with the shocks at 1f/2r. Not exactly comfy but much better than LSS was.

One of the nice things about the Track Pack is the ease of changing settings. Don't have to jack the car up. Can even read the numbers that way with a small mirror.

[Thomasio]

Why is body roll such a bad thing? There are plenty of poor handling cars that have negligible body roll. Weight transfer is a good thing sometimes...

Thomas

[Lotusmotion]

Thomasio, you make a good point. It may largely be an issue of form over substance.