I can't answer about the Nitron 3-ways, but I have the Penske double-adjustables with the same spring rates (550/800) and they are actually more comfortable than the Nitron singles I pulled off that had much softer springs (nearly half the spring rates). The Penskes are very firm at slow speeds due to the rates but really perform well at speed. The other great thing about Penskes is they hold their value.How do these compare to nitron 3 ways?
On which setup?if going to higher rates, what do we do with the rebound settings? increase to cope with the stiffer springs?
The real men seem to say back it off from full stiff...I...
I figured I would start by backing the compression off 4 clicks from where it currently is but not sure whether rebound needs to go up or down?
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What you are describing as directional "feel" doesn't sound like a spring issue but turn-in understeer. Adding camber makes a world of difference. Going to stiffer springs may have the effect of you having less directional "feel" initially because you're losing the visual aid of the car weight transferring to one side or the other as you turn in.I have the Ohlins DA, currently with the standard 325/425 rates. The car has been set up beautify and it's very neutral and predictable on the street and track however with the soft springs directional changes are difficult and sometimes a change in grip feels very vague (which would be more of an issue if the car was poorly balanced. It's really only exposed on a race track.
In search of more feel I am going with 480/600 which is the stiffest available from Ohlins. I just have no idea what I should be doing with my compression and rebound. I figured I would start by backing the compression off 4 clicks from where it currently is but not sure whether rebound needs to go up or down?
I also have an adjustable front bar (mine is a cup 240) but I will play around with that once I'm happy with the dampers.
true, the alignment was not perfect and I have some new steering arms and shims here ready to go in to both increase and tidy up front camber. although i am running a bit of front toe out so the turn is was actually not a problem for me. there was a hint of mid corner understeer, not so much on entry though.What you are describing as directional "feel" doesn't sound like a spring issue but turn-in understeer. Adding camber makes a world of difference. Going to stiffer springs may have the effect of you having less directional "feel" initially because you're losing the visual aid of the car weight transferring to one side or the other as you turn in.
Sounds like experimentation's in order!
No, changing to coilovers does not necessitate moving to an adjustable sway bar. A single sway bar does not change weight of the vehicle, nor front to rear weight bias, nor left to right weight bias. What it does do is to reduce body roll (improving steering response), make tires stand up straighter, and change weight distribution from corner to corner. Its just another variable and point of adjustment.Is an adjustable front sway bar more or less "required" if you're running stock on an Elise (05') and thinking of going with SA or DA shocks?
Firstly guys, thanks for the kind words! We put alot of time in effort into these and it is really gratifying to see folks appreciate the result as much as we do!I have an '06 Exige on LSS suspension approaching 25k miles. In the near future, I want to refresh the suspension and upgrade to adjustable and better coilovers. I really trust the work Lotus did with the chassis setup and therefore would love to have something like the S260 Ohlins. BUT... if the Penskes are way better, than I would obviously be interested in going that route.
I know the Penskes are good for autocrossing, but I don't autocross. How are the Penskes for general or aggressive street driving? I'm not worried about my body being jarred by bumps in the road, but I am concerned about driving smoothly through a turn with bumps. Will the Penske spring rate be too stiff? I want excellent performance under a range of street conditions. For instance, there is a short series of bumps as I turn onto my street that the normal LLS suspension cannot soak up above a certain speed.
Also to the driving pros out there, would the Penskes give greater feel and control at the limit or would they be more likely to 'snap oversteer' (like going from street tires to slicks - less time to react)?
Thanks for any replies and ideas!