[turbophil]

I decided to take the plunge and pick up a set of the new Nitron GT3 shocks from Shinoo the other day. Shinoo really deserves a "that-a-boy" as we ran into a couple snags on getting these shocks setup the way I wanted them and he went above and beyond to make me a happy camper without me have to complain a bit. Thank you sir:up:

These new GT3s have the adjustable lowers and adjustable spring perches. They're also triple adjustable with rebound dampening and both high and low speed compression dampening... Why high and low? The low speed tends to help keep body roll at bay and the high speed is to better dial in the smoothness of the curbs.

These shocks are pretty much sex with springs, so I thought I would post some pics. I'm going to write up a simple tutorial about how to mount them in the car in case anyone is interested... It's not tough. Takes a little time. The hardest part is taking advantage of what they provide, i.e. corner balancing and fine tuning the valving. Shinoo gave me the settings that he and Palladin (sp?) worked up. Brent tells me they were setup superbly, so I'm happy to start with those settings. I've got the car on the corner scales now and need to corner balance... Just one more toy to play with

Here are the pics...

Later,

Phil

 

[turbophil]

I couple more... I came up with a simple mounting system for the front rezzies. I want to mimic something closer to what Brent did with his, but the front clam will have to come off for that... This will work for now and keep the rezzies out of harm's way--- plus it's super easy...

 

[apk919]

Yep, those Nitron shocks are almost too pretty to put under the car! I like where you've put the front reservoirs... I may have to try to see if I can do the same thing. What rates did you get on the main springs, if I may ask?

 

[turbophil]

Yep, those Nitron shocks are almost too pretty to put under the car! I like where you've put the front reservoirs... I may have to try to see if I can do the same thing. What rates did you get on the main springs, if I may ask?

You bet, 550/700. My time on them is very limited with no track days yet. Today was supposed to be the first, but the weather isn't looking to promising with 70% rain all day What little street driving I've done isn't bad though... I've got the high speed and rebound cranked to full soft for the street driving (left the low speed "track stiff", as we don't get into much slow speed on the street anyway) and the ride is surprisingly compliant through some sections of rough road. Of course much of the street driving characteristics are a function of the tire, anway. My street tires, Toyo TR-1s, make the car ride like a Fleetwood Brougham when compared to track tires.

Best,

Phil

 

[apk919]

...the ride is surprisingly compliant through some sections of rough road. Of course much of the street driving characteristics are a function of the tire, anway. My street tires, Toyo TR-1s, make the car ride like a Fleetwood Brougham when compared to track tires...

Yep, I am pleasantly surprised with how livable the Nitron DAs are at softer settings... (my springs are 525/650 and tires are R888s)

 

[Jack]

.... Shinoo gave me the settings that he and Palladin (sp?) worked up. Brent tells me they were setup superbly, so I'm happy to start with those settings....

Phil

Phil,

Those baseline settings were arrived at with Craig doing the testing/driving at Buttonwillow at one of my track days.

I also drove the car and was blown away at how well it could take the curbing ... the car just soaked up the curbs/bumps -- literally, you didn't feel them. It was nothing short of amazing.

Enjoy the new setup

 

[turbophil]

Thanks Jack! I'm looking forward to it. As you know, I've been stewing over what setup to run for quite a long while You and Brent were awesome help for me in picking this suspension:up: THANKS!!!

Phil

 

[robains]

Your control arms a disgustingly dirty and why did you go cheap on the rear rotors? Do you ever wash your car? Gaaaa

But seriously, nice Phil, please let me know how they work for you and how they feel on street roads.

Rob.

 

[sleepe]

my control arms are dirty too:coolnana:

 

[R T]

"who's dirty?"

 

[turbophil]

You pretty boys in Cali just don't get what it's like to have something other than sunny 70 degree days!-poke- Nothing like getting caught in just one flash snow storm to kill that whimpy finish lotus put on the arms. Perhaps if I chrome plate them, they would meet cali standards?

Beside, you think my a-arms are dirty? Jump over to SELOC and take a look at what daily driven ones in Europe look like!

Had some family hiccups this week, so no corner balancing done. Hope to get it done this Sunday morning before our local Lotus GTG...

 

[robains]

Hope the hiccups aren't serious.

As for the A-arms, flat black seems to be on a come back.

 

[apk919]

You pretty boys in Cali just don't get what it's like to have something other than sunny 70 degree days!-poke- Nothing like getting caught in just one flash snow storm to kill that whimpy finish lotus put on the arms. Perhaps if I chrome plate them, they would meet cali standards?

Beside, you think my a-arms are dirty? Jump over to SELOC and take a look at what daily driven ones in Europe look like!..

Look, my a-arms are dirty too! And there's a smudge on my aluminum steering arm!

 

[Jim-C]

I would powder-coat mine but it looks like a lot of work to R and R.

I don't have the MaineLotus tenacity.

 

[shay2nak]

you had the sport pack shocks the whole time! The new set looks great. The springs are pretty short compared to stock. I think I'll have to pick up one of these in the future. $4k is a lot for suspension.

 

[robains]

Gets this man a case of parts cleaner and brake cleaner - hideous!!

 

[jah29]

Any updates Phil? Been on track yet? More street driving?

 

[turbophil]

Ya, street driving is fine. It's stiffer than the LSS, but not bad. It's certainly not harsh, just stiff.

I have a half day on the track tomorrow and a full day on the track on Friday (open track day). Hope to get a couple hundred track miles on them by Friday night-eek-:shift:

I'll let you know how she fairs... Unfortunately, I made some camber changes on the car as well, so it won't be a *perfect* before and after comparison, but it should be close enough. I'm told they coast over the curbs nicely and I'm heavy curb user:evil:. This will be interesting

Best,

Phil

 

[robains]

Turning on my Phil translator - "buy some of these"

 

[jah29]

Can't wait to hear your report. I drive my car almost exclusively on the track, but getting to and from the track can be a chore. My house is surrounded by horrible roads with many potholes and expansion joints, so I don't think I can quite go with a full race set-up. Very interested in hearing about the curbs and the high speed damping, since reviews in that area will probably determine which of the high end set ups I buy. though, price might be a factor too

thanks and have fun!!