Jose, what do you mean by the height being only two way adjustable?
the LSS issue....
after going to the autoshow and finding out what the LSS package really is, I was quite disapointed. I had decided that
LSS was not for me. Not because of the claims of a harsher ride but because I found out that the shocks were not adjustable and that the height adjustment is only two way adjustable.
Here's my dilemma. I like the wheels. They are lightweight, good looking and they'll probably accept the R compound tires I plan to use racing. Also, I'm not sure how long it'll take the aftermarket to come out with quality componets that will be available here in the states. Also, i'm sure that once you add up the springs, shocks, wheels and tires, it will cost more than the LSS package.... albeit with better components.
I just wish that the LSS option was more adjustable. Which way do I go??
Jose Soriano
LSS was not for me. Not because of the claims of a harsher ride but because I found out that the shocks were not adjustable and that the height adjustment is only two way adjustable.
Here's my dilemma. I like the wheels. They are lightweight, good looking and they'll probably accept the R compound tires I plan to use racing. Also, I'm not sure how long it'll take the aftermarket to come out with quality componets that will be available here in the states. Also, i'm sure that once you add up the springs, shocks, wheels and tires, it will cost more than the LSS package.... albeit with better components.
I just wish that the LSS option was more adjustable. Which way do I go??
Jose Soriano
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Ride height is adjusted by a spacer on the spring. There is only two positions. They are not adjustable coil-overs (springs resting on a threaded collar). So corner balancing cannot be done.
At the autoshow, I knelt down to take a look at the LSS shocks and could not find the ride height adjustment collars. I asked Tony Shute and he confirmed that it is only two way adjustable.
Jose Soriano
At the autoshow, I knelt down to take a look at the LSS shocks and could not find the ride height adjustment collars. I asked Tony Shute and he confirmed that it is only two way adjustable.
Jose Soriano
According to my discussion with Nick, there are I think 5 positions that are 5mm apart.
interseting.... Tony mentioned a spacer or shim. I can't remember his exact word but I'm sure he said only two positions.... If 5 positions is correct, is that enough? Or should I wait for the aftermarket??
Jose Soriano
Jose Soriano
If there isn't a threaded perch, corner balancing will not be possible anyway, no matter how many fixed positions there are.
I have already ordered and went without the LSS for these same reasons. I think the aftermarket will provided more flexible solutions.
As for the LSS wheels, I like that they are lighter and they look OK, but I've seen better. Personally I prefer the look of the standard wheels to the LSS wheels. I will eventually replace them with some lighter more stylish ones to go with my aftermarket suspension upgrade. Having the old wheels in addition to the new will be an added bonus.
In the long run I think it will be cheaper this way
As for the LSS wheels, I like that they are lighter and they look OK, but I've seen better. Personally I prefer the look of the standard wheels to the LSS wheels. I will eventually replace them with some lighter more stylish ones to go with my aftermarket suspension upgrade. Having the old wheels in addition to the new will be an added bonus.
In the long run I think it will be cheaper this way
You will find good suspension alternatives in the aftermarket that are more suited to your advanced needs. But don't expect them to be cheap or to be available right away. Good wheels alone - at least ones that fit and are light- will set you back as much as the LSS package. I suspect that it will be difficult to find lighter wheels than what Lotus is offering in the LSS.
I'd buy the LSS just for the wheels/tires. I believe that better suspension parts will be easier to secure than better wheels.
I'd buy the LSS just for the wheels/tires. I believe that better suspension parts will be easier to secure than better wheels.
my thoughts exactly shinoo. in fact i just ordered the car with the sport package solely for the wheels and tires and the use of the suspension for a year until something better comes out. at that point, if necessary, i'll buy some true adjustable coilovers. I think this will put me way ahead of the game financially.
I also really want the super stiff super responsive drive that i long for to be available on my drive home from the dealership.
-Steve
I also really want the super stiff super responsive drive that i long for to be available on my drive home from the dealership.
-Steve
Anyone know if the stock front wheel size will accept a 205 width tire? Not the LSS but the stock wheel. If that's the case, I'll get stock wheels untill better aftermarket stuff becomes available.
Jose Soriano
Jose Soriano
It is physically possible to stuff a 205 onto a 5.5" wide rim. Seen a 225 on a 5.5" wide rim. I ran 225s on 6" rims often. The newer Hoosiers are stiffer, so you may get some cussing from the tire changer people.
For LSS in the states, are you referring to the OZ16(?) spoke rims? If you are, they are not lighter than the 111 wheels. They weigh just a tad more. They are however much cheaper than other aftermarket forged wheels which weigh a hell of a lot less. My KMS wheels are 16" 8J rear and 15" 7J front. The rears weigh 12lbs each and the fronts 10lbs each. The reason for moving down to 16 and 15 instead of keeping 17 and 16 is tyres choice. The Yoko LTS A048 tyres for the 17 and 16 wheels are a) very expensive b) very hard to get hold of and c) not as sticky as other tyres. The KMS wheels are incredibly expensive though at $2,300 (approx).
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They look a whole lot better than the OZ superturismos that Europe have to put up with. Got any weight specs on these?
From what I gathered from the LA Auto show, the LSS wheels are 4/6 pounds lighter than the stock 7 spoke front/back. That would make the rear 16lbs and change and the front 14lbs and change. Not ultra light but definitely below the 1lb/inch definition of light.
Who is Lotus kidding!!! These are not lightweight rims. For forged rims they are pretty heavy. Some research revealed:Eyelise said:From what I gathered from the LA Auto show, the LSS wheels are 4/6 pounds lighter than the stock 7 spoke front/back. That would make the rear 16lbs and change and the front 14lbs and change. Not ultra light but definitely below the 1lb/inch definition of light.
The Enkei RPO-1 16X6.5 weighs 14.5 lbs and it is CAST
Miata 2001 16X6.5 CAST weighs in 15.5 lbs
Acura RSX 16X6.5 CAST weighs in at 16 lbs
A lightweight FORGED rim would be the Volks TE37 which weighs in at 11.2 lbs, but they are expensive. I have a set of 15X7 and they weigh a mere 9.2 lbs.
You can also get SEVERAL 16X7 lightweight and CHEAP cast rims. Rota makes cheap and lightweight rims. The Slipstream and the subzero weigh in at a mere 14.5 lbs and they are 0.5 inch wider than the LSS wheels. That will stiffen the tire sidewall even more.
The Rota Subzero is also available in 17x7.5 and weighs in at 16.9 lbs and it is CHEAP, but it is cast. The Kosei K1 in 17x7.5 weighs in at 16.7 lbs and it is cheap. I have a 15X7 set that cost me less than $100 per rim. I use them on my race car and are solid rims. I have yet to bend one in all my off track mistakes.
My point is, you can get many good quality and cheap cast wheels from the aftermarktet that are as light as Lotus's LSS forged wheels.
Great idea. Downsize the rims and lose unsprung weight in the process. The only downside is the loss of sidewall stifnesss since you will have to increase the tire's aspect ratio. Or you can go with the same aspect ratio of the 16 and 17 rims, but your speedo reading will be inaccurate. I am glad to know that smaller rims fit and do not rub on the calipers. Lucky for me Kosei makes a 15X7 (13.5 lbs) and a 16X7.5 (15.5 lbs). And you can get those cheap from the tire rack.Originally posted by tonyyoshi My KMS wheels are 16" 8J rear and 15" 7J front. The rears weigh 12lbs each and the fronts 10lbs each. The reason for moving down to 16 and 15 instead of keeping 17 and 16 is tyres choice. The Yoko LTS A048 tyres for the 17 and 16 wheels are a) very expensive b) very hard to get hold of and c) not as sticky as other tyres. The KMS wheels are incredibly expensive though at $2,300 (approx). [/B]
I recall reading that the 7-spoke "111-S" wheels (standard on the U.S. Elise) are lighter than the original 6-spoke Euro version. ...and that the forged 7-spoke LSS (U.S.) wheels are even lighter than the "111-S" 7-spokers. So can someone get in touch with Lotus to find out what they really weigh? Very curious to see what the real weight is. I can't imagine Lotus would have started with a particularly heavy 6-spoker for Europe. ...and I have a hunch that the LSS wheels may not be 4/6 lbs. lighter front/rear than the "111S" wheels. But that's just my guess. I still think/guess/hope that the LSS wheels are pretty lightweight.
Tonyyoshi, your KMS wheels at 10/12 lbs each front/rear appear to set the standard!
Tonyyoshi, your KMS wheels at 10/12 lbs each front/rear appear to set the standard!
Noone has the actual weights. The LSS could be lighter. I saw a post recently that put the weight savings at the back at 7LBS. That would make the 17" in the 15lbs range which is lighter than most of what you mentioned. The LSS aren't going to be the lightest wheel out there. Lotus is looking for longevity as well. Given that they are forged they might just hold up despite the really low aspect ratio. At least they are not down right "pigs" like the 7 spoke on the base model.
Tonyyoshi- Just read all your mods. Impressive. What is the Custom Rear End? got any photos or a website? How much does your Elise weigh?
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