[Eyelise]

Is there a concensus on the best solution to reinforcing the rear toe links. I have a 2005 elise and will be moving to slicks for the track.

 

[MaineLotus]

I'm going with this one..

moremonkey.com • View topic - Lower rear A Arms Mod

 

[MattG]

I don't like securing the toe link to the a-arm, that means the toe angle won't change as the wheel travels up and down. That toe angle change can be used to your advantage in suspension design, and I suspect Lotus put a lot of thought into it. I think a better solution is either what Sector111 sells, or the factory brace.

EDIT - Well, my bad. I just looked at my Elise's suspension. Maybe I should have done that before typing. THe toe link has the same inner pivot as the a-arm, so the a-arm attachment method doesn't seem that bad after all, just a bit odd.

 

[turbophil]

If you're looking for a bolt on kit, Iana has the best setup I've seen. That said, there's very little wrong with the variety that S111 sells. I don't think there's a documented case of the inner links breaking w/ the S111 solution, so your easiest bet is to simply go with that, IMO...

The solution John posted isn't great for most as it won't be very easy for you to duplicate without spending bucks on fabrication and then you're at the mercy of your fabricator knowing what they're doing...

Funny thing about most of these toe-link kits is that they really only address the inner link end. It doesn't take a whole lot to get the inner link up to sufficient strength. Much of the strength increase from these kits is simply from the replacing the ball joint with a heim joint and using a good quality bolt (the double sheer bar probably isn't even needed with the improve hardware--- provided the bolt stays tight, which is the main problem to begin with)...

Solve one weak link and the problem simply moves to the next weakest link-- being the outer link--- and they break too. Iana did a nice job of addressing the outer link issue without going through the expense of replacing the whole carrier...:up:

Here's a link to his: http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f172/new-rear-toe-link-brace-elise-exige-69560/

I think it runs about $5-600USD or so...

Couple pennies for the jar...

Best,

Phil

 

[Crabman]

I'd be concerned about the added stress on the A-arm and the suspension bushing vs. Lotus designed/inspired solutions.

 

[fpitas]

I'd be concerned about eliminating the fore-aft compliance steer that Lotus designed into the rear suspension. Unless you use very solid bushings with that setup, like Nylatron, you'll get scary toe changes on acceleration and especially braking.

 

[MaineLotus]

I like the A arm setup because -

*Less (almost zero) outer joint movement = longer joint life. (Edit: by outer joint, I refer to inboard joint)
*Double shear design (two outer mount plates)
*Lighter (I'm using aluminum arms, so even lighter than the setup in the link)
*Cheaper, costs $250 which includes power coating the A arm a nice red color. Disassembly & reassembly not included in that price (I do my own work).

I doubt that strength is an issue - Two long mounting plates welded to the arm distribute the load very well.

 

[MaineLotus]

you'll get scary toe changes on acceleration and especially braking.

So, I assume you've had this setup and reporting the test results?

BTW, this is the same config as Pilbeam uses on their setup. Also, many of the drivers in the Lotus Elise Trophy series use this setup - including Chris Randall.

 

[fpitas]

So, I assume you've had this setup and reporting the test results?

BTW, this is the same config as Pilbeam uses on their setup. Also, many of the drivers in the Lotus Elise Trophy series use this setup - including Chris Randall.

And I'm sure they are using solid bearings vs. bushings. I'm not going to argue on the internet, sorry.

 

[bgsterling]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I've never seen this answered. Is the toe link issue an '05 issue, a non-LSS car, or is it a threat to all models?

-Brad

 

[MaineLotus]

And I'm sure they are using solid bearings vs. bushings. I'm not going to argue on the internet, sorry.

No and Ok.

 

[MattG]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I've never seen this answered. Is the toe link issue an '05 issue, a non-LSS car, or is it a threat to all models?

-Brad

All models are vulnerable to this. There's a factory installed brace that's available with some of the newer option packages ('track pack', I think?), but most cars don't have any bracing. In my opinion, it's not a big concern if you're using normal street tires like the AD07, and if you're not doing much track driving (assuming you still check the torque at each oil change). Put stickier tires on there (like the A048), and push the car hard at a track, and you'd be wise to add a brace.

 

[fitfan]

Not trying to hijack the thread, but I've never seen this answered. Is the toe link issue an '05 issue, a non-LSS car, or is it a threat to all models?

-Brad

its not an issue, its an application.... the non-braced, street application could be problematic on the track, particularly if not maintained.

i believe any track pack car has a brace from the factory, i think the sport packs do not -but not sure of runnig year model changes.

on the street, the lack of a brace, could save your chassis... vs. on the track )particularly with slicks or pushing hard g loads), a brace could save your chassis

 

[bgsterling]

Thanks for the clarification guys.

-Brad

 

[iana]

Rear toe link kits

SSC Australia have a new type of rear toe link kit on the market.

Incorporates alum link arms with Heim joints both ends.

see Aftermarket Suppliers for info -

http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f172/new-rear-toe-link-brace-elise-exige-69560/

 

[road racer]

on the street, the lack of a brace, could save your chassis... vs. on the track )particularly with slicks or pushing hard g loads), a brace could save your chassis

interesting. this is understood to be a "required" upgrade, always made me wonder why the car would come out of the factory like that.