S2 Bilstein suspension on S1

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sat May 05, 2007 10:17 am

Anybody done it here? What's the difference? Been tempted by the SELOC group but from B&C.

Post by **Shug** » Sat May 05, 2007 10:40 am

Lots of takers here.

Top mod - much better body control than the S1 Konis and different league in terms of quality. No brainer choice if you're in need of a suspension upgrade.

Only downside is that they are still a little soft for hardcore trackwork and non-adjustbale (although that never stopped Gordon Wright showing everybody a clean pair of heels)

Probably the best road option out there.

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sat May 05, 2007 12:37 pm

How do they compare to Nitrons?

Post by **Shug** » Sat May 05, 2007 2:24 pm

Apples and Nuclear Fission

Nitron is a road version of a race damper - adjustable heights and damping. Pretty much hand made and totally configurable. The S2 Billie is a road damper - designed for an extended life and more road-biased (Nitrons need serviced every year to keep the warranty)

So it's much softer and more comfy than the standard Nitron road spec. It's still leagues ahead of the S1 Konis and doesn't cost you £1100

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sat May 05, 2007 4:53 pm

Got it!

woody · Post by **woody** » Sat May 05, 2007 5:56 pm

Apparently nitron will be importing a new 'racing red' branded damper later in the year. Will be mono-tube, height adjustable and circa £600 AFAIK. Think geary's going to be selling them anyway.

Victor Meldrew · Post by **Victor Meldrew** » Sat May 05, 2007 10:19 pm

I went with the 100/110 kit from steveB on seloc. It uses VX220 front springs which I think are stiffer than stock, so mine feel great on turn in and actualy much less wollowey than before..

Do a search for SteveB on this forum and you will find loads of info about the kits he has provided..

Cant recomend highly enough....

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sun May 06, 2007 10:42 am

Just a thought...

If the upgrade is S1 to S2 then why not go for the adjustable shocks (ALS2C6001F & ALS2D6001F) and motorsport ARB from the S2 135R?!

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Sun May 06, 2007 1:34 pm

adjustables from the 135R are Koni LSS - Lotus Sport Suspension. They're adjustable, but not servicable - I reckon they'll not last as long as the Bilsteins, and won't be as good as the Nitrons. All in, an expensive compromise.

Get a SteveB kit, or buy some 2nd hand ones from someone that's upgraded to Nitrons, there are some bargains to be had

NB - only buy them from K-series cars, the 111r/Exige dampers are a different length

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sun May 06, 2007 3:44 pm

It's having to service the Nitrons that kinda puts me off them.

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Sun May 06, 2007 4:33 pm

all depends what you plan to use the car for mate, if you're a trackaholic, then go for the nitrons. If you're an occasional trackday warrior, go for the Bilsteins. I'd shy away from the Konis (LSS) as they're simply not as durable as the S2 kit - that's why its one of the 'must have' upgrades for your S1.

Post by **campbell** » Sun May 06, 2007 4:43 pm

Rich Humble has a std S2 kit on his S1 and it feels GREAT. Tauter than the std S1 but not as firm as 135R sport suspension (which is VERY well damped but rock solid and filling-rattling stuff).

Rumour has it the S2 Bilsteins are set close to S1 LSS firmness...but they last much, much longer. No brainer if you don't to have to tinker with setup etc. You can get a car handling much worse on adjustables just by not knowing quite enough about how to tune the damping.

See John's testimonial above.

Did you mean "group buy" from B&C, btw? If so, can you post a link? If a discount's going, I may be interested myself!

Campbell

Gazbo · Post by **Gazbo** » Sun May 06, 2007 5:10 pm

There is a group buy of the S2 Bilstein upgrade going on SELOC...

http://forums.seloc.org/viewthread.php?tid=116101

...but, there is a problem with supply I believe, as well as a mix-up with some of the springs. They have caught Lotus napping with the demand. 30+ so far and gaining momentum by the day. I'm still waiting for a reply to my email to Bell & Colvill!

gorrie · Post by **gorrie** » Sun May 06, 2007 5:56 pm

GregR wrote:adjustables from the 135R are Koni LSS - Lotus Sport Suspension. They're adjustable, but not servicable - I reckon they'll not last as long as the Bilsteins, and won't be as good as the Nitrons. All in, an expensive compromise.

That's not what my handbook says...

"The Bilstein dampers are re-calibrated with stiffer bump and rebound settings, and have adjustable upper spring platforms threaded onto the damper body. The Eibach spring rates are increased at both front and rear"

Andy.

mac · Post by **mac** » Sun May 06, 2007 6:29 pm

Greg was referring to the first incarnation of the 135 in S1 guise which had koni's.

Mac