Nitron suspensions

[Freejack]

Could someone tell me about the difference between race pack and Nitron suspensions?

 

I am just considering if to order that Nitron kit for my LF1 or not. How much stiffer is it? For trackuse only recommend?

 

Frank

[The Pits]

I think its great. You can adjust it very easily to soften it for the road use, only problem is remembering to put it back to the factory settings before the track!

 

However, if you're mainly using the LF1 on the road it's probably not worth it. The standard set up is really well judged for use and works well on the track too.

[Freejack]

Usually I go for about 3-4 trackdays per year and I thought, that it could be easier to order the Nitron directly to have them installed. But I because this is my first Lotus, I have no idea if its worth to do or not.

 

I guess I'll make it like the time before: Make the changes later on my own, because than I am able to judge myself about it.

 

Thanks.

Edited August 18, 2014 by Freejack

[The Pits]

I thought the LF1 came with Nitron dampers anyway?

 

I'd say 4 or more track days a year would be enough to enjoy and appreciate the Nitrons if you can put up with a very firm low speed ride (the ride gets better at higher speeds). The only trouble is, the standard car is so good.

[Bibs]

I think that if you order them with the car you'll only pay the price difference between them and the Bilsteins, but you will need to order the Race Pack for them to be fitted.

 

As Jonny said, if you're doing 3-4 trackdays a year the adjustability will be of use to you so go for the Nitrons.

[Freejack]

Bibs, I ordered an LF1, so the race pack is included. I'm considering, if the Nitrons start on a higher damping level than the standard ones. Means, is the Nitron solution more "uncomfortable" than the regular Bilstein? What is adjustable beside ride high, compression and tension? How many steps?

 

My Lotus mates told me to do nothing, just leave the car as it is. The Bilstein shocks are on a such high level, that it will take time to feel, that there is a demand on higher performance.

 

Sorry for asking that much, but time is running.

 

Frank

[The Pits]

Standard Bilstein set up is so good there's never going to a very good reason to go for uprated dampers which are firmer and less comfortable at very low speed.

 

But the Nitrons are 2-way adjustable (compression and rebound). I haven't gone fully soft on mine but could tell the difference between 3 clicks softer than the factory set up. I can only assume that full soft all-round would be not too far off the standard set up for comfort. However, I bet you're better off with the standard Bilsteins if you're planning to drive around with full soft mode. The car has been set up to work roughly half way through the range of adjustment. After only 3 clicks softer I could feel less bite at the front end turning into corners.

 

A few owners have already uprated to the Nitrons on their V6Ss and love them and say the car is transformed on the track but they are all pretty serious track day drivers. It's all down to how much you enjoy track days. There is no benefit to having Nitrons for road use but the feeling of having zero roll and infinite grip is quite fun!

[Freejack]

Pits, thank you for your detailed answer. I guess it's the same what I learned before. Stiffer suspensions are great on track, but comes along with loss of comfort on street, even we speak about a sportscar.

 

My decision is done: I go for the Bilstein and look forward to my activities on and beside the track. One bitter pill I have to swallow

[ChrisBuer]

What's the view on the Ohlins? After watching this video I'm seriously impressed with their grip and the way the car turns in (especially at around the 5-6 minute mark):

Edited December 7, 2014 by ChrisBuer

[Kristof Thys]

And what is that rear view mirror?  Aftermarket?