k-series - Toyota damper fittment

The Oily Bits S2 Specific Topics
1

Now that I’ve got the new Elige (Honda S2 Elise with Exige body) I was wanting to fit my race spec 2 way Ohlins in lieu of the 1 way Nitrons that are on it.

I had a first look at the suspension tonight and quickly realised that this might not be so simple. The rear K series Nitrons are considerably shorter than the Toyota dampers. :frowning:

In my moment of frustration I was helped by a fellow Exiger, the phone rang and it was Marc who confirmed to me that the dampers will be 2" too long. Absolutely right sir, 365mm vs 415mm eye to eye. He said that maybe there is an option of a higher chassis mounting bracket.

Looking at the Ohlins lower damper shaft there is certainly an option to have them rebuilt with a shorter eye end.

I expected the front dampers to be a straight swop but the Ohlins also measure 1" longer than the K series Nitrons - bugger. :cry:

Does anyone know if there are any other options to help fit the Ohlins?

Alternatively I may buy a new set of Quantums or Nitron 2 ways and sell the race spec Ohlins. It would be a shame as they’re great dampers, I’ve only used them once at Donnington before I sold the Toyota Exige.

2

Bugger :astonished:

Still, any advantage I get to pass you, I’ll take with a BIG smile, BIGGG smile lol…

Seriously tho… Bugger :astonished:

3

Just spoke to Mick Gardner racing who set them up for the Toyota Exige. They could change the rear eyes to a shorter length and maybe put internal spacers in the fronts but this would reduce the stroke by about 1" on the front.

Hmm, should I do that and keep the Ohlins or go for new Nitrons??

4

what spec nitrons are on it? Lemme know if you want to move em on

5

Keep the Ohlins!!

Talk to John, he uses a different Ohlins specialist for his rebuilds and they may give you a different option.

6

Thanks Sean, I’ll give John a call

7

Why not just change the damper mounts? Eliseparts sell them to fit yota dampers to K series cars.

8

I spoke to eliseparts. Apparently their brackets for the rear don’t fit on an S2 as they raise the damper up through the wheel arch liner.

9

Is there no space behind the liner to accommodate? I think I’d be looking to mod the liner before any of the other options to keep the Ohlins.