Recently Lotus Marques received an inquiry about the Lotus Esprit rear adjustable top links that we manufacture.
It appears from comments made by the individual concerned, that our product data sheet does not provide sufficient information to demonstrate the true value of the conversion kit.
To this end, the following update explains why our product is superior to the adjustable link manufactured by Lotus and others.
Design considerations.
Examining the standard Lotus component function it is evident there are design flaws.
The rubber bushes have to withstand both radial and twisting loads which significantly reduces the rubber bush service life.
These loads are imposed on the rubber bushes located at each end of the link as the suspension moves from full bump to full droop.
The upper link may appear to perform a simple location function and would scribe a vertical arc as the suspension moves.
However, because of the location of the pivot points of the various components, the upper link is subjected to constant twisting moments.
From experience, Lotus Marques has observed several Esprit's in our workshop where the lock nuts have been unfastened on the adjustable link.
Simply modifying a fixed upper link to be adjustable does nothing to eliminate these problems.
Material and component selection.
The original Lotus component in manufactured from thin wall steel tubing and is sufficiently strong enough for its intended function.
The replacement component offered by Lotus Marques in manufactured from a solid hexagonal mild steel billet and not cheap thin wall tubing.
The external body profile is turned on a lathe and is then drilled the entire length to reduce weight without compromising strength.
The four spacers that locate the rod ends are also machined from a solid billet, case-hardened, bead blasted and then zinc plated to provide corrosion protection.
Left-hand and right-hand threads are cut at opposite ends to accommodate high performance male rod ends.
These rod ends have been carefully selected to suit high loading and shock applications as found in race car suspension.
When it comes to selecting these particular rod ends there are no compromises as the suspension link is a safety critical component (and the kit price reflects this).
We could supply less expensive, lower quality rod ends but this would compromise vehicle safety which is unacceptable.
Benefits.
The use of high quality rod ends entirely overcomes the design limitations in the original Lotus Esprit top suspension link, part number A082D4166J.
The new adjustable link from Lotus Marques offers superior suspension set up and geometry control compared to the original component.
Changing to solid rod ends does not introduce any additional discernible noise into the cabin.
Turn-key solution that simply bolts in utlising the existing fasteners and therefore no other modifications or parts required.
Conclusion.
Modifying existing components so they are adjustable is a compromise as this introduces a problem where the lock nuts are constantly being undone - this is a safety issue to be avoided!
After working for 13 years at Fort Halstead (the UK's top weapons research establishment) in cutting edge technologies, design and materials testing, plus 30 years experience working on Lotus vehicles provides the engineering discipline to manufacture safe products for our valued customers.
These high quality adjustable top links can be supplied in different lengths to suit the Lotus Esprit S3, SE, S4, S4s and Lotus Excel. Please supply your vehicle details at time order to ensure the correct kit is supplied.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
It appears from comments made by the individual concerned, that our product data sheet does not provide sufficient information to demonstrate the true value of the conversion kit.
To this end, the following update explains why our product is superior to the adjustable link manufactured by Lotus and others.
Design considerations.
Examining the standard Lotus component function it is evident there are design flaws.
The rubber bushes have to withstand both radial and twisting loads which significantly reduces the rubber bush service life.
These loads are imposed on the rubber bushes located at each end of the link as the suspension moves from full bump to full droop.
The upper link may appear to perform a simple location function and would scribe a vertical arc as the suspension moves.
However, because of the location of the pivot points of the various components, the upper link is subjected to constant twisting moments.
From experience, Lotus Marques has observed several Esprit's in our workshop where the lock nuts have been unfastened on the adjustable link.
Simply modifying a fixed upper link to be adjustable does nothing to eliminate these problems.
Material and component selection.
The original Lotus component in manufactured from thin wall steel tubing and is sufficiently strong enough for its intended function.
The replacement component offered by Lotus Marques in manufactured from a solid hexagonal mild steel billet and not cheap thin wall tubing.
The external body profile is turned on a lathe and is then drilled the entire length to reduce weight without compromising strength.
The four spacers that locate the rod ends are also machined from a solid billet, case-hardened, bead blasted and then zinc plated to provide corrosion protection.
Left-hand and right-hand threads are cut at opposite ends to accommodate high performance male rod ends.
These rod ends have been carefully selected to suit high loading and shock applications as found in race car suspension.
When it comes to selecting these particular rod ends there are no compromises as the suspension link is a safety critical component (and the kit price reflects this).
We could supply less expensive, lower quality rod ends but this would compromise vehicle safety which is unacceptable.
Benefits.
The use of high quality rod ends entirely overcomes the design limitations in the original Lotus Esprit top suspension link, part number A082D4166J.
The new adjustable link from Lotus Marques offers superior suspension set up and geometry control compared to the original component.
Changing to solid rod ends does not introduce any additional discernible noise into the cabin.
Turn-key solution that simply bolts in utlising the existing fasteners and therefore no other modifications or parts required.
Conclusion.
Modifying existing components so they are adjustable is a compromise as this introduces a problem where the lock nuts are constantly being undone - this is a safety issue to be avoided!
After working for 13 years at Fort Halstead (the UK's top weapons research establishment) in cutting edge technologies, design and materials testing, plus 30 years experience working on Lotus vehicles provides the engineering discipline to manufacture safe products for our valued customers.
These high quality adjustable top links can be supplied in different lengths to suit the Lotus Esprit S3, SE, S4, S4s and Lotus Excel. Please supply your vehicle details at time order to ensure the correct kit is supplied.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques