Re: [DML] Lotus Esprit Rear Suspension

["Tom Niemczewski" <dmctom@xxxxxxxxx>]

Mike

I understand their approach of minimalism - use as little parts as possible 
and make them at light weight as possible. That might explain the front 
setup.... Although I still think they went overboard with those control 
arms.
Their approach will never explain the design of the lower mount of the rear 
shock. Why is it at 90 degrees to the actual movement? Beats me... it simply 
doesn't work!
My frame will be heavier that the original. I don't know by how much at this 
point but it will be in the range of 20kg (about 44lbs) or so. But, I really 
don't care about the increase in weight if I gain so much from it. That kind 
of difference would be equal to the difference between half and full tank of 
gas. I don't believe it will impact the acceleration or fuel economy. At the 
same time it will improve the ride and handling by so much that it is well 
worth it.

I will keep you posted on the progress. I'm working on a website that will 
be part of my current site. There, I will be posting pictures with 
descriptions... and the results of course.

Wish me luck ;)

Tom Niemczewski
vin 6149 (in Poland!)
Google earth: 52°25'17.30"N 21° 1'58.00"E
dmctom@xxxxxxxxx
www.deloreana.com



----- Original Message ----- 
From: <mike.griese@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <dmcnews@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 11:05 PM
Subject: Re: [DML] Lotus Esprit Rear Suspension


> Tom - prepare to be disappointed.  The general layout of the Esprit
> front suspension is similar to the DeLorean.
>
> There is a lot more going on in the suspension design than meets
> the eye.  Lotus' design philosophy is to make the car as light
> as possible overall, with particular attention paid to unsprung
> weight.  To execute the design, they typically try to find
> ways to make parts do more than one function.  This reduces
> weight and complexity, at the expense of maintenance.
> The Esprit (and DeLorean) suspension depends on parts
> that are within spec.  They don't tolerate worn bushings,
> weak springs, improper fastener torque, old tires or leaking
> shocks like a typical American car.
>
> It will be interesting to see what you can come up with.
>
> --
> Mike

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