22 minutes ago, Thefeliciahacker said:

bro be thinking that kit car has anything to do with production car other than the name hahaah

 

I know it, i never-ever said that a Felicia with few upgrades can be a kit-car for WRC or can run in DTM style race although some cars almost ''stock'' can do better than just City driving.

Remember Seat Leon 1.6

https://www.gocar.gr/news/feed/14387,Eniaio_prwta8lhma_SEAT_Leon_Eurocup.html

 

https://el-gr.facebook.com/gkvideo-326867363606/videos/ενιαιο-seat-leon-2002/105622642795864/

 

Felicia isn't Atos or Vivio, with few upgrades can be more ''fun to drive'' in a Sprot style, nothing bad with this.

John Paul Jones

November 16, 1778

 

He wrote a letter on November 16, 1778, to Le Ray de Chaumont stating, “I wish to have no connection with any ship that does not sail fast, for I intend to go in harm's way.” 

 

 

This topic reminds me of OceanGate, Stockton Rush, and Titan submersible implosion. Stockton died and 4 other innocent people died with him because he thought he is the smartest scientist, he can cut many corners, and he can use flimsy parts.

He wanted to have fun. So he did. Good luck. Enjoy.

12 hours ago, RicardoM said:

1,200 Felicias in 2023

I took your word for that number but later thought that seemed a lot given the list and on checking it's just over 1,000 Felicias in 2023, that certainly proves you had a garage, you have inflated the final figure.  😄   I'm only joking.  20% is the tax you have to allow for and pass on.  😄

  

Now that he (finally) got away from this topic let's continue.

 

https://elantrikbits.com/lotus-elan-blog/koni-rebuildable-front-shocks/

 

Koni Rebuildable Front Shocks (LOTUS ELAN)

 

Driving Observations Since Front And Rear Suspension/Koni Rebuild.

The S2 elan has now become a different beast to drive… for the better. No longer is there a fear when encountering rough and rutted road surfaces, the elan now handles bad road conditions with far better manners than previously, amazing really, but what a difference rebuilt shocks make, along with the installation of high quality and correct bump stops on both front and rear suspension – The ride of the car has improved out of sight, the handling has improved, the cornering ability has also been racked up several notches.

On 19/01/2024 at 11:40, D.FYLAKTOS said:

Koni Rebuildable Front Shocks (LOTUS ELAN)

 

The S2 elan has now become a different beast to drive… for the better.

 

 

A friend of mine send me this photo from his neighbourhood:

 

 

 

Lotus Elan S2, as you can see the body has some scratches, the driver must use it often, of course it's not a ''daily car'' but in boulevards-Highway-Mountain roads would be extremely happy with what he has.

For sure has Koni shock absorbers and as done a rebuild on them, well done Man. 😎

 

A mate has one of those, he used to have two, but not with the oversized wheels and tyres, supposed to be one of the best handling front wheel drive cars.  Not my cup of tea as it's a 90s car and certainly looks like it by the dash, plus you apparently you can get a golf bag in the boot which puts me off any two-seater but it certainly seems to go well.  A bit wide for real fun on narrow country roads.  On the plus side it has an Isuzu engine and upset snobby "real" Lotus owners for very many years particularly as Kia also made it later, if I had one I'd replace the Lotus badge with the badge used on the Kias just for the sheer joy of it. 😁

 

I have read also for Toyota-Honda-Ford-Mercedes AMG etc engines.

We have Lotus official seller here in Greece (although Chinese own the company) together with Maserati.

Some GR videos Here.

 

Tour from USA

 

 

 

That's a later Elise and a bit wasted on those (that I quickly looked at) wide American roads, the bends aren't sharp enough, the Americans really miss out not having the small UK country roads for more driver input and fun.  The Elise hoods have always been a joke, better to leave them off and mop out at the end.

 

Late 1990s on a club event on the roads I let one of our members have a go in my car so he returned the favour in his not so old at the time original (mk1) Elise, the brake pedal feel was more like a track car, I was used to much softer feel, applying earlier and lighter so the owner had to encourage me to leave the braking to later and press harder.  Fabulous car to drive on UK country roads, the chassis gave the feel at each corner, gearshift was nothing to write home about but OK but pedals and driving position were good for me too.  UK sports cars were not about high speeds, proper fun roads remain so at 60mph (70mph way back) or a lot less, they're about the handling, turning the steering, wheel, using the gears, brakes when needed, too long or many long straights are boring.

 

How Shock Absorbers Impact Fuel Efficiency: Improving Your Vehicle’s MPG

https://medium.com/@AutoEspy/how-shock-absorbers-impact-fuel-efficiency-improving-your-vehicles-mpg-4b86d0e0f1f6

 

The impact of shock absorbers on fuel efficiency is a factor often overlooked by vehicle owners. However, understanding this link is essential for optimizing mileage and reducing fuel consumption. Here are two key aspects that highlight the connection between shock absorbers and fuel efficiency:

1. Impact of Rough Road Surfaces: When driving on rough or uneven road surfaces, the energy absorbed by shock absorbers directly affects fuel consumption. Here’s how:
2. Energy Dissipation and Suspension Oscillations: Rough roads generate excessive vertical movements in the suspension system, causing the vehicle to bounce and oscillate. Shock absorbers play a crucial role in dissipating the energy generated by these movements. Inadequate shock absorber performance leads to poor energy dissipation, resulting in prolonged suspension oscillations. This not only affects ride comfort but also increases fuel consumption as the vehicle struggles to maintain stability.
3. Fuel Consumption on Rough Roads: On rough roads, vehicles with worn-out or ineffective shock absorbers experience reduced tire contact with the road surface. This leads to increased rolling resistance and tire slippage. The engine has to work harder to overcome these resistance forces, resulting in higher fuel consumption. Furthermore, the vibrations caused by inadequate shock absorption can affect engine efficiency and increase fuel consumption.
4. Vibration and Suspension Efficiency: Shock absorbers also play a crucial role in reducing vibration and optimizing suspension efficiency, both of which have an impact on fuel efficiency:
5. Vibration Damping and Tire Grip: Efficient shock absorbers dampen vibrations transmitted through the suspension system. Excessive vibrations can cause the tires to lose grip on the road, leading to reduced traction. When traction is compromised, the vehicle’s stability is affected, and the driver may need to compensate by applying more throttle or braking inputs. This results in increased fuel consumption.
6. Effects of Excessive Vibration on Fuel Efficiency: Excessive suspension vibration not only affects tire grip but also causes discomfort and fatigue to vehicle occupants. Aggressive vibrations can lead to a harsh and uncomfortable ride, forcing the driver to make sudden adjustments to maintain control. These sudden adjustments, such as aggressive braking or acceleration inputs, can significantly increase fuel consumption.

The following reminds me of the Lotus (and Kia) M100 for various reasons, you'll see why.  It's a kit-car so no where near expensive as it might look.  We used to have a lot of very small and often short-lived kit-car companies, but not now, some good, some not so good and some not good,  Dax was good but all depended on who built the car.  We had a custom made 4-seater open Cobra replica in the club at one time the builder was so good that one of his other Cobra builds was hand-signed by Carroll Shelby.

 

 

How does a car's suspension affect the gas mileage?

https://www.quora.com/How-does-a-cars-suspension-affect-the-gas-mileage

 

Other drivers talk about it.

 

On 26/01/2024 at 14:35, nta16 said:

A bit wide for real fun on narrow country roads.

 

From village to village the roads have 3 major problems: the potholes, the tall dry grasses in the turns and the pine needles which make the line narrower and slippery.

 

 

The responsible for is situation the Region, they don't give money for maintenance and soon these roads from ''Fun to drive'' are converted to ''Nightmare to drive".

You can not drive Sport style, you can not make an overtake and no matter if the environment is good (fresh air, trees etc) and the road has many turns the danger is always lurks.

Only SUV and 4x4 vehicles can pass, all the others have problem especially those with modified suspension, once upon a time these roads were a pleasure and now the government abandoned them.

 

What roads , where.  That picture is too small for me to see much but in that photo the road looks plenty wide enough even with the pine needles at the edges to get a couple of traditional English sports cars easily passed each other going in opposite directions.  If on any road only 4X4s can go on it then yes avoid that road, if most average SUVs with average SUV drivers can go on it then you could probably get a traditional English sportscar along it.  The Lotus Elise is a bit low but that was more biased towards road to track mentality.

 

You seem to mistake where the needle points on the speedo with speed and fun, I'm not talking about track driving and ego figures.  The many turns is the fun, no you don't put yourself or others in danger so you avoid going on it if you know there will be slower drivers.  Two drivers, one behind the other in totally different cars can be on the same road, one in a capable modern family car so bored they have to have some form of in-car entertainment on, the other in a lower powered old car where the drive and driving are the entertainment - both will be travelling at the same speed.

 

Do you really think that England, Scotland and Wales doesn't have fun, and all other, roads that have been allowed to deteriorate and get potholes.  If your only aim is to go as fast as you can you need to be on a track.

 

2 hours ago, nta16 said:

What roads , where.  That picture is too small for me to see much but in that photo the road looks plenty wide enough even with the pine needles at the edges

 

Greek country roads, an example:

 

 

Imagine this in a turn.

 

 

Now a bigger photo, see where the car goes to.

 

2 hours ago, nta16 said:

If your only aim is to go as fast as you can you need to be on a track.

 

I never said "fast as i can", i am not a Kamikaze, in all of my photos my car in inside the lane.

I see no bad thing to choose a Mountain Route with turn for a ride, personally i would hate to drive in long Highways as have in USA.

Edited 8 February, 20242 yr by D.FYLAKTOS

I don't see a problem with the roads in either photo but I do see perhaps some poor quality overtaking if both the car and bike are travelling towards your car travelling in the opposite direction to you taking the photo (video).

 

One of my favorite driving roads in Wales, helped by the fact there are also more great and different driving roads nearby and the likes of the general Porsche/Audi drivers go on the other faster but less interesting roads advertised by the type of TV, magazines and websites they read and watch, and plenty of great British classic pubs selling and keeping well decent ale cask ale and a lot of locals like rally driving so yoy are more likily to hold them up rather than the other way round.

 

This vid gives you no idea of the climbs or drops, the lumps, humps and jumps in the road or the unevenness pf the surface sometimes and holes - and it's not raining or very wet from previous rain fall(s).  Still gibes some idea. -

 

Edited 8 February, 20242 yr by nta16

1 hour ago, nta16 said:

are travelling towards your car travelling in the opposite direction to you taking the photo (video).

 

Photos are from internet search, not from my camera.

I have take some photos for fuel consumption only, i have some video while driving but was many years ego and low resolution.

 

The road is great but one way, we don't have such a road here so we always must pay attention where the other car is, when we are in country roads with high dry grass (example)

 

 

we are double-cautious, those you aren't (young recless drivers or foreigners which don't pay attention to the field) often involved in accidents.

I wish i had abjustable suspension, now i am on the 1st scale and the shock absorbers must removed to adjust them in 2nd when the time comes.

In motorcycles was ''piece of cake''.

Edited 8 February, 20242 yr by D.FYLAKTOS

54 minutes ago, D.FYLAKTOS said:

The road is great but one way,

Which road is one way?  The video I posted shows a one-car-width, two-way road (with some passing places), with high snow-poles to mark out where the road runs - didn't you see the larger van and five cars coming in the opposite direction?

 

55 minutes ago, D.FYLAKTOS said:

when we are in country roads with high dry grass (example)

That's a wide road, did you not see the narrow road (just over one car width, with some passing places) with walls or other (hedges, trees) higher than the car on both sides of the one-car-width, two-way road.  On some bits you have to guess if a car is coming the other way or if you saw them much further up the road how quickly you will going in opposite directions or if they have pulled over somewhere waiting for you or not paying enough attention to have seen your when you saw their car or other vehicle.  All more difficult when in a lower set sports car, not so bad in a Land Rover, SUV, 4X4, motorhome, bigger van., tractor, motorbike, idiot delivery van driver blindly following a car (tw*tnav) satnav system -

 

I am at work, i saw only few seconds from the video.

We have a same road here, no white lines, very risky to drive.

 

 

4 hours ago, nta16 said:

This vid gives you no idea of the climbs or drops, the lumps, humps and jumps in the road or the unevenness pf the surface sometimes and holes - and it's not raining or very wet from previous rain fall(s).  Still gibes some idea. -

 

From a local(ish), the Bealach na Ba is a single track road; this means it is narrow enough that you need the passing places to pass oncoming cyclists!

3 hours ago, D.FYLAKTOS said:

We have a same road here, no white lines, very risky to drive.

A quick look at the video (no translation) those look a much longer and sustained higher roads don't seem as varied though, some are two--track roads and another I saw without a car on so can't judge the road with.

 

The roads over here are not risky, there are even guard rails on higher bits with steep sides, more risk on local roads you know well with two-lanes, or more, full width lanes, you drive to the circumstances.

 

3 hours ago, Paws4Thot said:

From a local(ish), the Bealach na Ba is a single track road; this means it is narrow enough that you need the passing places to pass oncoming cyclists!

B*gger, I linked to the wrong place, should have realised by the snow poles and all the water, I've mixed up my country roads (and countries).

 

I've only been over that six times times, three times each way, first times in early 90s and last times in 1999.  Third time I left my wallet at the pub in Applecross after pub lunch there on a club tour but I didn't realised until the afternoon tea stop by which time we were about 80 miles away and had another 40 or so to get to our hotel to book in,

 

Next day was a do as you please day so I could drive back to the pub to collect my wallet so I asked if anyone else want to go back with me but no one did so my wife very reluctantly went with me, she doesn't like "pointy-roads".  On the way to the pub the day before on the steep bit I was gunning it up as usual (I love going up, but not so much coming down)  halfway up she said she could smell oil and as I'd had the car serviced shortly before (engine oil and filter change, I insisted they used the Mobil 1 I bought) I thought I'd better check on the flat bit after.  Of course everything was fine, just an alternative to the verbal handbrake.  We had a new Mk2 MX-5 1.6i then, easily capable of such routes (V8 might have been even more fun).  Before the car was a year old I changed the Yoko tyres fitted to Rain Experts as the car and Yokos overflattered my (lack of) driving skills and I prefer extra wet grip and less dry grip.

 

The following is the road I meant to link to, it's only about 13 miles (21km) long but you can link in with other great roads nearby and make a good morning drive, stop for lunch and go to and link in other similar roads yo make a great afternoon before returning to the pub for games, evening meal, a couple of ales then bed, that got earlier as the years went on.

 

Great to be in the area when they are training (often overseas) jet fighter pilots.

 

This isn't a great video and only shows a small part of the road which varies a bit from what's in the video, and you need to mute the sound, but it gives an idea.

 

Even in Wales it doesn't always rain in fact most years were sunny and warm, we went on the roads in both directions more than once each day let alone each year of most of the 10 years we had our own Wales tours with just our friends in a wider Toyota Supra (Midget is 1.37m wide, Supra 1.81m), we often had to wait for the 3 litre turbo car to catch up with our 1275cc na, especially on some of the other roads if other vehicles were coming from the other direction.

 

Note the Audi driver (of course) needing the whole road and four wheels on tarmac, same for the posh 4X4s even on wider roads, local drivers and proper Landies (Land Rover) usual went by with hardly slowing down and wheels off tarmac.

 

 

1 hour ago, nta16 said:

The following is the road I meant to link to, it's only about 13 miles (21km) long

OHOT We did get the advantage that I know the Pass of the Cattle, and have never (that I remember) been over Hellfire Pass.

We don't like roads like these here, first time i saw was back in 1991.

No white lines, due to the high dry grass there was no visibility in the corners and the locals had invented a trick:

Before the corner pushed the horn, no answer=nobody is coming so proceed

Beep as answer=another car is coming, slow down so we barely both can fit in the turn.

Of course any foreigners or non local Greeks didn't knew that and many times there were small accidents.

 

Personally i see no fun driving in road like this, my mind wouldn't be in the engine noise-sound of tyres in turns-behaviour of suspension-tachometer.