28/03/2025
Some of you may be aware that Leda with our help are now producing a coilover conversion for the Lotus Carlton (however a separate "pigtail" spring and adjustable shock absorber in the rear).
As this is the first set we have fitted I think it would be a good idea to go over what to do when fitting the front coilovers as there are a few more steps.
Please note that these coilovers aren't specifically for you to lower the ride height of your LC, they're more for tweaking the ride height so it perfectly matches the Lotus specifications. Lowering the ride height of your LC will compromise the geometry leading to poor handling characteristics, also there is a good chance the spring and platform will rub on your tyre.
Another disclaimer: Agamemnon Lotus Carlton Specialists take no responsibility for you fitting this kit to your car or any damages as a result of poor fitting. If you are unsure about any aspects of modifying vital components give us a call.
When you receive your coilovers you first need to remove the top cup and spring.
Take some nickel or copper grease and apply a thin coating to all the threads on the body. You will need to spin the platform and locking ring but don't worry about relocating it as you'll do that later.
I thin coat is all you need, but make sure it's completely covering the threads. This will help prevent corrosion and stop the adjustment platform and locking ring seizing.
Next wind the platform and locking ring down the body near the bottom. Refit the spring and top cup.
At this point it's highly recommend you fit a new top mount, bearing and LC spec washer. Most of the time these parts are the first to fail and cause unwanted camber and toe changes.
You may also notice a plastic platform that's sitting at the top of the spring, this is for a coilover cover or "sock". A coilover sock is optional but highly recommended, this platform gives somewhere for the sock to attach so it can't ride up and interfere with the top mount.
Fit the top mount parts to your coilover and secure with the factory upper washer and nut (you may need to salvage these off your old front suspension).
You will notice the spring is loose. Ensuring the shock is at full extension wind the spring platform up the body until the spring is no long able to move about. We don't want any preload on the spring so once it's snug stop adjusting.
You will be provided with shorter anti roll bar links, now is a good time to attach one to the back of the coilover.
Now fit the coilover onto the car.
You will notice there is no elongation on the upper bolt hole for the hub carrier. We thought this may be just because they're prototypes but once fitted both sides are within LC camber tolerance (0.9 to 1.1 degrees). With this in mind it's vital all your bushes and mounts are in good condition.
We also found that camber adjustment kits are not compatible. This may change in the future.
Torque settings:
Bottom bracket bolts (use new bolts):
1st stage: 45-55nm
2nd stage: 85-100nm
3rd stage: 30 to 45 degrees.
Lower nut holding top mount to piston shaft: 70nm
Upper nut (in engine bay): 55nm
Both nuts for anti roll bar link: 40nm
With everything bolted up refit the wheels and lower the car onto the floor.
Roll the car back and forth a few times to allow the suspension to settle.
Using a tape measure from the ground to the bottom of the headlights Lotus spec is 550-560mm.
We set ours to 560mm as it is expected the springs will sag a little over time.
If you need to adjust the spring platforms raise the car up and secure it with axle stands so it's safe. You will be able to adjust the spring platform by hand from above the tyre.
Once you're happy with the ride height tighten the locking ring against the bottom of the spring platform so it can't move during use and fit your coilover socks. A zip tie at the top of and bottom is recommended.
Drop the car back down and recheck the ride height.
The toe will now need adjusting before using the car. A local garage can do this. Lotus specification is 0.0 to 1mm total toe in.
That's it! Remember to check your ride height after a few weeks, if there is any change you will need to have your toe reset to avoid excessive tyre wear and handling issues.
