Nitron NTR Track v Intrax iK2

[shimmy]

I have just had my Intrax removed and Nitron NTr Track fitted by Simpsons so I thought I'd start a diary of what my limited understanding and experience has deduced and carry it on until I finally decide what to leave on the car.

Intrax IK2
I've had my intrax fitted now since 2008. It has been serviced once in that time and for various reasons not related to the dampers, the kit has been removed and refitted about 3 times.

http://www.intrax-suspension.eu/?cat=productpage&id=414#

They are the IK2 version with aluminium bodies (changed to steel in 2010) and normal road/track springs 100 front 50 rear (kg/cm).

The rears have 50 click single adjustment for combined rebound and compression damping. The fronts 40 clicks. A decent road set up is 25/50 rear and 20/40 front always measured from full hard. This is quite a firm set up but not that much wore than OEM, just maybe slightly stiffer springs.

Nitron NTR Track
Virtually new they are also two way but with seperate adjustment for compression and rebound damping. Compression is on the remote reservoir canister with 16 clicks and rebound on the main body with 24 clicks.

http://www.nitron.co.uk/Site/Documents/Nitron_Lotus_Manual.pdf

The set was originall bought for the Ring and fitted with 160F and 71R springs. Normally far too hard for road use so I have chosen to fit exactly the same springs as we're on my Intrax, so 100F and 50R. I did this to try to get the best comparison but I guess this will depend on the valving of the dampers, but it's a starting point.

Initial thoughts are that the Nitron seem of a similar quality to KW. Well built and robust with good materials. Intrax always gives the impression of slightly more "race car" build quality which may need more maintenance in the harsh road coniditions of the UK winters. We will see maybe if these thoughts stand the yet of time?

More tomorrow!

[shimmy]

Intrax IK2 before they went on

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/intrax2.jpg


Nitron as new

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/5593cf47.jpg


After they went on

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/328c4877.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/dfaaf5f1.jpg

[chrisburns]

The Nitrons really are like new shim! Must not have been used at all.

Are you still going on your trip?

[Rutkowski]

Shim, why changing to such a similar suspension set up? 3 way Motons would make much more sense, wouldn't it?

[shimmy]

Shim, why changing to such a similar suspension set up? 3 way Motons would make much more sense, wouldn't it?

motons would be a big step up for sure. too much money and very rarely bought on e46 road cars so im sticking to affordable solutions

its circumstance really, my rear intra need a service and i was offered the Nitron secind hand so i thought a trial would be in order:(

[_Nathan_]

Shim, can you trial some Ohlins TTX and then sell them to be cheap after? Ta.

[phoenixcsl]

Shim,

Cor those Nitrons are as new, they look lovely!

Did you get new springs from Nitron in the new spring rates?

I still haven't fathomed out what spring rates are on mine yet.

Did they come with Adjustable Drop Links? And how did you set them? with the car back on its wheels?

[manos///3]

I also have Nitron track and I am very satisfied on track!

I am looking now to convert rear damper to coilover instead of barel spring.

I am using 80 N/mm front springs and Nitron guys advise me to put 60 N/mm rear springs.

For track setup I always have rear dampers more soft , about 2 clicks, both rebound and bump.
And rebound 2 clicks softer than bump front and rear , as Ntr advises.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

That Nitron setup looks a nice bit of kit :thumbs: what is the price of it double the KW ??

[alexk]

Shim, can you trial some Ohlins TTX and then sell them to be cheap after? Ta.

2 sets of Ohlins TTX please !

[conleth m3]

going to be an interesting read shimmy. was wondering what settings you've been using for the intrax on track? just had mine fitted (as per other thread :banghead:) and started out on the road setting that youve mentioned F 20/40 and R 25/50. would you go about 10clicks harder F+R on track to start with then adjust accordingly through the day as needed?

slightly softer might suit oultons kerbs and the bumps on the pitstraight near braking zone for old hall, but harden things up if some where smoother surface like donington?

[northernjim]

going to be an interesting read shimmy. was wondering what settings you've been using for the intrax on track? just had mine fitted (as per other thread :banghead:) and started out on the road setting that youve mentioned F 20/40 and R 25/50. would you go about 10clicks harder F+R on track to start with then adjust accordingly through the day as needed?

slightly softer might suit oultons kerbs and the bumps on the pitstraight near braking zone for old hall, but harden things up if some where smoother surface like donington?



Are you getting some spacers sorted for now then?


As for settings, depends on the weather - whats it saying at the mo?

[conleth m3]

Are you getting some spacers sorted for now then?


As for settings, depends on the weather - whats it saying at the mo?

yep, getting some spacers but not sure if going to be here in time. still have my 19" cups which will fit if needs be. weather reports seem changable, seems to be mostly ok : 14 deg and only a passing shower. so sounds like cup weather :thumbs:

might all change though

cheers

conleth

[shimmy]

That Nitron setup looks a nice bit of kit :thumbs: what is the price of it double the KW ??

They have changed the models around Xmas time. These were over £3k new but I wil be selling for £2k if they come off at the end of my trial.

[shimmy]

That Nitron setup looks a nice bit of kit :thumbs: what is the price of it double the KW ??

going to be an interesting read shimmy. was wondering what settings you've been using for the intrax on track? just had mine fitted (as per other thread :banghead:) and started out on the road setting that youve mentioned F 20/40 and R 25/50. would you go about 10clicks harder F+R on track to start with then adjust accordingly through the day as needed?

slightly softer might suit oultons kerbs and the bumps on the pitstraight near braking zone for old hall, but harden things up if some where smoother surface like donington?


Sounds about right, around 10/15 or 9/12 depending on circuit.

Interestingly at Oulton when chasing ONeill and Lawsy i had forgotten to change from wet road setting so at the end of the day I was still 20/25 and running about 1m 58.

[s.mac]

These were over £3k new but I wil be selling for £2k if they come off at the end of my trial

if they come off that will give us the heads up that they are shit ;)

[shimmy]

if they come off that will give us the heads up that they are shit ;)

Or that I'm still skint and need the money.:thumbs:

[s.mac]

:hahaha:

[shimmy]

Shim,

Cor those Nitrons are as new, they look lovely!

Did you get new springs from Nitron in the new spring rates?

I still haven't fathomed out what spring rates are on mine yet.

Did they come with Adjustable Drop Links? And how did you set them? with the car back on its wheels?


The 100/50 springs were off my intrax. They fit perfectly at 2.5" and 2.25" front and rear. Once I've done the comparison I will probably either fit the 160/71 or get some 120/60 to use and put the 100/50 back on the intrax and sell.

Drop links just used CSL ones.

[conleth m3]

Sounds about right, around 10/15 or 9/12 depending on circuit.

Interestingly at Oulton when chasing ONeill and Lawsy i had forgotten to change from wet road setting so at the end of the day I was still 20/25 and running about 1m 58.


cool, cheers shim :thumbs:

so middle of the range road settings still pretty damn good, under 2mins is a good time at oulton. will try it out.

conleth

[flipm3]

Beautiful setup.

I am in the middle of trying to decide which suspension I want to go with for this coming track season as well.

I apologize if this has been brought up many times in the past.

Are there any risks in using a full rear coilover? Did you do anything to reinforce the rear shock tower?

Thanks! :thumbs:

[shimmy]

Beautiful setup.

I am in the middle of trying to decide which suspension I want to go with for this coming track season as well.

I apologize if this has been brought up many times in the past.

Are there any risks in using a full rear coilover? Did you do anything to reinforce the rear shock tower?

Thanks! :thumbs:

yes, I think it is widely known that the rear coilovers can crack the rear turret.

I have always used the Z3 reinforcement plates and also a solid rear strutt brace both to try to stop the turret from flexing with the movement of the damper.

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Does the strut brace bolt to the fixing studs on the shock/turret, Where can I get one from, do you have any details. :thumbs:

[shimmy]

Does the strut brace bolt to the fixing studs on the shock/turret, Where can I get one from, do you have any details. :thumbs:


Here are mine, but there are others.

http://www.racdyn-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=196.99.46.211&Category_Code=e46m3 (http://www.racdyn-usa.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Product_Code=196.99.46.211&Category_Code=e46m3)



http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/csl240410036.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/csl240410038.jpg

[shimmy]

The road ride is superb once adjusted to suit. No noise, no crashing, and my car is reasonably low.

On track at Donington I set up the car stiffer then road it left the rebound the same. Initially the car felt very good with great front end grip, braking was spot on (although I had my vibration from the ballpoint to cope with). The rear felt good as well so I decided with my limited track time to do some adjustment.

I turned up the compression damping (remote reservoirs) by 4 clicks (out of 16) so from 12 on road to 8 on track they were now on 4) in retrospect these were quite severe changes and straight away I noticed with Jim the car step out at CRANERS as we turned in left. It was trying to send the rear to the right. Now it might have meant we needed to up the rebound or decrease the compression but as only one session left I set it back to a softer compression and all was ok.

The adjustment is easy and exact. The affect of the adjustment seems unite pronounced so now I will try it on the road with minor adjustment to get her dished in nd wait for a Silverstone or maybe fit in a Snetterton in March.

[O'Neill]

The road ride is superb once adjusted to suit. No noise, no crashing, and my car is reasonably low.

On track at Donington I set up the car stiffer then road it left the rebound the same. Initially the car felt very good with great front end grip, braking was spot on (although I had my vibration from the ballpoint to cope with). The rear felt good as well so I decided with my limited track time to do some adjustment.

I turned up the compression damping (remote reservoirs) by 4 clicks (out of 16) so from 12 on road to 8 on track they were now on 4) in retrospect these were quite severe changes and straight away I noticed with Jim the car step out at CRANERS as we turned in left. It was trying to send the rear to the right. Now it might have meant we needed to up the rebound or decrease the compression but as only one session left I set it back to a softer compression and all was ok.

The adjustment is easy and exact. The affect of the adjustment seems unite pronounced so now I will try it on the road with minor adjustment to get her dished in nd wait for a Silverstone or maybe fit in a Snetterton in March.

Snett 300, would be a good comparison with the Intrax, certainly with the time you done last March:smokin:

[flipm3]

Great update! I recently inquired with a US Vendor for Nitron about different setups for the E46 M3.

What are your current ride heights from the center of the wheel to fender?

Alignment specs?

Thanks! :thumbs:

[shimmy]

Great update! I recently inquired with a US Vendor for Nitron about different setups for the E46 M3.

What are your current ride heights from the center of the wheel to fender?

Alignment specs?

Thanks! :thumbs:

I could tell you but I'd have to kill you........don't know actually, I'll check and post tomorrow,

[flipm3]

I could tell you but I'd have to kill you........don't know actually, I'll check and post tomorrow,

Hehe...please help a brother out! You're my only hope. No one in the States wants to give Nitron a chance, haha....

[shimmy]

Just driven down to Simpsons and the Nitrons are just superb on road. I stopped half way down and just tweaked the rear to see what difference it made (2 clicks more on compression and then 2 more on rebound 25 miles later and you can really feel the changes take effect.

New Pilot Super Sport also have now got some grip so back end feels planted on the A roads down to Lydney.

[flipm3]

Just driven down to Simpsons and the Nitrons are just superb on road. I stopped half way down and just tweaked the rear to see what difference it made (2 clicks more on compression and then 2 more on rebound 25 miles later and you can really feel the changes take effect.

New Pilot Super Sport also have now got some grip so back end feels planted on the A roads down to Lydney.

Although I'm not familiar at all with the roads in the UK, it's creating knowing that your setup is very street compliant.

I have gotten into endless debates with people on other forums stating that high end dampers like Nitron can be very street friendly with the right spring rates. Yet a few still don't want to believe me....haha

Thanks for the update :thumbs:

[Funkster]

Just driven down to Simpsons and the Nitrons are just superb on road. I stopped half way down and just tweaked the rear to see what difference it made (2 clicks more on compression and then 2 more on rebound 25 miles later and you can really feel the changes take effect.

New Pilot Super Sport also have now got some grip so back end feels planted on the A roads down to Lydney.

So would you say the Nitrons are more road compliant than the Intrax were.

[shimmy]

So would you say the Nitrons are more road compliant than the Intrax were.

I had same springs on both. I'd say yes, just. Nitrons seem to be just a little less harsh although I did to test all the Nitrons setting yet.

[O'Neill]

I had same springs on both. I'd say yes, just. Nitrons seem to be just a little less harsh although I did to test all the Nitrons setting yet.

Are you keeping the Nitrons on for a little longer or going back to Intrax.

[shimmy]

Are you keeping the Nitrons on for a little longer or going back to Intrax.

I've swapped back to Intrax now that my rear dampers have been serviced. Two reasons:

1. If I sell the Nitrons I will get more cash back as they are better built and newer.

2. after 4 years with Intrax I am too lazy to go through the learning curve again on track especially as they are the better 2 way dampers and you need to be clever enough to understand the adjustments.

I'll clean them up at the weekend and put them up for sale soon after.

[O'Neill]

Change is hard as you get older;)

[shimmy]

Change is hard as you get older;)

Tell me about it. Wish everything did.;)

[CraigMillwardCroft]

Tell me about it. Wish everything did.;) :hahaha::hahaha::hahaha:

[shimmy]

I've swapped back to Intrax now that my rear dampers have been serviced. Two reasons:

1. If I sell the Nitrons I will get more cash back as they are better built and newer.

2. after 4 years with Intrax I am too lazy to go through the learning curve again on track especially as they are the better 2 way dampers and you need to be clever enough to understand the adjustments.

I'll clean them up at the weekend and put them up for sale soon after.

The Nitron were picked up today and now have gone to a better sunnier home. I honestly believe that with some set up time they would be a better road damper and maybe as good a track damper as Ik2, it's just I is skint and haven't got the time to muck around with it.

Enjoy!


http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/pp97/shimmylasco/CSL/9d135faf.jpg