PA Motorsport upgraded stub axles?

[BDA]

I forgot to mention another option for upgrading the rear stub axles that I find very intriguing: VW/Porsche parts. The stub axles are the same diameter and are hardened (certainly much stronger than the Hillman Imp parts) and half shafts are available in several lengths. Here’s a write up on it: https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=4782.msg51880#msg51880

Now, this requires a twin link rear setup. Richard Mann describes a fairly simple and inexpensive way to make your own here: https://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php?topic=1724.msg15757#msg15757 Of course Lotus Supplies sells their own twin link kit (for some reason they seem to only list it for S1s and S2s) here: https://www.lotus-supplies.com/parts/suspension/rear-corners/twin-link-rear-suspension-system-kit-s1-s2/

If you are intent on keeping the stock rear suspension setup, you’re kind of on your own but I would think a drive shaft shop would be able to make up something for you.

[BDA]

Lotus Supplies sells the Banks stuff now.  There are a number of aftermarket rear axle options out there already.

JB, I'm in the process of upgrading my drive line and wondering what other options for rear stub axles are available other then PA Motorsport. Everybody else seems to only supply stock parts.

[Richard48Y]

My effort at replicating stronger axles is not dead, just in need of funding.
Which is waiting on the sale of a Morris Minor next month. 

[Grumblebuns]

Richard, haven't followed this topic in a while but do you have the equipment to make splined shafts and hubs or is it going to be the typical keyways?



 

[Richard48Y]

The CNC Lathe portion will be pretty easy.
I believe I should be able to do the wheel stud holes and splines on one of my mills.
I may have to invest in a fancier dividing head.
PA Motorsport do not seem to reply, using theirs would be simpler.

[jbcollier]

Well, there used to be a number of options but they seem to have largely stopped making them.  Here's one option:

https://kelvedonlotus.co.uk/product/race-drive-shaft-kit/

There was also a kit on ebay which I have on the shelf.  This was also what Banks offered.

Here are a number of adaptations:

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/suspension/aubin.html

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/suspension/BMW%20STUB%20AXLE%20AUG%202005.html

http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/misc/suspension/s2_hub_conversion.htm

I have no experience with the conversions though I would rate the Corvair conversion highly.  That is what I was going to do until I picked up the ebay kit.

[BDA]

Thanks, JB! I went to Kelvedon but didn't see theirs. Over $1000 for a pair is a bit rich. I have calls into PA Motorsport but have not heard back so availability may win out.
I had heard of the Corvair conversion but couldn't make sense of the drawing! I also wasn't sure about the availability of those parts. I am also reminded of the BMW conversion. Richard's drawing is a lot more clear but I still have questions. Maybe it's worth emailing him for more details.

[Richard48Y]

I believe the eBay kit is NLA.
Have never found it while searching.
I also recall there was some issue with it that I saw in a thread here.
As I said, this is not dead but is delayed.
I may have mentioned that just the steel billets to make them are now $100.00 each.
No matter who does them they will not be cheap.

[314159td]

Just received a set of stock type axles* with flanges, the D-washer, and hardened spacers from Banks a few weeks ago. It worked out to 1450 USD after factoring in their proportion of shipping cost, 2.5% tariff, and the massive 1.30GBP:1.00USD conversion rate I paid at the time (the rate has fallen to 1.22 when I ultimately received the order). Taking four months to get things shipped while still missing parts and not telling me is another post though.

If you can at least match a sticker price of $1300 for 2 axles and 2 flanges that have been tested as good, they'll sell. Kelvedon was slightly cheaper on the axles but all of their other parts more expensive, my math is showing it would have been less than a 10% savings over Banks on axle parts alone.

*This car will never have more than 100hp

[jbcollier]

IMO, the Kelvedon design is very, very good.

[Richard48Y]

Yowza!
$1,122.00 per side for the upgrade Kelvedon parts.
That may not include every piece and does not include shipping.
They are VERY similar to what I am trying to do.
I know we do not want too many fingers in the pie, no one gets a slice and everyone stops trying.
But almost $2,500 a full set?
I really need to get back to this.