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Visual differences between S2 & TCS hub carriers

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Grumblebuns:
I never knew the differences between the S2 and TCS hub carriers. Having the two available for comparison I decided to take pictures showing the differences. This may help someone in case he comes across one in a swap meet. This is some of the obvious visual differences that I noticed without using calipers or a side by side comparison.

1. The S2s have LEFT/RIGHT embossed on the casting, the TCS does not.
2. The S2s have two separate holes for shock mount and the lower link bolts, the TCS only one
3. The S2 hub mounting holes are a trapezium (US definition), there are no parallel sides. The TCS hub holes are spaced as a rectangle, equally spaced holes.

The only obvious differences visible by having both side by side for comparison is the bearing housing area for the TCS is larger to accommodate the larger bearing and the rear brakes from the GT6. The "ears" for the four mounting bolts are beefier on the TCS. There may be others that I've missed, maybe someone else can add more.
 
I don't have a hub from a TC for comparison but there is a picture of the TC hub carrier on the RD Ent website. From what I can tell, the TC hub appears to have features of both the S2 and TCS hubs. The TC hub has the LEFT/RIGHT letters embossed on the casting like the S2 but has a single hole for the shock mount and lower link as per the TCS. The bearing housing area looks closer to the S2 than the TCS. Please be free to add more differences that I may have missed.   

 

EuropaTC:
Good shots there Joji and looking closely at them I'd guess that my TC carriers have more in common with the S2 than the TCS, which looks a much better design/casting. 

The TC only has one hole for the bottom link/damper fixing as per the TCS but otherwise I'd be tempted to say it's the same casting as the S2. They do have the Left/Right cast into the sides and the 4 tapped holes on each side for mounting the trailing arm look less substantial than your TCS version.

46lotus:
Joji, The cast left and right are not a good indicator as I have both S1 and TC cars and neither have left or right cast into them.  I also believe the TCS housing has a different bolt circle as a TCS housing will not fit a non TCS trailing arm. This may also apply to TC housings. I have a damaged trailing arm where someone tried to redrill the arm to fit both applications, it has 6 holes per side. 
Tom

EuropaTC:
Interesting point on the bolt circle Tom, I wonder how that came about ? 

I thought the S2 & TC used the same brake backplates and looking at my parts list the same backplates are listed for the TC & TCS. (and look similar number styles to the S2)  So I'd drifted into the concept that "they'll all be the same".

But after reading your post and looking again at Joji's photos, unless it's the angle of the shot there does seem to be a larger bolt circle on the TCS carrier. (picture 5). 

I guess it makes sense, again checking the parts list the TC & TCS do have different numbers for the trailing arms. Did the change come about with the move to larger rear brake shoes & larger inner bearing ?

Certified Lotus:
Great write up. I have two sets of 72 TC hub carriers and they are both the same. See photos below of one complete set.

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