Steel hoses on a 111r?

[nick_j007]

I upgraded the brake hoses on my last 111s ('03 k series 1.8) and appreciated the extra feel in the brake pedal. I'm due to get the car (fairly new to me '06 111r) looked over soon and wondered if it would benefit from the same upgrade?

Your thoughts would be welcome.

Nick

[John145]

Comes with braided brakes lines as standard, no?

[nick_j007]

AH. Good question. I go have a look later (gets coat)

[21TonyK]

Rubber hoses as standard AFAIK. I changed the hoses on mine (S2 Exige) and TBH can't feel any difference on the road. On track it might help a bit when the fluid gets hot but in terms of feel theres not a lot in it. Better changes you can make with fluid, pads etc etc and if a older pedal box you can adjust for a better heel and toe position.

[rico28]

I had braided break hoses put on my early S2 Sports Tourer, I did pads and disks at the same time so hard to tell what impact just the hoses had but overall my set up become significantly firmer and more responsive (my setup = EliseParts Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hoses, Pagid RS4-2 Brake Pads, EliseParts Ali Bell Brake Disks).

[nick_j007]

rico28 said:

I had braided break hoses put on my early S2 Sports Tourer, I did pads and disks at the same time so hard to tell what impact just the hoses had but overall my set up become significantly firmer and more responsive (my setup = EliseParts Stainless Steel Braided Brake Hoses, Pagid RS4-2 Brake Pads, EliseParts Ali Bell Brake Disks).

Thank you for that. Many seem to be using the Pagid RS4-2 pads. I see EP have a big range of the Carbone Larraine also...any good?

As much as I'd like new discs I'll hold off for now.

Will probably look at hoses, liquid and pads for now.

[21TonyK]

nick_j007 said:

Thank you for that. Many seem to be using the Pagid RS4-2 pads. I see EP have a big range of the Carbone Larraine also...any good?

As much as I'd like new discs I'll hold off for now.

Will probably look at hoses, liquid and pads for now.

On an R hoses are a front clam off job and even then not easy on the ABS side of the car, ie. I ended up cutting away bits to get access. As already said, on an ABS car I think you will struggle to feel the difference on the road. Only benefit for me is extended session times on track as the rubber hoses eexpand when the fluid gets hot.

As for pads, CL's are questionable. Read some of the threads on SELOC for some background and first hand experiences. I've used OEM, Mintex, CL5, Performance Friction and Pagid 4-2 and 14's. The 4-2s seem the best compromise for road/trackday use. For full track the PF and RS-14's, possibly the CL6 but not tried them.

The biggest difference for road will be decent pads and a proper fluid change to ensure no air in the system (including the clutch hose).

[nick_j007]

21TonyK said:

On an R hoses are a front clam off job and even then not easy on the ABS side of the car, ie. I ended up cutting away bits to get access. As already said, on an ABS car I think you will struggle to feel the difference on the road. Only benefit for me is extended session times on track as the rubber hoses eexpand when the fluid gets hot.

As for pads, CL's are questionable. Read some of the threads on SELOC for some background and first hand experiences. I've used OEM, Mintex, CL5, Performance Friction and Pagid 4-2 and 14's. The 4-2s seem the best compromise for road/trackday use. For full track the PF and RS-14's, possibly the CL6 but not tried them.

The biggest difference for road will be decent pads and a proper fluid change to ensure no air in the system (including the clutch hose).

Great advice thanks you very much.

I am due to have the front clam off in 2 weeks anyway so that will be easier. Taking what you say though I shall probably leave as it is as I am not often on track.

I think I'll go with your advice and go with new 4-2 pads and fluid. Any fluid in particular, or just let my Lotus service place sort it? I have a basket open on Elise Parts.

Nick

[21TonyK]

nick_j007 said:

Great advice thanks you very much.

I am due to have the front clam off in 2 weeks anyway so that will be easier. Taking what you say though I shall probably leave as it is as I am not often on track.

I think I'll go with your advice and go with new 4-2 pads and fluid. Any fluid in particular, or just let my Lotus service place sort it? I have a basket open on Elise Parts.

Nick

Well Castrol SRF is what Lotus specify but at £50 a litre it's expensive compared to basic Motul which (I would say) is more than good enough for road.

http://www.opieoils.co.uk/p-894-motul-rbf-600-fact...

Key is getting the system flushed properly which I am yet to see a dealer do, ie. they don't remove and invert the front calipers and do the clutch hose.

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/experience/m...