Honda S2 conversion.
Discussion
Im biding my time still looking for the ideal Lotus Elise to buy. I thought that I had made up my mind with a 111R but the more I read about the Honda conversion the more impressed I am.
I see Maidstone do the conversion for £11500 whilst Essex Autsport quote £7995 inc vat.
Why is there such a difference in price and who would you recommend out of the two, and are there any others I should be considering should I wish to take this path?
I see Maidstone do the conversion for £11500 whilst Essex Autsport quote £7995 inc vat.
Why is there such a difference in price and who would you recommend out of the two, and are there any others I should be considering should I wish to take this path?
The Essex Auto conversion sounds too cheap.
It's probably £7,995+ Vat and "from" £7,995.
You will need a few extras to bring it up to scratch like swirl pot, baffled sump etc.
I have an Essex conversion and have several friends with Maidstones conversions.
Both are top quality and very reliable.
Have a chat with both and pick the one you fancy.
Ex77
It's probably £7,995+ Vat and "from" £7,995.
You will need a few extras to bring it up to scratch like swirl pot, baffled sump etc.
I have an Essex conversion and have several friends with Maidstones conversions.
Both are top quality and very reliable.
Have a chat with both and pick the one you fancy.
Ex77
As above - price is £7995 + VAT
http://www.essexautosport.com/content/upgrades/upg...
Says baffled sump is included but not the fuel swirl pot.
http://www.essexautosport.com/content/upgrades/upg...
Says baffled sump is included but not the fuel swirl pot.
Previously, I had a Maidstone Sports car converted S2 111s. I had no problems with the car at all. I bought the car when it had already been converted and the invoices were included. Around £10k was for the original engine conversion and an additional amount for uprated brakes etc.
Very fast even without the super charger fitted and around 35+mpg to boot. Straight forward servicing costs and the only additional expense is tyres as these don't last as long.
Where do most owners go to to have their Honda Elise cars serviced and how frequently?
Despite my incorrection with the prices of these conversions Essex Autosport are still a fair bit cheaper. I would be looking to only use mine for road use and cant see myself doing any track days with it, should this make any difference as to who I use?
My other concerns are reliability I know that the Honda plant is widely regarded as bullet proof but has anyone got any advice or had any issues with it?
Any advice is much welcomed.
Despite my incorrection with the prices of these conversions Essex Autosport are still a fair bit cheaper. I would be looking to only use mine for road use and cant see myself doing any track days with it, should this make any difference as to who I use?
My other concerns are reliability I know that the Honda plant is widely regarded as bullet proof but has anyone got any advice or had any issues with it?
Any advice is much welcomed.
Depending where you are in Wiltshire, Hofmanns in Henley-on-Thames aren't too far away and are easy to get to and from on the train for me in Swindon - think have quite a bit of experience with the Honda engined cars and used to run a few in the Elise Trophy.
If you're further south then not so sure. Sportomotive in Salisbury have a good reputation for Lotus servicing, but don't know how familiar with the Honda engines.
If you're further south then not so sure. Sportomotive in Salisbury have a good reputation for Lotus servicing, but don't know how familiar with the Honda engines.
The Honda is pretty bullet proof if looked after.
It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Knowing the history of the donnor engine is important.
One of the main issues with the Honda conversions are/were drive shaft failures.
Both Essex and Maidstones (link up kit developed by scuffers on here) have got this problem well sorted. There are others who offer the link up kits in addition to Maidstones.
If you go for the conversion study the options list carefully. Things like a better ECU is worth having as is an oil cooler. Good induction and exhaust will make a difference.
Scuffers is the most knowledgable person re Honda conversions there is.
Ex77
It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Knowing the history of the donnor engine is important.
One of the main issues with the Honda conversions are/were drive shaft failures.
Both Essex and Maidstones (link up kit developed by scuffers on here) have got this problem well sorted. There are others who offer the link up kits in addition to Maidstones.
If you go for the conversion study the options list carefully. Things like a better ECU is worth having as is an oil cooler. Good induction and exhaust will make a difference.
Scuffers is the most knowledgable person re Honda conversions there is.
Ex77
Mine (S1) goes to Maidstone on Monday, standard engine conversion, brakes, radiator, oil/water heat exchange, polybushing etc, will be interested in the result. Tyres still a topic to be explored, I've got 2 sets of rims, so may indulge in sticky black and slightly less sticky black! - both sets will have to be round, I insist.
Is the swirl pot and baffled sump a must does anyone know? Im wondering if the difference in price between Essex autosport and Maidstone is justified, im happy to pay the extra if it is but like I said there would little chance of my car ever seeing the track incase that makes a difference.
ephancock77 said:
Is the swirl pot and baffled sump a must does anyone know? Im wondering if the difference in price between Essex autosport and Maidstone is justified, im happy to pay the extra if it is but like I said there would little chance of my car ever seeing the track incase that makes a difference.
You don't need the swirl pot and twin fuel pumps. Had them on both my Honda cars and they broke. Current car does without. No issues with fueling in over 75k. Baffled sump a must if doing track days, but you can always add one later.ephancock77 said:
Is the swirl pot and baffled sump a must does anyone know? Im wondering if the difference in price between Essex autosport and Maidstone is justified, im happy to pay the extra if it is but like I said there would little chance of my car ever seeing the track incase that makes a difference.
Baffle is really essential if your venturing onto tracks otherwise not.Swirl pot&pump is for SC cars really as the std pumps are not up to it, or an NA install, the std pump is fine (assuming the std one is not knackered).
S2's have issues with fuel starvation on track when the fuel tank is less than full too.
This kind of stuff really comes down to how your intending to use it.
Exige77 said:
The Honda is pretty bullet proof if looked after.
It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Ex77
Regarding the oil, I just had my S2 Honda SC in for a service. Every service I want the oil to be changed. (This time also the gearbox oil) After 1 year and 3000 miles only 1,5 litres of oil came out, and it was topped up with 4,5 litres. I now know I have to check more often. I haven't been on a trackday, but in those 3000 miles there were some serious (high)speeds/autobahn chasing (I know it's meant for corners, but sometimes I just can't hold back). There is no leakage under the car, but I'm a bit concerned with this. Any advice?It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Ex77
MaddogHJ said:
Exige77 said:
The Honda is pretty bullet proof if looked after.
It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Ex77
Regarding the oil, I just had my S2 Honda SC in for a service. Every service I want the oil to be changed. (This time also the gearbox oil) After 1 year and 3000 miles only 1,5 litres of oil came out, and it was topped up with 4,5 litres. I now know I have to check more often. I haven't been on a trackday, but in those 3000 miles there were some serious (high)speeds/autobahn chasing (I know it's meant for corners, but sometimes I just can't hold back). There is no leakage under the car, but I'm a bit concerned with this. Any advice?It's very sensitive to oil so need to keep it topped up and change the oil and filter very frequently.
Ex77
typically with road only use, I would not expect more than 1L in ~3K miles (at worse)
where is the oil going? is the throttle body soaked in oil?
Excellent, excellent, and then a large smile. S1 Honda conversion from Maidstone, not the cheapest bit of kit but certainly solid work and everything I expected and more. I am very pleased with the result and wending my way back to Scotland in a series of accelerations at every opportunity. One happy customer. - Engine, light flywheel, strengthened clutch, oil \ water cooler, polybushes, brakes and lines. Trigger happy motoring.
Each to their own but can't understand anyone forking out £10/12000 on an engine swap. Perhaps viable if the car in question is sold with a dodgy engine but otherwise where is the economic sense of such a transformation. Roughly speaking an Elise falls into the 12000-20000 price band. Add 10000 and you're looking at 22-30000. At that price might aswell invest in something more 'recent' But then perhaps for some people its just pocket money.
simpo555 said:
Each to their own but can't understand anyone forking out £10/12000 on an engine swap. Perhaps viable if the car in question is sold with a dodgy engine but otherwise where is the economic sense of such a transformation. Roughly speaking an Elise falls into the 12000-20000 price band. Add 10000 and you're looking at 22-30000. At that price might aswell invest in something more 'recent' But then perhaps for some people its just pocket money.
Once you have had a Honda'd Elise you will understand what it's all about.Ex77
simpo555 said:
Each to their own but can't understand anyone forking out £10/12000 on an engine swap. Perhaps viable if the car in question is sold with a dodgy engine but otherwise where is the economic sense of such a transformation. Roughly speaking an Elise falls into the 12000-20000 price band. Add 10000 and you're looking at 22-30000. At that price might aswell invest in something more 'recent' But then perhaps for some people its just pocket money.
Spend £10k on a Honda conversion, and the car is likely to be worth £15k when you try and shift it... That's still £5k more than an early S2, say - which is pretty good depreciation for a mod.
And they are crazy quick - why would you particularly want something more "recent" - since when did recent = good when it comes to enthusiasts cars?
What can you buy for £20k that will do 0-100 in 10 seconds, 40mpg, a full set of bespoke tyres for £550 or cheapo ones for £280ish etc etc?
The only thing that comes close to a converted Elise for performance / running costs is a Caterham type car, and you definitely lose out in practicality, safety, security and warmth and - to my eyes at least - looks.
That's why it's worth spending ££££ on an engine conversion. Worth having a go - despite what you think there really isn't much that comes close.
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