Power limit for Exige S2 clutch,gearbox etc

[ColinM]

What is the generally accepted power limit for a S2 Exige S for the clutch, gearbox etc ? Also, at what point are the Lotus/AP 4 pot callipers needed, assuming an occasional track day ? Are there any other weak links at the 300bhp end of the spectrum ?

Obviously Lotus added an uprated clutch and brakes with the 243bhp Performance pack option but I guess they are somewhat conservative. Found some info (according to Hanger 111) that the gearbox 3rd and 4th gears can be a weak link but not sure at what power that kicks in at. Looking at getting a modified Exige S in the 260 to 320bhp range.

[C1RVY]

When I was looking into this, I heard over 300 was into at-risk territory.

[Top cat S2]

I would say Lotus themselves found the limit with the 260 anymore than that and you are taking a big chance. Some people have gotten away with a bit more, it is the torque that makes them let go. Lotus do a 270 upgrade but that is for the lighter 2Eleven.

[thesurfbus]

Go for a test drive Colin, I am sure that will make your mind up :-)

[jfk01]

Generally speaking it is when a smaller supercharger pulley is fitted that the gearbox goes bang cos the increase in midrange torque is the killer.
Cars running 260 bhp tend to last well but cars over 290 bhp don't !
Mine went bang after just 100 miles when I increased power to 307 bhp .

Edited by jfk01 on Friday 29th November 21:42

[Shnozz]

jfk01 said:

Generally speaking it is when a smaller supercharger pulley is fitted that the gearbox goes bang cos the increase in midrange torque is the killer.
Cars running 260 bhp tend to last well but cars over 290 bhp don't !
Mine went bang after just 100 miles when I increased power to 307 bhp .

Edited by jfk01 on Friday 29th November 21:42

What did you replace it with out of interest? Jubu?

Looking to possibly do the jump from 240/250> myself..

[jock mcsporran]

ColinM said:

Found some info (according to Hanger 111) that the gearbox 3rd and 4th gears can be a weak link but not sure at what power that kicks in at.

Seems they can go at standard powers.

Remains of 3rd gear but rebuilds aren't too expensive.

[the ronin]

If it's going at standard power levels it's driver error. I had no issues with my gearbox at 315 whp.
It's important to have the shift cables adjusted properly if you want the syncros to live.

[jock mcsporran]

I hardly think 3rd gear going while driving my son to nursery is driver error so maybe it was weakened before I bought it. Anyway, it's fixed now.