Honda Elise/Exige

[CTE]

I was told that the Honda engine raises the C of G and therefore affects the roll/handling balance when compared to the original engines...can anyone confirm this either way?

[cain-it]

The Honda K20 drivetrain is heavier than the Rover K Series, if that's what you're comparing against. Depends who you believe but + 25 / 30 KG is often quoted on the forums. You can counter this with lighter installation hardware / exhaust to some extent.

Depends how sensitive a driver you are I guess. If you feel your car drives a lot differently with high Vs low fuel loads, then I guess you'll notice the difference.

I doubt there's much in it compared to the Toyota engine cars.

[danwebster]

As the engine sits lower in the chassis than the original K series did I would be surprised if it altered the CofG a significant amount.

My car is 750 kilos after I converted it, I don't know what it was before but its a fully trimmed S1 so I think the nett gain is only 20 kilos at the most.

Dynamically having the engine so securely mounted in the chassis makes far more difference to the way it handles than a difference in weight of half a tank of fuel.

[economicpygmy]

Not sure about COG but I measured both on the engine crane in the same state: 145kg Rover K, gearbox. 185kg Honda K20, gearbox. You can loose weight with changing exhaust, manifold, fuel tank, rear calipers.

Edited by economicpygmy on Friday 14th March 03:30