Upgrading Elise to 111R spec..?
Discussion
Just wondering, what is involved (A better question might be; what are the engine differences) between say a 135/111S Elise and a 111R?
As I understand it these are all 1.8 Toyota engines (correct me if I'm wrong!). The 135 to 190bhp power hike is pretty substantial - Is upgrading the lower power models possible/realistic? The reason for asking is I've seen a couple of 135s I quite like the look of, but I prefer the 111R power/delivery (coming from an S2000..!)
Many thanks
As I understand it these are all 1.8 Toyota engines (correct me if I'm wrong!). The 135 to 190bhp power hike is pretty substantial - Is upgrading the lower power models possible/realistic? The reason for asking is I've seen a couple of 135s I quite like the look of, but I prefer the 111R power/delivery (coming from an S2000..!)
Many thanks
The 111S and 135R are Rover K-series engined, the 135 is a mildly tuned version of the normal K-series, the 111S has variable valve timing and lift. To "upgrade" from one of them to a 111R you'd need to change:
Both clamshells, the fornt access pannels and the boot
The diffuser
The rear subrfame
The engine, gearbox, driveshafts, etc.
The wheels
The radiator
A fair chunk of the braking system
Various bits of electronics
Three of the wheel hubs
The wiring loom
From a 135R you'd also be replacing the roof, roll-bar cover, etc.
And probably a whole load of other stuff.
Basically you keep the front suspension, the tub, the doors, most of the interior and that's about it. Probably not worth it.
Upgrading from an S (130bhp Toyota engine) to an 111R would be much easier but they're newer cars so it'd be cheaper just to buy a 111R.
Both clamshells, the fornt access pannels and the boot
The diffuser
The rear subrfame
The engine, gearbox, driveshafts, etc.
The wheels
The radiator
A fair chunk of the braking system
Various bits of electronics
Three of the wheel hubs
The wiring loom
From a 135R you'd also be replacing the roof, roll-bar cover, etc.
And probably a whole load of other stuff.
Basically you keep the front suspension, the tub, the doors, most of the interior and that's about it. Probably not worth it.
Upgrading from an S (130bhp Toyota engine) to an 111R would be much easier but they're newer cars so it'd be cheaper just to buy a 111R.
Edited by kambites on Wednesday 20th May 14:18
No doubt a standard 111R is a safer bet, and the integration of the high lift cam profile on the Toyota engine is more like the older Honda VTECs than the newer ones if you like that kind of thing - but there are a number of companies which have been doing the conversions for a while, so it's a well trodden path.
I had my 111R reflashed to lower the cam change point, which gives a less abrupt changeover more like the K20 engines, but some people like the drama.
I had my 111R reflashed to lower the cam change point, which gives a less abrupt changeover more like the K20 engines, but some people like the drama.
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