Elise Track Day Car Starting Point
Discussion
Hi
I am thinking, along with a friend of mine, of buying an Elise to use as a track day car, we would like to do some work ourselves and I just wanted to know what the current thoughts are for a car to start with, are we best to start with a S1 or S2 and is the 118BHP the best starting point or are we better to look at the Toyota engines or one of the higher power K-Series to upgrade.
Thanks
I am thinking, along with a friend of mine, of buying an Elise to use as a track day car, we would like to do some work ourselves and I just wanted to know what the current thoughts are for a car to start with, are we best to start with a S1 or S2 and is the 118BHP the best starting point or are we better to look at the Toyota engines or one of the higher power K-Series to upgrade.
Thanks
If you look at some of the Owners Car posts where they have Elise's, I suggest you contact the OPs or post on the topics to see why the chose what they did?
I know for example MrVert chose an early S1 for his track car & the purists will say the S1 is in the lower powered cars a better choice as more power doesn't always make a better track car. The S1s are also likely to be better long term from a value perspective (especially if you can buy one where all the original parts come with it as well as the upgrades), although being the older model, the replacement of perishable components including larger suspension parts should be investigated, & lower mileage cars aren't always a better purchase than higher mileage cars that have been well maintained as some components will deteriorate whether the car is driven infrequently or a lot.
I know for example MrVert chose an early S1 for his track car & the purists will say the S1 is in the lower powered cars a better choice as more power doesn't always make a better track car. The S1s are also likely to be better long term from a value perspective (especially if you can buy one where all the original parts come with it as well as the upgrades), although being the older model, the replacement of perishable components including larger suspension parts should be investigated, & lower mileage cars aren't always a better purchase than higher mileage cars that have been well maintained as some components will deteriorate whether the car is driven infrequently or a lot.
Were do you start with this very generalised question?
Both S1 and S2's are great cars with excellent track potential. Some people prefer the S1 to the S2 and vice versa. Its all down to preference.
Engine wise is exactly the same. All down to preference.
Some will say the original K series rover engine is best with great character, some will say they are unreliable due to HGF. But like all engines if they are treated with respect there is not any reason why you should have any issues. This goes for all the varieties of engines used.
My personnel experience i would say a K series with around 160-170ish BHP is the sweet spot for that engine.
Toyota powered S2's for track work i would recommend 111r version. (SC version for road)
I like the Honda powered ones, but that is another topic
You need to get out in some cars and see which you bond with really. All the Lotus's are very individual though. This is due to the fact that each car can very easily be set up different with engine, suspension and brakes.
Don't get fixated on how much power they have or have not got. I very well set up lower powered car that is driven by a good driver will be as quick and on many occasions quicker than a higher powered one not set up right or driven badly.
Both S1 and S2's are great cars with excellent track potential. Some people prefer the S1 to the S2 and vice versa. Its all down to preference.
Engine wise is exactly the same. All down to preference.
Some will say the original K series rover engine is best with great character, some will say they are unreliable due to HGF. But like all engines if they are treated with respect there is not any reason why you should have any issues. This goes for all the varieties of engines used.
My personnel experience i would say a K series with around 160-170ish BHP is the sweet spot for that engine.
Toyota powered S2's for track work i would recommend 111r version. (SC version for road)
I like the Honda powered ones, but that is another topic
You need to get out in some cars and see which you bond with really. All the Lotus's are very individual though. This is due to the fact that each car can very easily be set up different with engine, suspension and brakes.
Don't get fixated on how much power they have or have not got. I very well set up lower powered car that is driven by a good driver will be as quick and on many occasions quicker than a higher powered one not set up right or driven badly.
Yes, me and a mate went through the same thing 18 months ago.
As said above, whichever you choose, you'll have a blast!
We chose an S1 as they are slightly simpler, a bit more raw and having previously had an S2 111S, fancied something different.
Definitely buy on condition not mileage, service history and previous owner membership on a Lotus Owners Club are good indications. Get an inspection if buying privately, or speak to whoever services the car for more details.
On ours, we've stripped out the cabin (
) added Corbeau LM racing seats with harnesses and bar, fitted a carbon fibre induction kit, had the geo sorted and a few other bits incl brakes and a good service.
Been on a fair few track days now and will do more next year. I have a couple of other, much higher powered cars, but it's the little 118 bhp Elise that will be with me for years. They're so much fun...it's ridiculous.
As said above, whichever you choose, you'll have a blast!
We chose an S1 as they are slightly simpler, a bit more raw and having previously had an S2 111S, fancied something different.
Definitely buy on condition not mileage, service history and previous owner membership on a Lotus Owners Club are good indications. Get an inspection if buying privately, or speak to whoever services the car for more details.
On ours, we've stripped out the cabin (
) added Corbeau LM racing seats with harnesses and bar, fitted a carbon fibre induction kit, had the geo sorted and a few other bits incl brakes and a good service.Been on a fair few track days now and will do more next year. I have a couple of other, much higher powered cars, but it's the little 118 bhp Elise that will be with me for years. They're so much fun...it's ridiculous.
james_gt3rs said:
kambites said:
The VX220 is certainly the cheaper way into it; the only slight worry would be getting hold of a replacement clam if you hit something.
Recent development is that Lotushardtops.com do rear clams as well as fronts for VX220. Similar cost to S2...Gassing Station | Elise/Exige/Europa/340R | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff