Elise S2 Duratec - track car?

[Babw]

Currently I have an MR2 Spyder track car with a (broken) 2ZZ. It's well specced with coilovers, half cage, fixed buckets etc and I would have loved a Lotus initially but bought this to ensure I had fun with a MR layout.

Instead of fixing up the MR2 I'm considering an Elise. Potentially the Honda iterations are above budget, I'm a little dubious of the 2ZZ after my experience and have come across a Duratec.

It's a 2.3 Steve Williams car, how do these compare to the 2ZZ with regards to reliability, fun factor and performance?

[cain-it]

Unless confirmed otherwise, the standard SW Duratec install isn't tuned or uprated internally, only bolt-on induction (Webcon ECU / ITBs, with short intakes & small air box)

SW did offer an internally uprated version of the 2.3 (250 bhp?) with different cams / pistons etc. More than that & you'd need to revise the intake / exhaust / bulkheads to aid flow.

If you want to track day use the car, first on the list would be a baffled sump.

2ZZ / Duratec / K20 reliability? All depends whats been done to it, and who did it. Stock, all 3 are reliable if kept in service.
Fun factor, the 2ZZ / K20 out of the box will rev out more than the Duratec, the Duratec will offer more low-down torque.
Bolt-on forced induction options are available for all three or you could have a built NA engine with all three too. Overall the K20 & Duratec have the larger after market tuning scene & component choice.

HTHs

Edited by cain-it on Tuesday 16th April 12:19

[Babw]

Thanks for the comprehensive reply!

My 2ZZ was stock, low mileage and running the Elise parts baffled sump. Valve clearance checked, serviced and oil changed before the Anglesey track day where the bottom end knock started only about 2 sessions in.

I have an oil temperature and pressure gauge in the car so nothing untoward noted when the knock and lack of power occurred so I’m very disappointed.

I’ve read the K20 is heavier however more tuning options and reliability. I guess I could try a rebuilt 2ZZ with an accusump for some prevention.

Duratec is interesting but resale would likely to be more difficult than a Honda or Toyota cars which have the spotlight.

I’ve never driven a Rover Elise and the Duratec uses the Rover gearbox, how does the gearshift/gearbox compare to a Honda or Toyota car?

[lj04]

Phone Steve Williams. He used to race his duratec S1 with plenty of success.

[Babw]

So I had a go in a Duratec car yesterday and it wasn't exactly the rev happy nature of a K20 or 2ZZ. Just seemed fairly laboured however with good mid range torque.

To be honest I was underwhelmed and will look again at the Toyota or Honda offerings.