Charles' Exige 420
Discussion
Hi Everyone,
Earlier this year in November I picked up my first ever Lotus, a Final Edition 420 in yellow.
How it came about:
Well, very last minute to be honest.
Earlier in 2021 in April I had put down a deposit for an Ariel Atom 4, despite the 28 month wait time. At the time, I had been very tempted by the FE's having always been a fan of the Exige models but a house renovation meant it probably wasn't the best time to splurge on a toy!
Roll forward to the end of summer, it was grating on me how far away the Atom's delivery was (Aug/Sept'23) and that this meant the 2022/23 track season would effectively be missed.
I went to Lotus Silverstone, just to have a drive in a model to see if I even liked it with the view to buy a used model and then sell it before the Atom came. My girlfriend and I went out in a V6 S, and Robert Beke was incredibly helpful.
They had a lovely gulf blue 410 in the showroom which really caught my eye (and even got approval from the GF!). Then after hearing all the benefits such as the charge cooler etc I was pretty sold. However....yellow was my favourite colour and if possible I did want a Final Edition so a quick look around on Autotrader later that day found one last 420 FE, in yellow down with Hendy in Poole. 2 calls later and the car was reserved! Thanks to Alex at Hendy for being so helpful with that.
This car was due to go back to Lotus to be a PR car on the Monday, so reserving it on Saturday worked a treat.
Delivery and Initial Impressions:
Currently I have done only 620 miles, so need to get out a bit more before the running in service next week. In the month since having it, I have had a detail done by my friend Dean (Deans Clean Detailing) and a front end PPF.
I have ordered the V6 QP exhaust from Jim at 2Bular, with the added silencers to be able to get on Bedford. Shame in a way, as I have the 'magic button' fitted for the exhaust so it sounds great, but if I can't get on track that defeats the point of the car!
First track days for next year are booked. I like Bedford and want to go to the same track at first to get used to the car, so have days booked in January, February & March.
Will share the journey as it goes on, and can't wait to take the car out beyond 4/4.5k soon.....
Only other initial impression (besides how great the steering is!)....I don't recall ever needing to stop for a WC pitstop so much in any car ever before. The jingly ride is possibly to blame there...
Otherwise hope to see some of you on track next year!
Earlier this year in November I picked up my first ever Lotus, a Final Edition 420 in yellow.
How it came about:
Well, very last minute to be honest.
Earlier in 2021 in April I had put down a deposit for an Ariel Atom 4, despite the 28 month wait time. At the time, I had been very tempted by the FE's having always been a fan of the Exige models but a house renovation meant it probably wasn't the best time to splurge on a toy!
Roll forward to the end of summer, it was grating on me how far away the Atom's delivery was (Aug/Sept'23) and that this meant the 2022/23 track season would effectively be missed.
I went to Lotus Silverstone, just to have a drive in a model to see if I even liked it with the view to buy a used model and then sell it before the Atom came. My girlfriend and I went out in a V6 S, and Robert Beke was incredibly helpful.
They had a lovely gulf blue 410 in the showroom which really caught my eye (and even got approval from the GF!). Then after hearing all the benefits such as the charge cooler etc I was pretty sold. However....yellow was my favourite colour and if possible I did want a Final Edition so a quick look around on Autotrader later that day found one last 420 FE, in yellow down with Hendy in Poole. 2 calls later and the car was reserved! Thanks to Alex at Hendy for being so helpful with that.
This car was due to go back to Lotus to be a PR car on the Monday, so reserving it on Saturday worked a treat.
Delivery and Initial Impressions:
Currently I have done only 620 miles, so need to get out a bit more before the running in service next week. In the month since having it, I have had a detail done by my friend Dean (Deans Clean Detailing) and a front end PPF.
I have ordered the V6 QP exhaust from Jim at 2Bular, with the added silencers to be able to get on Bedford. Shame in a way, as I have the 'magic button' fitted for the exhaust so it sounds great, but if I can't get on track that defeats the point of the car!
First track days for next year are booked. I like Bedford and want to go to the same track at first to get used to the car, so have days booked in January, February & March.
Will share the journey as it goes on, and can't wait to take the car out beyond 4/4.5k soon.....
Only other initial impression (besides how great the steering is!)....I don't recall ever needing to stop for a WC pitstop so much in any car ever before. The jingly ride is possibly to blame there...
Otherwise hope to see some of you on track next year!
CM96 said:
Hi Everyone,
Earlier this year in November I picked up my first ever Lotus, a Final Edition 420 in yellow.
How it came about:
Well, very last minute to be honest.
Earlier in 2021 in April I had put down a deposit for an Ariel Atom 4, despite the 28 month wait time. At the time, I had been very tempted by the FE's having always been a fan of the Exige models but a house renovation meant it probably wasn't the best time to splurge on a toy!
Roll forward to the end of summer, it was grating on me how far away the Atom's delivery was (Aug/Sept'23) and that this meant the 2022/23 track season would effectively be missed.
I went to Lotus Silverstone, just to have a drive in a model to see if I even liked it with the view to buy a used model and then sell it before the Atom came. My girlfriend and I went out in a V6 S, and Robert Beke was incredibly helpful.
They had a lovely gulf blue 410 in the showroom which really caught my eye (and even got approval from the GF!). Then after hearing all the benefits such as the charge cooler etc I was pretty sold. However....yellow was my favourite colour and if possible I did want a Final Edition so a quick look around on Autotrader later that day found one last 420 FE, in yellow down with Hendy in Poole. 2 calls later and the car was reserved! Thanks to Alex at Hendy for being so helpful with that.
This car was due to go back to Lotus to be a PR car on the Monday, so reserving it on Saturday worked a treat.
Delivery and Initial Impressions:
Currently I have done only 620 miles, so need to get out a bit more before the running in service next week. In the month since having it, I have had a detail done by my friend Dean (Deans Clean Detailing) and a front end PPF.
I have ordered the V6 QP exhaust from Jim at 2Bular, with the added silencers to be able to get on Bedford. Shame in a way, as I have the 'magic button' fitted for the exhaust so it sounds great, but if I can't get on track that defeats the point of the car!
First track days for next year are booked. I like Bedford and want to go to the same track at first to get used to the car, so have days booked in January, February & March.
Will share the journey as it goes on, and can't wait to take the car out beyond 4/4.5k soon.....
Only other initial impression (besides how great the steering is!)....I don't recall ever needing to stop for a WC pitstop so much in any car ever before. The jingly ride is possibly to blame there...
Otherwise hope to see some of you on track next year!
Congratulations, on your purchase and a keeper I imagine Earlier this year in November I picked up my first ever Lotus, a Final Edition 420 in yellow.
How it came about:
Well, very last minute to be honest.
Earlier in 2021 in April I had put down a deposit for an Ariel Atom 4, despite the 28 month wait time. At the time, I had been very tempted by the FE's having always been a fan of the Exige models but a house renovation meant it probably wasn't the best time to splurge on a toy!
Roll forward to the end of summer, it was grating on me how far away the Atom's delivery was (Aug/Sept'23) and that this meant the 2022/23 track season would effectively be missed.
I went to Lotus Silverstone, just to have a drive in a model to see if I even liked it with the view to buy a used model and then sell it before the Atom came. My girlfriend and I went out in a V6 S, and Robert Beke was incredibly helpful.
They had a lovely gulf blue 410 in the showroom which really caught my eye (and even got approval from the GF!). Then after hearing all the benefits such as the charge cooler etc I was pretty sold. However....yellow was my favourite colour and if possible I did want a Final Edition so a quick look around on Autotrader later that day found one last 420 FE, in yellow down with Hendy in Poole. 2 calls later and the car was reserved! Thanks to Alex at Hendy for being so helpful with that.
This car was due to go back to Lotus to be a PR car on the Monday, so reserving it on Saturday worked a treat.
Delivery and Initial Impressions:
Currently I have done only 620 miles, so need to get out a bit more before the running in service next week. In the month since having it, I have had a detail done by my friend Dean (Deans Clean Detailing) and a front end PPF.
I have ordered the V6 QP exhaust from Jim at 2Bular, with the added silencers to be able to get on Bedford. Shame in a way, as I have the 'magic button' fitted for the exhaust so it sounds great, but if I can't get on track that defeats the point of the car!
First track days for next year are booked. I like Bedford and want to go to the same track at first to get used to the car, so have days booked in January, February & March.
Will share the journey as it goes on, and can't wait to take the car out beyond 4/4.5k soon.....
Only other initial impression (besides how great the steering is!)....I don't recall ever needing to stop for a WC pitstop so much in any car ever before. The jingly ride is possibly to blame there...
Otherwise hope to see some of you on track next year!
I almost sold my Cup430 but certainly glad I didn’t now.
Interested you are going the 2bular route, a great system when you are in warranty but well worth buying Jim’s full system as you will want rid of the awful Toyota Manifolds and the 2 Individual Cats inside them.
A great improvement with the 2bular Manifolds, Y Pipe and Sports Cat
Thanks for all the comments guys - a keeper for sure.
Interesting, didn't realise Jim did the manifolds too but will take a look.
Pleased to report he has been very true to his word on delivery schedules, with the only minor delay being due to storm Arwen which I won't hold against him! Overall very happy, welds look great and Jim was very helpful on the phone talking the products through.
Otherwise - Running in service completed today at Silverstone, and a minor issue fixed with a replacement wiper arm and blade.
What a joy taking it out to the red line. It really howls and shifts along! Initial impression going faster is that it's definitely a car with a lot to learn, which I'm looking forward to. That's my main reason for having the first 3 track days at the same track, one that I know - i'll be able to focus on driving the car and not learning a track at the same time.
Anyway, here is the outgoing track toy. Not used it as much as I have wanted to the last few years so needs a new home. Was a blast however and having had one before this really sparked my passion for the track.
Interesting, didn't realise Jim did the manifolds too but will take a look.
Pleased to report he has been very true to his word on delivery schedules, with the only minor delay being due to storm Arwen which I won't hold against him! Overall very happy, welds look great and Jim was very helpful on the phone talking the products through.
Otherwise - Running in service completed today at Silverstone, and a minor issue fixed with a replacement wiper arm and blade.
What a joy taking it out to the red line. It really howls and shifts along! Initial impression going faster is that it's definitely a car with a lot to learn, which I'm looking forward to. That's my main reason for having the first 3 track days at the same track, one that I know - i'll be able to focus on driving the car and not learning a track at the same time.
Anyway, here is the outgoing track toy. Not used it as much as I have wanted to the last few years so needs a new home. Was a blast however and having had one before this really sparked my passion for the track.
Fitted the new 2Bular exhaust today. Managed to use the slope of the driveway with some ramps to get good space underneath which helped.
Quite a straightforward job, with the only hiccup being right at the end when the undertray holes for the bolts which go into the metal bracket holding the exhaust didn’t line up.
Unfortunately even though these don’t appear to be directional mine had a ever so slight inwards/outwards bend between the 2 brackets which caused enough of an offset to have to take the diffuser back off, swap the brackets and go again.
Sound wise: I had the ‘magic button’ fitted from the off so did get a louder sound below 4.5k. Even so this new 2Bular exhaust does sound nice and bassy throughout the range.
The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
![](https://thumbsnap.com/sc/PgZzU5sZ.jpg[/img]</a> <a href="https://thumbsnap.com/UHQEDtcM" Target="_blank" rel="nofollow">[img]https://thumbsnap.com/sc/UHQEDtcM.jpg)
Quite a straightforward job, with the only hiccup being right at the end when the undertray holes for the bolts which go into the metal bracket holding the exhaust didn’t line up.
Unfortunately even though these don’t appear to be directional mine had a ever so slight inwards/outwards bend between the 2 brackets which caused enough of an offset to have to take the diffuser back off, swap the brackets and go again.
Sound wise: I had the ‘magic button’ fitted from the off so did get a louder sound below 4.5k. Even so this new 2Bular exhaust does sound nice and bassy throughout the range.
The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
CM96 said:
Fitted the new 2Bular exhaust today. Managed to use the slope of the driveway with some ramps to get good space underneath which helped.
Quite a straightforward job, with the only hiccup being right at the end when the undertray holes for the bolts which go into the metal bracket holding the exhaust didn’t line up.
Unfortunately even though these don’t appear to be directional mine had a ever so slight inwards/outwards bend between the 2 brackets which caused enough of an offset to have to take the diffuser back off, swap the brackets and go again.
Sound wise: I had the ‘magic button’ fitted from the off so did get a louder sound below 4.5k. Even so this new 2Bular exhaust does sound nice and bassy throughout the range.
The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
Those little nuts in the bracket are a pain to line up..... until you realise there's enough room to push a finger behind and align them correctly. Yeah could literally spend hours spinning the bolts in the hole hoping the threads come together lolQuite a straightforward job, with the only hiccup being right at the end when the undertray holes for the bolts which go into the metal bracket holding the exhaust didn’t line up.
Unfortunately even though these don’t appear to be directional mine had a ever so slight inwards/outwards bend between the 2 brackets which caused enough of an offset to have to take the diffuser back off, swap the brackets and go again.
Sound wise: I had the ‘magic button’ fitted from the off so did get a louder sound below 4.5k. Even so this new 2Bular exhaust does sound nice and bassy throughout the range.
The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
CM96 said:
Sound wise: I had the ‘magic button’ fitted from the off so did get a louder sound below 4.5k. Even so this new 2Bular exhaust does sound nice and bassy throughout the range.
The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
Just having a read. Are you saying that the standard exhaust is switchable and won't pass the noise test on track hence your need to change it? If so, sounds like Lotus have missed a trick!The scream at the top is muted but will be interesting to see how the sound changes once properly run in. Overall I’m pleased as I thought the sound would be lost with having to make it quieter but it hasn’t been.
Now Bedford in a few weeks, can’t wait.
I am doing Bedford on the 5th of Feb, when's yours booked for?
phazed said:
Just having a read. Are you saying that the standard exhaust is switchable and won't pass the noise test on track hence your need to change it? If so, sounds like Lotus have missed a trick!
I am doing Bedford on the 5th of Feb, when's yours booked for?
That’s correct. The standard Lotus exhaust is too loud for track use once the flap opens at 4500rpm. I am doing Bedford on the 5th of Feb, when's yours booked for?
How strange. Having driven an Exige, (260 I believe) at Brands some years ago, I thought it was a brilliant track car. Why fit an exhaust system that won't pass a noise test?
My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
phazed said:
How strange. Having driven an Exige, (260 I believe) at Brands some years ago, I thought it was a brilliant track car. Why fit an exhaust system that won't pass a noise test?
My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
The Lotus 400 series ( both Exige and Evora ) all had an OEM exhaust system which exceeds almost all track days .My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
Been discussed at length since 2017, but no solution except switch out the back or as some have tried fit large cans if not a Ti box.
phazed said:
How strange. Having driven an Exige, (260 I believe) at Brands some years ago, I thought it was a brilliant track car. Why fit an exhaust system that won't pass a noise test?
My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
It's not unusual, 981 GT4s and all GT3s have switchable exhausts but both will fail drive by noise tests at Bedford and Brands Hatch.My Boxster S which has a switchable exhaust, (also remaps the engine for more low end torque) easily passes the noise test.
90db as standard.
94db with flaps open.
In both cases it howls like a banshee at speed. I certainly wouldn't want it noisier......
I love Loti, if they weren't so cramped I would have one for TD's but having to change the exhaust to comply would certainly piss me off!
To OP lovely car, I do the same in going to Bedford in new cars or after making significant changes, can push the car like at no other circuit it terms of damage risk.
I was there last weekend and next there on Sat 26th Feb.
Well Bedford has come and gone. It's one of those tracks I personally really like with a good blend of fast and slow sections. Was good fun with Lotus on Track, nice being amongst similar cars and taking on a few Caymans which snuck in 
I need to get harnesses as I am slightly too small to pad out the seat so did put a fair bit of effort into trying to stay still in the car. Waiting on seriously lotus to have a new bar which is compatible with the carbon seats, should be later this month.
Otherwise the car was great fun, brakes and corner exit traction definitely feeling like an early highlight. Had a fair bit of understeer, especially on the double S's before the main straight.
This will be solved by learning how it wants to be driven and more seat time, although afterwards I had an alignment done. With a few camber shims out, some more negative camber is on the front end so it will be interesting to see how this changes it next time i'm out.
May book for Sat 26th and join some of you guys if the weather looks good nearer the time.
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|https://thumbsnap.com/2oqRfjuk[/url][url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/mMyRiY1z[/url]
I need to get harnesses as I am slightly too small to pad out the seat so did put a fair bit of effort into trying to stay still in the car. Waiting on seriously lotus to have a new bar which is compatible with the carbon seats, should be later this month.
Otherwise the car was great fun, brakes and corner exit traction definitely feeling like an early highlight. Had a fair bit of understeer, especially on the double S's before the main straight.
This will be solved by learning how it wants to be driven and more seat time, although afterwards I had an alignment done. With a few camber shims out, some more negative camber is on the front end so it will be interesting to see how this changes it next time i'm out.
May book for Sat 26th and join some of you guys if the weather looks good nearer the time.
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/2oqRfjuk[/url][url]|https://thumbsnap.com/mMyRiY1z[/url]So, I ran it with 2.0/2.2 bar (c29/31 psi) F/R but hot. Michelin has that as the cold pressure. Anyone else used significantly different pressures?
Booked in at Bedford also for next Saturday (26th) so may see some of you guys there
Picked up harnesses and bar today from MSAR so hopefully get that done this weekend in time
Booked in at Bedford also for next Saturday (26th) so may see some of you guys there
Picked up harnesses and bar today from MSAR so hopefully get that done this weekend in time
CM96 said:
So, I ran it with 2.0/2.2 bar (c29/31 psi) F/R but hot. Michelin has that as the cold pressure. Anyone else used significantly different pressures?
Booked in at Bedford also for next Saturday (26th) so may see some of you guys there
Picked up harnesses and bar today from MSAR so hopefully get that done this weekend in time
I'll be there in the Red S2 with stupidly large wing, can't miss it Booked in at Bedford also for next Saturday (26th) so may see some of you guys there
Picked up harnesses and bar today from MSAR so hopefully get that done this weekend in time
Obviously different cars and tyres but weight on the front axle should be similar, I run 205 fronts and have them at 21-23 psi, nearer to 30 is understeer city across a few different tyres I've tried. Try 26 hot and go from there?
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