How relyable is the S2 Engine?

[gangstatom]

My Father and I are probably going halves on an Elise. We obviously are aware of the K-Series shortcomings but I think that Lotus have made a few changes to the engine for the s2. I know that the 111s/r use the 1800 VVti Celica engine and thats a good thing because it means that the head wont blow at every oppertunity and it rev's to something like 10,000but i think it's a little out of our price range (15k). Is the basic s2 a k-series and if it is, are there as many problems as the s1? PLEASE, somebody advise on the best course of action!!!

[Lawrence5]

Good in general - keep it topped up with mobile and regular service and it's no probs. Easy to tune and bits are fairly cheap through non lotus sources. HGF is mentioned a lot but not a huge issue but does happen.

£25k min for a 111r.... at £15k you get a nice S1 (S160) or a early S2. Couple of k more and you get a S2 111s which is worth the extra.....

[Davey S1]

K series in the S2 seems to be stronger but HGF still happens.

Not the end of the world though. Looking at a max of £1k to fix and you could always put a bigger head on it.

[peter450]

from what i've read on various forums etc the rover k series is pretty reliable in all forms & tunes up to about 175 odd bhp if it has more than that is probably a vhpd which are much more fragile

[NJS25]

111S has VVC k-series not toyota unit (that's 111R).

Standard k-series is fine reliability wise, although not without issue. The hype surrounding HGF is somewhat exaggerated, it is worth remembering that the k was designed as a lightweight small capacity engine for use in small cars. Some cost cutting in the mass production of these engines plus fitting them in heavy cars such as Freelander has done the k series engine no favours. The Elise is a lightweight sports car and well suited to the k strengths.

There are thousands of these engines out there and you will find that problems have tended to occur in batches (Freelanders, elise 135r). As has been stated, if something does go wrong it's not a catastrophe. These engines are relatively cheap to repair, and if you need to then it's worth making a few alterations to engine while you're there. If you're thinking about engine upgrades then don't bother with the 111S because you will more than likely bin the VVC, (the bit you've paid extra for), head and replace it.

Personally I live in the constant hope of HGF because then I can go see Dan@judeperformance for a repair

Regards, Neil

[gangstatom]

Thanks to all for the helpfull responces. I think I'm gonna save a little longer and go for an S2 or 111s.
Any other important things you remember about them... please let me know.
Cheers

[jitsukadave]

FYI - the 111S still has the rover k-series in, but with a VVC head, like the one that lived in the MGFs.
I have no idea about the reliability of the 111S use of the engine though.

I'm now saving for an older standard S2 with a k-series, and looking to swap it out with the gearbox for the Honda iVTec engine with a blower I just need to work up the courage to tell the misses that if she can have a boob job, I can have a car

[gangstatom]

jitsukadave said:

FYI - the 111S still has the rover k-series in, but with a VVC head, like the one that lived in the MGFs. I have no idea about the reliability of the 111S use of the engine though. I'm now saving for an older standard S2 with a k-series, and looking to swap it out with the gearbox for the Honda iVTec engine with a blower I just need to work up the courage to tell the misses that if she can have a boob job, I can have a car

HA ha ha.. I like your style! ...... They both serve the same purpose.... both will get you laid quicker!