Elise customization questions

[RobM77]

I plan to buy an Elise soon, but I found it uncomfortable to drive, so I have a couple of questions:

Is the standard S2 steering wheel is a true 6 bolt wheel or a standard splined column fit? I can't reach the steering wheel so would need to make a spacer, which is only possible with a six holed Momo style wheel. I don't want a MOMO conversion (as offered by Lotus), I'd like to keep the gorgeous Lotus wheel which I feel is in-keeping with the car.

Are the pedals adjustable at all? I couldn't heel and toe - IIRC it was because of the height difference between brake and accelerator.

The cars I'm looking at are 2003/2004 111S models.

The Lotus salesman assured me of both these things, but I thought I'd check here as well!

thanks.

[shangani]

You can definitely adjust the pedals - I have just done so on my 03 111s. Not sure about the steering wheel and will get back to you on this - I am pretty sure you can add a spacer and keep the standard wheel, though it is not a 6 bolt.

[RobM77]

Thanks very much. Sorry, I remember now, it isn't a six bolt. My Dad's very handy with a lathe, and for my race car he made up a spacer for me. He has offered to make up something similar for me if I buy an Elise.

I couldn't drive the standard car very well at all - in order to be close enough to reach the wheel I had to crane my [rather long] legs up in the air, and they wedged under the steering wheel.

[RobM77]

Does anyone know about that steering wheel?

thanks.

[anonymous-user]

I don't, but do have the original wheel sitting at home (I've got a Momo on the car) so can take pictures or measurements if that's any use.

[RobM77]

Thank you very much. Nothing fancy needed, I just need to know if it was attached via a central spline (i.e. the steering wheel has a hole in the middle with serations, which drops straight onto the end of the similarly serated steering column), or several small screw holes, like your Momo would be.

If it is the several holes, like a Momo, then I can simply make a spacer that looks like a big cotton reel. It bolts on where the steering wheel would, and then offers a plane surface at the other end that your wheel then bolts to.

[anonymous-user]

It has several holes like the Momo (but maybe not the same dimensions as there's a snap-off hub with the Momo). These pics may be useful to show how it fits.
www.eliseparts.com/shop/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=437


>> Edited by anonymous-user on Friday 2nd December 14:02

[shangani]

Elise shop sells a spacer that moves the steering wheel 30mm - and you keep the old one. Sounds like just what you need and cheaper than going the MOMO route. Also be careful messing with the steering with anything that is even remotely dodgy - it is an essentil part of the car for most drivers! Click on this link - price in euros.

www.elise-shop.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=5&products_id=178

>> Edited by shangani on Friday 2nd December 14:20

[RobM77]

Great. Thanks very much. It seems like I can extend the wheel then!

cheers guys

[delivery dave]

shangani said "You can definitely adjust the pedals - I have just done so on my 03 111s".

How did you do that - I would like mine to be further away. Thanks.

[shangani]

Use this guide for the brake pedal:

www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/experience/maintenance/brakes/brakeadj.html

Accelerator:

www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elise/information/misc/manual/elise%20service%20manual/a1111t0327_3_part_5_of_6.pdf

[RobM77]

That's more than one person who can't get enough leg room and still reach the wheel then! I hope Lotus are reading this thread

[gooby]

delivery dave said:

shangani said "You can definitely adjust the pedals - I have just done so on my 03 111s". How did you do that - I would like mine to be further away. Thanks.

Put the seat back?

I am feeling helpful today

[RobM77]

gooby said:

delivery dave said: shangani said "You can definitely adjust the pedals - I have just done so on my 03 111s". How did you do that - I would like mine to be further away. Thanks. Put the seat back? I am feeling helpful today

Not sure about Dave, but if I adjust the seat so that my legs are comfortable, I can't touch the steering wheel, let alone operate it peoperly! When I get in a position where I can steer properly (standard test: with arm out straight, the top of the wheel fits into my wrist/hand joint), then my legs are bent up at ninety degrees like a daddy-long-legs crouching on the toilet!

[shangani]

I only adjusted the brake pedal because after the new pads and lines were fitted, I couldn't heel/toe. I just wanted it back to how it had been. However, the same principles would apply. Better to get a spacer for the steering wheel and push the seat back. For me the driving position is perfect.

>> Edited by shangani on Friday 2nd December 15:11

[beachbum]

Other option is to have arms like an Orangatang

[RobM77]

Yes! Most modern cars seem to require this!

[beachbum]

RobM77 said:

Yes! Most modern cars seem to require this!

Being 6'4", I'm thankful I fall into this catagory.

[RobM77]

I'm the same size as Colin Chapman the irony!!