Pussy

[CJN]

Does anyone know if (where) I can can a sports CAT? I don''t want a CAT replacement pipe cos of MOT & Plod. Cheers CJ

[jimbo]

have a look at www.elise-shop.de, not cheap though. Jim

[CJN]

Is that the only one available? CJ

[CJN]

What screwed the reading - A CAT replacement pipe or a motorsport CAT? CJ

[CJN]

oops, just re-read your posting. CJ

[CJN]

How do I get a small increase in power say 10BHP without upsetting my insurers (Direct Line) & without breaking the bank? All I currently have is a drop in K&N replacement filter. CJ

[rik a]

A 10 Hp increase is not 'small' - about 8.5% assuming you have a standard Elise. The standard engine is quite well tuned and the intake and exhause reasonably free flowing - especially for a road car. You will need internal mods to get 10Hp. Beware of chip mods - if it was that easy, Lotus (who know a LOT about engines) would do it. Elise 2000 has a complete Lotus engine management system (not just the chip) - it's a Rover unit on Mk1 - and although it drives loads better, gives little extra power. Sorry, but like Scotty says, ya cannae break tha laws of physics ;-) Edited by rik a on Wednesday 19th September 22:39

[AER]

Hiya guys,

I've just recently got my hands on a 96P Elise complete with cat replacement pipe. This is coming off ASAP as I can't be arsed changing it back every year. (MOT is due in December)

You're right, 10HP is a lot without relatively major mods. The big things that kill power on the standard K-series are inlet air pressure/temperature and oil level. So I suggest the following mods (which I'll be investigating when my bank balance has recovered)

- oil level - keep this just above the min mark. Max to min can be worth more than 1kW at peak power due to windage. Fit an oil cooler to compensate the lower oil heat capacity. Use Mobil 1 or similar.

- air box / filter - piss off those K&N filters because your air supply directly from the engine bay, ie too HOT. Increase filter area by using >=2000MY MGF airbox, which is larger than previous versions. Not sure if this fits an Elise yet, but I'm gonna check.

Any other simple ideas out there?

[timh]

I bought my car with the cat replacement pipe in place, if I'm only getting an extra 2bhp what's the point ?

so I think i'll go all legal and green, but as the car didn't come with a cat does anyone have any idea's as to where I could get one....ie elise breakers, second hand etc.. I imagine that Lotus would charge a few sheckles for one?
would an MGF or std Rover one fit??

Idea's please chaps.....

[AER]

The exhaust system is exactly the same as the MGF (<2000MY!!!) to the down-stream flange of the catalyst, therefore, the MGF catalyst will bolt straight in.

Easier said than done though. It's a prick to get in without dismantling half of the exhaust hangers.

You'll need a ratchet drive, socket and extension as well as a ring spanner, for the flange bolts due to the geometry of the situation.

Catalyst flange gaskets are about £2.70 inc VAT for two at your local Rover dealer.

[timh]

Thanks AER

Any idea's of what a cat is likely to cost? has anyone had to buy a replacement ?

Edited by timh on Saturday 27th October 09:27

[smeagol]

Tim are you a member of Club Lotus? If you are, look in their clssifieds.(or try the BBS board at www.british-cars.co.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=lotusbbs&access=31844495006021) As cats are often for sale from people that have done the conversion. Would certainly be cheaper than buying from Lotus New.