Sport 160 modifications

[Rainman]

Hi Gang,

I've just traded my standard '99 Elise in for a 2000 Elise Sport 160. Firstly, I just wanna say this:-

On a test drive I didn't notice much of a performance difference between the 160 and my old Elise (which had a pipercross filter, cat replacement pipe and a race exhaust), but since picking it up on Saturday morning and having now done 200 miles in it, they are worlds apart. Much better suspended, awesome top end, driveable from 90mph onwards (100mph in 3rd gear!) and much more comfortable.

The question I have is that I've found this extra piece of paper in the owners manual which says something like - "The sport 160 is supplied in 150ps type approval. In order to get the full benefit of the 160ps engine an airbox modification and the fitment of a sports exhaust are required. Your Lotus dealer will be pleased to do this for you."

I'll bet they'd love to do the work, and charge me an arm and a leg for it!

So, anyone know what the airbox modification actually is?

I'll be heading straight down to Motobuild for their fast-road/competition use stainless system which I had on my previous car and was truly excellent. Presumably I can expect 160ps with the cat-pipe in place. Anyone got any experience of a sport 160 without the cat-pipe?

Cheers,

Phil

[Businessco]

In order to get through noise limits on the SVA test Lotus had to fit two airboxes in tandem to the S160.
The airbox modification entails removing the second air box (the one on top) removing the lower one, refitting the lower one in place of the upper one and connecting a new length of ducting direct to the n/s air scoop. It is a time consuming but easy (I'm told) job, best done by removing the n/s/r wheel and wheel arch liner, don't forget to insert the sensor through the grommet in the (now) upper airbox.

That, together with the fitting of the Lotus Sport (Janspeed) exhaust liberates about 10bhp.

The cat pipe makes only 2bhp difference, as there is an O2 sensor near the cat, the cooler readings bugger up the idle and makes the car run way beyond emission limits for hydro carbons (2000ppm instead of 200ppm). I took mine off and the car runs better.

The single best improvement is to get verniers fitted to the car and the cams timed properly, it transforms it!

Nick

Edited by Businessco on Tuesday 30th October 08:56

[JPHERSEY]

My Sport 160 has started to develop wayward idling. Sometimes the revs rise to 2000 when I start up and other times it drops to nothing and stalls when the clutch is depressed.
Any ideas what's going on ?
Also any way of making the power band a little smoother...it goes a bit flat then rockets...or is that a 'feature' !?

[jimbo]

have a look at www.british-cars.co.uk/ and look at the lotus elise technical threads, there has been much discussion about the 160 idling and start up problems.

[Businessco]

Idling problems are legend with the S160. Assuming that you have had the wiring loom fix done already then go back to the dealer and play merry hell!
People have had ECU's replaced under warranty.

Other things to consider are sticking throttle or IACV.

The IACV should cause the engine to start, climb immediately to 2000rpm and settle back to 1200rpm within 10 secs or so.

When you switch off you can hear a whirring that is the IACV opening ready for restart before the ECU shuts down. Any longer than that and you have a problem.

HTH
Nick

For smoother running see the comments regarding fitting vernier pullies.

Edited by Businessco on Tuesday 30th October 12:42

[JPHERSEY]

Thanks alot Businessco. Had a look at that site too jimbo was v helpful. Excellent advice thanks alot.

[JPHERSEY]

...hello again guys...how do I stop my front left headlamp misting up...it's only just started doing it...weird...