S1 v S2 + Honda?

[Roadrunner]

Ok, so which version of the liz will provide the best package for a honda conversion - S1 or S2? Either can be fitted with an ultra reliable new honda engine pushing 230bhp.

Ignoring the cost and styling, which is the best all round car for everyday driving in all conditions, with the odd track day?...

Things to consider - sound insulation, ride quality, interior rattles, water ingress, bomb proof balls out handling. So which is best?

Thanks


(Please don't bother mentioning tt conversion )

[Bonce]

Well the S2 clearly beats the S1 hands down on sound insulation, ride quality, interior rattles, water ingress and debatably on bomb proof balls out handling (depending on how you drive and how you like it to handle).

So if those are your only criteria, it'd be S2.

[bogie]

Id say S2 - but if youre not in a rush I would wait 6-12 months for Elise S3 ...hopefully with 190bhp 4pot VVTI Toyota lump in it. Easier to insure, better for depreciation etc (ie you wont get your £10K back for the HOnda conversion when you come to sell) If youre in a rush then the Honda conversion is the way to go :-)

[B19GRR]

Actually I believe there are some issues ECU wise at the moment fitting the Honda conversion in to the S2. Check out the threads on the Lotus BBS:

www.british-cars.co.uk/cgi-bin/gen5?runprog=lotusbbs

[Roadrunner]

There can't be any ecu issues. The engine is a brand new Honda unit, with it's own gearbox and ecu. The donor car is nothing but a mechanical base to mount it on.

If you could post a full liknk I'll read it though.

[Roadrunner]

Also, I thought the toyota lump was supposed to be a 6 pot. Whatever. It still won't be a match for the Honda unit.

On the power side of things, it seems a small supercharger conversion will see well over 300bhp whilst still being very reliable. These upgrades are pretty popular in the USA. Would be fun in a liz!

[bogie]

Lotus are testing a 6 pot V6 Toyota lump ...but I think thats for the M260

Also the new Esprit replacement with have a 100% Lotus engine...due in 2005

[Roadrunner]

I'll believe it when I see it. The company will probably change hands three times between now and then. Right here and now the Honda solution is the best solution IMO.

[B19GRR]

Roadrunner said: There can't be any ecu issues. The engine is a brand new Honda unit, with it's own gearbox and ecu. The donor car is nothing but a mechanical base to mount it on.

If you could post a full liknk I'll read it though.

The problems IRC are getting the info out of the ecu into the Stack/Shurlock unit in the S2.

long thread here, lazy bloke

Lotus Elise Type R at Rockingham

[Roadrunner]

Cheers for the link. What a monster!

One thing, which I posted on there, is the audi conversion. An extra 100 torque over the honda! Now that's an idea. Who does this in the uk?

(1.8T audi, not the 2.7tt audi esthti)

[bogie]

I think Bernard Scouse and Dave Andrews are working on the Audi conversion ...Bernards car should be running within the next month or so

[Roadrunner]

Do they post on here? Or is that a reference to a company? (Derr!)

[clanger]

Will def be fittin' 260bhp spec Honda in rear end of my Exige as soon as poss - IMHO better that TT route -only way to make a totally awesome car even better..

[bogie]

RR

no they dont post on here - they are a company...although the conversion is not officially announced (or advertised) at present ...its little more than a rumour of what theyve been working on :-)..but rest assured...judging by the quality of their other work ...it will be better than factory and on a par with the Honda conversion

the website is www.dvapower.com I cant really see it being a reality for purchase until a few months yet though...in the meantime Honda VTEC is the way to go !

>> Edited by bogie on Friday 4th April 00:37

[Roadrunner]

Thanks for the link. I've contacted those guys and they've put me in touch with someone else. It sounds like something rather special. It seems this could be the fastest ever lotus, with the power figure starting with a 3!

[DanH]

What - the lotus Esthi which is featured in this months evo? That has the audi v6 Twin Turbo.

Damn fine car, but at 70k it ought to be

[Felix7]

bogie said: RR

no they dont post on here - they are a company...although the conversion is not officially announced (or advertised) at present ...its little more than a rumour of what theyve been working on :-)..but rest assured...judging by the quality of their other work ...it will be better than factory and on a par with the Honda conversion

Not a rumour, had it straight from the horses mouth, the Audi 225 engine |+ six speed box will be available as a kit to install -any more than that and you will need to speak to the man himself.

[bogie]

Felix - sorry for the misunderstanding ..I wasnt doubting the existence of the kit...I was with Dave and Bernard a couple of weeks back discussing it...I just didnt want it to sound like it was a fully working/tested/available conversion right now. Bernard said that he would have his car (with the 225 TT lump)up and running by the end of the month...so I guess once its fully sorted and tested it will be available later this year

[Roadrunner]

I've been asked to keep quiet about the audi conversion actually. I'm sure they'll release details when it's finished.

[Felix7]

bogie said: Felix - sorry for the misunderstanding ..I wasnt doubting the existence of the kit...I was with Dave and Bernard a couple of weeks back discussing it...I just didnt want it to sound like it was a fully working/tested/available conversion right now. Bernard said that he would have his car (with the 225 TT lump)up and running by the end of the month...so I guess once its fully sorted and tested it will be available later this year

Ironically I was of the same opinion, but given that he did not say that this was not to be public knowledge, I thought it OK to say too!!!