Elise Sport 160 questions

Elise Sport 160 questions

Author
Discussion

craig

Original Poster:

1,181 posts

291 months

Friday 5th September 2003
quotequote all
Hi

I'm about to buy my first Elise. I have given a lot of thought to which one to get and like the idea of a Sport 160 (I'll be doing a few trackdays).

I have some questions though:

1) I have read a lot about uneven running and the fitment of verniers - should I expect most cars to have been retro-fitted with these?
2) Are the SVA cars more sought after than the later cars and are they the ones to go for?
3) Are there any particular things I need to look out for on the cars I'm looking at? (I'm planning on buying from a dealer)

Any help much appreciated

Craig



LoopyMattyB

2,061 posts

264 months

Saturday 6th September 2003
quotequote all

Hey Craig,

A few weeks back I was in the exactly the same situation as you! I've recently put a deposit on a Silver, 2000/X Elise Sport 160S and I pick it up this Satuday! As you can imagine, I cant wait!

craig said:

1) I have read a lot about uneven running and the fitment of verniers - should I expect most cars to have been retro-fitted with these?
2) Are the SVA cars more sought after than the later cars and are they the ones to go for?
3) Are there any particular things I need to look out for on the cars I'm looking at? (I'm planning on buying from a dealer)


Its a trait of the 160 to idle around 1200-1300rpm, and trying to pull away at anything other than 2500rpm+ leads to some kangerooing! It didn't bother me, you just have to get used to it - but it costs £900 to sort with DVA, so I shouldn't imagine many have had it done. The kit hasn't really been available long, either.

Technically, the SVA cars are the ones to go for, as they have the "true" 160PS, Sports exhaust and no cat. However, as there were only 50 made, they are v.v.rare! There was one advertised on PH not long back.

Things to look at on the 160...I'm not the best person to ask about it. I bought mine from a (non-Lotus) dealer - was pretty mint for the mileage, but its VERY low, as are all 160's with the LSS, so watch out for underbody damage. Mines has a few scrapes but nothing serious.

Oh, and make sure the 6000mile servicing has been kept to!

Cheers,
Matt


>> Edited by LoopyMattyB on Saturday 6th September 23:38

B19GRR

1,980 posts

263 months

Sunday 7th September 2003
quotequote all
Bruce at Ragtop Roadsters does a vernier kit for the 160 for £295:
www.med-reg.co.uk/ragtopprices.htm

He can also fit an Emerald ECU should you wish.

Top bloke, I've been very happy with the work he's done on my car.

craig

Original Poster:

1,181 posts

291 months

Monday 8th September 2003
quotequote all
thanks for the advice guys

I ended up buying a car from Wilson's Lotus

2000/W black, 12000 miles with ITG kit and sports exhaust

looking forward to picking it up...

dragstar

3,924 posts

257 months

Monday 8th September 2003
quotequote all
hi guys,


whats the other differences between the s160 and 111s apart from the wheels, and lss?

B19GRR

1,980 posts

263 months

Monday 8th September 2003
quotequote all
dragstar said:
hi guys,


whats the other differences between the s160 and 111s apart from the wheels, and lss?


111s has the VVC engine, S1 is only 145 bhp IIRC. 160 has tuned Non-VVC, early SVAs made 160bhp, later ones made 150bhp.

One of them has the close ratio gear box, the other doesn't, can't remember which one though.

Probably some trim differences, and maybe one has a higher wing on the back.

DanH

12,287 posts

267 months

Monday 8th September 2003
quotequote all

If you have a 160, its really nice to have the verniers though at the least. Also a programmable ECU is nice for sorting out the map.

The fact lotus now sell it as an upgrade is a bit of a laugh given the original map was a complete joke.

Of course some people like it idling very roughly as it makes it feel more potent