Wednesday 30th January 2002

VTEC Kit for Elise

For almost 4 years Sun International has been installing the Honda 1.8 litre VTEC powertrain into Lotus Elises in the USA.

They're now on the fifth incarnation of the conversion and are offering it in kit form not only in American but in Europe and Asia. Sun claim the installation is simple enough to be done at home by someone with mechanical aptitude.

The kit comes with everything required for the conversion, but not the actual engine or gearbox (or the Elise!).

Full details of the kit are available on Sun International's website at www.thesunsite.com/installation_kit.html

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[Roadrunner]

Looks like a good alternative. Anyone know the power output of this engine? Must be loads of tuning options for Honda engines too. I saw a supercharger for them somewhere. Should make a better sound than the rover lump too.

[caribeiro]

Why not,

A fine engine in a fantastic chassis.

I hope for Mugen version

>> Edited by caribeiro on Wednesday 30th January 09:43

[VTECDave]

Can you clarify what you are doing.

Are you putting a Honda VTEC engine in a Elise. What model of engine? There are many variations.

1.6 DOHC engine (Honda code B16a) from 3dr Civic VTIs output 158bhp as standard and redline at 8000rpm.

1.8 DOHC engine from 5 dr Civic VTIs output 167 bhp.

2.2 DOHC from Prelude is 183 bhp (I think).

This is UK spec info. Japanese variations may be more powerful (ie: the old Civic Type-R - Honda code B16b)

These engines can be supercharged I'm sure there a uk company that does it (can't remember who). A good induction kit a nd exhaust is a good basic start.

Don't bother with the SOHC VTEC engines as they aren't as powerful or revvy.

Go visit this USA site for info:

www.jdmhondaparts.com/frameset.htm

[Kiwi LE]

Sun International uses the B18C5 Honda R Type, it fits well and the gearbox/LS diff are very nice, standard about 195 hp and relative cheap to increase HP than the K series. With out going crazy the R engine can get 220-240 hp with loosing to much drivablity and engine life.

www.suninternational-usa.com/pr_els01.html

Sun claims -
The Elise w/ the SIR base version engine of 200 bhp is capable of:

0 - 60 mph in 4.3 seconds
1/4 mile in 12.5 @ 110 mph
60 mph - 0 in less than 120 feet
lateral acceleration exceeding 1.0 g
For USD $10K they sell you the engine ?

It's on my Xmas list, but maybe I'll source my own ?