Looking for advice on Exige S

[cirvy]

I'm looking into an Exige S as a possible successor to the Cerb

Iam becoming a little confused over the BHP of this car though.

Trawling through the classifieds, there are some at 190BHP, some at 240BHP & even some at 260BHP. Can anyone explain the difference. What is the best to go for if i'm looking at a few trackdays??

Is it practical to go for a lesser powered car, & then upgrade to suit??

There appear to be several with power upgrades... Is that a good option to look at??

Cheers

[Boggy]

cirvy said:

I'm looking into an Exige S as a possible successor to the Cerb

Iam becoming a little confused over the BHP of this car though.

Trawling through the classifieds, there are some at 190BHP, some at 240BHP & even some at 260BHP. Can anyone explain the difference. What is the best to go for if i'm looking at a few trackdays??

Is it practical to go for a lesser powered car, & then upgrade to suit??

There appear to be several with power upgrades... Is that a good option to look at??

Cheers

Lotus Exige S2 (Toyota)

N/A = 190 bhp

Exige S 220bhp standard or 240bhp with performance pack option

Exige Cup 255bhp - 260bhp depending on year

There are a few after market option's as well but I'd stick to a 240bhp Car and then do your own modifications

http://www.grouplotus.com/cars/lotus_motorsport_ev...

Boggy

[TonyHetherington]

As boggy above said

Are you looking for brand new or a couple of years old?

The original exige was the 190bhp normally aspirated engine.

Then the Exige S (S denoting supercharged) had 220bhp.

Then, about 18 months ago I think it was they released the Exige S with PP (performance pack) which took it to 240bhp.

Do drive a 240bhp car and a 220bhp car as I know guys to have driven both and actually preferred the delivery of the 220 car - though it is personal choice of course.

[cirvy]

Thanks guys.

I was thinking of spending around £25k next spring/summer, & hoping to get as new as possible.

Cheers for the input

[21TonyK]

Is it primarily for track use or road as well?

Edited by 21TonyK on Thursday 15th October 16:11

[chandrew]

As mentioned there are after-market options. Here in Switzerland a common conversion is made by a firm called Bemani, who take the S upto 286bhp / 270NM and doesn't affect the local warranty. To my knowledge they do it with the use of an air/water chargecooler. In the words of my local dealer all of the Lotus solutions provide 220bhp after an hour on the track.

They do a similar solution for the Elise R which is rated at 265/253 but this is far more expensive.

[Boggy]

cirvy said:

Thanks guys.

I was thinking of spending around £25k next spring/summer, & hoping to get as new as possible.

Cheers for the input

For that sort of money your going to be able to buy next year 07/57 Exige S 220bhp

Boggy

[cirvy]

21TonyK said:

Is it primarily for track use or road as well?

Edited by 21TonyK on Thursday 15th October 16:11

Probably more for track use in reality!

As i get older, i just daren't tear about on the road!

[cirvy]

chandrew said:

As mentioned there are after-market options. Here in Switzerland a common conversion is made by a firm called Bemani, who take the S upto 286bhp / 270NM and doesn't affect the local warranty. To my knowledge they do it with the use of an air/water chargecooler. In the words of my local dealer all of the Lotus solutions provide 220bhp after an hour on the track.

They do a similar solution for the Elise R which is rated at 265/253 but this is far more expensive.

That sounds interesting.

Is there something like it in the UK that wouldn't stuff the manufacturers warranty??

[Boggy]

Boggy said:

cirvy said:

chandrew said:

As mentioned there are after-market options. Here in Switzerland a common conversion is made by a firm called Bemani, who take the S upto 286bhp / 270NM and doesn't affect the local warranty. To my knowledge they do it with the use of an air/water chargecooler. In the words of my local dealer all of the Lotus solutions provide 220bhp after an hour on the track.

They do a similar solution for the Elise R which is rated at 265/253 but this is far more expensive.

That sounds interesting.

Is there something like it in the UK that wouldn't stuff the manufacturers warranty??

The only one I'd even think of : http://www.sinclairemotorsport.com/ Speak to Wayne and mention Piston Heads and Seloc

Boggy

[21TonyK]

cirvy said:

21TonyK said:

Is it primarily for track use or road as well?

Edited by 21TonyK on Thursday 15th October 16:11

Probably more for track use in reality!

As i get older, i just daren't tear about on the road!

Reason I ask is for track use you will probably want to upgrade quite a few bits unless you go for a Cup car. And, if you're spending money on bits you'll want the best and that gets expensive.

One option could be a cheaper NA (190) car (17K), upgrade suspension (+1.5K), brakes (+.4K). This will give you a car that is a lot of fun but untimately not *that* quick and not the greatest on road due to the lack or torque. Then add a SC for about £4.5K to get around 250hp and a lot more torque. You've then got a very quick car for about £23-24K.

Alternative might be an Exige S (£23K?) tweaked to around 240hp for another £1.5K. Less power and minus suspension etc. But, likely to hold more value than a heavily modified car.

I'm running a pretty standard 190, few mods but nothing earth shattering. For me it's a perfectly adequate as a tool to develop my driving skills on track. If I was running it as my only road car as well then I'd probably want an S.

[sdd]

That sort of budget will get you a tidy Exige S, the brakes don't need upgrading other than discs, pads and fluid. There are a lot of sets of two Ohlins dampers knocking around now and a good Penske option that we've just fitted to a couple of cars so upgrading the suspension needen't cost a lot.

If you are tracking it then I'd make sure you have the rear chassis brace upgrade kit and get the geometry done on a regular basis.

Stephen

www.track-club.com