Discussion
Hi all
Any views on an Elise s1 as a track day car for next year. Been offered one for sale, looks in good condition and might be fun - but haven’t seen many on track this year and wondered why that was?
Too old? Too fragile? It’s had the cylinder head of the K series done recently.
Many thanks for any thoughts !
Any views on an Elise s1 as a track day car for next year. Been offered one for sale, looks in good condition and might be fun - but haven’t seen many on track this year and wondered why that was?
Too old? Too fragile? It’s had the cylinder head of the K series done recently.
Many thanks for any thoughts !
I've tracked an S1 elise (all be it a Sport 160 Elise Trophy car) and earlier our S2 135R and always enjoyed it very much. Rarely the fastest car on the track these days, but can usually humble some more exotic cars. I find the K series to be a fun engine. One change I would advise it toe links. Had the bolts snap in a few cars over the years and heavy track use will make them go!
They handle very well and being lightweight are generally quite easy on the consumables like brakes and tyres. One of the biggest positives I would say is the Lotus trackday community with Lotus on Track. I must have done over a hundred track days across Europe with them (not so much since corona) and they're up with the best TDO. (Edit : But if you're living in Asia, you wont get to enjoy that part.)
If you buy one, you'll also have a fun car for a countryside blast or European tour too! If you have any specific questions just ask.
They handle very well and being lightweight are generally quite easy on the consumables like brakes and tyres. One of the biggest positives I would say is the Lotus trackday community with Lotus on Track. I must have done over a hundred track days across Europe with them (not so much since corona) and they're up with the best TDO. (Edit : But if you're living in Asia, you wont get to enjoy that part.)
If you buy one, you'll also have a fun car for a countryside blast or European tour too! If you have any specific questions just ask.
Edited by DrJNA on Monday 26th September 14:07
DrJNA said:
I've tracked an S1 elise (all be it a Sport 160 Elise Trophy car) and earlier our S2 135R and always enjoyed it very much. Rarely the fastest car on the track these days, but can usually humble some more exotic cars. I find the K series to be a fun engine. One change I would advise it toe links. Had the bolts snap in a few cars over the years and heavy track use will make them go!
They handle very well and being lightweight are generally quite easy on the consumables like brakes and tyres. One of the biggest positives I would say is the Lotus trackday community with Lotus on Track. I must have done over a hundred track days across Europe with them (not so much since corona) and they're up with the best TDO. (Edit : But if you're living in Asia, you wont get to enjoy that part.)
If you buy one, you'll also have a fun car for a countryside blast or European tour too! If you have any specific questions just ask.
Thanks so much, that’s extremely kind. Car would be in the Home Counties so would be able to get to thruxton, Bedford, Goodwood etc.They handle very well and being lightweight are generally quite easy on the consumables like brakes and tyres. One of the biggest positives I would say is the Lotus trackday community with Lotus on Track. I must have done over a hundred track days across Europe with them (not so much since corona) and they're up with the best TDO. (Edit : But if you're living in Asia, you wont get to enjoy that part.)
If you buy one, you'll also have a fun car for a countryside blast or European tour too! If you have any specific questions just ask.
Edited by DrJNA on Monday 26th September 14:07
I have been running a Boxster this year which has been fun, but it’s a bit porky and something lighter might be fun.
Thanks again
If you can stretch your range to Cadwell Park as well, you will love it. 13 corners in 2 miles, so really suits the Elise.
On last week's TVR Car Club track day, 3 of the 4 Lotuses were way quicker than most of the TVRs.
Admittedly one was an Exige 380, but one of the three was an Elise. Handling was sublime in them, I noticed when following.
On last week's TVR Car Club track day, 3 of the 4 Lotuses were way quicker than most of the TVRs.
Admittedly one was an Exige 380, but one of the three was an Elise. Handling was sublime in them, I noticed when following.
livinginasia said:
Thanks so much, that’s extremely kind. Car would be in the Home Counties so would be able to get to thruxton, Bedford, Goodwood etc.
I have been running a Boxster this year which has been fun, but it’s a bit porky and something lighter might be fun.
Thanks again
Porky! Wash your mouth out with soap...I have been running a Boxster this year which has been fun, but it’s a bit porky and something lighter might be fun.
Thanks again
I run a 987.1 S with PASM and sticky tyres and it is brilliant on track, (IMHO
).DrJNA said:
... Lotus on Track ...
I get the impression that most Lotuses that are quick on track (i.e. driver and car) are at the LoT days, and thus why they are not very common at other track days. This means that most people don't see how quick they can be.Very highly recommended TDO and they accept other 2-seat sports cars so I'd recommend the OP join LoT for 2 things - enjoy great value track days with very high driving standards, and to check out a variety of Lotuses.
upsidedownmark said:
He's not wrong tho. The porky pork is good on track, but it's far from light, and while it (mostly) conceals it well, it eats tyres/brakes compared to something like an elise. Enjoyed mine (on track and road), but for track use it wouldn't be my first choice.
Sorry for OT, but just as a comparison regarding consumables, three Track Days at Cadwell Park, and one at Castle Combe has left me with 2mm of tread after starting with 4.5mum of tread. Brake pad wear is minimal using Ferodo DS2500’s.phazed said:
jm8403 said:
Tobermory said:
Don’t forget fuel as well. I get 25mpg on road and 11mpg on track.
Pretty normal for a quick carI’m pretty impressed as it gets driven very hard in track and I was expecting under 10mpg at least.
I suppose it’s quite light though.
The local petrol station guy at Brands was very pleased to see me as with. 30l tank I made several visits!
upsidedownmark said:
He's not wrong tho. The porky pork is good on track, but it's far from light, and while it (mostly) conceals it well, it eats tyres/brakes compared to something like an elise. Enjoyed mine (on track and road), but for track use it wouldn't be my first choice.
It’s funny you mention that as I got through a brand new set of pads installed by my local mechanic in 4 laps of Bedford. Changed them for some harder ones which has lasted longer, but tyres on needing replacement next. It’s a lovely car though on track, beautiful balance.Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff