Standard engined S1 Elise

[smiles1]

Hi,

Anybody any ideas what series a standard engined (circa 120-125bhp) S1 Elise, weighing circa 800kg (880kg with driver) would be competitive in?

The Lotus Cup needs a more powerful engine to be competitive.

Roadsports? CSCC (or is bhp unrestricted)? WSCC? Other?

Thanks

[df76]

There would be a suitable class within 750mc Roadsports (all based on power to weight), but you won’t be near the front of the race.

[anonymous-user]

I honestly can't think of anything, race or speed event where you'll be "competitive" on a regular basis.

Sticking to speed events because it's what I know a little more about, you'll face competition from the higher bhp variants of Elises as well as other light <1800cc cars such as MX5s and mk1 MR2s. Its a class break point for many sprints/hillclimbs too, there are many competitive <1800cc cars with more power out there such as 106 GTIs or an early integra type r.
A mk2 Mx5 is about 130-140 bhp and they cost peanuts so fitting coilovers is a good upgrade and you're still paying less than £2k for a competitive car. There is quite a following for them in the South West for this reason.

[Altrezia]

Modern Classics

The laptimes aren't great so if it's driven well you'll do OK, and should have fun along the way.

I'd still bash a head and cams on it though and be competitive everywhere.

[andy97]

smiles1 said:

Hi,

Anybody any ideas what series a standard engined (circa 120-125bhp) S1 Elise, weighing circa 800kg (880kg with driver) would be competitive in?

The Lotus Cup needs a more powerful engine to be competitive.

Roadsports? CSCC (or is bhp unrestricted)? WSCC? Other?

Thanks

It all depends on your definition of "competitive"! Do you want to win your class, fight for podiums or just have some one else to battle with and not be left behind? A lot of that will depend on your experience, talent, time in the car etc, and not the car itself.

The 750mc Roadsports classes are:

A - Super GT - 300bhp/tonne
B - GT - 240bhp/tonne
C - Supersport - 180bhp/tonne
D - Sport - 145bhp/tonne

I am assuming that you will be in Class D. Plenty of Class C and D cars to battle with such as MX5s, Clios, BMW Compacts, MR2s.

CSCC Modern Classics has had several Elise race within it. There is a class for up to 1800cc cars which the Elise fit in to. Usually a fair few people to battle with inc Elise, Ginetta G20 etc.

The pit stops and 2 driver format also mean that you can get a variety of performances in the same types of car1.

Go along to early season race meetings for both clubs and talk to people in the Paddock and see what you think of the people and the racing. CSCC will allow you to enter a Taster race for just club membership and the entry fee without having to pay the series registration fee.

I am a long time member of both clubs and both have their good and not so good points but I prefer CSCC and I think they have better driving standards. Others will disagree!

[smiles1]

Thanks all, I'll have a look through the clubs mentioned.

[Tanuki]

Modern Classics (MC) is based on 1800cc. There are several S1's in MC with engine power and torque figures very similar to that which you would find in Elise Trophy (and they are driven reasonably well).

Ergo: a 'standard' output K-series Elise in MC will not be competitive in the slightest.

CSCC however do have by far some of the best driving standards of any club in the UK. The officiating and organisation is excellent too.

Edited by Tanuki on Monday 25th February 11:21

[smiles1]

Thanks Tanuki