Avavilable conversions?

[jitsukadave]

Following the 1.8T conversion thread, what are the conversions available for the S2 Elises?

I only know about the K20A Honda unit installation, and now the Audi one... are there any more?

What kind of costs do they all run to? What are the pros and cons of each? Costs on insurance, realiablity etc, etc?

[bogie]

have a search on here and SELOC for more detail, but to summarise:

Audi 1.8T in 250 and 350bhp - £8-10K www.auto-teknix.co.uk

Honda K20A in 220 or 300bhp (supercharged) £9.5 - £13K www.maidstonesportscars.co.uk

Ford Duratec 2.0 190 or 220bhp - £7.5-10K (other opions available) www.eliseparts.com

RST 2.4 V8 - 320-400bhp, still in development www.rst-v8.co.uk www.sinclairemotorsport.co.uk estimate £20-22K inc 6 speed box

thats your options

Pros/Cons:

Audi - 6 speed box, loads of torque, cheaper than Honda £/BHP....some people dont like turbo power delivery, only available for S1, not many of them around (<10)

Honda - 6 speed box, normally aspirated feel, even on SC car, fully productionised conversion with over 50 cars done so far, 1 year warranty - more expensive than Audi on £/bhp

Ford Duratec - cheaper, lots of power options, brand new engine - uses PG1 Rover gearbox, approx 10 cars done so far, not as cheap as everyone hoped - too close to Honda/Audi pricing, but without 6 speed box

RST-V8 - to some may be the ultimate Elise, lightweight V8 engine, but still in development, and you could buy another nearly new Elise for the price.


cheers

bogie

ps - I have the K20A SC conversion in my S2 if you need any more info........

[Mr_C]

i guess the Vauxhall 2.0 Turbo conversion would be relatively straightforward as Lotus already make all the bits you'd need

[jitsukadave]

I've not been keen on turbos after a moment in a modified Mk2 MR2 a few of years ago. All my fault, but experiances with turbos since have just made me think less of them.

Superchargers though, now they are fine... as long as the turbine stays in one piece and doesn't get shrapnel in the engine

bogie - Y(will soon)HM

[randy]

A Vauxhaul conversion isn't easy as the VX subframe is completely different. Also, if you want a turbo car then the Audi is a much better engine.

[matrs]

Z Cars hayabusa conversion www.zcars.org.uk/elise/elise.htm.

[bobalog]

Will the new Radical V8 fit in an Elise? Probably a hugely expensive option, but a very interesting one! I didn't see much information on the other V8 conversion listed above.

[bogie]

Hyabusa - mmm...still not really tested and productionised, and I doubt the reliability of it when tuned to that level and pushing something 3x the weight it wwas intended for....wouldnt want to be one of the first to try it myself when there are other more suitable engines out there.

Radical V8 - yes it would fit, but you are in the same boat again - do you want to be first, wait for months, and shell out £25K + just for the engine!? !

VX - too much work involved for not much more benefit, cheaper to go with Honda/Audi etc