Further thoughts on my 111R...
Discussion
Thought I’d provide an update on my experience with the 111R now that I’ve had chance to use the power.
As you probably read within one of my previous posts, by far the greatest perceived initial concern was the powerband or lack thereof. I kind of still feel the same way (ish) and have to be honest and say I’d much prefer a more linear delivery but… once you adapt, and stop moaning, it just becomes a different way of accessing the power and now it is almost natural now to drop a few gears and blast off immediately – you have to treat the car roughly to get it’s performance. Is it fast? If you keep the Toyota engine on cam, add in some seriously good corners, the car makes such rapid progress it just makes you smile - it’s that impressive.
One of my other previous impressions was that the Elise didn’t feel as fast as other cars with the same ‘paper’ performance in a straight line. I actually feel this is down to 1st gear (!) – basically I avoid bringing up the revs high before pulling off so the power band isn’t accessed hence my initial impressions. The reason? It’s because I feel like I’m going to burn up the clutch so… I tried it anyway and gave it everything from a standing start and it makes all the difference – I’m guessing this is why the 111R didn’t feel as expected, just got to adapt and learn to thrash it and hope it doesn’t break!
I’m really starting to click with the car now – on cam and through the corners is just a real good blast and almost like an Alton Towers ride at times. The only one complaint I have about the stock car is the exhaust note – sounds really poor when parked near a TVR or something similar. I know the 1.8 is never going to sound like a 4.0 though and it’s not the cars nature to be a ‘quick only in straight line car’ forgetting that corners exist in the same way as most TVR’s except the new model which I REALLY like (except the strange cuts in the bonnet)! The next step is Stage2 followed by an ITG – just money holding me back but then I have the car so waiting for mods should be something to aim for at a later date.
In conclusion then, it’s fantastic with great feedback through the wheel, fantastic cornering and SO fast as an overall package – just got to show it who’s boss and thrash it! One other point, I find myself driving with the roof on unless it’s seriously hot – the wind annoys me and distracts me from the driving experience in a way which I never thought it would… It’s great when the weather is really good but I’m not a ‘top down’ in all weathers kind of driver I guess… Damn, should have bought the Exige!
Owning an Elise has got me really interested in driving the range, S1 Elise / Exige etc… would be good to meet up at some point….?
As you probably read within one of my previous posts, by far the greatest perceived initial concern was the powerband or lack thereof. I kind of still feel the same way (ish) and have to be honest and say I’d much prefer a more linear delivery but… once you adapt, and stop moaning, it just becomes a different way of accessing the power and now it is almost natural now to drop a few gears and blast off immediately – you have to treat the car roughly to get it’s performance. Is it fast? If you keep the Toyota engine on cam, add in some seriously good corners, the car makes such rapid progress it just makes you smile - it’s that impressive.
One of my other previous impressions was that the Elise didn’t feel as fast as other cars with the same ‘paper’ performance in a straight line. I actually feel this is down to 1st gear (!) – basically I avoid bringing up the revs high before pulling off so the power band isn’t accessed hence my initial impressions. The reason? It’s because I feel like I’m going to burn up the clutch so… I tried it anyway and gave it everything from a standing start and it makes all the difference – I’m guessing this is why the 111R didn’t feel as expected, just got to adapt and learn to thrash it and hope it doesn’t break!
I’m really starting to click with the car now – on cam and through the corners is just a real good blast and almost like an Alton Towers ride at times. The only one complaint I have about the stock car is the exhaust note – sounds really poor when parked near a TVR or something similar. I know the 1.8 is never going to sound like a 4.0 though and it’s not the cars nature to be a ‘quick only in straight line car’ forgetting that corners exist in the same way as most TVR’s except the new model which I REALLY like (except the strange cuts in the bonnet)! The next step is Stage2 followed by an ITG – just money holding me back but then I have the car so waiting for mods should be something to aim for at a later date.
In conclusion then, it’s fantastic with great feedback through the wheel, fantastic cornering and SO fast as an overall package – just got to show it who’s boss and thrash it! One other point, I find myself driving with the roof on unless it’s seriously hot – the wind annoys me and distracts me from the driving experience in a way which I never thought it would… It’s great when the weather is really good but I’m not a ‘top down’ in all weathers kind of driver I guess… Damn, should have bought the Exige!
Owning an Elise has got me really interested in driving the range, S1 Elise / Exige etc… would be good to meet up at some point….?
Glad you are enjoying it mate.
I have to say that the more I drive mine the more I like the 2 cam profiles. Its like having 2 cars for the price of one.
On the 1st cam its great for 'normal' driving although the performance on first cam is not that much different to a 111S anyway.
Second cam is fantastic, especially 3rd and 4th.
My car has aways sounded quite good, mainly because it had the ITG on it from day 1, but it still needs more which is why its going in for a Stage 2 exhaust tomorrow.
One thing I was apprehensive about when I got the Exige was missing having the roof off. The reality is that I dont. At all.
I have been out loads of times now on really scorching hot days and havent thought about the roof. Its such a focused car all your concentration is on the driving. Also after having done 230 or so miles I get out feeling cool and fresh due to the air con whereas in the S1 I would have been a sweaty pile of sh1t.
Only small issue is the squeeky roof section which is being looked at tomorrow but even if its not fixed I probably wont hear it over the Stage 2!
Tyre wear is also noticeable over the S1. My car is on 3000 miles now and there is only a few mills of tread left on the rears.
Taking it to Bruntingthorpe on Sunday for VMAX which will probably kill off the rears. Expensive but they are worth it. The grip is amazing.
I will get some video footage of the car accelarating from standstill and a fly by on the straight so you can hear the Stage 2 and ITG. Will also get some shots of my Road Angel to see what it maxes out at.
>> Edited by Davey S1 on Tuesday 12th July 16:49
I have to say that the more I drive mine the more I like the 2 cam profiles. Its like having 2 cars for the price of one.
On the 1st cam its great for 'normal' driving although the performance on first cam is not that much different to a 111S anyway.
Second cam is fantastic, especially 3rd and 4th.
My car has aways sounded quite good, mainly because it had the ITG on it from day 1, but it still needs more which is why its going in for a Stage 2 exhaust tomorrow.
One thing I was apprehensive about when I got the Exige was missing having the roof off. The reality is that I dont. At all.
I have been out loads of times now on really scorching hot days and havent thought about the roof. Its such a focused car all your concentration is on the driving. Also after having done 230 or so miles I get out feeling cool and fresh due to the air con whereas in the S1 I would have been a sweaty pile of sh1t.
Only small issue is the squeeky roof section which is being looked at tomorrow but even if its not fixed I probably wont hear it over the Stage 2!
Tyre wear is also noticeable over the S1. My car is on 3000 miles now and there is only a few mills of tread left on the rears.
Taking it to Bruntingthorpe on Sunday for VMAX which will probably kill off the rears. Expensive but they are worth it. The grip is amazing.
I will get some video footage of the car accelarating from standstill and a fly by on the straight so you can hear the Stage 2 and ITG. Will also get some shots of my Road Angel to see what it maxes out at.
>> Edited by Davey S1 on Tuesday 12th July 16:49
I'd be careful about posting that sort of stuff mate, plenty of threads doing the rounds warning about police and insurers patrolling car forums and acting on peoples posts.
Also forgot to say I have treated the car to an expensive tub of Zymol so she will sound like the devil and smell like an angel.
Also forgot to say I have treated the car to an expensive tub of Zymol so she will sound like the devil and smell like an angel.
They'd do well to actually check peoples speed when and where it matters - like outside of Schools for example... Also, always when out on a blast, I'm the only one sticking to the 30mph limits... The drivers doing 50 in a 60 limit also do 50 in the 30 limits in my experience....
Did I say 142mph, sorry should have been 42mph... Glad to clear that one up for you
Did I say 142mph, sorry should have been 42mph... Glad to clear that one up for you
142? That's nothing! 
Yes, that's MPH.
Not sure how it happened, given the StreetPilot has only ever been in my 111r, 1972 MGB Roadster, and 2-litre Audi A4 FSI, none of which are capable of anything remotely like that kind of speed...
...and they say GPS is the most reliable method of determining speed! Heheh
People see that and go
. I just say "cool, huh?" 
just joking
[k]
>> Edited by [k]ar| on Tuesday 12th July 18:27
Yes, that's MPH.
Not sure how it happened, given the StreetPilot has only ever been in my 111r, 1972 MGB Roadster, and 2-litre Audi A4 FSI, none of which are capable of anything remotely like that kind of speed...
...and they say GPS is the most reliable method of determining speed! Heheh
People see that and go
. I just say "cool, huh?" just joking
[k]
>> Edited by [k]ar| on Tuesday 12th July 18:27
Hi Shot2bits
I believe we share the same feelings about the R. I am later than you but following the same way.
When speaking about start: how high do you go before to unclutch? (ITE : Is this english?)
I am more confident to push the first gear when turning so if it is too much the car slides laterally and I feel this less brutal than unleashing the fury in a straight. But this is probably untrue??
Another point: when cruising sportively, how high do you stay? I try to be between 3000 and 4500. I feel 5000 is too noisy (stdt exhaust so far), and less than 3000 not punchy enough.
I believe we share the same feelings about the R. I am later than you but following the same way.
When speaking about start: how high do you go before to unclutch? (ITE : Is this english?)
I am more confident to push the first gear when turning so if it is too much the car slides laterally and I feel this less brutal than unleashing the fury in a straight. But this is probably untrue??
Another point: when cruising sportively, how high do you stay? I try to be between 3000 and 4500. I feel 5000 is too noisy (stdt exhaust so far), and less than 3000 not punchy enough.
S2b you are a whinger , just enjoy it!
Personally I drive mostly on the first cam during my daily commute, only using the second for overtaking and bursts of acceleration when no one is in front of me. I still find the first cam very accelerative though, I think people have a misconception that you have to be using the second cam to get anywhere.
Interesting point about using first gear though, I might try that from the lights, I normally only go up to 5-6k rpm in first, as I feel a bit guilty thrashing it in that gear. Also it's soooo fast in first you really are hanging on for dear life rather than controlling it in any way!!
I have also found the roof on / air-con experience much more pleasurable than open top in this weather, don't miss it at all.
Also changed the exhaust for Stage 1, much much nicer noise now, doesn't sound so crap...
Just got the car back from the dealer and they have fixed all the rattles and squeaks too, it's now my dream car!!
, just enjoy it! Personally I drive mostly on the first cam during my daily commute, only using the second for overtaking and bursts of acceleration when no one is in front of me. I still find the first cam very accelerative though, I think people have a misconception that you have to be using the second cam to get anywhere.
Interesting point about using first gear though, I might try that from the lights, I normally only go up to 5-6k rpm in first, as I feel a bit guilty thrashing it in that gear. Also it's soooo fast in first you really are hanging on for dear life rather than controlling it in any way!!
I have also found the roof on / air-con experience much more pleasurable than open top in this weather, don't miss it at all.
Also changed the exhaust for Stage 1, much much nicer noise now, doesn't sound so crap...
Just got the car back from the dealer and they have fixed all the rattles and squeaks too, it's now my dream car!!
[k]arl the VMAX boys have proper timing traps as well which are supposed to be accurate to within 1 MPH so I will be able to get an accurate reading even without the Road Angel. Target for me is the 143 I hit last time in a VX220 Turbo.
I dont think I will trouble the big boys. Top last time were 2 RUF Porsches with 195 and 196. This time there is also a Ford GT and the world record holding 0-100-0 Ultima GTA (about 8 seconds!!!)
The Toyota engine is still very quick on first cam, especially between 5-6K revs. Its just over 6,500 that things really hot up.
I dont think I will trouble the big boys. Top last time were 2 RUF Porsches with 195 and 196. This time there is also a Ford GT and the world record holding 0-100-0 Ultima GTA (about 8 seconds!!!)
The Toyota engine is still very quick on first cam, especially between 5-6K revs. Its just over 6,500 that things really hot up.
The 220T has a lot more tourque so you notice the power at low revs when you pull off. At teh top end the Toyota is much nicer though.
I was very impressed with the VX. It cost the owner just over £18K and pulled 143 on the straight and embarasses a lot of cars costing 3 or 4 times the price through the corners.
Just not a fan of the looks.
I was very impressed with the VX. It cost the owner just over £18K and pulled 143 on the straight and embarasses a lot of cars costing 3 or 4 times the price through the corners.
Just not a fan of the looks.
intersting thoughts about pulling away in 1st. I have the feeling that the clutch on my 111R is on the way out. Quite a lot of smell if i'm even slightly brutal with it. It has been seen by several dealers and field engineers who agree that it is worn, but cannot attribute it to anything in particular. Just have to wait till if finally gives up to dismantle and see if there is any obvious cause.
It does judder quite a bit now when I am manovering. I really wait for it to be hooked up before giving it a boot full of revs, would not dream of dropping it with any number of RPM, so this really affects 0-60 times.
Just a thought that it may be quite fragile, and before anyone gets in with comments on my driving style, I got over 160,000 mls out of my last clutch, so its not as though I hover over the 3rd pedal!!!!!
It does judder quite a bit now when I am manovering. I really wait for it to be hooked up before giving it a boot full of revs, would not dream of dropping it with any number of RPM, so this really affects 0-60 times.
Just a thought that it may be quite fragile, and before anyone gets in with comments on my driving style, I got over 160,000 mls out of my last clutch, so its not as though I hover over the 3rd pedal!!!!!
wantalotus said:
intersting thoughts about pulling away in 1st. I have the feeling that the clutch on my 111R is on the way out. Quite a lot of smell if i'm even slightly brutal with it. It has been seen by several dealers and field engineers who agree that it is worn, but cannot attribute it to anything in particular. Just have to wait till if finally gives up to dismantle and see if there is any obvious cause.
It does judder quite a bit now when I am manovering. I really wait for it to be hooked up before giving it a boot full of revs, would not dream of dropping it with any number of RPM, so this really affects 0-60 times.
Just a thought that it may be quite fragile, and before anyone gets in with comments on my driving style, I got over 160,000 mls out of my last clutch, so its not as though I hover over the 3rd pedal!!!!!
Mine smells on an agressive launch. Had a look at my clutch plates and there was very little wear. I know what you are saying but I dont think there is a problem.
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