Thursday 27th March 2003
Elise-R
A reliable 200bhp in an Elise - what a package! Ted takes a blast round Donington
Discussion
Ted
How about taking out a TT conversion for comparison, globs of mid range torque from low down revs? Geoff Kershaw should have his demonstrator up and running by now (a potential customer span it before Xmas resulting in an unintended trip into a hedge).
PC
A number of SELOC members also have TT convs, including myself, ranging from 190bhp to 260bhp.
How about taking out a TT conversion for comparison, globs of mid range torque from low down revs? Geoff Kershaw should have his demonstrator up and running by now (a potential customer span it before Xmas resulting in an unintended trip into a hedge).
PC
A number of SELOC members also have TT convs, including myself, ranging from 190bhp to 260bhp.
The gearbox is ok, it was the linkage that was the problem. In the Type R it's quite tight and particularly easy to use because it's mounted up high. In the Elise it was a little bit loose and vague. Just a development issue I'm sure.
I've driven the 190bhp Turbo Technics conversion and that too was a stonking car (there's a review in the Lotus section). Different characteristics, but also huge fun.
The debate is longevity I suspect - can you expect a highly tuned K series to last as long as a Honda engine?
I've driven the 190bhp Turbo Technics conversion and that too was a stonking car (there's a review in the Lotus section). Different characteristics, but also huge fun.
The debate is longevity I suspect - can you expect a highly tuned K series to last as long as a Honda engine?
PetrolTed,
I'm sorry to hear you had difficulty with my gearchange mechanism. During delevopment, I found the biggest problem to be the cables that Lotus uses. The Honda cables, even when tied in a knot, are smooth as glass, whereas the Lotus cables are a rather high friction variety, which effectively overcome the self centering spring in the Honda gearbox. I set up the ratios in the mechanism to provide for a nice tight pattern, which everyone seems to love, except you. I can easily tailor the ratios to produce a wider pattern, which will take the Virginal qualities you found so annoying and put them in the Old Tart category if that's what you prefer. Jonny's Elise will soon be making 260 HP. You may want to give it another try then, and see how you like it. The transformation to 260 HP is done with original Honda parts, so reliability at that level shouldn't prove to be an issue. I'll be developing packages all the way up to about 340 HP that will be just as reliable. I've already seen a Honda K20A make over 1,000 HP Turbocharged, so we know the basic design is quite sound.
Cheers,
Joe
I'm sorry to hear you had difficulty with my gearchange mechanism. During delevopment, I found the biggest problem to be the cables that Lotus uses. The Honda cables, even when tied in a knot, are smooth as glass, whereas the Lotus cables are a rather high friction variety, which effectively overcome the self centering spring in the Honda gearbox. I set up the ratios in the mechanism to provide for a nice tight pattern, which everyone seems to love, except you. I can easily tailor the ratios to produce a wider pattern, which will take the Virginal qualities you found so annoying and put them in the Old Tart category if that's what you prefer. Jonny's Elise will soon be making 260 HP. You may want to give it another try then, and see how you like it. The transformation to 260 HP is done with original Honda parts, so reliability at that level shouldn't prove to be an issue. I'll be developing packages all the way up to about 340 HP that will be just as reliable. I've already seen a Honda K20A make over 1,000 HP Turbocharged, so we know the basic design is quite sound.
Cheers,
Joe
Hey guys I was talking about this recently. I remember V8-thunder cristising the marriage. To be honest a light car needs a revvy engine - nuff said!. V8s are for heavy machines that need torque. Otherwise wouldn't all bikes be more torquey? Installation looks a bit H-Robinson on closer examination although I guess this is a bit of a working prototype. The Honda selectors are very good (certainly is on my S2000; btw same engine ;-) ) so its prbably using the dreadful one from the Elise frigged to marry up to the new position of the Honda's gearbox selector. Its always very difficult getting a good linkage in a mid-engined car. I had to do it in a Stratos replica I made :-(.
Joe McCarthy,
Its a shame (but good for you) that Lotus never made such a car. I used to own an Elise 3yrs ago but sold it for the S2000. Even though the handling doesn't even come close to the Elise as an overall package its more entertaining. Here you've combined the best aspects of both to make what I can only image as the perfect entertaining car. I applaud your efforts and hope you're very successful with it.
Giles.
Its a shame (but good for you) that Lotus never made such a car. I used to own an Elise 3yrs ago but sold it for the S2000. Even though the handling doesn't even come close to the Elise as an overall package its more entertaining. Here you've combined the best aspects of both to make what I can only image as the perfect entertaining car. I applaud your efforts and hope you're very successful with it.
Giles.
Giles,
You're right, it is a shame! The bean counters had their way when it came to choosing an engine for the Elise. I'm doing this because I have a passion for producing the best, and I must thank both Lotus and Honda for allowing me to do it. The marriage of the best chassis and the best engines simply had to happen, my efforts are simlpy the ceremony.
Cheers,
Joe
You're right, it is a shame! The bean counters had their way when it came to choosing an engine for the Elise. I'm doing this because I have a passion for producing the best, and I must thank both Lotus and Honda for allowing me to do it. The marriage of the best chassis and the best engines simply had to happen, my efforts are simlpy the ceremony.
Cheers,
Joe
looks evry interesting and impressive!So where can I get a conversion undertaken?
Are the options for supply and fitting and just fitting? What are the aprroximate costs involved for this conversion.
Sorry its short and sweet. I just want to know money figures before I plan my route of attack. Theys no point in getting my hopes up if the conversion is £15!
Many thanks
George
Are the options for supply and fitting and just fitting? What are the aprroximate costs involved for this conversion.
Sorry its short and sweet. I just want to know money figures before I plan my route of attack. Theys no point in getting my hopes up if the conversion is £15!
Many thanks
George
www.blinkmotorsport.com
You can get the cost down if you can source the lump cheaper I suspect. Also if you fit yourself by ordering the kit from the US (www.prototyperacing.com). Depends on your mechanical aptitude I suspect.
George
Its a shame you were not around on Sat, a few PHers met up near Huntingdon. Took a few of them for a run in my TT'd car.
Not sure if TT have their demo car back on the road, but give Rob Yeomans a ring. Alternatively, if you are ever passing South Suffolk way I'll take you out.
There are quite a few other SELOC members with both TT cars and the odd Honda conv. Have a look at their website for runs when you may come across a few there too.
PC
PC
Its a shame you were not around on Sat, a few PHers met up near Huntingdon. Took a few of them for a run in my TT'd car.
Not sure if TT have their demo car back on the road, but give Rob Yeomans a ring. Alternatively, if you are ever passing South Suffolk way I'll take you out.
There are quite a few other SELOC members with both TT cars and the odd Honda conv. Have a look at their website for runs when you may come across a few there too.
PC
PC
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