The big Elise/Exige picture thread
Discussion
chevronb37 said:
Fantuzzi said:
Actually you answered it brilliantly! I know exactly what you mean about the exige and its specialness. Thank you.
Ive been looking at the various different spec elises and it seems that the 135 engine upgrades are rather good for extra kick, and that the konis can be replaced with a various different amount of units, ranging from the road racer to the more softer set up.
I don't plan on much track work, so wasn't sure if the exige was better on track but not as slick on the road compared to the simpler elise.
I need to get my hands on one to drive, then I can start comparing it with other spec elises/exiges.
Very subjective, really. You won't find an Elise derivative of any kind which isn't an absolute hoot on road and track. My Exige is running two-way Nitrons and handles brilliantly. Interestingly, it's attracted praise on road and track from S1 Elise owners for both its compliance and grip. There's no reason an Elise wouldn't feel identical on the same suspension, other than the Exige's slightly broader track. Ive been looking at the various different spec elises and it seems that the 135 engine upgrades are rather good for extra kick, and that the konis can be replaced with a various different amount of units, ranging from the road racer to the more softer set up.
I don't plan on much track work, so wasn't sure if the exige was better on track but not as slick on the road compared to the simpler elise.
I need to get my hands on one to drive, then I can start comparing it with other spec elises/exiges.
The 135 engine is a cracker. A friend has the 135 head on his S1 Elise and it's a great engine with a smooth power delivery and bags of torque.
Trying to decide which model suits you best is an infinite process. I'd suggest you drive a couple of different models and see what you like best. Bear in mind an S1 is going to be about 15 years old. Things do go wrong! My Elise 111R was ultra reliable by comparison but lacking the last 10% of driver involvement, tactility and sense of occasion you get with an Exige. Happy hunting and feel free to drop me a PM if I can help further. Will caveat by saying I'm not an expert by any means though!
Could you post a link to the Nitrons you have? I had a look on their website and there seemed to be rather a good choice for the elise/exige. I sort of set in my mind that the elise would need some stuff replacing, from small stuff link gearbox linkage (seems most owners go with the elise parts ones to sort out the gearchange vagueness) to the bigger stuff like the suspension changes. Hopefully if I can get a good condition model I can upgrade/change bit by bit! I know the sport 135s seem to be a little rare in the ads, but I think Lotus can still do a 135 upgrade to the k series - but ill have to check that. Such a small power increase for such a great improvement. That's why I thought Id ask about the exige, given I am planning to spend some money on top of the cost of the car, I thought I might be silly not to consider waiting and getting and exige.
I prefer the look of the s2s, but the s1s have been really growing on me especially in certain colours. Their dimension really appeal to me aesthetically, plus the s2 was aimed at a more mass market so the s1's harder approach is what Im after. I plan to keep my MK3 MR2 which, despite not being a practical GT car by any means, is rather a good companion for more normal driving so I can keep the elise for fun, so the sharper s1 seems to tick all the boxes.
Thanks for your posts, they've been really helpful, I will have to get on some elise forums and pick some more brains on the elise. But I think some test drives are in order - what a chore
The only thing that I have heard on the elise that I needed to 'check' was low speed understeer, I've only heard one person state that the s1 elise did this (on original konis), most reviews/owners, have only spoke about the great, sharp, instant turn in. The owner said the car was stock in set up.Thanks once again!
Major Stare said:
Fantuzzi said:
More pics needed Major, is that the eliseparts splitter?
Yes.Just need a 111S rear spoiler now.
Rear diffuser.....
Thanks the, grey s1 look really fresh.
That's fresh as in look new not fresh as in 90s hip hop...
Edited by Major Stare on Monday 17th February 22:25
My new S3 Elise S, picked up yesterday. 'Scuse the glare off the forehead, due to lack of barnet! That and Brandon taking a picture out of the sun.
Even managed to get the sunshine for a roof off first drive 'home' (read; the long way home). Excellent fun, first Lotus and enjoying it so far. World away from the Defender I've been driving for the past 6months.
Even managed to get the sunshine for a roof off first drive 'home' (read; the long way home). Excellent fun, first Lotus and enjoying it so far. World away from the Defender I've been driving for the past 6months.
Fantuzzi said:
What Nitrons you have? I've been browsing their site, rather a lot of choice - fast road, track, track 2 way, race, race 2 way...
Mine were fitted when I bought the car. I understand they're two-ways but probably track. I'll check and see if the receipt is included in the history file. Oh and drop me a PM if you want to chat about motor racing journalism and Elises/Exiges.
Dr_Rick said:
My new S3 Elise S, picked up yesterday. 'Scuse the glare off the forehead, due to lack of barnet! That and Brandon taking a picture out of the sun.
Even managed to get the sunshine for a roof off first drive 'home' (read; the long way home). Excellent fun, first Lotus and enjoying it so far. World away from the Defender I've been driving for the past 6months.
Welcome to the club.Even managed to get the sunshine for a roof off first drive 'home' (read; the long way home). Excellent fun, first Lotus and enjoying it so far. World away from the Defender I've been driving for the past 6months.
Scotland and you managed to have the roof off first time!
Down here in the South I've not had the chance since I got mine in October!
Might just get some paddles.
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