Lotus....111R......britains best kept secret!!!

[jamprichf1]

Ha you must be a much better driver than me if you are slipping out of those seats !!!

kambites said:

The CG lock is a little device that attaches to the seatbelt at the point the belt goes through the buckle unit. Basically it hold the lap portion of the belt solidly in place so your hips can't rotate when you're cornering.

[jamprichf1]

Glad to entertain, and thanks for comments. I think that's great advice and all will be reversible. Picking car up later from having wheels done so cant wait for that!!!

Alan09 said:

Hello. Your combined positivity about our car has put a huge smile on my face... So thanks for that!! I own a 2006 Sports Racer with every conceivable ''reasonably'' priced modification added to it over time. I now own the best car I have ever owned (2x S1 Elise, 1x S1 Exige, 1x111R plus my current car). Everyone has their on route to take on modification and the parts bin is endless. Remember to keep the original parts and don't do any mods you can't reverse. Happy to share my experiences/learnings offline if it helps.

[jamprichf1]

jimmy_b said:

I know I'm late to the party here but wanted to share my experience. I have an 06 111R which replaced a K Series S2 about 4 year ago. My car was purchased absolutely standard, with no modifications.

Here are the mods I've done and some notes (obviously subjective!)
Larini Sports Exhaust - absolutely transformed the nature of the car. Standard pipe is far, far too quiet and 'tame'. Larini is absolutely perfect for everyday use, is not too boomy and is nice and quiet at an 80mph cruise. Give it the full minerals though, and I gives a properly raspy sound. Its never going to be classy like a 6 or 8 cylinder engine, but it still sounds exotic and a million times better than standard, especially on the second cam.
TRD Airbox - relatively inexpensive and easy DIY install, so could see no reason not to fit one. TBH I struggled to notice any discernible increase in induction noise. Looking back, I would now probably go for a Hurricane induction kit, though I am aware that some induction kits (not the TRD) can cause issues with the MIL engine light coming on.
Upgraded brakes (grooved discs, braided hoses, Pagid RS42 pads and good quality fluid) - these were upgraded simply due to general maintenance. Again, if I'm brutally honest I failed to notice any massive improvement over the standard setup (in feel or performance), which I never had an issue with. That said, ZERO brake fade or braking issues at a recent track day.
HID headlight upgrade - again relatively cheap and relatively easy to do. However, since installing, I've realised how little I actually drive my car at night - would probably not bother with this now.

Regarding the lowered cam point, which lots of R owners rave about. I can appreciate the benefits of this but I personally like the effort required to get onto the second cam, and the 'kick' it gives. Your opportunities to do this are limited, which IMO only adds to the smile when you do get the chance.

All mods (except the brakes) easily reversible!

Edited by jimmy_b on Friday 1st May 13:16

Superb comments and notes so thanks for that. I'm set on the larine exhaust now as agree exhaust is a bit tame. Did you go for just the back box or the decat straight pipe too? Someone else had recommended the Hurricane Induction kit too so will probably go for that at same time. Wheels being done today so will post picture when collected. Its in next Friday for new brake pads but will probably stay standard as I certainly cant complain at stopping power in the thing .
I am the same wont really use in dark so will stick with the lights and campoint staying where it is.

Just need some stripes now (why do I have a fascination with stripes!!)

Thanks for all comments

[Mr E]

My Larini Clubsport combined with a sports cat on a K-series is *loud*.

[piers1]

2bular and TRD produces a nice sound without being ear splitting, which the Larini can be. A friend has to wear earplugs in his

[kambites]

jamprichf1 said:

Ha you must be a much better driver than me if you are slipping out of those seats !!!

kambites said:

The CG lock is a little device that attaches to the seatbelt at the point the belt goes through the buckle unit. Basically it hold the lap portion of the belt solidly in place so your hips can't rotate when you're cornering.

I've never used one on the road. They are useful on track, though.

[Mr E]

piers1 said:

2bular and TRD produces a nice sound without being ear splitting, which the Larini can be. A friend has to wear earplugs in his

On the motorway I wear earplugs, partly for the wind noise as well

[kambites]

I've got a Larini Clubsport (at least I think I have, it was fitted by the original owner) and it's uncomfortably loud if you're at constant revs at anything over about 3500rpm. Ear plugs are worthwhile for long trips even with a standard exhaust though.

[jamprichf1]

Well first thing done - Wheels complete and if I do say so myself I think it looks bl**dy awesome!!!! Took it for a loooonnnngggggg drive yesterday, and I am sure the mean looking wheels have made it even more fun, now its just nasty!![url][img]
Know I am not meant to go on it about it too but put £30 of fuel in it a few weeks ago and its still not empty!!! Belive me after driving a Vantage for the last year this has me cartwheeling around the hardly roomy cabin!!!! LOVING THE LOTUS!!!!!!

[jamprichf1]

Ah be too loud for me then - maybe the 2bular is the way to go.......

kambites said:

I've got a Larini Clubsport (at least I think I have, it was fitted by the original owner) and it's uncomfortably loud if you're at constant revs at anything over about 3500rpm. Ear plugs are worthwhile for long trips even with a standard exhaust though.

[jamprichf1]

I think this may actually be the way to go now as a few people on here have said the same......will have a look at them this week and have a think!!!!

Mr E said:

piers1 said:

2bular and TRD produces a nice sound without being ear splitting, which the Larini can be. A friend has to wear earplugs in his

On the motorway I wear earplugs, partly for the wind noise as well

[AyBee]

When you first said black wheels, I thought it would look rubbish with that red, but I actually like it I've driven from London to Bristol numerous times with my Larini backbox and it hasn't been a problem with my ears. Maybe I just have desensitised ears Are people comparing full systems to backboxes only?

[otolith]

I like the wheels.

[kambites]

AyBee said:

Are people comparing full systems to backboxes only?

I think mine is back-box only, although I'm not certain.

It's loud enough that reversing up to cars in the car park at work occasionally sets off their alarms.

[jamprichf1]

AyBee said:

When you first said black wheels, I thought it would look rubbish with that red, but I actually like it I've driven from London to Bristol numerous times with my Larini backbox and it hasn't been a problem with my ears. Maybe I just have desensitised ears Are people comparing full systems to backboxes only?

Thanks for that appreciated, I love it . Very tough call, but a buddy club on a Honda S2000 once and it was horrendous, it lasted a week.....about the same length of time as my fillings as it happens!!!!

[jamprichf1]

otolith said:

I like the wheels.

[cre8toruk]

I like the wheels too... but couldn't find any at a reasonable price... so I bought TD 1.2's and will be upgrading my tyres to AD08R's all round as soon as my bank account allows...

Mine is an S, and I've no issues with the performance, I'd like to have tried a 111r but they're a bit like rocking horse you know what. As for a best kept secret, if you guys keep going on about it, it won't be a secret for long!!!

[jamprichf1]

Well I have gone and done it!!! 2bular 6" exhaust ordered!! Spoke with Jim Valentine and absolutely sold on his belief in product and recommendation. Cannot wait for it to be delivered in two weeks!!! Going to get an induction kit too and let my pride and joy find its voice. Will give update once installed....or you may well hear me first!!!!

[otolith]

Good call!

[marshalla]

jamprichf1 said:

Know I am not meant to go on it about it too but put £30 of fuel in it a few weeks ago and its still not empty!!!

You're doing it wrong.