Tickles Lotus Elise S1 111s
Discussion
moribund said:
That is one seriously pretty Elise you have there. I keep toying with the idea of getting my bodywork sorted. Sometimes I think leave it rough (ie on the day before a trackday like now) but I then I see a beauty like yours and think I need to get it sorted.
My S2 was tatty on the front end when I bought it and I wasn't going to do anything about it because it meant I cared less about where I left it - then somebody drove into it so now I have a lovely new clam and no marks at all and am worried about where I leave it now 
AyBee said:
moribund said:
That is one seriously pretty Elise you have there. I keep toying with the idea of getting my bodywork sorted. Sometimes I think leave it rough (ie on the day before a trackday like now) but I then I see a beauty like yours and think I need to get it sorted.
My S2 was tatty on the front end when I bought it and I wasn't going to do anything about it because it meant I cared less about where I left it - then somebody drove into it so now I have a lovely new clam and no marks at all and am worried about where I leave it now It isn't perfect, I doubt even new Elise’s stay perfect for long. It still has the odd stone chip, I think I would be concerned I wasn't using it enough if it didn't at least have some road rash! Plus I still need jobs to do on it. Part of the attraction for me I think apart from driving it, they are so easy to work on.
I see where you are coming from regarding not wanting to leave it anywhere, I won’t leave mine in many places. It certainly won’t go near a supermarket, the daily can take care of that duty. It only tends to get driven on quiet roads, probably a good thing for keeping rouge stones away from the front end. If it was too pristine I would be scared of using it, I don't want it to be a garage ornament, it drives too good for that!
Edited by Tickle on Friday 1st May 18:39
Great write up...
Having owned and used an original Elan for over 10 years, ( including an epic drive to Switzerland !) and driven an Elise S1, S2 and Exige, I am really quite envious of your silver S1 !! It looks stunning and really well cared for.
Could I ask what the ACF50 is, and where did you get it ? I assume it is an anti corrosion spray ?
Having owned and used an original Elan for over 10 years, ( including an epic drive to Switzerland !) and driven an Elise S1, S2 and Exige, I am really quite envious of your silver S1 !! It looks stunning and really well cared for.
Could I ask what the ACF50 is, and where did you get it ? I assume it is an anti corrosion spray ?
Paul S4 said:
Great write up...
Having owned and used an original Elan for over 10 years, ( including an epic drive to Switzerland !) and driven an Elise S1, S2 and Exige, I am really quite envious of your silver S1 !! It looks stunning and really well cared for.
Could I ask what the ACF50 is, and where did you get it ? I assume it is an anti corrosion spray ?
Thank you,Having owned and used an original Elan for over 10 years, ( including an epic drive to Switzerland !) and driven an Elise S1, S2 and Exige, I am really quite envious of your silver S1 !! It looks stunning and really well cared for.
Could I ask what the ACF50 is, and where did you get it ? I assume it is an anti corrosion spray ?
ACF-50 is as you say a corrosion block, I have used it on any parts prone to rust/corrode on my cars, especially before winter!
These are the properties listed on the website:
Kills existing corrosion and prevents new
'ACTIVE' for up to 12 months
Excellent lubricant and penetrant
Approved for use on electrics and engines
Easily applied non-drying, ultra thin, clear film
Very economical
Contains no wax, silicon, Teflon or water
I got it off ebay although I originally seen it on the elise-parts website. I can only say good things about it really.
A little jealous of your road trip to Switzerland too
Edited by Tickle on Saturday 2nd May 21:58
itcaptainslow said:
Let us know what you think of the new tyres-I discounted some in preference for some ZZR's, which are awesome but perhaps a little bit too good for the road-they need loads of heat to really grip.
Will do, I noticed you had Avons on. We need some more dry weather first.British Summers Eyh!
Edited by Tickle on Saturday 2nd May 22:12
Thanks for the info re the ACF50; ordered from ebay already ! Need to protect my 2005 Alfa 156 JTDM 150 (remapped ) and the weekend toy ( E36 BMW 318iS with a few 'enhancements '...!)
The road trip to Switzerland in my 1970 Elan S4SE DHC was a real adventure...a pal has a 1960's Lotus 23B replica which he took across to take part in an Historic Hill Climb in 2010.
He is a race mechanic and I followed him over; it was my first long trip in the Elan and despite having to remove the engine 6 weeks prior to the drive, my Elan went really well- averaged 33 mpg. In a way the Elise is the modern Elan - very light but amazing power to weight ratio. There is a bit more luggage space in an old Elan though !!
The road trip to Switzerland in my 1970 Elan S4SE DHC was a real adventure...a pal has a 1960's Lotus 23B replica which he took across to take part in an Historic Hill Climb in 2010.
He is a race mechanic and I followed him over; it was my first long trip in the Elan and despite having to remove the engine 6 weeks prior to the drive, my Elan went really well- averaged 33 mpg. In a way the Elise is the modern Elan - very light but amazing power to weight ratio. There is a bit more luggage space in an old Elan though !!
Paul S4 said:
Thanks for the info re the ACF50; ordered from ebay already ! Need to protect my 2005 Alfa 156 JTDM 150 (remapped ) and the weekend toy ( E36 BMW 318iS with a few 'enhancements '...!)
The road trip to Switzerland in my 1970 Elan S4SE DHC was a real adventure...a pal has a 1960's Lotus 23B replica which he took across to take part in an Historic Hill Climb in 2010.
He is a race mechanic and I followed him over; it was my first long trip in the Elan and despite having to remove the engine 6 weeks prior to the drive, my Elan went really well- averaged 33 mpg. In a way the Elise is the modern Elan - very light but amazing power to weight ratio. There is a bit more luggage space in an old Elan though !!
I would love to do a big Euro road trip in the Elise, not particularly to a track but good roads, hotels and restaurants. Having a young family limits my days out in the Elise to North Wales, Yorkshire. Not that I am complaining about the family or the local roads!The road trip to Switzerland in my 1970 Elan S4SE DHC was a real adventure...a pal has a 1960's Lotus 23B replica which he took across to take part in an Historic Hill Climb in 2010.
He is a race mechanic and I followed him over; it was my first long trip in the Elan and despite having to remove the engine 6 weeks prior to the drive, my Elan went really well- averaged 33 mpg. In a way the Elise is the modern Elan - very light but amazing power to weight ratio. There is a bit more luggage space in an old Elan though !!
Having the race mechanic on hand would add a bit of confidence in taking a classic Elan over to the continent for me. Not that these old Loti are unreliable but you know what they say L.O.T.U.S.
They are fantastic roads in North Wales, Bala to Ffestiniog is a great section of road. The scenery just adds to the whole experience.
Very pleased with the new AD08's. I never leaned on them too much with them being brand new but they seem very very good. The softer compound seems to add an extra element of damping too.
Very pleased with the new AD08's. I never leaned on them too much with them being brand new but they seem very very good. The softer compound seems to add an extra element of damping too.
You know I've never been fond of the Series 1 Elise, I've always found it's too 'cute'. But bloody hell this has completely changed my mind. This colour (and your photographs) really brings out the curves of the car. Fantastic!
The one car I've wanted is an Elise, so I'm very jealous
glad you've come to Wales to look at the roads, they're fantastic.
The one car I've wanted is an Elise, so I'm very jealous
glad you've come to Wales to look at the roads, they're fantastic.geraintthomas said:
You know I've never been fond of the Series 1 Elise, I've always found it's too 'cute'. But bloody hell this has completely changed my mind. This colour (and your photographs) really brings out the curves of the car. Fantastic!
The one car I'v
e wanted is an Elise, so I'm very jealous glad you've come to Wales to look at the roads, they're fantastic.
I know what you mean about the Elise S1 looking a bit cute especially when they are so small, I personally love the curviness of them. Mine has the Sport 160 geometry and wheels, combine these with the 111s spoiler and I think it makes the car look more... ‘less cute’. Possibly because it gives the car a slight wedge stance; low at the front and higher at the rear with the spoiler. The S160’s have extra height to the rear spoiler so they do look even more aggressive.The one car I'v
e wanted is an Elise, so I'm very jealous glad you've come to Wales to look at the roads, they're fantastic.It only takes 35 minutes for me to be in North Wales. At the moment it is my default driving destination and I can’t see this changing. I will have to venture a bit more south to the Elan Valley soon, I have heard and read good things about it.
Glad you like my 111s and I hope you scratch the Elise itch...you would be mad not too if you have the Welsh roads on your doorstep
Brecon is pretty much on my doorstep I drive a Celica T-Sport with the 2zz-ge engine, the same one in the Elise 111R.
I love yours though. You mentioned yours has the Sport 160 Geometry - what does that include then? I think yours in that colour, with the hard top and that stance makes it perfect. I see what you mean by the spoiler too. I'm not one for modifying cars as I keep things subtle, so I think your taste is spot on.
I drive a Celica T-Sport with the 2zz-ge engine, the same one in the Elise 111R.I love yours though. You mentioned yours has the Sport 160 Geometry - what does that include then? I think yours in that colour, with the hard top and that stance makes it perfect. I see what you mean by the spoiler too. I'm not one for modifying cars as I keep things subtle, so I think your taste is spot on.
geraintthomas said:
Brecon is pretty much on my doorstep I drive a Celica T-Sport with the 2zz-ge engine, the same one in the Elise 111R.
I love yours though. You mentioned yours has the Sport 160 Geometry - what does that include then? I think yours in that colour, with the hard top and that stance makes it perfect. I see what you mean by the spoiler too. I'm not one for modifying cars as I keep things subtle, so I think your taste is spot on.
I have driven a couple of roads in the Brecons whilst doing some work down there, the one that stuck out was the B4560 from Rassau. I was however in a hire car, not in anything remotely interesting! No doubt you will have had the 2zz-ge on the second cam many times around there I drive a Celica T-Sport with the 2zz-ge engine, the same one in the Elise 111R.I love yours though. You mentioned yours has the Sport 160 Geometry - what does that include then? I think yours in that colour, with the hard top and that stance makes it perfect. I see what you mean by the spoiler too. I'm not one for modifying cars as I keep things subtle, so I think your taste is spot on.
Elise Geometry is a bit of a mine field and I confess to being no expert! I will however have a go at explaining. There are many different set ups for Elise Geometry that will dictate how the car will act i.e. understeer, oversteer, turn in, straight-line stability...etc. Some of the set-ups will be from how Lotus have set up different models (S160, 340r, Exige) and some will be developed from experienced owners, race teams and track day goers.
Geometry adjustments applied to the front and rear consist of: ride height, castor, camber and toe.
The S160 Geo is the ride height, castor, camber and toe settings the Sport 160 had from factory. Weather this will benefit my car for pure road use is a different matter as it won't be pushed to its limits. My car sits low, very low! I do know it feels very planted and out of the few Elise's I have driven it is the best set up I have so far experienced.
Speed bumps are a bit of a no no with the ride height!
Hope that explained it a bit, as I said I am no expert and happy to have Geometry explained further by someone in the know. I am also keen to know more about it, it does seem to be a dark art which is mainly down to personal preference.
Very interested to see your tyre choice. I've just been talked into ditching my Neova LTS's for the AD08's to be fitted this week. Apparently I will notice a substantial grip improvement in the dry, which I am lookign forward to - I just hope that they don't dampen any of the delicate feedback and compliance the Neova LTS's give.
Let us know how you get on with them Tickle.
Let us know how you get on with them Tickle.
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