Lotus Elise S1 in Norfolk Mustard
Discussion
Again, thanks all! I went for an early morning drive today with my son around the back roads of Oxfordshire and Berkshire and it is just sublime. Different to the Caterham but still an involving, quite visceral experience. Heel and toe isn't quite as easy as the Seven but I'm getting there 
What's your next mod?
TMR forged wheels?Next on the horizon is a Hurricane induction kit and a couple of minor jobs in the engine bay, then the wheels will get a refurb. Over the winter, I'll be fitting some upgraded toe links then next spring I'd like to do a couple of LoT trackdays. And that's pretty much it, aside from enjoying it on sunny days!
Astacus said:
Tootles off to look at the prices of mk 1 Elises.......
ETA: My Giddy Aunt!
Indeed! I am a little late to the party but if I keep it 2-3 years I don't think I'll lose much/if any money which helps ETA: My Giddy Aunt!
sleepera6 said:
What's your next mod?
TMR forged wheels?
Tickle said:
Nice work! These little jobs never end, all part of the charm.
Thanks Tickle. Your car and it's thread went a long way to make me want an S1 in the first place Minor winter update and another example of a 10 minute job taking ages!
The car was serviced in October at Corinium Motorsport near Cirencester (thoroughly recommended) and Neil gave the car a very clean bill of health which was great news. There's a couple of very minor things to attend to next year such as a squeaking clutch pedal hinge and to replace a couple of the undertray fasteners but that's it. It was SORN'd for the winter immediately afterwards and will get re-taxed in the Spring.
Today's task was simply to renew the induction pipe as the old one has split in a couple of places. I'd picked it up before the service was done and had elected to do it myself...I wish I'd got Neil to do it now
Access is a nightmare resulting in scraped knuckles, cold aching hands and lots of harsh language. I'll probably put a Hurricane Induction Kit on it in the future, but at least it's fixed for now.
First job was to get some access by removing the airbox lid and panel filter.
Next, the end was secured in the half moon holder in the side intake moulding with a jubilee clip. I managed to drop the screw driver down the back of the engine too which took another 20 minutes to get out with a piece of wire and a magnet
The pipe was cut to length and routed round the chassis tubes to the top of the airbox.
The airbox was then hoovered out, the panel filter cleaned and the airbox reassembled. That lot took me almost 2 hours
The car was then washed and hoovered and the engine started and brought up to temperature. I don't like to leave it all winter without moving it around and starting it up as I've found it just causes issues come the Spring especially with the tyres. Here it is parked next to my lovely little 182 daily.
Next on the list is to refurb the wheels, but that'll be done in the Spring.
The car was serviced in October at Corinium Motorsport near Cirencester (thoroughly recommended) and Neil gave the car a very clean bill of health which was great news. There's a couple of very minor things to attend to next year such as a squeaking clutch pedal hinge and to replace a couple of the undertray fasteners but that's it. It was SORN'd for the winter immediately afterwards and will get re-taxed in the Spring.
Today's task was simply to renew the induction pipe as the old one has split in a couple of places. I'd picked it up before the service was done and had elected to do it myself...I wish I'd got Neil to do it now
Access is a nightmare resulting in scraped knuckles, cold aching hands and lots of harsh language. I'll probably put a Hurricane Induction Kit on it in the future, but at least it's fixed for now.First job was to get some access by removing the airbox lid and panel filter.
Next, the end was secured in the half moon holder in the side intake moulding with a jubilee clip. I managed to drop the screw driver down the back of the engine too which took another 20 minutes to get out with a piece of wire and a magnet
The pipe was cut to length and routed round the chassis tubes to the top of the airbox.
The airbox was then hoovered out, the panel filter cleaned and the airbox reassembled. That lot took me almost 2 hours
The car was then washed and hoovered and the engine started and brought up to temperature. I don't like to leave it all winter without moving it around and starting it up as I've found it just causes issues come the Spring especially with the tyres. Here it is parked next to my lovely little 182 daily.
Next on the list is to refurb the wheels, but that'll be done in the Spring.
bencollins4 said:
What a beautiful car combination!
Two of my absolutely favourite cars in their best colours!
Thanks Two of my absolutely favourite cars in their best colours!
They do look quite striking parked next to each other and certainly brighten up a dull grey day! I was very lucky to find the Clio, it's in almost mint condition and is still under 50k miles. Even as my daily, it's totally pampered and get's cleaned way more than the family car!Paulr1980 said:
Lovely little S1. Where abouts are you? There are quite a few of us Lotii owners in Gloucestershire..
Thanks Paul, I'm in north Wiltshire. I do quite often take it around the Cotswolds in the summer so I'll keep an eye out for your S2.A minor update now that winter has passed. The last job on the car for me to do was address the AWI wheels which were looking a little tired.
Jacking an Elise is always a experience that cannot be rushed. The jacking points are critical to preventing damage and you have to be careful the jack doesn't slip so I elected to jack it up one side at a time and use rubber topped axle stands to prevent any risk of damaging the sills.
The wheels were then taken to Platinum Alloys in Swindon. They aren't the cheapest but their work is flawless as can be seen above. Whilst the wheels were away and because the undertray has to be removed to jack the car up, I set to with the metal polish...
The old bolts had seen better days, so were replaced with S1 specific stainless steel bolts and washers.
The car was then put back together, machine polished and waxed ready for today which was MOT day. Always slightly nerve-wracking as the garage I take it to are very thorough, but I like to know if there any issues with the car no matter how small. They are however extremely sympathetic to the car and treat it with utter respect.
Happily she passed with no advisories whatsoever
Unfortunately though, the car will now be going up for sale. An opportunity to buy my perfect spec Caterham has unexpectedly come up and despite trying to make the maths work, I cannot keep both. It'll be in the classifieds later on and will hopefully go to a good home
Jacking an Elise is always a experience that cannot be rushed. The jacking points are critical to preventing damage and you have to be careful the jack doesn't slip so I elected to jack it up one side at a time and use rubber topped axle stands to prevent any risk of damaging the sills.
The wheels were then taken to Platinum Alloys in Swindon. They aren't the cheapest but their work is flawless as can be seen above. Whilst the wheels were away and because the undertray has to be removed to jack the car up, I set to with the metal polish...
The old bolts had seen better days, so were replaced with S1 specific stainless steel bolts and washers.
The car was then put back together, machine polished and waxed ready for today which was MOT day. Always slightly nerve-wracking as the garage I take it to are very thorough, but I like to know if there any issues with the car no matter how small. They are however extremely sympathetic to the car and treat it with utter respect.
Happily she passed with no advisories whatsoever
Unfortunately though, the car will now be going up for sale. An opportunity to buy my perfect spec Caterham has unexpectedly come up and despite trying to make the maths work, I cannot keep both. It'll be in the classifieds later on and will hopefully go to a good home
AndrewGP said:
Unfortunately though, the car will now be going up for sale. An opportunity to buy my perfect spec Caterham has unexpectedly come up and despite trying to make the maths work, I cannot keep both. It'll be in the classifieds later on and will hopefully go to a good home
Lovely looking car - are you going to give us a hint on your perfect spec Caterham? I'm interested as I went the other way last summer - K1600 to Elise 111.Thanks all, I will be very sad to see the Elise go and I can genuinely see me getting another in a few years time. It is now sold and being picked up next week to go to it's new home.
Smitters said:
Lovely looking car - are you going to give us a hint on your perfect spec Caterham? I'm interested as I went the other way last summer - K1600 to Elise 111.
Yes of course. What I should have said was my perfect base spec Caterham though! My last Seven was a 2001 Superlight upgraded to R300K spec, so my next Seven had to be very similar whilst being Duratec powered. I've found and bought a 2012 Duratec R300 with 6 speed box, Lightweight flywheel, LSD, Tillet seats, carbon dash, carbon front wings, carbon nosecone, FIA rollbar, big brakes, upgraded master cylinder, black pack, change-up lights and adjustable suspension. DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
Thanks! Despite it being a great spec car, I have lots of plans for the Caterham to make it my perfect car. First plans include a mechanical oil gauge, a few bits of carbon and any minor tidying jobs that need to be done. Next will be a respray in pearlescent Renault Liquid Yellow followed by the 220bhp upgrade with cams and roller barrel throttle bodies. I will of course be doing a thread on it Composite Guru said:
Is that a Momo Team 280mm steering wheel?
I have the same one on my S3 220 Cup. I love it!! Feels really good when driving.
It is indeed 280mm though I'm not sure whether it is the Team wheel. It is fabulous though and really adds to the driving experience. Most (non-car) people who see it can't believe how tiny it is! Thoroughly recommended.I have the same one on my S3 220 Cup. I love it!! Feels really good when driving.
Interesting to see you're going back to a 7.....
I've had a couple of Elise S1 when they first came out..... loved the little cars, and the styling, a bit of GT40 and Dino - Julian Thompson did a fine job.
After reading about your Elise I thought perhaps I should get another one and then you say you're selling to get another 7 .
Having second thoughts now as I've got a 7 Superlight, #007 - big brakes, LSD, FIA, 6 speed, wide track, etc etc.
I've had a couple of Elise S1 when they first came out..... loved the little cars, and the styling, a bit of GT40 and Dino - Julian Thompson did a fine job.
After reading about your Elise I thought perhaps I should get another one and then you say you're selling to get another 7 .
Having second thoughts now as I've got a 7 Superlight, #007 - big brakes, LSD, FIA, 6 speed, wide track, etc etc.
AndrewGP said:
It is indeed 280mm though I'm not sure whether it is the Team wheel. It is fabulous though and really adds to the driving experience. Most (non-car) people who see it can't believe how tiny it is! Thoroughly recommended.
I’m sure this is the same. 
I also fitted the B-G boss so I can get in and out easier because my car has a hard roof.
AndrewGP said:
Yes of course. What I should have said was my perfect base spec Caterham though! My last Seven was a 2001 Superlight upgraded to R300K spec, so my next Seven had to be very similar whilst being Duratec powered. I've found and bought a 2012 Duratec R300 with 6 speed box, Lightweight flywheel, LSD, Tillet seats, carbon dash, carbon front wings, carbon nosecone, FIA rollbar, big brakes, upgraded master cylinder, black pack, change-up lights and adjustable suspension.
Your Caterham sounds a fantastic spec, as said look forward to a thread on it. DELETED: Comment made by a member who's account has been deleted.
Thanks! Despite it being a great spec car, I have lots of plans for the Caterham to make it my perfect car. First plans include a mechanical oil gauge, a few bits of carbon and any minor tidying jobs that need to be done. Next will be a respray in pearlescent Renault Liquid Yellow followed by the 220bhp upgrade with cams and roller barrel throttle bodies. I will of course be doing a thread on it A 7 is maybe an itch I will scratch one day.
The Elise has now gone to it's new home. The new owner and I have agreed to do the odd track day together so I should see it again which is cool. Getting it on the trailer was a bit of a ballache though and even taking the front numberplate off gave it just a few millimeters of clearance.
What started off as just an aspiration to own a car I loved in my teens has ended up being a great experience. It really got under my skin and despite being just 118bhp, it was a real event to drive and a joy to own. If anyone is thinking of getting one, I can thoroughly recommend them
What started off as just an aspiration to own a car I loved in my teens has ended up being a great experience. It really got under my skin and despite being just 118bhp, it was a real event to drive and a joy to own. If anyone is thinking of getting one, I can thoroughly recommend them
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