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

[jamprichf1]

I think I'm definitely going to hold off on the remap. Went for my first long drive yesterday, and just loved the change at 6,200rpm, it just enhanced the experience. That kick is mesmerising and it's a challenge (and slightly abusive it feels) to stay in that zone. I could probably see the point if I was going to use it more as a daily driver but for weekend/sunny use, bring on the revs!!! I also have to say that this was the best drive I have ever had, it was UNBELIEVABLE, the grip, the shear fun, I loved it. I do need more noise though!!! Best picture of the day

[jamprichf1]

AyBee said:

Where are you based? Your profile says Gwent but you mention Castle Combe. I imagine you'll find someone at Castle Combe with a Larini but if not, I'm based in London but am quite often in Bristol so if either of those suit, give me a shout.

I'm based just on the Welsh side of the bridge in Magor, so literally 10 mins from Bristol. If you are ever in the area let me know, would be great to hear it before making the switch!

[jamprichf1]

piers1 said:

BTW there is a Lotus On Track day at Angelsey on 24th May, we will all be there if you can do it, head over to www.lotus-on-track.com

Ah the Castle Combe day is the 23rd (and still wrestling over whether to take it on track) but going to go along to this....would be too far to get up there day after or would have been a great first weekend away. Has anyone been to the Castle Combe lotus day, and is it any good??

[piers1]

Castle Combe is a lovely track, is it a first timer track? ...I would say no, it has a couple of challenging points, Quarry in particular

If it is a Lotus on track day, worth going as you can always passenger with someone if you take a helmet, or you can hire one from the organisers, as you will have to register as a passenger anyway

[piers1]

Ref the cam switch point, I have done 80,000 miles in mine, 50,000 of which has probably been day to day driving, believe me I never felt it needing changing even in day to day commuting. It may make it smoother to drive, however, the cam change point is half the fun when on the move

[otolith]

Yeah, I can entirely understand that point of view. I prefer it with, because it gets onto the second cam earlier and stays on it even if you up shift a bit short, but it does swap the kick for a surge.

[Philygumbo]

The Elise is at home on track, thats where it belongs, you will have loads of fun and its relatively kind to tyres. I agree that Coombe might not be the best for a 1st track day. Perhaps Bedford would be better. I recommend joining Lotus On Track.

[Mr E]

I'd suggest that as standard a S2 is a bit soft and a bit understeery for fast track work.

IMHO of course

[otolith]

I think the upgrade to Exige alloys and 205 section fronts is worthwhile - but, again, it's a marmite change, you trade reduced understeer and better braking for a bit less delicacy and feel.

[Mr E]

otolith said:

I think the upgrade to Exige alloys and 205 section fronts is worthwhile - but, again, it's a marmite change, you trade reduced understeer and better braking for a bit less delicacy and feel.

I would tend to agree. I'm still on 175's up front, but nitrons have improved turn in somewhat.

[JackR]

Currently enjoying my 7th year of 111r ownership. Great car, rapid enough for me, cheap to run, a fun drive. Not sure I could part with it now.
Enjoy the car!

[Mr E]

12 years old. Little use the last couple of years.
Straight through the MOT and an excellent blat home.

It's a really excellent car.

[otolith]

I'll have had mine six years next month, and have done about 30k in it.

[Chris Y]

Almost 5 years with a 111R for me and still absolutely love it. Can't see me ever selling it until I can't get in/out any more.

For the exhaust I would vote Larini. Fantastic noise. I had a supercharger added to mine so had the remap done. I do miss the kick at 6200 but the sheer ballistic pace makes up for it.

Enjoy the car - excellent choice.

[MarkyP72]

I have had my 111r for about 15 months now (my 1st Lotus). Absolutely love it!
I have recently put new brake pads all round (Pagid Blue RS42) + brake fluid change to DOT 5.1 and the difference is amazing.
Another cheap upgrade I'd recommend is a CG-Lock (from Demon Tweaks). If you don't have harnesses, this is a small step towards them. It really does work.
Enjoy
Mark

[jamprichf1]

Ha glad it isn't just me, I am on the verge of becoming obsessed after another brilliant weekend in it. Have decided on my first mod which is to get wheels powder coated in gloss black - think it will look brilliant so have it booked in this week for that while I decide on whats next!

It does need new brake pads so thank you for the tip on that, will get that sorted next I think.

Excuse my ignorance but what is a CG-Lock? not sure what it is but now want one!!!

MarkyP72 said:

I have had my 111r for about 15 months now (my 1st Lotus). Absolutely love it!
I have recently put new brake pads all round (Pagid Blue RS42) + brake fluid change to DOT 5.1 and the difference is amazing.
Another cheap upgrade I'd recommend is a CG-Lock (from Demon Tweaks). If you don't have harnesses, this is a small step towards them. It really does work.
Enjoy
Mark

[jamprichf1]

I think I am set on the Larini after a few recommendations so....wheels black first...then brake pads.....then stripes (I love stripes)....then exhaust and air induction........ Plan sorted

[kambites]

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.

[Alan09]

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.

[jimmy_b]

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