Lotus or VX220

[chutley]

Appreciate some feedback from anybody out there who runs a VX220 or a Lotus Elise / 340 / Exige as a track only car?

What needs to be done to make it/them handle on track? What is the minimum BHP to give lively performance? What are the running costs like - tyres/pads/servicing etc?

Currently running an MK Indy BEC but considering changing to one of the above - windscreen and Targa/Convertible roof allows wet use. Open Top/aeroscreen BEC 7s are great, but the weather is so often against them. But would miss the lively performance and don't want to go to a car that doesn't excite.

Appreciate honest feedback from owners / ex-owners.

[chutley]

Budget will be around £15k, but this has to include any of the upgrades I may initially want to do. But that will also depend a little on what I can sell my MK Indy for.

I think I need to try something first - I come from a bike background and like the open cockpit (in the dry...) as it heightens feeling of speed and you don't get hot. I got bored very quickly in a tin roof Clio Cup as although it was fast for that type of car, it felt a little dull. I don't think many cars accelerate like a BEC Cater-field - mine has a ZZR1400 engine and a better driver than me would show its tailpipe to some very expensive cars.


Anybody moved that way - from Caterham type to a Lotus?

[chutley]

AshVX220 said:

shnozz makes a very good point actually about the cost of replacing broken bits of body work if you have an off. The clams on VX's are very expensive as are the lights. I have my car insured for track days through MORIS. But I'm well aware that if I have a bad "off" she's likely to be written off. Mine's only worth about £7k, and if I do each clamshell I'm easily looking at half the value to repair before I even consider anything else that could have broken. I imagine it's a very similar story with an Elise too.

Some very informative answers on here, thanks to all those who took the time to respond.

I am going to try and get a couple of passenger rides to test the water - as one pointed out, the BEC MK Indy is very quick and I might not get the performance I want at the money I can afford.

Also good point above from schnozz.... I am a novice track day driver and my desire to go fast does not match my current skills and ability. That will improve, but in the meantime it is a good point that damage on these cars - particularly to the expensive clam shells - will be so much more expensive to repair than a locost. Like as not I think I have a crash or two in me, so a Lotus/VX220 might be better further down the line. Or maybe I just go for a race prepared car. Food for thought.

I'm at a car Limits day next week, and another at Blyton in the Summer. More skill will help with wet driving, and maybe I'll investigate a removable screen for MK. Thanks again all.