Lotus Elise S1 in Norfolk Mustard
Discussion
I've been on the look out for a nice Elise S1 for a while now and around a month or so ago I found one 
I originally decided I wanted a 111S but prices have rocketed in the last year and with an on going house renovation, I decided a nice condition standard car was better than a tatty 111S. Anyway, I've now had it a couple of weeks and despite not being the fastest car in the world, I'm pretty happy. Please excuse the crappy image but the weather is not exactly great for taking pictures!
Having owned a K Series Caterham R300 spec car, I'm pretty familiar with the issues. I'm pleased this car has a PRRT fitted with the thermostat mod and the better Multi-Layer Gasket so hopefully HGF won't happen...we'll see!
The car is in very good order with a comprehensive service history and is on 71k miles. It's completely standard engine and gearbox wise (118bhp) but has Corbeau LE Pro Seats with Schroth 4 point harnesses and a removeable Momo steering wheel.
First job on getting home after collection was to replace the rubber aerial gasket which had disintegrated and fallen off.
A new one was sourced through ebay for £2.99
and tidies up the rear nicely. I won't ever use the radio but I couldn't stand not to have it looking right!
Future plans are to do a couple of other minor tidy up jobs and to fit a Hurricane Induction Kit. I'll also be whipping out the seats to deep clean the interior and also be replacing the sill pads. Updates to come
I originally decided I wanted a 111S but prices have rocketed in the last year and with an on going house renovation, I decided a nice condition standard car was better than a tatty 111S. Anyway, I've now had it a couple of weeks and despite not being the fastest car in the world, I'm pretty happy. Please excuse the crappy image but the weather is not exactly great for taking pictures!Having owned a K Series Caterham R300 spec car, I'm pretty familiar with the issues. I'm pleased this car has a PRRT fitted with the thermostat mod and the better Multi-Layer Gasket so hopefully HGF won't happen...we'll see!
The car is in very good order with a comprehensive service history and is on 71k miles. It's completely standard engine and gearbox wise (118bhp) but has Corbeau LE Pro Seats with Schroth 4 point harnesses and a removeable Momo steering wheel.
First job on getting home after collection was to replace the rubber aerial gasket which had disintegrated and fallen off.
A new one was sourced through ebay for £2.99
and tidies up the rear nicely. I won't ever use the radio but I couldn't stand not to have it looking right!Future plans are to do a couple of other minor tidy up jobs and to fit a Hurricane Induction Kit. I'll also be whipping out the seats to deep clean the interior and also be replacing the sill pads. Updates to come
Thanks for the nice comments chaps, it certainly gets a lot of attention on the road.
Longer term, I'd look at the uprated toe link kit if I take it on track and I'd possibly look at the DVA 135bhp kit, not purely for the power increase but it makes the top end of the rev range much more urgent. But that's down the line though, for now I just want to enjoy driving it
Krikkit said:
Phwoar, best colour for an S1 imo.
Any other plans for mods, or keep it standard?
Nothing major planned in the short term, aside from the minor cosmetic bits. It's had a great deal of love and attention from the previous owners so not much needs doing. I liked the fact the previous owner had already replaced the seats, harnesses and steering wheel as these were top of my list to do if I'd have bought a car with the standard bits in.Any other plans for mods, or keep it standard?
Longer term, I'd look at the uprated toe link kit if I take it on track and I'd possibly look at the DVA 135bhp kit, not purely for the power increase but it makes the top end of the rev range much more urgent. But that's down the line though, for now I just want to enjoy driving it
Small update!
Despite vowing not to allow my OCD tendencies to get the better of me and to just drive the car, I rapidly decided that a couple of jobs needed doing! First up, the dog-eared Lotus badge was peeled off and replaced with a new one:
The new sticker was pretty easy to get lined up and smartens up the rear of the car nicely:
The interior also needed a slight tidy up as several things were annoying me. With the weather being a bit rubbish and also because I thought it'd be quite quick, I cracked on and started by taking out the seats. This was relatively simple despite the awkward angle of some of the bolts.
This revealed quite a lot of grime and dirt, so the whole interior was washed down, dried and hovered out. I then cleaned up the bare ali with a 'magic sponge' which is slightly abrasive and removes dirt and small scratches and brings it up to a more uniform finish. The old sill pads, which had seen better days and were covered in scratches, marks and tears were then removed to be recovered. This was a b
h of a job that involved lots of swearing and cursing and breaking various tools trying to lever the damn things off. But perseverance (and the use of a chisel) meant I got there in the end!
The old ones:
I'm not sure if they were the original factory sill pads, but they'd been stuck on with the world's strongest double sided tape that resisted all attempts to remove it.
I then remembered reading Tickle's Elise 111S thread about using a drill with a toffee wheel attachment to remove all the sticky crap and make a dusty mess, so I shamelessly did the same
Then, with the old leather pads pulled off, the old foam was scraped away:
Then the plastic pads were recovered with new 3mm closed cell sticky backed foam ready to be recovered with new leather:
Next, the seats were removed from their frames as they were looking a bit manky:
These were then wire brushed, primed and painted in satin black:
The seat bolts all had various degrees of rust and corrosion on, so new bolts were bought ready for the seats to be refitted:
The old speaker grills had also seen better days and looked shocking:
A quick look on eBay turned up some brand new ones for £4 delivered
. Although I won't use the radio much, these look much better:
Finally, the sill pads were recovered and fixed in place, the seats reinstalled with the nice new shiny bolts and the inside given another hoover. Much better
Despite vowing not to allow my OCD tendencies to get the better of me and to just drive the car, I rapidly decided that a couple of jobs needed doing! First up, the dog-eared Lotus badge was peeled off and replaced with a new one:
The new sticker was pretty easy to get lined up and smartens up the rear of the car nicely:
The interior also needed a slight tidy up as several things were annoying me. With the weather being a bit rubbish and also because I thought it'd be quite quick, I cracked on and started by taking out the seats. This was relatively simple despite the awkward angle of some of the bolts.
This revealed quite a lot of grime and dirt, so the whole interior was washed down, dried and hovered out. I then cleaned up the bare ali with a 'magic sponge' which is slightly abrasive and removes dirt and small scratches and brings it up to a more uniform finish. The old sill pads, which had seen better days and were covered in scratches, marks and tears were then removed to be recovered. This was a b
h of a job that involved lots of swearing and cursing and breaking various tools trying to lever the damn things off. But perseverance (and the use of a chisel) meant I got there in the end!The old ones:
I'm not sure if they were the original factory sill pads, but they'd been stuck on with the world's strongest double sided tape that resisted all attempts to remove it.
I then remembered reading Tickle's Elise 111S thread about using a drill with a toffee wheel attachment to remove all the sticky crap and make a dusty mess, so I shamelessly did the same
Then, with the old leather pads pulled off, the old foam was scraped away:
Then the plastic pads were recovered with new 3mm closed cell sticky backed foam ready to be recovered with new leather:
Next, the seats were removed from their frames as they were looking a bit manky:
These were then wire brushed, primed and painted in satin black:
The seat bolts all had various degrees of rust and corrosion on, so new bolts were bought ready for the seats to be refitted:
The old speaker grills had also seen better days and looked shocking:
A quick look on eBay turned up some brand new ones for £4 delivered
. Although I won't use the radio much, these look much better:Finally, the sill pads were recovered and fixed in place, the seats reinstalled with the nice new shiny bolts and the inside given another hoover. Much better
Thanks chaps. The car is overall in extremely good condition for it's age, but doing these little jobs makes it as good as I can get it It also does wonders for bonding with a new car
A few more little jobs done this week....
When I picked up the car the alarm/immobiliser fob case had fallen apart and been wrapped in bodge tape so looked like this:
You can just see the dimple top middle which was where I had to press to start the car. Unwrapping it and a bit of tinternet research showed it was a GT Auto GT82 fitted to a few different cars (like the Mk1 Focus RS) around 15 years ago. The case is wrapped in a rubber surround that doubles up as the key ring part, predictably this falls apart and the net is littered with people asking where to get replacement cases as they're not made anymore
At first I considered bodging a different make case to take the circuit board, but in the end ebay came up trumps and replacement after-market cases are available in Italy. The old circuit fits in perfectly and it works really well.
Next, the paint protection film was replaced on the rear arches. I forgot to take pictures of the old stuff, but it had yellowed quite badly. The new stuff was pretty easy to apply and looks tonnes better.
Finally this week, I took the car to Neil Garner Motorsport near Kemble to have the geo done. I thought the turn in wasn't quite as precise as I'd read it should be and with the steering wheel being slightly left hand down when driving straight, it had to be looked at. Neil and his guys did a superb job and confirmed the settings were WAY out with 4mm toe in with mismatched camber on the front and not enough toe on the rear.
The cars how running -1.2 camber on the fronts with 1mm toe out and -2.5 camber on the rear with 3mm toe in and feels like a different car, so I'm really happy Plans are now, finally, to get out and drive the thing
It also does wonders for bonding with a new car A few more little jobs done this week....
When I picked up the car the alarm/immobiliser fob case had fallen apart and been wrapped in bodge tape so looked like this:
You can just see the dimple top middle which was where I had to press to start the car. Unwrapping it and a bit of tinternet research showed it was a GT Auto GT82 fitted to a few different cars (like the Mk1 Focus RS) around 15 years ago. The case is wrapped in a rubber surround that doubles up as the key ring part, predictably this falls apart and the net is littered with people asking where to get replacement cases as they're not made anymore
At first I considered bodging a different make case to take the circuit board, but in the end ebay came up trumps and replacement after-market cases are available in Italy. The old circuit fits in perfectly and it works really well.
Next, the paint protection film was replaced on the rear arches. I forgot to take pictures of the old stuff, but it had yellowed quite badly. The new stuff was pretty easy to apply and looks tonnes better.
Finally this week, I took the car to Neil Garner Motorsport near Kemble to have the geo done. I thought the turn in wasn't quite as precise as I'd read it should be and with the steering wheel being slightly left hand down when driving straight, it had to be looked at. Neil and his guys did a superb job and confirmed the settings were WAY out with 4mm toe in with mismatched camber on the front and not enough toe on the rear.
The cars how running -1.2 camber on the fronts with 1mm toe out and -2.5 camber on the rear with 3mm toe in and feels like a different car, so I'm really happy
Plans are now, finally, to get out and drive the thing 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
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.
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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