New arrival. Exige 410 Sport
Discussion
Morning all.
It's been a fairly busy few weeks for the Exige following a busy summer of track days and tinkering.
Firstly the car went to Hendy Performance in Eastleigh for a proper geo / track setup. It was more difficult than expected to find track settings for the 410/430 as not many people had done it, and those that had seemed to want to sit on the details (Andy Tims was a help I might add). After researching the CupR, Alias23 and other race car settings I settled for the following. It took a bit of reading to try to understand what the adjustments meant but we got there in the end:
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The height drop was a bit of a shock when I picked it up but luckily it gets up the driveway and over speedbumps without scraping the splitter.
Before:
After:
The Exige was a new thing for Hendy as far as projects go, but credit where credit is due they did a grand job:
The lad that worked on my car sets up Porsche race cars on the weekends so I left it with them with reasonable confidence that it would be done properly. All adjusted parts have been paint marked and we'll be back again soon for him to check it over after it's shakedown at Silverstone this week.
On that note, the 14th saw us at Silverstone on the GP circuit under blue skies and warm air. What....A...Day! The track was not overly busy and driving standards were exceptional. All in I managed 67 laps, using 3 tanks of fuel. It was my first time on the GP circuit and it took me most of the morning to get the hang of what is a very technical track. Once it did click, it was amazing.
The new setup was brilliant and with the good weather I felt really confident pushing the car over 1.5G in the corners (over 2 in some)..... and that's on 5500 mile / 9 track day old Cup2s. Straight line braking was greatly improved with minimal squirm and the car felt very well balanced at all speeds and under cornering. This is also the first time I've tracked the car using Race mode throughout the day, and I had no issues with slip or loss of traction at all. It just felt solid.
While not the fastest I could have been I was focussed on keeping it smooth and getting my lines right. 2m.38s consistently by lunch and the same in the afternoon with passengers. I really hope there's a dry day in October as I'm gagging to go back to improve on my performance.
Here's a couple of vids and some pics of the day.
https://youtu.be/NIumHxYKles
https://youtu.be/zqCpHv_SaQE
Once home there was the inevitable clean up job:
On the subject of rubber:
You just can't kill these. That's probably 1500-1800 track miles and still life in them. Obviously they've now seen a a few heat cycles, but in managing the pressures on track they've done remarkably well and will likely continue to do so once the debris scrubs off. Brilliant tyre!
It's been a fairly busy few weeks for the Exige following a busy summer of track days and tinkering.
Firstly the car went to Hendy Performance in Eastleigh for a proper geo / track setup. It was more difficult than expected to find track settings for the 410/430 as not many people had done it, and those that had seemed to want to sit on the details (Andy Tims was a help I might add). After researching the CupR, Alias23 and other race car settings I settled for the following. It took a bit of reading to try to understand what the adjustments meant but we got there in the end:
The height drop was a bit of a shock when I picked it up but luckily it gets up the driveway and over speedbumps without scraping the splitter.
Before:
After:
The Exige was a new thing for Hendy as far as projects go, but credit where credit is due they did a grand job:
The lad that worked on my car sets up Porsche race cars on the weekends so I left it with them with reasonable confidence that it would be done properly. All adjusted parts have been paint marked and we'll be back again soon for him to check it over after it's shakedown at Silverstone this week.
On that note, the 14th saw us at Silverstone on the GP circuit under blue skies and warm air. What....A...Day! The track was not overly busy and driving standards were exceptional. All in I managed 67 laps, using 3 tanks of fuel. It was my first time on the GP circuit and it took me most of the morning to get the hang of what is a very technical track. Once it did click, it was amazing.
The new setup was brilliant and with the good weather I felt really confident pushing the car over 1.5G in the corners (over 2 in some)..... and that's on 5500 mile / 9 track day old Cup2s. Straight line braking was greatly improved with minimal squirm and the car felt very well balanced at all speeds and under cornering. This is also the first time I've tracked the car using Race mode throughout the day, and I had no issues with slip or loss of traction at all. It just felt solid.
While not the fastest I could have been I was focussed on keeping it smooth and getting my lines right. 2m.38s consistently by lunch and the same in the afternoon with passengers. I really hope there's a dry day in October as I'm gagging to go back to improve on my performance.
Here's a couple of vids and some pics of the day.
https://youtu.be/NIumHxYKles
https://youtu.be/zqCpHv_SaQE
Once home there was the inevitable clean up job:
On the subject of rubber:
You just can't kill these. That's probably 1500-1800 track miles and still life in them. Obviously they've now seen a a few heat cycles, but in managing the pressures on track they've done remarkably well and will likely continue to do so once the debris scrubs off. Brilliant tyre!
Rocketreid said:
Good to see your 410 getting a shake down as not many folks seem to track them regularly.
Silverstone is a power circuit with a few high speed straights where Exiges with big wings and aero get slowed down but they do excel in the bends.
Good to get a lesson if you didn’t this time. I had one with a local instructor who showed me what my car could do 2 up
Yeah, once everything is back up and running I'll look into some instruction there. I took instruction back in Feb on the national circuit but it was lashing with rain all day so ended up being fairly pointless. Silverstone is a power circuit with a few high speed straights where Exiges with big wings and aero get slowed down but they do excel in the bends.
Good to get a lesson if you didn’t this time. I had one with a local instructor who showed me what my car could do 2 up
After a few hundred miles and a full day on track the suspension appears to have settled and it was time to take it back to Hendy Performance for a check and retune. Unfortunately the front dropped from 130mm to 122mm and occasionally clipped the arches on full lock. The rear has remained pretty much as per the prescription, probably due to the more consistent weighting (big engine sat on it) on the ramp and on track. Because of the predicted settling we've dialled in an initial figure of 135mm at the front with a view that it will settle to around 130mm, giving us a 10mm rake and reduced risk of catching the front splitter and arches. Camber, caster and toe have all been adjusted accordingly so hopefully we have that ideal fast road and track setting nailed for the Cup2s. If we move on to semi slicks next year then maybe we'll look at springs and damper settings too.
Our next date is Castle Combe in 2 weeks hopefully
Our next date is Castle Combe in 2 weeks hopefully
Yesterday saw me back at a dry (for a few hours at least) Goodwood Motor Circuit. Following a quick tweak of the geo at Hendy Performance in early morning to adjust the rear alignment we were on track in the sunshine by11.45am. But only for 4 laps due to noise issues. Doh!!
I put the 350mm cans on during lunch and went back out. But 7 laps in, just as I was getting into my stride the NOISE board was out followed by a black flag on my next pass.
Back in the queue again and we managed to get out for another 5 laps before being called in for triggering 2 of the meters. Maybe it was the weather yesterday, but it's also likely that because we're now going quicker we're using more throttle in areas where we previously weren't. The geo has made a massive difference and even with my tyres having done 1900 track miles (6100 total) I've seen a comfortable 3.5s improvement over previous visits and I know there will be more to clip off if we can avoid the noise issues or get on a dry 105db day. The car is so comfortable on track now too. I absolutely love it!
Rob Baxter will release his pics soon, but here's some decent laps on camera and a few phone pics.
Video 1. Chasing down a couple of track / race cars. The mini handled comically lol Got black flagged once I'd got into my stride.
https://youtu.be/ymoTm9y2yvw
Video 2. Fellow PHer Breadvan came along in the Regal built TCR track weapon. The aim was to catch and overtake, but again I got black flagged for noise.
https://youtu.be/27T0-mw6XFQ
I put the 350mm cans on during lunch and went back out. But 7 laps in, just as I was getting into my stride the NOISE board was out followed by a black flag on my next pass.
Back in the queue again and we managed to get out for another 5 laps before being called in for triggering 2 of the meters. Maybe it was the weather yesterday, but it's also likely that because we're now going quicker we're using more throttle in areas where we previously weren't. The geo has made a massive difference and even with my tyres having done 1900 track miles (6100 total) I've seen a comfortable 3.5s improvement over previous visits and I know there will be more to clip off if we can avoid the noise issues or get on a dry 105db day. The car is so comfortable on track now too. I absolutely love it!
Rob Baxter will release his pics soon, but here's some decent laps on camera and a few phone pics.
Video 1. Chasing down a couple of track / race cars. The mini handled comically lol Got black flagged once I'd got into my stride.
https://youtu.be/ymoTm9y2yvw
Video 2. Fellow PHer Breadvan came along in the Regal built TCR track weapon. The aim was to catch and overtake, but again I got black flagged for noise.
https://youtu.be/27T0-mw6XFQ
hyphen said:
Aah, that makes sense now. I watched the video first and was wondering why you couldn't catch a family hatchback. Didn't realize was both a TCR and modded 
Did Breadvan annoy anyone and get into fight?
Ha! No, not that I saw. Please expand on this as I can use it to bait him later on lolDid Breadvan annoy anyone and get into fight?
Edited by hyphen on Wednesday 7th October 21:48
te, tracks a Golf? Hohohohehehe, outed 
Morning.
Yesterday, Breadvan, fellow car guy Darren in his MX5 and I were at Castle Combe for the first time. Being honest, I was a little nervous about going to Combe given all the horror stories about Quarry and the bumps. If the forecast was for rain I probably wouldn't have gone.
Luckily the car gods were on our side and it stayed dry and largely sunny throughout.
In the Exige I managed 72 laps and 2 tanks of fuel. The car performed faultlessly throughout and we had a riot ploughing round and bouncing over the bumps. Quarry really isn't as bad as people say (in my opinion) and I'd put Westway further up the bum-clench list with its mid-corner surface changes and bumps / jumps.
Here's 4 laps from the last session of the day. My best lap was 1m20s, which I think is fast enough given the way the track chucks you around.
https://youtu.be/-Svrx5f1zy0
More Pics to follow
Yesterday, Breadvan, fellow car guy Darren in his MX5 and I were at Castle Combe for the first time. Being honest, I was a little nervous about going to Combe given all the horror stories about Quarry and the bumps. If the forecast was for rain I probably wouldn't have gone.
Luckily the car gods were on our side and it stayed dry and largely sunny throughout.
In the Exige I managed 72 laps and 2 tanks of fuel. The car performed faultlessly throughout and we had a riot ploughing round and bouncing over the bumps. Quarry really isn't as bad as people say (in my opinion) and I'd put Westway further up the bum-clench list with its mid-corner surface changes and bumps / jumps.
Here's 4 laps from the last session of the day. My best lap was 1m20s, which I think is fast enough given the way the track chucks you around.
https://youtu.be/-Svrx5f1zy0
More Pics to follow
custardkid said:
Im no driving god.. And watching a video is different to driving .. But was at castle combe recently in the M3
Looks like the bumps are upseting the car. Is it too firm/low?
Looks like you could be more agressive in the braking zones like tower
And there are at least 2 lines around quarry corner worth trying them as they change the exit speed
Great to see the car still out. You must have done quite a few track miles now. And a good selection of tracks!
Any pictures of how you mounted the go pro?
Yup, the bumps at Combe are definitely a major factor in the Exige. I wouldn't say it was too low or firm if I'm honest. The V6 is quite heavy and I think that is what's making the car jump over the bumps as all the weight is at the rear to middle of the car depending on where are what you're doing. In the M3 I can't imagine you'd notice anywhere near as much as the weight is all on the nose, which is great for braking and settling the car. I had a Giulia QF last and comparing tracks car for car I definitely think Combe would suit the QF better in that regard. Other tracks, like Silverstone and Goodwood are in favour of the Lotus. I said exactly the same about the Ring. The QF made that track look easy compared to the Exige, which was quite hard work in comparison.Looks like the bumps are upseting the car. Is it too firm/low?
Looks like you could be more agressive in the braking zones like tower
And there are at least 2 lines around quarry corner worth trying them as they change the exit speed
Great to see the car still out. You must have done quite a few track miles now. And a good selection of tracks!
Any pictures of how you mounted the go pro?
Braking wise, same as above. I found I was locking up a lot in the heavy braking areas so decided to brake earlier and smoother to compensate. In reality I got quicker with this approach as I was able to set the car up earlier. Sean, in the TCR, was able to brake much later as the front engined layout helped keep the front wheels planted in the bumps. His could actually be the ideal car for Combe now he's had all that work done.
Tracks so far this year:
Silverstone National
Silverstone GP
Goodwood 4 or 5 times.
Brands Indy
Thruxton 3 times
Castle Combe
Nurburgring
Lotus Hethel
I've got one more booked for this year....... if it's still doable I'll be at Spa next month. I went last year in a Clio Cup as the first Exige was transitioning to the current post crash. I'm expecting a great day if it all goes ahead.
Mileage so far in this car is 6500, with about 2000 of them being on track. It's still on the original Cup2s, which is incredible. I honestly thought that I'd be 2, or even 3 sets in by now but they just keep going. I think I'll fit rears after Spa looking at the tread.
The GoPro is on a suction mount fitted to the window behind the seats. It's tethered to the car from there also. Luckily there's a charger socket between the seats too so you can literally just leave it plugged in all day without need for spare batteries.
Any vids of the M3 at Combe?
Morning
Another week messing about with the Lotus has passed, this time more tinkering than driving.
I had planned to strip the brakes on Sunday as the original pads are pretty much done. Our trip to Spa with OpenTrack in 2 weeks might have been a bit optimistic if we'd kept the oem items on:
Speaking to the chaps on Facebook the preferred replacement for track use is the 08 Compound from Performance Friction. I actually had these on my Alfa QF so already knew of their superior ability. Front and rears were ordered from elise-shop and they arrived a couple of days later.
Unfortunately Sunday unearthed a couple of other jobs so the brakes went on the backburner. On jacking the car up I noticed the plastic diffuser trim / bumper had taken an impact underneath and the drivers side portion was shattered with pieces laying on the inside of the clam. The only thing I can think is that it's been hit by something on track. A couple of hours with the glue and tape and it's repaired well enough for track use.
Lotus / deroure want nearly £600 for one of these which is bonkers. Luckily one appeared locally (brand new) on ebay on Tuesday and he delivered it for £200 Absolute result! I'll only need to drill the sensor holes and job done.
I'll keep this for when the old one is really tatty. I can see the edges of the plastic are taking a lot of shrapnel anyway so it's definitely worth holding off fitting till it's really bad.
Second repair job: I've started to replace the bolts / screws as I go now. The standard Lotus items are very soft and I found myself in the frustrating position of having an allen bolt stuck in the diffuser trim the other day. It was an M6x16 and the hole had completely rounded off. Even after ordering a proper extraction tool the thing wouldn't come out (metal just chewed off) so I had to resort to getting a drill on it. Stainless Torx bolts are now slowly replacing the old allen heads so hopefully that will help going forward.
Going back to the brakes...... They'll be fitted next week when the car goes for its first service. I'd have liked to have done them myself but time is short with work being busy. Spa has also been cancelled, but luckily I've managed to secure a place at Silverstone GP on the 9th with Circuit Days. After that I think we'll do Goodwood in December with OpenTrack and then that should be it for 2020.
Another week messing about with the Lotus has passed, this time more tinkering than driving.
I had planned to strip the brakes on Sunday as the original pads are pretty much done. Our trip to Spa with OpenTrack in 2 weeks might have been a bit optimistic if we'd kept the oem items on:
Speaking to the chaps on Facebook the preferred replacement for track use is the 08 Compound from Performance Friction. I actually had these on my Alfa QF so already knew of their superior ability. Front and rears were ordered from elise-shop and they arrived a couple of days later.
Unfortunately Sunday unearthed a couple of other jobs so the brakes went on the backburner. On jacking the car up I noticed the plastic diffuser trim / bumper had taken an impact underneath and the drivers side portion was shattered with pieces laying on the inside of the clam. The only thing I can think is that it's been hit by something on track. A couple of hours with the glue and tape and it's repaired well enough for track use.
Lotus / deroure want nearly £600 for one of these which is bonkers. Luckily one appeared locally (brand new) on ebay on Tuesday and he delivered it for £200
Absolute result! I'll only need to drill the sensor holes and job done. I'll keep this for when the old one is really tatty. I can see the edges of the plastic are taking a lot of shrapnel anyway so it's definitely worth holding off fitting till it's really bad.
Second repair job: I've started to replace the bolts / screws as I go now. The standard Lotus items are very soft and I found myself in the frustrating position of having an allen bolt stuck in the diffuser trim the other day. It was an M6x16 and the hole had completely rounded off. Even after ordering a proper extraction tool the thing wouldn't come out (metal just chewed off) so I had to resort to getting a drill on it. Stainless Torx bolts are now slowly replacing the old allen heads so hopefully that will help going forward.
Going back to the brakes...... They'll be fitted next week when the car goes for its first service. I'd have liked to have done them myself but time is short with work being busy. Spa has also been cancelled, but luckily I've managed to secure a place at Silverstone GP on the 9th with Circuit Days. After that I think we'll do Goodwood in December with OpenTrack and then that should be it for 2020.
STattam said:
Loving the thread here. Be careful with stainless bolts if they are going into aluminium as you may find galvanic type corrosion to be an issue.
Yeah, that's something I had considered with my choices. Luckily, where im fitting them they only go into steel trim clips on the rear undertray. Long term I'm looking at the possibility of fitting a quick release kit. They do them for the S1/S2 so it shouldn't be a problem doing it on the S3Rocketreid said:
I had a last minute Track day at Silverstone yesterday in amongst some big BHP cars.
Difficult to keep up with them on the straights but plenty competitive in the corners
Silverstone is a massive Circuit. Definitely one for the power / aero boys. Your 430 should still be quick mind you. Plenty quick enough even to keep up with sports car clique. Difficult to keep up with them on the straights but plenty competitive in the corners
Well Silverstone, like Spa, didn't happen this week. Poo!
Instead we got the Exige through its first annual service and fitted the PFC pads. A very reasonable £329 all in and even had the pleasure of borrowing Hendy's Canyon Red Evora 410 for a few days. What's not to like!
The old pads were pretty worn and a flickering handbrake light on the dash since September was diagnosed as a low pad warning. At least we know now.
[url]
|https://thumbsnap.com/hF763AFh[/url]
New pads in:
And service done:
And the lovely Evora.
Who knows if we'll see another track this year. Hopefully Goodwood will still happen on the 7th December.
Instead we got the Exige through its first annual service and fitted the PFC pads. A very reasonable £329 all in and even had the pleasure of borrowing Hendy's Canyon Red Evora 410 for a few days. What's not to like!
The old pads were pretty worn and a flickering handbrake light on the dash since September was diagnosed as a low pad warning. At least we know now.
[url]|https://thumbsnap.com/hF763AFh[/url]New pads in:
And service done:
And the lovely Evora.
Who knows if we'll see another track this year. Hopefully Goodwood will still happen on the 7th December.
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