Lotus Elise S2 tuned to 180bhp

[M14EYC]

Hello all,
I'm new to this place, VX220 owner looking to buy an Elise.

I've seen an Elise for sale, 10k miles, 51 plate. It has full service history but has been tuned (by Lotus) to 180bhp. After phoning the owner I have found out that the suspension and breaks have also been upgraded. What I wanto to know is what sort of changes have been made to the K-series in order to produce this performance and how will this affect the reliability of the engine?

Thanks,
Mike.

[bogie]

It will have throttle bodies and large airbox, hotter cams, probably VHPD and forged pistons (hopefully) along with an ECU re-flash

You will probably need to run it on fully synth and drop the service intervals to 6K miles - it ultimately may require a rebuild sooner than a std engine...but how many miles that is depends on use - could be 30K miles...or it could be 80K miles

[M14EYC]

I've just been on the phone to the owner, he has no information on the work that has been carried out to the engine, all he knows is that Lotus tuned it.

I imagine the only way to find out details is to take the car to a Lotus garage. Am I right or is there another way? Perhaps Lotus keep a record of all work carried out by them on each Elise?

[rfoster]

If you've seen the car have a look at the engine afor any tell tale signs - also check out the Bell & Colvill website, as they do various engine conversions (and have some pictures.) Might help you to identify it. Would be surprised if the owner doesn't have any invoices for the conversion.

[M14EYC]

the current owner is a garage that took the Elise as p/x. I'll have a look at the website.
Anybody give me any further clues as to what to look for?

[rfoster]

Is the number plate original (if so, what dealer supplied it? Should have their name on the plate. Might give a clue as to who did the performance upgrade.)

[M14EYC]

no, number plate is new on the front, it's one of those 3/4 size ones. Must be new on the back too cos I can't spot a name.

[rfoster]

Any distintive features on the engine, such as flame red cam cover, different air filter, different exhaust system, any stickers on the engine?

[rfoster]

Got any pics?

[M14EYC]

I'll see what I can find out tonight. The garage is only round the corner from where I live so I'll take the camera.

[rfoster]

Think I just saw it on Autotrader - the black one right. Looks very nice. Suggest an HPI check on it!

[M14EYC]

Yeah, that's the one. HPI Check is next on my list.

[lotuslad]

Blimey, I quite like that myself - run Mike, run!!

[M14EYC]

hands off!!

>> Edited by M14EYC on Tuesday 13th July 14:26

[gfun]

Have a look at the moto build site for what to expect from a 190bhp engine - it may be an 'interesting' engine to live with.

www.moto-build.com/

[DanH]

I'd be warey that its actually a lotus engine upgrade and not a 3rd party one. A 3rd party one won't justify much of a premium. Nor will a lotus one to be honest, but it will sell better etc.

If lotus did it, they should have some upgrade. Ring lotus up and ask to be put through to lotus sport and performance. A vin and plate should be enough, and lotus have always been very helpful when I've contacted them.

>> Edited by DanH on Wednesday 14th July 11:35