Exige advice please
Discussion
I’m seriously considering buying an Exige with a friend to keep largely for track days. I’ve owned an R400 and an SR3, but I want something reasonably hassle free, no towing or fiddling with oily bits. I don’t want to track my GT3 extensively, though the odd foray is great fun. No, I want more of an everyday track car. I accept Lotus isn’t the last word in reliability (?) but a road legal car used mostly for track days, that I can just give to a dealer to fix, that isn’t particular expensive to run, is what I’m after. It will need to be great fun on track but also civilized enough to go from the UK to Spa in a day, ready for a track day the next day without killing its occupants.
Is there a straightforward guide out there? I want a later car, ie. S2 not S1, but the choice seems bewildering: S2, touring, sport, super sport, 240R, cup… and seems like Lotus upgraded the specs for MY2006 onwards, so the meaning of “sport pack” changed? (somebody needs to talk to their marketing department)
Ideally I think I’m looking for at least an S (with 220bhp?) and a track bias (adjustable suspension, decent brakes, proper seats, probably also the traction control and LSD … I say probably as I haven’t yet driven one).
Any thoughts? Any known good ones out there / ones to avoid? Send me a message through my profile if anything to say that shouldn’t be said on a public forum.
And many thanks in advance!
Is there a straightforward guide out there? I want a later car, ie. S2 not S1, but the choice seems bewildering: S2, touring, sport, super sport, 240R, cup… and seems like Lotus upgraded the specs for MY2006 onwards, so the meaning of “sport pack” changed? (somebody needs to talk to their marketing department)
Ideally I think I’m looking for at least an S (with 220bhp?) and a track bias (adjustable suspension, decent brakes, proper seats, probably also the traction control and LSD … I say probably as I haven’t yet driven one).
Any thoughts? Any known good ones out there / ones to avoid? Send me a message through my profile if anything to say that shouldn’t be said on a public forum.
And many thanks in advance!
First thing, go and test drive one. As you say there are a bewildering array of different versions and I'm no expert, there will be many people better to point those out. As far as using the Exige to get to and from tracks and have fun on then it will do the job very well. I couldn't live with an Exige everyday but as a toy to do a fair few miles then it would be fine.
As for servicing etc, the Exige will be fine. As with other threads it is special looking car but it only has a Rover or Toyota lump in the back; they can be serviced at home if you want. Geo and suspension will need to be checked and if there is regular track use I guess it could be quite hard on tyres.
Having said all that, if you are just looking for a track car that can be used on the road to get too and from tracks I would still say a Caterham is the better car. It's rawer and delivers a more instant hit. The Exige is good but not that good! Why not get a used Caterham and a trailer and an old barge - if you shop around those three could be had for the price of a decent Exige, that way you can use the barge to get to the track and the better car on it. Guess it depends how much you are going to use the car on track.
As for servicing etc, the Exige will be fine. As with other threads it is special looking car but it only has a Rover or Toyota lump in the back; they can be serviced at home if you want. Geo and suspension will need to be checked and if there is regular track use I guess it could be quite hard on tyres.
Having said all that, if you are just looking for a track car that can be used on the road to get too and from tracks I would still say a Caterham is the better car. It's rawer and delivers a more instant hit. The Exige is good but not that good! Why not get a used Caterham and a trailer and an old barge - if you shop around those three could be had for the price of a decent Exige, that way you can use the barge to get to the track and the better car on it. Guess it depends how much you are going to use the car on track.
Hi Andrew,
I have a similar experience to yourself, used to race Caterhams, SR4 etc.
I have an Exige S which I bought new with the sports pack, and thought a few of my observations / experience might be of use to you.
As std on track :
1) it's a road car , and weighs twice as much as a caterham, so you can't just stay out and thrash it until the fuel runs out , like you can in a Caterham.
2) you want the sports seats and harnesses as a minimum. I find them very comfy, but they lack lateral support (I guess it makes it easier getting in & out). But they are ok if you are strapped in. the Schroth harnesses are nice. Also Aircon is a must, even for a track tool , you do need to get there !
3) it has fantastic mechanical grip , better than the Caterham (obviously not as much as the Radical)
4) if you are staying with the std brakes (which are actually very good) it is worth upgrading the pads (Padgids) and the brake lines.
5) the traction control (I have the version before the variable option) is actually very good , and not too intrusive, but once you get used to it, it is quicker to turn it off.
At that spec , I had a lot of fun with mine . It is a refreshing change to just drive to a track day , have fun & just drive home . Plus it is a great tool to pop over to the Nurburgring.
Sadly mine got shortened on it's last trip to the ring last year (a leaky German Golf !)
and as it was being fixed , I thought I would have a few other bits done.
Stiffer front anti roll bar
one way Nitrons with uprated Eibach springs
Komotec 280S kit & exhaust
Quicksilver Manifold
AP big brake kit
Hanger 111 have done the work for me , and I am due to pick it up this weekend.
my only question is if it will need an LSD.
at 220 bhp it didn't really need one , but at somewhere north of 280 bhp it may well need one , we will see.
Cheers
Rich
I have a similar experience to yourself, used to race Caterhams, SR4 etc.
I have an Exige S which I bought new with the sports pack, and thought a few of my observations / experience might be of use to you.
As std on track :
1) it's a road car , and weighs twice as much as a caterham, so you can't just stay out and thrash it until the fuel runs out , like you can in a Caterham.
2) you want the sports seats and harnesses as a minimum. I find them very comfy, but they lack lateral support (I guess it makes it easier getting in & out). But they are ok if you are strapped in. the Schroth harnesses are nice. Also Aircon is a must, even for a track tool , you do need to get there !
3) it has fantastic mechanical grip , better than the Caterham (obviously not as much as the Radical)
4) if you are staying with the std brakes (which are actually very good) it is worth upgrading the pads (Padgids) and the brake lines.
5) the traction control (I have the version before the variable option) is actually very good , and not too intrusive, but once you get used to it, it is quicker to turn it off.
At that spec , I had a lot of fun with mine . It is a refreshing change to just drive to a track day , have fun & just drive home . Plus it is a great tool to pop over to the Nurburgring.
Sadly mine got shortened on it's last trip to the ring last year (a leaky German Golf !)
and as it was being fixed , I thought I would have a few other bits done.
Stiffer front anti roll bar
one way Nitrons with uprated Eibach springs
Komotec 280S kit & exhaust
Quicksilver Manifold
AP big brake kit
Hanger 111 have done the work for me , and I am due to pick it up this weekend.
my only question is if it will need an LSD.
at 220 bhp it didn't really need one , but at somewhere north of 280 bhp it may well need one , we will see.
Cheers
Rich
I spoke to Randy (Chris) at Hofmanns regarding Nitrons and I also asked him about LSD's for the Exige. He said a waste of time if the car is setup right. In anycase the Lotus LSD is a Toyota unit and is a torque biased like a quaife diff and as such is not a true LSD. You can get a propoer plated Diff from Lotus Motorsport i believe, but I wouldn't bother.
Thanks to both of you for such quick responses!
Rich, helpful thoughts & hope you get out in your car again soon. I agree it would be a nice change to just turn up & drive without trailering, carrying loads of tools, etc.
Guys, keep it coming please! I'm a complete ignoramus on these matters but keen to find out more
Rich, helpful thoughts & hope you get out in your car again soon. I agree it would be a nice change to just turn up & drive without trailering, carrying loads of tools, etc.
Guys, keep it coming please! I'm a complete ignoramus on these matters but keen to find out more
Most of what I had done is mirrored with the new super sports pack on the latest model.
you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
Rich S said:
Most of what I had done is mirrored with the new super sports pack on the latest model.
you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
You don't get the LSD and Ohlins on the latest PP.you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
Also connsider Nitrons as an alternative to Ohlins. They have had a lot more development time than Ohlins.
Kev946 said:
Rich S said:
Most of what I had done is mirrored with the new super sports pack on the latest model.
you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
You don't get the LSD and Ohlins on the latest PP.you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
Also connsider Nitrons as an alternative to Ohlins. They have had a lot more development time than Ohlins.
Hear what you say about Nitrons.
AndrewD said:
Kev946 said:
Rich S said:
Most of what I had done is mirrored with the new super sports pack on the latest model.
you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
You don't get the LSD and Ohlins on the latest PP.you do get the variable traction controll & launch control (off the 211) + an LSD and the Lotus version of Ohlins suspension. Oh and 240bhp .
Re suspension options , Plans Motorsport are worth visiting on the Web , and very helpful
Also connsider Nitrons as an alternative to Ohlins. They have had a lot more development time than Ohlins.
Hear what you say about Nitrons.
PS: I'm going one way adjustable Nitrons and Eibach springs.
Re LSD, Oh yes you do. (although this is for the New 255 Cup , which was launched in Jan this year)
below is an e mail I had from Nick Whale Sportscars :
hi richard,
i think you are probably aware lotus have release a exige cup 255?
255bhp
LSD
uprated brakes
switchable traction control
ohlins suspension
adj anti roll bar etc
255 is £45995.00
a/c 1295.00
met 528.75
lifestyle 896.92
otr 950.00
let me know if you require any further info
happy new year
regards
john willis
below is an e mail I had from Nick Whale Sportscars :
hi richard,
i think you are probably aware lotus have release a exige cup 255?
255bhp
LSD
uprated brakes
switchable traction control
ohlins suspension
adj anti roll bar etc
255 is £45995.00
a/c 1295.00
met 528.75
lifestyle 896.92
otr 950.00
let me know if you require any further info
happy new year
regards
john willis
Kev,
you could have lotus's Ohlins (the 36mm version based on a motorbike shock, rather than the full monty 48mm ones) the LSD was only available when you had the sports pack + the super sports pack , and then as an additional cost option (I know because I wanted one origionaly , when I ordered My Exige S just after they were launched.
Like you I decided that I didn't want to bother with the middle ground, and didn't need the 48mm Ohlins , so went for the Nitrons with upgraded Eibach springs
you could have lotus's Ohlins (the 36mm version based on a motorbike shock, rather than the full monty 48mm ones) the LSD was only available when you had the sports pack + the super sports pack , and then as an additional cost option (I know because I wanted one origionaly , when I ordered My Exige S just after they were launched.
Like you I decided that I didn't want to bother with the middle ground, and didn't need the 48mm Ohlins , so went for the Nitrons with upgraded Eibach springs
Hi Andrew,
I'm from Zurich, but have have my car serviced in Luzern by Kumschick. Excellent service, very competent and nice people there.
As for recommendations:
Guess it's up to preference, but I prefer the older models (MY04/MY05) without the extra weight and drive-by-wire setups. With track-bias in mind, definately make sure it has the performance-pack (that 2nd oil-cooler is a big plus) if you go for a NA car. Also gives you the opportunity to go Bemani (or Komo-Tec) later.
I definately favor the Bemani setup over the factory supercharged or Komo-Tec variants because of more torque and more efficient cooling solution. Also when going on track, make sure your car has a baffled oilsump - it's an upgrade that's definately worth it.
Harnesses is a definate plus.
If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to help.
Cheers Phil
EDIT: Now that I read where you are coming from - definately visit Kumschick (www.kumschick.ch) in Luzern. They are the sole vendor of Caterham in Switzerland and should be able to advice you well given they sell all the cars (old/new Caterhams, Exige-S 240, Bemani Exiges etc).
I'm from Zurich, but have have my car serviced in Luzern by Kumschick. Excellent service, very competent and nice people there.
As for recommendations:
Guess it's up to preference, but I prefer the older models (MY04/MY05) without the extra weight and drive-by-wire setups. With track-bias in mind, definately make sure it has the performance-pack (that 2nd oil-cooler is a big plus) if you go for a NA car. Also gives you the opportunity to go Bemani (or Komo-Tec) later.
I definately favor the Bemani setup over the factory supercharged or Komo-Tec variants because of more torque and more efficient cooling solution. Also when going on track, make sure your car has a baffled oilsump - it's an upgrade that's definately worth it.
Harnesses is a definate plus.
If you have any more questions, I'd be glad to help.
Cheers Phil
EDIT: Now that I read where you are coming from - definately visit Kumschick (www.kumschick.ch) in Luzern. They are the sole vendor of Caterham in Switzerland and should be able to advice you well given they sell all the cars (old/new Caterhams, Exige-S 240, Bemani Exiges etc).
Rich S said:
Kev,
you could have lotus's Ohlins (the 36mm version based on a motorbike shock, rather than the full monty 48mm ones) the LSD was only available when you had the sports pack + the super sports pack , and then as an additional cost option (I know because I wanted one origionaly , when I ordered My Exige S just after they were launched.
Like you I decided that I didn't want to bother with the middle ground, and didn't need the 48mm Ohlins , so went for the Nitrons with upgraded Eibach springs
Hi Rich,you could have lotus's Ohlins (the 36mm version based on a motorbike shock, rather than the full monty 48mm ones) the LSD was only available when you had the sports pack + the super sports pack , and then as an additional cost option (I know because I wanted one origionaly , when I ordered My Exige S just after they were launched.
Like you I decided that I didn't want to bother with the middle ground, and didn't need the 48mm Ohlins , so went for the Nitrons with upgraded Eibach springs
I was referring to the Exige S not the Cup cars regarding LSD.
I've heard the 36mm Ohlins are pretty poor compared to Nitrons. They are basically a motorbike unit.
Thanks for the info Phil. Kumschick isn't that far so I'll definately visit them.
I'm after a second hand Exige (my wife says I spend too much on cars as it is). I've normally got reservations about cars with aftermarket mods, particularly engines, but the Bemani stuff does sound interesting, and I guess the whole package (suspension & brakes) has been done not just the engine. If possible, please mail me through my profile with details on your friend's car
I'm after a second hand Exige (my wife says I spend too much on cars as it is). I've normally got reservations about cars with aftermarket mods, particularly engines, but the Bemani stuff does sound interesting, and I guess the whole package (suspension & brakes) has been done not just the engine. If possible, please mail me through my profile with details on your friend's car
Andrew - I have a 240r as a weekend and trackday toy. I have arrived at this via caterham, 340r, porsche 968 CS alongside some nice one size fits all (except it never does) road cars.
I have had the exige 6mths, done 4 trackdays and some road driving (3k miles) and to date it has been faultless.
I opted for the 240r (limited numbers out there though 2 for sale in the classifieds at the mo) given 1) price, 2) upgraded kit inc suspension, brakes etc 3) 240bhp engine.
It is essentially what the exige s performance pack now is, without a posh dash and carpets, and without the 40k + price tag. I need a car that I can drive to and from trackdays - an achilles heel of the caterham and 340r - for which it has proven perfectly adept.
It's not silly money to keep in fine fettle (tyres 650 a set, oil changes £150, OEM pads and discs £300 or so)
Ah - and it'll also beat most things round a track but is challenging to drive; I am learning more all the time.
Get it bought! (and do get one with aircon)
I have had the exige 6mths, done 4 trackdays and some road driving (3k miles) and to date it has been faultless.
I opted for the 240r (limited numbers out there though 2 for sale in the classifieds at the mo) given 1) price, 2) upgraded kit inc suspension, brakes etc 3) 240bhp engine.
It is essentially what the exige s performance pack now is, without a posh dash and carpets, and without the 40k + price tag. I need a car that I can drive to and from trackdays - an achilles heel of the caterham and 340r - for which it has proven perfectly adept.
It's not silly money to keep in fine fettle (tyres 650 a set, oil changes £150, OEM pads and discs £300 or so)
Ah - and it'll also beat most things round a track but is challenging to drive; I am learning more all the time.
Get it bought! (and do get one with aircon)
Or I have a 240R for sale that is setup for track with custom big Ohlins, cage, brakes ++++ everything to turn it into a fantastic track car, but still be road useable (i.e. aircon, stereo, satnav) It's a well known car on here.
To give you an idea of pace, at Silverstone I can lap the full GP circuit in 0.2 sec slower than my GT3 RS... except I can do it all day and the brakes and tyre last and an oil change is peanuts!
To give you an idea of pace, at Silverstone I can lap the full GP circuit in 0.2 sec slower than my GT3 RS... except I can do it all day and the brakes and tyre last and an oil change is peanuts!
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