S1 Elise questions

[Chris71]

Hi,

Primarily window shopping again, but I wonder if anyone could indulge me with a couple of queries about the S1 Elise:

Does the standard rear hoop act as a roll structure (or would you need a seperate cage for regular track use)?

Any other mods recommended for track use?

Is a failed head gasket likely to have caused damage to the engine or are most cars which have experienced HGF completely back to normal once it's been changed?

Are there any bits which wear out particularly rapidly on the track (I have a vague recollection someone said they tend to eat suspension bushes?)

[Talkwrench]

Chris71 said:

Hi,

Primarily window shopping again, but I wonder if anyone could indulge me with a couple of queries about the S1 Elise:

Does the standard rear hoop act as a roll structure (or would you need a seperate cage for regular track use)?

It is a roll structure. Most track users don't use a separate roll cage.

Chris71 said:

Any other mods recommended for track use?

Uprated Rear Toe links. They have been known to fail during track useage.

Chris71 said:

Is a failed head gasket likely to have caused damage to the engine or are most cars which have experienced HGF completely back to normal once it's been changed?

Assuming no prolonged use after HGF, no excessive overheating etc., most engines are back to normal after a gasket change. Use the uprated gasket kit, have the head pressure tested and tested for flatness. Have a precautionary minimal skim if the surface looks at all damaged.

Chris71 said:

Are there any bits which wear out particularly rapidly on the track (I have a vague recollection someone said they tend to eat suspension bushes?)

Rear toe links as mentioned. Wheel bearings too if you really hammer them. Steering racks also wear out fairly quickly but I doubt track useage accelerates this too much. Other stuff such as brakes, tyres etc. suffer normal track 'wear and tear'.

[Chris71]

One other question (on a similar note) - what sort of noise level do they produce on the standard exhaust system? Is there a danger of any standard or near-standard cars tripping, say 98dB?

[TIPPER]

Static or driveby Chris? My car has a K&N induction (noise mainly!!) induction and Blueflame/Motobuild exhaust. It consistently measures 93db static but I did get thfrown off at Bedford once for exceeding drive-by. Took a lot of effort though! I think the K&N is largely responsible.
You shouldn't have any issue with a standardish car and one of the quieter sports exhausts.

[Chris71]

TIPPER said:

Static or driveby Chris? My car has a K&N induction (noise mainly!!) induction and Blueflame/Motobuild exhaust. It consistently measures 93db static but I did get thfrown off at Bedford once for exceeding drive-by. Took a lot of effort though! I think the K&N is largely responsible.
You shouldn't have any issue with a standardish car and one of the quieter sports exhausts.

Bedford was what I had in mind as I believe it's the toughest noise test of any of the local circuits.

BTW I saw your other thread on sprinting - that's one of the aims. I've just joined up with a local motor club (HCAAC) who are very active in speed events and the two big groups there seemed to be the 7 Clones and the Elises.

Edited by Chris71 on Tuesday 19th May 11:07