Elise S2 K-Series reliability?
Discussion
Just thinking out loud at the moment, I know this has probably been done to death and hoping this isn't gonna open a can of worms but how reliable is the bog basic S2 K series Elise.
Not interested in the tuned versions in any way shape or form, the standard one will be plenty quick enough for me. do even the standard ones have head gasket issues? Would there be anything i can do to prevent this i.e. uprating the gasket?
My buddy had a VX220 and that engine seemed bulletproof.
Sorry for the dumb questions, what i know about Elises could be wrote on a postage stamp.
Thanks in advance.
Not interested in the tuned versions in any way shape or form, the standard one will be plenty quick enough for me. do even the standard ones have head gasket issues? Would there be anything i can do to prevent this i.e. uprating the gasket?
My buddy had a VX220 and that engine seemed bulletproof.
Sorry for the dumb questions, what i know about Elises could be wrote on a postage stamp.
Thanks in advance.
CHIEF said:
Just thinking out loud at the moment, I know this has probably been done to death and hoping this isn't gonna open a can of worms but how reliable is the bog basic S2 K series Elise.
Not interested in the tuned versions in any way shape or form, the standard one will be plenty quick enough for me. do even the standard ones have head gasket issues? Would there be anything i can do to prevent this i.e. uprating the gasket?
My buddy had a VX220 and that engine seemed bulletproof.
Sorry for the dumb questions, what i know about Elises could be wrote on a postage stamp.
Thanks in advance.
Been running my 2002 k series elise daily for over 3 years and its never missed a beat, apart from... Had HGF within a month of buying it (used), got it repaired under warranty by our local trusted lotus dealer, and its never missed a beat since, and admittedly its been given a regular thrashing, although I do let it warm up correctly first.Not interested in the tuned versions in any way shape or form, the standard one will be plenty quick enough for me. do even the standard ones have head gasket issues? Would there be anything i can do to prevent this i.e. uprating the gasket?
My buddy had a VX220 and that engine seemed bulletproof.
Sorry for the dumb questions, what i know about Elises could be wrote on a postage stamp.
Thanks in advance.
Yep I have a '03 K-Series and it has been reliable as the day is long (touches wood) I've had it for close to 3 years now. But as others have said, just let it warm through first. They are pretty unstrained in an Elise as they have very little weight to move about.
Its when they are put in something that is heavy, or they are heavily tuned that they begin to give problems in my opinion.
It is a lovely engine to drive with though. Feels much tourqe-ier than the Toyota engined cars, which you really need to rev hard to get the best out of (difficult to achieve on public roads).
If you have any specific questions please feel free to PM me.
Its when they are put in something that is heavy, or they are heavily tuned that they begin to give problems in my opinion.
It is a lovely engine to drive with though. Feels much tourqe-ier than the Toyota engined cars, which you really need to rev hard to get the best out of (difficult to achieve on public roads).
If you have any specific questions please feel free to PM me.
If looked after properly they tend to be OK but they do need looking after more carefully than most engines. You need to be pretty disciplined about warming them up properly and keep an eye on the coolant level (which isn't hard since you can glance at it every time you open the boot).
If the gasket does go it's usually only 400 quid or so to fix it which isn't much when it comes to running a sports car. If you fix it properly (steel dowels, better gasket, etc.) it's pretty unlikely to go again unless you abuse it.
If the gasket does go it's usually only 400 quid or so to fix it which isn't much when it comes to running a sports car. If you fix it properly (steel dowels, better gasket, etc.) it's pretty unlikely to go again unless you abuse it.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 5th November 10:32
I've had my 111s k series for over 4 years and the engine has been totally reliable, as has the whole car. I never go over 3000 rpm until the car is at normal operating temperature. I check the coolant before every journey (it is plugged into a trickle charger so its no hassle). I always use distilled water and the pink OAT antifreeze when I have to top the car up, which is hrdley ever. These together have anti corrosion properties. If you stick to these simple routines you will be ok.
I've owned my S2 for the last 7 years, ok its only done 25k but no trouble at all. I always let it warm-up though and I do try to avoid running it for short times ie if I start it I will let it run till it is up to temperature. I have worried about HGF for a while but at £400-500 a fix I have now put it to the back of my mind. Because of the fear of HGF I considered changing to a Yota engined car, drove it, didn't like it.
I really wouldn't worry about the engine: hgf is a reasonably priced fix and there are other wear and tear issues that can and will cost more.
My 99 S1 is now on 75k (36 in my hands), spends time on track and hasn't suffered any problems at all. The Elise is actually a very reliable car. Remember nobody ever posts about non-events!
Not worth worrying about doing anything to the engine until it goes or you want more power to be honest. A standard 120 bhp car, in the right hands, is pretty quick (not a drag racer though).
My 99 S1 is now on 75k (36 in my hands), spends time on track and hasn't suffered any problems at all. The Elise is actually a very reliable car. Remember nobody ever posts about non-events!
Not worth worrying about doing anything to the engine until it goes or you want more power to be honest. A standard 120 bhp car, in the right hands, is pretty quick (not a drag racer though).
I run an 11 year-old k-series S1 with 75K on the clock and it's never suffered HGF.
I echo the comments about warming the engine properly, but it's also well worth considering an AA parts & labour warranty. It covers repairs up to £500, including HGF. From memory I pay about £120 a year for cover on 3 cars so there's a good chance of getting my money back over time, plus I enjoy my Lotus more knowing I don't have to worry about HGF (even though IMHO it's a bit of an urban myth).
I echo the comments about warming the engine properly, but it's also well worth considering an AA parts & labour warranty. It covers repairs up to £500, including HGF. From memory I pay about £120 a year for cover on 3 cars so there's a good chance of getting my money back over time, plus I enjoy my Lotus more knowing I don't have to worry about HGF (even though IMHO it's a bit of an urban myth).
The 3,000 rev rule is your friend. Have had two k elise's and (although I am now dancing with death saying this) have never had an issue, but get a warranty, the AA one's are good.
If you are buying a car without history check the header tank and under the fuel filler cap.. anything white can be a bad sign. Smoke from a warm engine can be bad too.
Other than that it is a good engine, and if tweeked delivers power where you need it. I have a friend with an N/A VX220 and he rave's about my liz and it's K Series.
If you are buying a car without history check the header tank and under the fuel filler cap.. anything white can be a bad sign. Smoke from a warm engine can be bad too.
Other than that it is a good engine, and if tweeked delivers power where you need it. I have a friend with an N/A VX220 and he rave's about my liz and it's K Series.
I echo all the positive sentiments above about the k-series.
I bought mine (2002 S2) second hand with 58k on the clock.
I was petrified about HGF initially, which isn't helped by the temp readout begin digital and it using a little water.
'They all do that' didn't comfort me.
Now though i've done 10k miles over a couple of years and a few track days, and i never worry. if it goes, it goes. and i know that if it did go, i'd have it rebuilt to a standard that would eliminate any possible future recurrence. (and take advantage of the fact it's apart for some head work and new camshafts.)
in answering your question, i wouldn't bother uprating the HG if you buy one for the sake of it.
there's plenty of k-series have done over 100k without a problem.
I bought mine (2002 S2) second hand with 58k on the clock.
I was petrified about HGF initially, which isn't helped by the temp readout begin digital and it using a little water.
'They all do that' didn't comfort me.
Now though i've done 10k miles over a couple of years and a few track days, and i never worry. if it goes, it goes. and i know that if it did go, i'd have it rebuilt to a standard that would eliminate any possible future recurrence. (and take advantage of the fact it's apart for some head work and new camshafts.)
in answering your question, i wouldn't bother uprating the HG if you buy one for the sake of it.
there's plenty of k-series have done over 100k without a problem.
beefcake42 said:
The 3,000 rev rule is your friend. Have had two k elise's and (although I am now dancing with death saying this) have never had an issue, but get a warranty, the AA one's are good.
If you are buying a car without history check the header tank and under the fuel filler cap.. anything white can be a bad sign. Smoke from a warm engine can be bad too.
Other than that it is a good engine, and if tweeked delivers power where you need it. I have a friend with an N/A VX220 and he rave's about my liz and it's K Series.
Head gasket always scares people, if treated correctly its only a £400-600 bill once every 40,000-70,000 miles.If you are buying a car without history check the header tank and under the fuel filler cap.. anything white can be a bad sign. Smoke from a warm engine can be bad too.
Other than that it is a good engine, and if tweeked delivers power where you need it. I have a friend with an N/A VX220 and he rave's about my liz and it's K Series.
How is my old car running beefcake?
I have a race tech 2001 car. I am the original owner and have done 24k hardish road miles. Only had the 1 HGF about 4 years ago. Had it replaced with the uprated HG parts with no problems again. As others have said warm it gently every time and get one and enjoy it. The standard 120bhp engine maybe no rocketship , but on the road it works really well and it whips along quite lively when needed. Just my 2 penneth
I had a K-series running 138BHP, 3 head gaskets and £4K later I now have a Toyota engine! It all depends on the engine and how it was put together in the first place. The problem with my one was cylinder liner heights and if these were sorted then it probably would of been fine. These were low from when the engine was assembled and I believe the Rover quality control accepted 2 though above block face, but in reality 4 to 5 thou is required for reliability.
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