OK, Lotus Virgin, what do I do? Elise SC or Exige S?
Discussion
Hi All,
I am thinking of a plan for next year and was looking for some advice from those in the know who have perhaps had the same Dilemna.
I have had wide and varied cars over the years and now hanker for something that is both good on track and on the road.. SO, having never had a lotus
This is as a second car, but i would use if for some commuting and longer drives. I plan to do some track days as spirited driving on the roads is become less appealing and in quick cars more dangerous!
Thoughts are,
Elise SC - cos i can get the roof off (which i do enjoy doing)
Exige S - cos it looks more aggresive and better spec?
Or, has anyone or does anyone use the Exige with the roof off? any pics? I hear you can buy a soft top kit for them?.. I am struggling to picture the Elise and Exige (minus roof) next to each other.
I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? especially a VX220T as you can get a lot of car for £15k
Also can i have a factory Lotus SC car upgraded in terms of power? now i know some may say you dont need it, its lighter, how good a driver etc etc but i have had some 500bhp cars in the past and do like the raw power.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Nick
I am thinking of a plan for next year and was looking for some advice from those in the know who have perhaps had the same Dilemna.
I have had wide and varied cars over the years and now hanker for something that is both good on track and on the road.. SO, having never had a lotus
This is as a second car, but i would use if for some commuting and longer drives. I plan to do some track days as spirited driving on the roads is become less appealing and in quick cars more dangerous!
Thoughts are,
Elise SC - cos i can get the roof off (which i do enjoy doing)
Exige S - cos it looks more aggresive and better spec?
Or, has anyone or does anyone use the Exige with the roof off? any pics? I hear you can buy a soft top kit for them?.. I am struggling to picture the Elise and Exige (minus roof) next to each other.
I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? especially a VX220T as you can get a lot of car for £15k
Also can i have a factory Lotus SC car upgraded in terms of power? now i know some may say you dont need it, its lighter, how good a driver etc etc but i have had some 500bhp cars in the past and do like the raw power.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Nick
Edited by nick355gts on Tuesday 1st December 10:14
If you want something really fast, you might be best off looking at older S2s with engine transplants. There's a fair few 300+ bhp Audi (turbo) and Honda (supercharged) engine conversions around and they're based on the lighter K-series models too. Either is good for 400ish bhp/tonne so they're pretty quick.
Edited by kambites on Tuesday 1st December 09:08
kambites said:
If you want something really fast, you might be best off looking at older S2s with engine transplants. There's a fair few 300+ bhp Audi (turbo) and Honda (supercharged) engine conversions around and they're based on the lighter K-series models too. Either is good for 400ish bhp/tonne so they're pretty quick.
Has anyone ever put an engine with more than 4 cylinders in an exige/elise?Edited by kambites on Tuesday 1st December 09:08
You got me all excited with the talk of an Audi Turbo, and then I realised the 20V engine only has 4 cylinders
ChapppeRS said:
kambites said:
If you want something really fast, you might be best off looking at older S2s with engine transplants. There's a fair few 300+ bhp Audi (turbo) and Honda (supercharged) engine conversions around and they're based on the lighter K-series models too. Either is good for 400ish bhp/tonne so they're pretty quick.
Has anyone ever put an engine with more than 4 cylinders in an exige/elise?Edited by kambites on Tuesday 1st December 09:08
You got me all excited with the talk of an Audi Turbo, and then I realised the 20V engine only has 4 cylinders
years ago there were Audi 2.7 V6 turbos with 400bhp
or if you have deep pockets - RST 2.6L V8 with a supercharger and 550bhp
the Elise has been out over 10 years, and if you can think of an engine that *might* fit, its probably been done - check out the engine conversion forum on SELOC for lots of history
nick355gts said:
Hi All,
I am thinking of a plan for next year and was looking for some advice from those in the know who have perhaps had the same Dilemna.
I have had wide and varied cars over the years and now hanker for something that is both good on track and on the road.. SO, having never had a lotus
This is as a second car, but i would use if for some commuting and longer drives. I plan to do some track days as spirited driving on the roads is become less appealing and in quick cars more dangerous!
Thoughts are,
Elise SC - cos i can get the roof off (which i do enjoy doing)
Exige S - cos it looks more aggresive and better spec?
Or, has anyone or does anyone use the Exige with the roof off? any pics? I hear you can buy a soft top kit for them?.. I am struggling to picture the Elise and Exige (minus roof) next to each other.
I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? especially a VX220T as you can get a lot of car for £15k
Also can i have a factory Lotus SC car upgraded in terms of power? now i know some may say you dont need it, its lighter, how good a driver etc etc but i have had some 500bhp cars in the past and do like the raw power.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Nick
Morning,I am thinking of a plan for next year and was looking for some advice from those in the know who have perhaps had the same Dilemna.
I have had wide and varied cars over the years and now hanker for something that is both good on track and on the road.. SO, having never had a lotus
This is as a second car, but i would use if for some commuting and longer drives. I plan to do some track days as spirited driving on the roads is become less appealing and in quick cars more dangerous!
Thoughts are,
Elise SC - cos i can get the roof off (which i do enjoy doing)
Exige S - cos it looks more aggresive and better spec?
Or, has anyone or does anyone use the Exige with the roof off? any pics? I hear you can buy a soft top kit for them?.. I am struggling to picture the Elise and Exige (minus roof) next to each other.
I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? especially a VX220T as you can get a lot of car for £15k
Also can i have a factory Lotus SC car upgraded in terms of power? now i know some may say you dont need it, its lighter, how good a driver etc etc but i have had some 500bhp cars in the past and do like the raw power.
Any thoughts?
Cheers
Nick
Edited by nick355gts on Tuesday 1st December 10:14
I’ve owned both an Exige S and an Elise SC, from what you’ve said so far I’d go for an Elise SC,
It makes a far better road car than an Exige, an Exige is really for the Track yes it can be used on the road without any problem but was developed from the off as a track day car not for everyday road use. +’s for the Exige, load’s of grip on track, easy to set up, lot’s of off the shelf upgrades, the better you get as a driver the more you’ll get out of the Car.
Elise SC is a better all round road car, rear vision is not impeded as you can see out of the window, easier access to the boot, Tyres and suspension is more geared for the road, you can take the top off
Well that’s a start anyway, one thing I will say is you can now get an Exige (Toyota) direct from the factory with 260 + bhp, you don’t need an Audi or a Honda in my view
Boggy
nick355gts said:
Also can i have a factory Lotus SC car upgraded in terms of power? now i know some may say you dont need it, its lighter, how good a driver etc etc but i have had some 500bhp cars in the past and do like the raw power.
Not really, better to buy an 'R' and s/c it (probably 30 UK cars have had this done inc. mine). This tops out at c300bhp. [quote=nick355gts]I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? especially a VX220T as you can get a lot of car for £15k [quote]
A Caterham is quite hardcore. You'll hate it when you get caught in the rain, or its cold, or you're knackered after a TD. VX200 Turbo is a good shout, cheaper than an Elise and easier to increase the power.
A Caterham is quite hardcore. You'll hate it when you get caught in the rain, or its cold, or you're knackered after a TD. VX200 Turbo is a good shout, cheaper than an Elise and easier to increase the power.
Mainly road driving with a few trackdays - Elise SC. I ditto the comments about rear visibility and ease of roof removal. It also has even more exquisite steering than an Exige due to the narrower front tyres, and that's something you'll enjoy every time you turn the wheel (which is a lot).
Road driving with lots of trackdays - Exige S. In my opinion the best car there is for driving to the track, doing a trackday and driving home again. Many would say the Porsche GT3 but it's hugely more expensive and rear engined (so it's not for me).
Mainly track days - Caterham or Lotus 211. An R300 is quicker than an Exige S round a track. R400/R500 will blow it into next week. They can be driven to the track and back but after a while you'll be looking to buy a trailer as I did.
Mainly saving money - VX220. Unbeatable value for money.
Road driving with lots of trackdays - Exige S. In my opinion the best car there is for driving to the track, doing a trackday and driving home again. Many would say the Porsche GT3 but it's hugely more expensive and rear engined (so it's not for me).
Mainly track days - Caterham or Lotus 211. An R300 is quicker than an Exige S round a track. R400/R500 will blow it into next week. They can be driven to the track and back but after a while you'll be looking to buy a trailer as I did.
Mainly saving money - VX220. Unbeatable value for money.
sounds to me like you want an elise SC.
for mainly road use i think you'll find the performance to be adequate.
personally i'd be looking around for a rover that's already had a k20a transplant .. cheapest route to big power in an elise.
you can go mental power with those v8's but they'll probably need a rebuild every 50 hours so not really road car material. someone who i think is registered on here is seriously talking about going down that road next year, maybe they'll post some updates when the time comes.
for mainly road use i think you'll find the performance to be adequate.
personally i'd be looking around for a rover that's already had a k20a transplant .. cheapest route to big power in an elise.
you can go mental power with those v8's but they'll probably need a rebuild every 50 hours so not really road car material. someone who i think is registered on here is seriously talking about going down that road next year, maybe they'll post some updates when the time comes.
Boggy said:
Morning,
I’ve owned both an Exige S and an Elise SC, from what you’ve said so far I’d go for an Elise SC,
Boggy
Boggy - crikey, I haven't been around much and just looked at your info - am I correct in thinking you have duffed up the Exige S, then gone through an Elise SC, a Cayman S and now have a 111R, all in the space of 12 months????I’ve owned both an Exige S and an Elise SC, from what you’ve said so far I’d go for an Elise SC,
Boggy
Sorry if going off topic (I would go Elise SC for road use BTW - the Exige can be a bit too much when you aren't in the mood).
I know what you mean it does feel like you're permanently in group C race in the exige. Which is mainly a good thing of course.
But it is a maximum attack car.
Taking the roof off an Elise does provide another dimension to enjoying the car and road on a nice day and does allow the car to be enjoyed even when not going flat out.
But it is a maximum attack car.
Taking the roof off an Elise does provide another dimension to enjoying the car and road on a nice day and does allow the car to be enjoyed even when not going flat out.
nick355gts said:
Or, has anyone or does anyone use the Exige with the roof off? any pics?
Hi Nick,Edited by nick355gts on Tuesday 1st December 10:14
Scroll down to the 3rd Exige here ( http://www.360complete.net/#/lotus-exige-gallery/4... ) , some good pics of it without the roof. If you would like any of the pics in high def then let me know and I will forward to you to see better.
Cheers!
Ally
Edited by 360 detailing on Wednesday 2nd December 22:27
Thanks all for the great advice!
Going to wait until Jan/Feb to buy and decide whether to ditch the Sl55 for the garage space!
That Exige looks pretty good with the roof off.. any idea if or what the soft top kits are like for road use? as in, clearly i wouldnt use it on the track!
If i got an Exige or Elise SC, what are my tuning options with the factory setup? easy 240-260?
Those Vx do look tempting for the money, just not sure on looks and unfortunately snobbery, the badge! :-/
Cheers
Nick
Going to wait until Jan/Feb to buy and decide whether to ditch the Sl55 for the garage space!
That Exige looks pretty good with the roof off.. any idea if or what the soft top kits are like for road use? as in, clearly i wouldnt use it on the track!
If i got an Exige or Elise SC, what are my tuning options with the factory setup? easy 240-260?
Those Vx do look tempting for the money, just not sure on looks and unfortunately snobbery, the badge! :-/
Cheers
Nick
And9s said:
Man-up and get an 240 Exige.
SC Elise...you'll regret it.
SC Elise...you'll regret it.
Elise is more useable everyday and year round,95% as fast as an Exige and you soon get addicted to taking the roof off.
Even in the middle of winter!
Exiges with soft top conversions look a little odd imo.
As usual,drive them both and make your own mind up.
Tuning options here:
http://www.sinclairemotorsport.com/upgrades/upgrad...
nick355gts said:
This is as a second car, but i would use if for some commuting and longer drives. I plan to do some track days as spirited driving on the roads is become less appealing and in quick cars more dangerous!
I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? footnote]Edited by nick355gts on Tuesday 1st December 10:14[/footnote]
Don't discount the Caterham so easily. I used to have a Westfield SE in which I did 38,000 miles including a trip to Luxembourg and a jaunt to Scotland amongst others. I now have a Westfield XI which I did a trip to Le Mans in. If you are prepared to dress appropriately and accept that the car is going to require much more in the way of driver input (not a bad thing IMO) than a Jaguar XJ then the Caterham would fit the bill admirably.I have considered also, A VX220T and a Caterham (not so good on motorway works trips) any views how they compare? footnote]Edited by nick355gts on Tuesday 1st December 10:14[/footnote]
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