Lotus Elise S1 to Motorsport replica conversion
Discussion
started with this lovely S1 Elise:

and then these, wide arch S1 Exige body panels:

stripped everything out of Elise and sold that I didn't need - engine and box went to Switzerland!
Safety Devices roll cage ordered:

& fitted:

then a big suspension & brake refresh/upgrade:

all wishbones chemically cleaned and yellow zinc passivate coated, with 2 coats of clear PIR15 for extra protection
all new bushes & steering rack - new Nitron shocks

Front AP calipers onto rear, with Hi-Spek spot calipers:


AP Caparo 4 pot calipers on front:

larger bore master cylinder fitted:

wheels needed to be larger to fit wider arch clams - 50mm each side at rear and 20mm each side at front
so went with Braid (not the lightest, but look right (I think) - 17 x 8 front and 18 x 10 rear:

fitted with Toyo R888R tyres:
body work took ages to get right - many months work:


more to follow

and then these, wide arch S1 Exige body panels:

stripped everything out of Elise and sold that I didn't need - engine and box went to Switzerland!
Safety Devices roll cage ordered:

& fitted:

then a big suspension & brake refresh/upgrade:

all wishbones chemically cleaned and yellow zinc passivate coated, with 2 coats of clear PIR15 for extra protection
all new bushes & steering rack - new Nitron shocks

Front AP calipers onto rear, with Hi-Spek spot calipers:


AP Caparo 4 pot calipers on front:

larger bore master cylinder fitted:

wheels needed to be larger to fit wider arch clams - 50mm each side at rear and 20mm each side at front
so went with Braid (not the lightest, but look right (I think) - 17 x 8 front and 18 x 10 rear:

fitted with Toyo R888R tyres:
body work took ages to get right - many months work:


more to follow
so Engine is a VAG Audi AUG (large port head) with 6 speed O2M gearbox from a Seat Leon.
all rebuilt by JNL Racing, inc LSD going into gearbox:

new Audi TFSI crank - so effectively a stroker engine - 2.0l

with baffled sump:

modified inlet manifold and custom exhaust manifold


charge-cooler and uprated rad, inc. charge-cooler rad from Pro Alloy:


all fitted to car using custom mounts and uprated driveshafts:


more to follow
all rebuilt by JNL Racing, inc LSD going into gearbox:

new Audi TFSI crank - so effectively a stroker engine - 2.0l

with baffled sump:

modified inlet manifold and custom exhaust manifold


charge-cooler and uprated rad, inc. charge-cooler rad from Pro Alloy:


all fitted to car using custom mounts and uprated driveshafts:


more to follow
whilst engine was away, bulkhead was prepared and larger Pro Alloy fuel tank fitted:


then soundproofed and heat shielded:


with oil, water and charge-cooler tanks fitted & Laminova

these pics gives some idea of difference between clams:


had always planned for car to be painted Porsche Miami Blue, I think it looks good,
great paint job by Anthony:


panel build up:


body re-build almost finished:


clams have since been removed for lights, wiring, mesh fitting:


ally panels are a quick release system to slide rear clam off rails bolted to longerons
whilst clam of, car went off for exhaust system fabrication and fitting - to ZK Engineering in North Yorks - great job:



this is about where I'm up to currently, not finished but should be for next spring.


then soundproofed and heat shielded:


with oil, water and charge-cooler tanks fitted & Laminova

these pics gives some idea of difference between clams:


had always planned for car to be painted Porsche Miami Blue, I think it looks good,
great paint job by Anthony:


panel build up:


body re-build almost finished:


clams have since been removed for lights, wiring, mesh fitting:


ally panels are a quick release system to slide rear clam off rails bolted to longerons
whilst clam of, car went off for exhaust system fabrication and fitting - to ZK Engineering in North Yorks - great job:



this is about where I'm up to currently, not finished but should be for next spring.
interior will be improved too:
with Tillett seats and Scroth harnesses

a better range of Stack gauges as well as a GARW electronic dash:

new screen and a removeable tiny Momo steering wheel:

with Tillett seats and Scroth harnesses

a better range of Stack gauges as well as a GARW electronic dash:

new screen and a removeable tiny Momo steering wheel:

Edited by stratosboy on Sunday 10th November 20:14
Edited by stratosboy on Sunday 10th November 20:17
Edited by stratosboy on Sunday 10th November 20:20
I would agree with the last post...
That engine and suspension etc in the original classic Elise S1 would be amazing...but then I used to have a classic Elan S4SE so may be a little biased.
Fascinating though to see the work involved in this project, and it will be an amazing car when finished!
That engine and suspension etc in the original classic Elise S1 would be amazing...but then I used to have a classic Elan S4SE so may be a little biased.
Fascinating though to see the work involved in this project, and it will be an amazing car when finished!
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