Scho’s Series 1 Lotus Elise
Discussion
|https://thumbsnap.com/1Dr16CZC[/url]
Cheers lads.
Strong statement re the wheels but I’d tend to agree!
They’re a touch wider than the AWI wheels it was on when I bought it so they seat the more common/cheaper tyre sizes better. And being magnesium even with increased width they are a lot lighter.
I’m going to put some OE spec skinny’s on he original wheels and use them for skidding about on over the winter.
Could do with an LSD, close ratio box and lightweight fly wheel next I reckon...
Strong statement re the wheels but I’d tend to agree!
They’re a touch wider than the AWI wheels it was on when I bought it so they seat the more common/cheaper tyre sizes better. And being magnesium even with increased width they are a lot lighter.
I’m going to put some OE spec skinny’s on he original wheels and use them for skidding about on over the winter.
Could do with an LSD, close ratio box and lightweight fly wheel next I reckon...
Just stunning 
there lovely looking cars S1's and those wheels and colour set it off a treat
I had a 135 sport with Victory's on best part of 20 years ago and it was still the best and worst car I ever owned..........
best - fun driving car/experience ever
worst - actual car
it was my only car and didn't cope well with kids, house move, vets visits etc etc basically anything that involved actual transport stuff !
there lovely looking cars S1's and those wheels and colour set it off a treat
I had a 135 sport with Victory's on best part of 20 years ago and it was still the best and worst car I ever owned..........
best - fun driving car/experience ever
worst - actual car
it was my only car and didn't cope well with kids, house move, vets visits etc etc basically anything that involved actual transport stuff !Dixie said:
Amazing looking car. Although i am a little biased 
Are the wheels Rotors?
Let the upgrade spending commence!
Have you had a track day in it yet? If you you really should.
Don’t you worry Dixie, the spending very much commenced a long time ago! Had it a year. Are the wheels Rotors?
Let the upgrade spending commence!
Have you had a track day in it yet? If you you really should.
The wheels are Speedline Corse Magnesium.
So far I’ve;
Stripped and rebuilt the brakes
Fitted;
Wheels and Avon ZZR (not cheap)
Nitrons
uprated toe links (had one snap at over 100)
Lightweight Oddesy battery
ITG carbon intake
Seats
Harnesses snd bar
Steering wheel
Replaced various polished aluminium parts for black Ali/plastic
plain plastic interior parts
It used to look like this inside;
I was supposed to be at Oulton on Friday just gone....
Edited by Scho on Tuesday 24th November 10:01
That looks superb - I've got a major thing for S1 and S2 Elises currently as my next move.
I recognise your username from MX-5 forums and your profile confirms it - how noisy/raw/damp would you say the S1 is compared to a modified Mk1 Mazda?
I'm looking for something more hardcore and special than yet another MX-5/Boxster/Toyota/BMW etc. Some people reckon an S1 elise is no more usable than a Caterham, cold, unpleasant to drive in winter, crap heater, uncomforable etc.
Others will say that once you've folded yourself in, its no different to any of the others - its got a roof, windy windows, lights, a radio etc, perfectly fine.
Wihout actually owning one, I'm finding it hvery hard to get my head round!
I recognise your username from MX-5 forums and your profile confirms it - how noisy/raw/damp would you say the S1 is compared to a modified Mk1 Mazda?
I'm looking for something more hardcore and special than yet another MX-5/Boxster/Toyota/BMW etc. Some people reckon an S1 elise is no more usable than a Caterham, cold, unpleasant to drive in winter, crap heater, uncomforable etc.
Others will say that once you've folded yourself in, its no different to any of the others - its got a roof, windy windows, lights, a radio etc, perfectly fine.
Wihout actually owning one, I'm finding it hvery hard to get my head round!
Well snotters, When I'd finished with the MX5 it had no roof, no windows, and no heaters...In fact it had no dashboard! I guess I might be a bit of a masochist.
I'm not going to lie, it's not a car to ponce about in. I came out of a 996 4S before this and you could do everything in that. The thought of traveling more than an hour or so on the motorway is not very attractive in the Elise. I'd do it, But it's to be endured rather than enjoyed. It's not uncomfortable but it is loud. There is nowhere to put anything at all and it is a total ball ache to get in and out of. I'm not tall or fat and I'm 38. Reasonably fit. Getting in and out is something I certainly try to avoid if at all possible. Ha.
The ownership experience is great. The Elise lot are good lads, Much like MX5 Nuts with everyone getting stuck in and loads of parts floating about. It's great to work on. In that respect it's miles more involving than the Porsche world.
Also you can enjoy ragging the balls off it at not quite such mental speeds. Much more of a challenge to drive. No electronic safety nets etc etc.
Is it as unpractical as a caterfield? I dunno. Mine lived on the street for a while. You can use them for day to day stuff. I don't think they attract as much attention as an westie etc which I wouldn't want to leave outside a mates overnight or whatever. The elise I'd be fine with.
In short I'd say grow a pair and buy one, It might make a man of you yet ;-)
ETA, I went for a spin round north wales with a mate in his Mk1 MX (lightly modified). It felt a lot more comfortable and easy to live with but pretty dull and soft in comparison. Also slow. Sorry mark if you are reading...
And the radio was completely useless. Binned it. Not damp however. Heater works, Just doesn't really do anything for side window condensation. Meh.
I'm not going to lie, it's not a car to ponce about in. I came out of a 996 4S before this and you could do everything in that. The thought of traveling more than an hour or so on the motorway is not very attractive in the Elise. I'd do it, But it's to be endured rather than enjoyed. It's not uncomfortable but it is loud. There is nowhere to put anything at all and it is a total ball ache to get in and out of. I'm not tall or fat and I'm 38. Reasonably fit. Getting in and out is something I certainly try to avoid if at all possible. Ha.
The ownership experience is great. The Elise lot are good lads, Much like MX5 Nuts with everyone getting stuck in and loads of parts floating about. It's great to work on. In that respect it's miles more involving than the Porsche world.
Also you can enjoy ragging the balls off it at not quite such mental speeds. Much more of a challenge to drive. No electronic safety nets etc etc.
Is it as unpractical as a caterfield? I dunno. Mine lived on the street for a while. You can use them for day to day stuff. I don't think they attract as much attention as an westie etc which I wouldn't want to leave outside a mates overnight or whatever. The elise I'd be fine with.
In short I'd say grow a pair and buy one, It might make a man of you yet ;-)
ETA, I went for a spin round north wales with a mate in his Mk1 MX (lightly modified). It felt a lot more comfortable and easy to live with but pretty dull and soft in comparison. Also slow. Sorry mark if you are reading...
And the radio was completely useless. Binned it. Not damp however. Heater works, Just doesn't really do anything for side window condensation. Meh.
Edited by Scho on Tuesday 24th November 14:51
snotrag said:
That looks superb - I've got a major thing for S1 and S2 Elises currently as my next move.
I recognise your username from MX-5 forums and your profile confirms it - how noisy/raw/damp would you say the S1 is compared to a modified Mk1 Mazda?
I'm looking for something more hardcore and special than yet another MX-5/Boxster/Toyota/BMW etc. Some people reckon an S1 elise is no more usable than a Caterham, cold, unpleasant to drive in winter, crap heater, uncomforable etc.
Others will say that once you've folded yourself in, its no different to any of the others - its got a roof, windy windows, lights, a radio etc, perfectly fine.
Wihout actually owning one, I'm finding it hvery hard to get my head round!
Do it. Even if it's just to scratch the itch. You wont lose any money on one.I recognise your username from MX-5 forums and your profile confirms it - how noisy/raw/damp would you say the S1 is compared to a modified Mk1 Mazda?
I'm looking for something more hardcore and special than yet another MX-5/Boxster/Toyota/BMW etc. Some people reckon an S1 elise is no more usable than a Caterham, cold, unpleasant to drive in winter, crap heater, uncomforable etc.
Others will say that once you've folded yourself in, its no different to any of the others - its got a roof, windy windows, lights, a radio etc, perfectly fine.
Wihout actually owning one, I'm finding it hvery hard to get my head round!
I ran my first for 11 years as my daily driver. it was reliable and for 90% of the time it was more than practical enough. Certainly as pratical as an MX5. Should return about 40mpg in normal use. They're a bit noisy on a motorway but if it's really an issue you can add sound proofing and carpets. Mine leaked a bit in winter when it was left outside. They tend to freeze on the inside as well if it gets really cold. Ideally you'd at least want a car port to keep it in.
But for the majority of the time it was utterly amazing.
I was gutted when i sold it. I've since bought another as they're just great.
Dixie said:
Do it. Even if it's just to scratch the itch. You wont lose any money on one.
I ran my first for 11 years as my daily driver. it was reliable and for 90% of the time it was more than practical enough. Certainly as pratical as an MX5. Should return about 40mpg in normal use. They're a bit noisy on a motorway but if it's really an issue you can add sound proofing and carpets. Mine leaked a bit in winter when it was left outside. They tend to freeze on the inside as well if it gets really cold. Ideally you'd at least want a car port to keep it in.
But for the majority of the time it was utterly amazing.
I was gutted when i sold it. I've since bought another as they're just great.
Go on son! I ran my first for 11 years as my daily driver. it was reliable and for 90% of the time it was more than practical enough. Certainly as pratical as an MX5. Should return about 40mpg in normal use. They're a bit noisy on a motorway but if it's really an issue you can add sound proofing and carpets. Mine leaked a bit in winter when it was left outside. They tend to freeze on the inside as well if it gets really cold. Ideally you'd at least want a car port to keep it in.
But for the majority of the time it was utterly amazing.
I was gutted when i sold it. I've since bought another as they're just great.
Oh yeah, Forgot to say they are crazy on juice. Even when spanking it.
Funny you mention 996. I'm about to move house and gain a nice dry garage and looking for a 'keeper' and as an ex-986 owner I''m basically torn between r £15k 996 and a £15k Elise. Very different cars with different reasons foy buying each. I am swaying more towards Lotus every day though, although weirdly Its one car I've never been in or known anyone with one. I like the idea of the Lotus more and more each day though, as its like Mazda+ - IE cheap parts and spares, lots of mods, great fun and cheap on track, economical etc.
It very much is the itch that needs scratching, expecially as I've done Porsche and at the end of the day, I'd be paying 3 times as much as my Boxster for a slightly faster Boxster except the roof doesnt come off... And roof off is a realy big thing for me.
Dixie - great photo that, lovely colour too. Sorry for the thread derail Scho!
It very much is the itch that needs scratching, expecially as I've done Porsche and at the end of the day, I'd be paying 3 times as much as my Boxster for a slightly faster Boxster except the roof doesnt come off... And roof off is a realy big thing for me.
Dixie - great photo that, lovely colour too. Sorry for the thread derail Scho!
Not at all pal.
Hard choice to make. I do miss my 996. Ideally I'd have both!
If you want to do road trips etc, The 996 is a better shout. For out and out driving for drivings sake Elise all day. And like you say, Much more economical to run.... if you can keep off the seloc classifieds....
Hard choice to make. I do miss my 996. Ideally I'd have both!
If you want to do road trips etc, The 996 is a better shout. For out and out driving for drivings sake Elise all day. And like you say, Much more economical to run.... if you can keep off the seloc classifieds....
I replaced my last Elise with a 996 c4. I'd always wanted one and was very glad i had the opportunity to own one. I'm not sure if I've just been institutionalised by light weight cars but i never found the 911 to be as much fun to drive.
The thing with the Porsche that always worried me was the engine giving up and needing an £8000 rebuild. It's hilarious in comparison to an Elise where you can replace the engine for £300 off ebay.
Coming from an MX5 i think the 911 will feel like a bit of a barge. Still a great car though.
The thing with the Porsche that always worried me was the engine giving up and needing an £8000 rebuild. It's hilarious in comparison to an Elise where you can replace the engine for £300 off ebay.
Coming from an MX5 i think the 911 will feel like a bit of a barge. Still a great car though.
Dixie said:
Coming from an MX5 i think the 911 will feel like a bit of a barge. Still a great car though.
Yep, the 986 Boxster did. Great road car in standard form, rubbish track car in standard form and not a great base for start modifying easily. On one hand the idea is the 996 would be used more as I could fit Mum and Jnr in - however what I suspect would happen is that depsite having back seats, its still not actually big enough to use as a family car for a weekend away, for instance (as much as everyone tells you that they are), thus it would just be only used in the way I used my Mazda - all my short journeys + running about during the drier months, evening blasts, trackdays etc. An elise would be much better at this. And the Elise roof comes off - which is very important to me.
The engine rebuild is the perfect example - blow an MX-5 or Elise up on track? Fine, ill find an engine and rebuild it and refit it myself in the garage.I'd enjoy it, even. Blow engine up in Boxster or 996? It would be getting scrapped/spares or repair'd on ebay.
That looks superb, lovely condition and amazing the S1 has been around almost 25 years. Really pleased for you and thanks for the pics. Several members of our local Lotus club have had their S1 cars from new and done numerous euro trips and track days in them. I actually preferred the styling of my S2 for the four years I had it but I love the whole Elise/Exige range. Look after it!
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