Lotus 3-Eleven
Discussion
A couple of nice shots of the Lotus 3-Eleven at the last EVO Magazine track day at Bedford Autodrome: I was limited to 5,000rpm due to noise limits (the car produced peak power 410bhp at 7,000rpm) and the car was sliding around more than usual (a few twitchy moments) but what a blast!
The long winter months are usually terrible for my bank balance because it's during this time that I put my pride and joys in hibernation and start thinking about the year ahead: track days and upgrades!
And so to the Lotus 3-Eleven....
Since I plan a few more track days next year (both home and abroad), I'm considering the following upgrades:
- Tyres: Avon ZZR track tyre
- Brakes: Komo-tec Ko-Bra4 braking system
- Power: Komo-tec Phase Eleven-475bhp-Kit
- Clutch and 'Box: Komo-tec lightweight flywheel and clutch with gearbox cooler kit
- Exhaust: signature QT Exhaust from Hangar 111 (since I'm struggling to get the car to pass noise testing at some circuits)
I'm looking for increased performance, certainly, but also usability, reliability and potential reversibility.
If I go ahead, and it's a big if, I would look to Hangar 111 to carry out the work.
Alternatively, I could save the car's originality and my bank balance a hammering by leaving the car well alone!
Any thoughts, views, and/or experiences welcomed...
And so to the Lotus 3-Eleven....
Since I plan a few more track days next year (both home and abroad), I'm considering the following upgrades:
- Tyres: Avon ZZR track tyre
- Brakes: Komo-tec Ko-Bra4 braking system
- Power: Komo-tec Phase Eleven-475bhp-Kit
- Clutch and 'Box: Komo-tec lightweight flywheel and clutch with gearbox cooler kit
- Exhaust: signature QT Exhaust from Hangar 111 (since I'm struggling to get the car to pass noise testing at some circuits)
I'm looking for increased performance, certainly, but also usability, reliability and potential reversibility.
If I go ahead, and it's a big if, I would look to Hangar 111 to carry out the work.
Alternatively, I could save the car's originality and my bank balance a hammering by leaving the car well alone!
Any thoughts, views, and/or experiences welcomed...
Munkeyfeet said:
Love it Benny, That’s a great list of upgrades.
I guess the question is whether the 311 is a keeper or if you will want to upgrade to a 430 (or whatever lotus bring out next)
This winter is expensive, aiming for a lot of track time next year so mine has been having tweeks and add ons as well.
Hope to bump into you on track and have a great Xmas
Thanks I guess the question is whether the 311 is a keeper or if you will want to upgrade to a 430 (or whatever lotus bring out next)
This winter is expensive, aiming for a lot of track time next year so mine has been having tweeks and add ons as well.
Hope to bump into you on track and have a great Xmas
Edited by Munkeyfeet on Friday 15th December 17:06
I managed to break my ankle on the dance floor at my 40th last weekend. Never had an incident in all the years I've been doing track days and I go and smash my ankle to bits on the dance floor...aaarrrggghhh!
I'm likely to keep the 3-Eleven since it's such a unique driving experience being an open cockpit. I'd only change it if a 4-Eleven came out! The Exige 430 does look truly awesome but I have a Cayman GT4 already which is kind of the same deal. Happy with these two for now...although I fear sitting in front of the lap top over christmas and new year will only tempt me out of being sensible!
Track days I've booked for 2018 to date:
- Friday 20 April / Lotus On Track / Castle Combe
- Friday 1 June / Goodwood
- Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 August / Nurburgring
Komo-tec and Hangar 111 have confirmed that if my 3-Eleven undergoes their 475bhp engine conversion then the standard clutch and ‘box need no modification since the former is from the Evora 400 and the latter already has an oil cooler.
Now, I just need to make a decision on the Komo-tec brake system upgrade...
Now, I just need to make a decision on the Komo-tec brake system upgrade...
My 3-Eleven is number 50 out of 311 to be built. I collected the car in March of this year so assume Lotus are still building them? I bought it from Bell & Colvill in Surrey; I rate them highly.
There are two versions: Race and Road. Race spec comes with a paddle shift ‘box but can’t be used on the road, which put me off. Well that and the fact they were £25k+ more expensive!
I’ve had some pretty crazy performance cars in my time but nothing comes close to the 3-Eleven. Every journey no matter how short or insignificant is an absolute unique sensory-overload joy!
Worth getting out of bed at 6am on a summer’s Sunday? You betcha! I can’t wait for Spring to come round again.
Just hoping Lotus don’t come out with a 4-Eleven any time soon...!
There are two versions: Race and Road. Race spec comes with a paddle shift ‘box but can’t be used on the road, which put me off. Well that and the fact they were £25k+ more expensive!
I’ve had some pretty crazy performance cars in my time but nothing comes close to the 3-Eleven. Every journey no matter how short or insignificant is an absolute unique sensory-overload joy!
Worth getting out of bed at 6am on a summer’s Sunday? You betcha! I can’t wait for Spring to come round again.
Just hoping Lotus don’t come out with a 4-Eleven any time soon...!
Runningretailer said:
Thanks for the advice, I’m in Lancashire so I think I’ll have a look at the 2 for sale at GC Motors in Harrogate.
FYI the spec of my car, if it helps, is as follows: Lotus 3-Eleven Road Spec
Colour Scheme 1 – Green With Yellow Stripes
Gloss Black Accents
Gloss Black Alloys
Fire Extinguisher and Battery Isolator
Michelin Cup 2 Tyres
Carbon Drivers Seat
Carbon Passenger Seat
Motorsport Front Splitter & Canards
Steering re-trimmed in Alcantara and White Stitching
Reversing Camera
I’ve also had a full body paint protection film applied.
Munkeyfeet said:
Just signed up for Silverstone national circuit on Sunday 11th February if anyone from here is going.
Will be doing a day’s tuition with David pittard so very excited.
Helmet should also be here in the next few weeks - went for the bell gp3 carbon.
Benny did you decide on any upgrades or did you manage to resist?
Despite numerous prestige cars in my time, nothing has got under my skin like the lotus. Am thinking of aim or gawr lcd dash and the tvs1500 or ex430 upgrade along with bc mono block wheels.....need to up my husband points badly I think!
Enjoy your first track day of the year. Not long to go for you! Will be doing a day’s tuition with David pittard so very excited.
Helmet should also be here in the next few weeks - went for the bell gp3 carbon.
Benny did you decide on any upgrades or did you manage to resist?
Despite numerous prestige cars in my time, nothing has got under my skin like the lotus. Am thinking of aim or gawr lcd dash and the tvs1500 or ex430 upgrade along with bc mono block wheels.....need to up my husband points badly I think!
These are my track days for 2018:
- Friday 20 April / Lotus Club / Castle Combe
- Thursday 10 May / B&C / Castle Combe
- Friday 1 June / Goodwood own
- Friday 6 July / Goodwood own
- Thursday 19 July / Porsche Club / Castle Combe
- Monday 27 & Tuesday 28 August / DN / Nurbugring
- Thursday 27 & Friday 28 September / DN / Nurbugring (TBC)
- Saturday 29 September/ Goodwood own
Esprit said:
Love this thread, just read it through end to end. Lovely car, the thing dreams are made of!
Lovely bit of the country, Cobham. My sister in law lives there with her family and we stayed there last time we were over in the UK.
This is making me itchy to use my Lotus again, buried in the back of my garage under building detritus at present.
If you’re over here again and fancy meeting up, just let me know Lovely bit of the country, Cobham. My sister in law lives there with her family and we stayed there last time we were over in the UK.
This is making me itchy to use my Lotus again, buried in the back of my garage under building detritus at present.
Craikeybaby said:
Very nice! I take it you have seen the Chris Harris film he did on these? I had a still from it has my screen saver at work. I have a massive soft spot for the XK as the screen was my first work project after uni, and this is the ultimate version of the XK!
Thank you very much, I really can't wait to drive it...hopefully in March once my broken ankle has healed. Should be a remarkably different driving experience compared with the 3-Eleven! I can't wait to collect the Lotus 3-Eleven from its winter storage on 3rd March. It's been an excruciating wait for the winter to pass so I can jump in the lightweight again. Weekend blasts and track days already planned for the summer. Also, the possibility of some tasty modifications by Lotus specialists Komo-tec/Hangar 111. Watch this space...!
Munkeyfeet said:
Very nice benny though I was expecting to see a “so I bought the 3-11 430 final edition”
Are you on the lotus forums? If so come join he track section.
Getting lots of lotus’ to the same days where possible.
Hello! I must admit to feeling a bit sick when I first heard of the 430 model! But after digging a bit deeper there isn’t a huge difference between this and mine. Sure, a bit of carbon fibre, updated brakes, bigger splitter and 25 more bhp. But not enough to justify upgrading. Phew!Are you on the lotus forums? If so come join he track section.
Getting lots of lotus’ to the same days where possible.
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