Gear change

Gear change

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CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Monday 15th October 2012
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Interesting comments....sounds lke you know your cars.

It is infact the powertrain that is bothering me. I test drove the S and it certainly went well, but not spectacularly so....

Justin commented that the the S felt lazy, whereas the N/A whilst not as quick, felt more lively...do you know if the gear ratio`s are different. The S I had a trip in seemed to exceed the motorway speed limit in second gear, quite comfortably!...it just felt too long legged?

I like the idea of a N/A for a number of reasons, not least of which is over 100kgs lighter! Finding a good one might be another matter?

The Wookie

13,931 posts

228 months

Monday 15th October 2012
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Ratios are identical assuming the n/a has the sport ratio box. The n/a and S are quite similar in feel at the top end, although it's a bit of an illusion the S is still significantly quicker, but the S does have much stronger midrange grunt.

Personally I don't know where the 100kg comes from, the supercharger itself and extra cooling certainly doesn't look like it could add up to that much.

Worth pointing out that the S is quite tuneable, and 400bhp is quite easily achieved with a few choice tweaks if you're that way inclined. If I keep mine outside the warranty period then I plan on modding it. I think the Evora will shine in the future as a tuneable car, like most other Lotuses.

C43

666 posts

198 months

Monday 15th October 2012
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I drove both variants last week and as they stand the NA has a lot going for it. The S is quicker but jesus man you will be going so quick if they catch you it will be big trouble. The only thing is I agree the S will be much more tunable, and with 400hp they are never going to catch you.

C43

CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Tuesday 16th October 2012
quotequote all
S is looking favourable...increasing power should not be a problem given the GTE boasts 444hp or thereabouts.....assuming the gearbox/clutch etc can take it?

The Wookie

13,931 posts

228 months

Wednesday 17th October 2012
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CTE said:
S is looking favourable...increasing power should not be a problem given the GTE boasts 444hp or thereabouts.....assuming the gearbox/clutch etc can take it?
Clutch should be fine, gearbox will probably be fine but would benefit from extra cooling if you're going to do track days with the full whack of power, although if you're dropping the primary cats on the manifolds and replacing them with some nice, coated tubular manifolds then that might be enough.

CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Friday 2nd November 2012
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Hoping to pick up the car this weekend, with gear cables changed and all sorted. It appears the parts have not yet arrived, after two weeks. Very sadly I guess this is because Lotus`s new owners do not want to pay their suppliers on what are regarded as normal terms (30-90 days depending upon the industry), but rather negotiate 4 months and pay on 6 months after a court battle (then refuse ot deal with them ever again)....maybe its the way they do things in Malaysia?...shame because Lotus will cease to exist!...although on the positive side a professional company may pick them up cheap (when they go bump!) and invest properly in some of the best chassis engineers in the world...never mind the profitable engineering division.

If the Evora engine/gearbox/interior, and general quality had been developed/finished aswell as the concept and chassis, it would have been a huge success, even if it cost a further £10k more. As it is its almost a fantastic car, but you have to be an enthusiast to accept some of the compromises. Imagine how the driving experience would improve if the gearchange was slick?

I found myself looking at a Cayman R a little while ago....what a grey car!

Anyone dealt with Castle Lotus before?...Ben seems very straight and honest(for a car salesman?)

rc2012

16 posts

148 months

Friday 2nd November 2012
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Cables are usually on back order and an take up to 6 weeks. Castle are a great bunch! The upgrade is worth the wait too as it transforms the car!

alex_gray255

6,313 posts

205 months

Sunday 4th November 2012
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Bought/service mine at Castle as well. Good bunch of guys!

Woza

1,253 posts

236 months

Monday 5th November 2012
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My car doesn't like 2nd in the cold but as soon as it warms up its fine.

Is there a simple way to tell if the cables have been upgraded?

The Wookie

13,931 posts

228 months

Monday 5th November 2012
quotequote all
Woza said:
My car doesn't like 2nd in the cold but as soon as it warms up its fine.

Is there a simple way to tell if the cables have been upgraded?
Push the shifter to one side of the gate and release, if it springs back quickly like you'd expect then either the cables have been done or yours are fine anyway, if it returns slowly then the cables are the old spec!

CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Monday 5th November 2012
quotequote all
Ha Ha,...caught me out...still, you know where I am coming from with regard to "car salesmen". One such person recently told me that the 5 speed Noble was the one to go for, where infact it is the 6 speed, which has a better gearbox...they have a 5 speed car that has been with them for some time!

Good to hear the gearlinkage parts are with you.

rc2012

16 posts

148 months

Saturday 10th November 2012
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Woza - sounds like mine pre-upgrade!

CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Friday 18th January 2013
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Just a comment that I will get checked further....Castles assure me that when changing into 5th at higher revs and under load, that it is normal for it to be a bit awkward and there is a sweet spot. Personally I think this is nonsence. I know the gearchange is not going to be MX5 like but it should go into all gears with similar ease....the others are fine...any comments??

Thanks

Mark

alex_gray255

6,313 posts

205 months

Friday 18th January 2013
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Now you know why I opted for the IPS version.


justin220

5,337 posts

204 months

Saturday 19th January 2013
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CTE said:
Just a comment that I will get checked further....Castles assure me that when changing into 5th at higher revs and under load, that it is normal for it to be a bit awkward and there is a sweet spot. Personally I think this is nonsence. I know the gearchange is not going to be MX5 like but it should go into all gears with similar ease....the others are fine...any comments??

Thanks

Mark
Sounds like complete nonsense to me

CTE

Original Poster:

1,488 posts

240 months

Saturday 2nd February 2013
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Just got back from picking car up from Castles, and to say I am beeming is an understatement! Gearchange is now fine (required small adjustment apparently) and it sounds just right in the cabin now the 3rd cat has been removed, and I am sure it is even perkier! I am sure there are better drivers cars out there, but you`d be hard pressed to find one.

Can`t wait for the better weather and some decent road trips...got a few planned already!

alex_gray255

6,313 posts

205 months

Saturday 2nd February 2013
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Glad Paul/Snibbs managed to sort it out for you!

L100NYY

35,179 posts

243 months

Saturday 2nd February 2013
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Glad to hear it young sir, we aim to please biggrin