S1 Lotus Elise 111S
Discussion
Joehow said:
Popped down to see the lads at Tyrepoint in Maidstone for new tyres this morning. Plumped for a set of Nankang NS2Rs as I know they're a decent half way road and track tyre.
The old Yokohama tyres had plenty of tread but a 2013 date stamp meant they were ditch finders.. so bad in fact the car was trying to rotate in the wet today on the way there at barely walking pace.
Also ordered a load of new bolts for when the Nitrons turn up.
Finally I'm 6ft and the steering wheels is close to my knees so ordered a 30mm spacer to fit.
Don't think that jack is on the correct jacking points , which is quite important on the Elise The old Yokohama tyres had plenty of tread but a 2013 date stamp meant they were ditch finders.. so bad in fact the car was trying to rotate in the wet today on the way there at barely walking pace.
Also ordered a load of new bolts for when the Nitrons turn up.
Finally I'm 6ft and the steering wheels is close to my knees so ordered a 30mm spacer to fit.
First track day in the Elise tonight...Brands Hatch evening session..
So for context the car is as I bought it at the moment bar the addition NS2R tyres.... So that means an unknown geo setup and old original dampers. Car feels pretty good on the road but as I found out that's just the inherent brilliance of the Elise which masks the faults at road speed but on track is a bit glaring.
First session out was down right terrifying, it didn't stop particularly well and it felt floaty and all over the shop. Slowly got used to it and drove round it a bit but it's clear that we have some work to do.
Nitrons are in my hands now so that is step one, so just need to get them fitted and the car set up. Then pads, discs and fluids and we can then go from there.
In the plus points the car feels surprisingly quick.. but my got is it loud in the cabin so probably need to add an exhaust to the list as well.
So all in all a reminder that Caterhams are a piece of piss to drive on track and that this is going to take a little more work than first thought. But I still love it.
So for context the car is as I bought it at the moment bar the addition NS2R tyres.... So that means an unknown geo setup and old original dampers. Car feels pretty good on the road but as I found out that's just the inherent brilliance of the Elise which masks the faults at road speed but on track is a bit glaring.
First session out was down right terrifying, it didn't stop particularly well and it felt floaty and all over the shop. Slowly got used to it and drove round it a bit but it's clear that we have some work to do.
Nitrons are in my hands now so that is step one, so just need to get them fitted and the car set up. Then pads, discs and fluids and we can then go from there.
In the plus points the car feels surprisingly quick.. but my got is it loud in the cabin so probably need to add an exhaust to the list as well.
So all in all a reminder that Caterhams are a piece of piss to drive on track and that this is going to take a little more work than first thought. But I still love it.
Cars now all booked in with Classic and Modern Sports in Heathfield for brakes / suspension fitting / setup and then belts whilst it's in there.
Looking forward to spending some time like I did with my 996 GT3 getting it just how I like it driving.
Anyway some pics of Brands... Well as on my opinion it looks awesome!
You can see in the compression of Paddock Hill where the old dampers are shot..
Looking forward to spending some time like I did with my 996 GT3 getting it just how I like it driving.
Anyway some pics of Brands... Well as on my opinion it looks awesome!
You can see in the compression of Paddock Hill where the old dampers are shot..
Been away for a week and now just about to go away for a wedding but been researching for someone to do a few bits on the S1.
A few people recommended Classic Modern Sports as a nice honest chap for good basic work. Exchanged a few emails and was really impressed with the questions he asked and details he was interested in. So the car is booked in with him on 29th for...
Suspension fitting
Geo setup
New front discs and pads -ive gone with Mintex 1155 to try and match the 1144s on the back
Belts
I'll also get him to chuck in the steering wheel spacer whilst he's got it.
I'm hoping that should then get the car where we want it to be.
Annoyingly as well the repainted engine cover has just started blistering from the heat I assume from the track day. I expect the dealer to honour this under warranty with the paint shop. I'm tempted to get a few other bits at the same time but on the other hand I'd rather use a paint shop I properly trust.
Oh and I did fit finally a smaller front stick on plate. Need to do something about the holes for the old plate holder
A few people recommended Classic Modern Sports as a nice honest chap for good basic work. Exchanged a few emails and was really impressed with the questions he asked and details he was interested in. So the car is booked in with him on 29th for...
Suspension fitting
Geo setup
New front discs and pads -ive gone with Mintex 1155 to try and match the 1144s on the back
Belts
I'll also get him to chuck in the steering wheel spacer whilst he's got it.
I'm hoping that should then get the car where we want it to be.
Annoyingly as well the repainted engine cover has just started blistering from the heat I assume from the track day. I expect the dealer to honour this under warranty with the paint shop. I'm tempted to get a few other bits at the same time but on the other hand I'd rather use a paint shop I properly trust.
Oh and I did fit finally a smaller front stick on plate. Need to do something about the holes for the old plate holder
Got very lucky with only a 90 min delay back from Rome yesterday so was still on track to drop the car off at Simon at Classic Modern Sports today.
Car dropped off today and within 2 secs of getting out the car he'd diagnosed a blowing exhaust Flexi which he then sent a pic of 30mins once I've left so I'm convinced I've got the right guy.
Nasty old damper off and new damper comparison.. they really are much shorter.
New damper on... Simon has wire wheeled the wishbones and covered them in ACF50 which will last until I have everything refurbed.
One small annoyance is the repainted engine cover has two tiny heat blisters. But to their credit the guys at UK Sports Cars have said they'll have it back to fix.
Looks like a bout a week's wait but can't wait to have the car back with new brakes, new dampers and setup, new belts and probably a new exhaust at the rate.
Car dropped off today and within 2 secs of getting out the car he'd diagnosed a blowing exhaust Flexi which he then sent a pic of 30mins once I've left so I'm convinced I've got the right guy.
Nasty old damper off and new damper comparison.. they really are much shorter.
New damper on... Simon has wire wheeled the wishbones and covered them in ACF50 which will last until I have everything refurbed.
One small annoyance is the repainted engine cover has two tiny heat blisters. But to their credit the guys at UK Sports Cars have said they'll have it back to fix.
Looks like a bout a week's wait but can't wait to have the car back with new brakes, new dampers and setup, new belts and probably a new exhaust at the rate.
The Nitron upgrade is night and day with an Elise, it doubled my enjoyment of mine.
Just keep an eye on those blisters, that may well be moisture in the fibreglass and if that is the case, you need a pretty specific bit of prep to eradicate them ( no prizes for guessing how I know……)
Lovely colour, have fun with it, looks to be a very nice example.
Just keep an eye on those blisters, that may well be moisture in the fibreglass and if that is the case, you need a pretty specific bit of prep to eradicate them ( no prizes for guessing how I know……)
Lovely colour, have fun with it, looks to be a very nice example.
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