Basic advice needed.

[The Surveyor]

I have recently had the great misfortune of destroying one of Blackpools finest. My insurance company have been unexpectidly wonderfull (Thank you Footman James) and i am now looking for a replacement toy.

Now don't get me wrong, i would love another Griffith, but good ones are proving elusive within my price range. With the options narrowed down to either an Elise, or Chimaera, i would like to pick any brains on the different Elise models.

I know that originally there were two engine spec's available (either standard or 111s) with the 111s having the VVC head. I have however read that all cars after 1999ish had this engine.

I would be looking at an S1 of about that year, but none of the later ones appear to be advertised with 111s, or similar.

Any guidnace on the engine spec options would be appreciated

[cuzza]

The standard option has always been available - standard being a 118bhp K-series. The 111S was later ('99 sounds about right) and is still available now but the S2 111S is at about 155bhp whereas the S1 111S was 143bhp IIRC.

Sounds like you're in S1 territory so the differences are that the 111S has VVC engine with more power and close ratio gearbox, the seats are comfier as they have a bit more padding (the originals aren't that bad really). The 111S has a spoiler on the back and different wheels and a few more cosmetic touches like carbon effect dash inserts. If it doesn't say 111S in the ad it probably isn't but the badge on the back is a dead giveaway!

>> Edited by cuzza on Wednesday 29th September 18:05

[zebedee]

the 'different wheels' cuzza mentioning on the 111s being the 6 spoke ones - another quick way of telling them apart as well as the spoiler and badging - also had faired in headlights but that has been done to many standard ones - my 111s hasn't got carbon effect dash inserts though???

[stevie111s]

Definitely go for the 111s ... you won't regret it and you get that extra bit of grunt (and superb exhaust song with obligatory tail pipe upgrade) and I recon they'll become collectors items a few years down the line. Mine brings a BIG smile to my face each and every time, I have never loved a car so much and I've had a few over the years! BTW, the 111s wheels are OZ Racing manufactured. Go for it ... join the club!

[zebedee]

I second everything your man stevie has just gushed

[jig]

I went from a 4.0 Griffith to a new 118bhp S2. 3 years on, and I still love her as much as when I first got her.. I really liked the Griff, but the Lotus is a whole different toy

I've never driven a S1, but I've tried all the S2 variants, and my favourite is the 111S. I know the 111R is faster etc, but I like the power delivery (and brakes) of the Rover versions - does that make me a candidate for the Audi conversion rather than Honda?

[The Surveyor]

Thanks everybody for your feedback.

Thats just the clarification i needed, sounds like the 111s is the one to aim for. Thankfully i am not in any great panic to find a replacement toy, but the garage does look painully empty at the moment. Will take my time to find the engine / colour combination. I love the metalic Red (inferno i think) or the purple, both of which look perfect against a magnolia leather interior.

What's the crack with an Audi engine conversion, are the Rover units poor, or is it just that the chassis can handle more power?

Also i trust it's the 1.8 turbo unit, and not the 1.9 diesel thats in my A4....

Many thanks again for your help.

[zebedee]

Titanium with dark red hood, lowered sports suspension and red leather seats is the business - says he who has one to the above description (true though)

[The Surveyor]

Zebedee

I've seen one in that colour combination, and agree, it looks the business. The titainium shows off the shape of the car off much better than the new aluminium IMHO!

I think darker matalic colours always show off a cars curves better than light ones, however was in Formula 1 in Newcastle a few weeks ago and they had a limited edition S2 in Old English White, with green 'le mans' style stripes and that did look fantastic.

Choices choices...

[S Works]

The Surveyor said:

Zebedee I've seen one in that colour combination, and agree, it looks the business. The titainium shows off the shape of the car off much better than the new aluminium IMHO! I think darker matalic colours always show off a cars curves better than light ones, however was in Formula 1 in Newcastle a few weeks ago and they had a limited edition S2 in Old English White, with green 'le mans' style stripes and that did look fantastic. Choices choices...

Sounds like a Type 25 special edition - very nice looking IMHO and pretty rare. Go on, you know you want to!

[The Surveyor]

Tim

I would love too, but after flooding my bathroom and kitchen last night with a ham-fisted attempt at domestic plumbing, i may not be able to stretch to a new S2.

I get the impresion that the S1's aren't too bad, so may stick out for a S1 111s.

Could always get the Dulux out and paint a couple of stripes down the middle for the same effect....

[mikeyboy]

I would hold out for an S2 if I were you. I have driven/owned both and they are poles apart which stunned me. or should I dare to say it here go for a VX220, better to drive and more reliable than an S1 and about the same price due to the badge.

Saw one of the white and stripe S2's on the back of trailer out in essex a month or so ago. Does that belong to anyone here?