Exige - servicing info/facts
Discussion
**Happy Boxing day my fellow Phers**
Just a bit of info regarding the S1 Exige in you please
1. Service intervals? Daily/weekly checks?
2. Are there any internal parts made only for the Exige and not for the Elise? My primary concern is part availability.
3. Upgrades? Any that MUST be done to enhance the car?
4. What is the Exige like on the road in day to day conditions?
5. What changes would you make to the car that ARE possible?
6. Has anyone had their Exige out on a very hot day or in a hot country? If so, how was it?
Finally, why would you tell someone to buy an Exige?
Cheers,
MARA
Just a bit of info regarding the S1 Exige in you please
1. Service intervals? Daily/weekly checks?
2. Are there any internal parts made only for the Exige and not for the Elise? My primary concern is part availability.
3. Upgrades? Any that MUST be done to enhance the car?
4. What is the Exige like on the road in day to day conditions?
5. What changes would you make to the car that ARE possible?
6. Has anyone had their Exige out on a very hot day or in a hot country? If so, how was it?
Finally, why would you tell someone to buy an Exige?
Cheers,
MARA
Morning Maranello.
Not an Exige owner but i know a few. ill try and answer these and get them right.
1. Service intervals? Daily/weekly checks?
6000 miles or annual
2. Are there any internal parts made only for the Exige and not for the Elise? My primary concern is part availability.
Its A VHPD engine producing 177bhp std. They are quite highly tuned and may need rebuilds as opposed to the boggo elise engine which lasts forever being a mass produced unit. Dont see any probs with availability.
3. Upgrades? Any that MUST be done to enhance the car?
190bhp upgrade. A lot have them have out of the factory.
4. What is the Exige like on the road in day to day conditions?
Dont suppose its much different to the elise. Fine - though the engine maybe a little less everyday compliant.
5. What changes would you make to the car that ARE possible?
190bhp is the obvious one.
6. Has anyone had their Exige out on a very hot day or in a hot country? If so, how was it?
Those cars without aircon can get a bit steamy apparently. get one with aircome
Finally, why would you tell someone to buy an Exige?
Because if you've ever driven an elise - which is fan fooking tastic - the exige is better. Enough said. If you haven't drove an elise - then have a go. Looking at your profile i dont think you'll be overly impressed but you WILL NOT be disappointed.
Check out exiges.com for more info.
Not an Exige owner but i know a few. ill try and answer these and get them right.
1. Service intervals? Daily/weekly checks?
6000 miles or annual
2. Are there any internal parts made only for the Exige and not for the Elise? My primary concern is part availability.
Its A VHPD engine producing 177bhp std. They are quite highly tuned and may need rebuilds as opposed to the boggo elise engine which lasts forever being a mass produced unit. Dont see any probs with availability.
3. Upgrades? Any that MUST be done to enhance the car?
190bhp upgrade. A lot have them have out of the factory.
4. What is the Exige like on the road in day to day conditions?
Dont suppose its much different to the elise. Fine - though the engine maybe a little less everyday compliant.
5. What changes would you make to the car that ARE possible?
190bhp is the obvious one.
6. Has anyone had their Exige out on a very hot day or in a hot country? If so, how was it?
Those cars without aircon can get a bit steamy apparently. get one with aircome
Finally, why would you tell someone to buy an Exige?
Because if you've ever driven an elise - which is fan fooking tastic - the exige is better. Enough said. If you haven't drove an elise - then have a go. Looking at your profile i dont think you'll be overly impressed but you WILL NOT be disappointed.
Check out exiges.com for more info.
check out my profile for some info. on servicing costs.
There is the well documented headgasket issues with the k series.
If you just enjoy going for a blat on some twisties, the sound of a throaty induction roar in your left ear as you bury the throttle, the screaming 16v to 7800rpm and sublime handling and braking go for it. Its a full on car with a proper aerodynamic package and very light. The 190 upgrade ( can be done now for less than £1k I believe) gives a bit more mid range torque, apart from that not much difference in performance in the real world.
You will get a sweat on in the height of summer with the windows down if you pootle round town. (mine didnt have aircon) Some people say the aircon is a waste of time and it just adds weight.
Also watch out for ex track cars that have been thrashed to the heavens 24/7. FSH a must or haggle accordingly. Most will have seen a track day at some point nowdays.
Daily and weekly checks would just be the usual one's, oil but especially coolant.
If you track it check the oil before and after, it drinks oil if tracked (Im told).
Some drivers talk of upgrading the brake pads and fitting braided hoses. personally I found the brakes more than capable as standard for the road.
In terms of tyres, Lotus got Yokahama to make a set JUST for the Exige only available from Lotus dealers so you pay accordingly. (£450 for a set of rears). there are other types available, though the best for road use wet/dry conditions seem to be these. The others - Yoko A048s (I think) are fav's for the track as they are more of a road legal slick, no good in the wet but cheaper than the OEM A039's.
Fuel economy is in the region of high 20's, but the fuel tank is small so max. of 200 miles out of a tank.
>> Edited by dimmadan on Sunday 26th December 13:27
>> Edited by dimmadan on Sunday 26th December 13:28
There is the well documented headgasket issues with the k series.
If you just enjoy going for a blat on some twisties, the sound of a throaty induction roar in your left ear as you bury the throttle, the screaming 16v to 7800rpm and sublime handling and braking go for it. Its a full on car with a proper aerodynamic package and very light. The 190 upgrade ( can be done now for less than £1k I believe) gives a bit more mid range torque, apart from that not much difference in performance in the real world.
You will get a sweat on in the height of summer with the windows down if you pootle round town. (mine didnt have aircon) Some people say the aircon is a waste of time and it just adds weight.
Also watch out for ex track cars that have been thrashed to the heavens 24/7. FSH a must or haggle accordingly. Most will have seen a track day at some point nowdays.
Daily and weekly checks would just be the usual one's, oil but especially coolant.
If you track it check the oil before and after, it drinks oil if tracked (Im told).
Some drivers talk of upgrading the brake pads and fitting braided hoses. personally I found the brakes more than capable as standard for the road.
In terms of tyres, Lotus got Yokahama to make a set JUST for the Exige only available from Lotus dealers so you pay accordingly. (£450 for a set of rears). there are other types available, though the best for road use wet/dry conditions seem to be these. The others - Yoko A048s (I think) are fav's for the track as they are more of a road legal slick, no good in the wet but cheaper than the OEM A039's.
Fuel economy is in the region of high 20's, but the fuel tank is small so max. of 200 miles out of a tank.
>> Edited by dimmadan on Sunday 26th December 13:27
>> Edited by dimmadan on Sunday 26th December 13:28
Thanks alot for the info.
3rd week of Jan is when I am finally able to go through and buy something special and ship it over to California to have some fun. Been trying to keep this under wraps because the last two efforts went tits up due to moving location.
However, not really possible to keep something fun quiet from fellow Phers. At the moment the list is as follows:
1. Cerbera - 4.2, de-catted, sports exhaust, nitrons
2. Exige - black or motorsport orange, 190bhp me thinks
3. VXturbo - silver/grey, ( + yanks won't know Vauxhall
)
4. Maserati 3200 - with the proper bloody rear lights!
Nothing else British, bar the Maser, that I can think of blasting around scaring the locals. Have had a Tuscan in mind for some time but, without adding to the pile of negative comments, I believe there is simply a fundamental flaw in the engine.
Any else I missed?
3rd week of Jan is when I am finally able to go through and buy something special and ship it over to California to have some fun. Been trying to keep this under wraps because the last two efforts went tits up due to moving location.
However, not really possible to keep something fun quiet from fellow Phers. At the moment the list is as follows:
1. Cerbera - 4.2, de-catted, sports exhaust, nitrons
2. Exige - black or motorsport orange, 190bhp me thinks
3. VXturbo - silver/grey, ( + yanks won't know Vauxhall
) 4. Maserati 3200 - with the proper bloody rear lights!
Nothing else British, bar the Maser, that I can think of blasting around scaring the locals. Have had a Tuscan in mind for some time but, without adding to the pile of negative comments, I believe there is simply a fundamental flaw in the engine.
Any else I missed?
Dont think you can take it back to California, there is a few people in the US who have had to export their exiges, as the feds have cracked down on them(they are on a list of cars not to be allowed into the country). They cant even be used as track cars, they have to be exported or crushed I think. Check on exiges.com last month their was a guy in the US who was trying to find a "exceptional" reason why the car should be allowed into the country but I dont think he found any reason. Good luck anyway if you do manage to get one overthere.
I can get the cerb in under the temporary import rule. Is there something I don't know about the Exige?
Foreigners can take a car over there for 12 months. Americans cannot import such cars as they don't meet the U.S requirements. However, I met a chap with an Exige when I went to the NY motorshow with Chris_w. He also had a 340R. Obviously, they were "only" for the track, as he told us with a wink
Foreigners can take a car over there for 12 months. Americans cannot import such cars as they don't meet the U.S requirements. However, I met a chap with an Exige when I went to the NY motorshow with Chris_w. He also had a 340R. Obviously, they were "only" for the track, as he told us with a wink
Exiges are hot inside. The aircon isn't famed for reliability either. Take one out though and see what you think.
If its going to the US for a year who is going to maintain it? Its not an engine they have out there.
p.s. Noble isn't on your list
They sell these in the US though via getting in on a smog excemption thing normally used by viper builders and selling the engine separately. >> Edited by DanH on Sunday 26th December 19:23
Hey Dan,
The Noble has just never done it for me. I know it is an absolutely smoking car but (this is going to sound absurd with me harping on about the Exige) it seems really small.
I am just over 6.3" but my legs are really, really long and I have problems fitting in many cars. Knees jamming against the steering wheel being the main culprit.
How is the Noble? I saw a GTO3 in H.R Owen in Kensington when they came out. It was in black and just looked mean.
The Noble has just never done it for me. I know it is an absolutely smoking car but (this is going to sound absurd with me harping on about the Exige) it seems really small.
I am just over 6.3" but my legs are really, really long and I have problems fitting in many cars. Knees jamming against the steering wheel being the main culprit.
How is the Noble? I saw a GTO3 in H.R Owen in Kensington when they came out. It was in black and just looked mean.
maranellouk said:
Hey Dan,
The Noble has just never done it for me. I know it is an absolutely smoking car but (this is going to sound absurd with me harping on about the Exige) it seems really small.
I am just over 6.3" but my legs are really, really long and I have problems fitting in many cars. Knees jamming against the steering wheel being the main culprit.
How is the Noble? I saw a GTO3 in H.R Owen in Kensington when they came out. It was in black and just looked mean.
I'm absolutely loving it, but can appreciate it may not be to everyones taste! Gets a lot of attention though, which you'd probably enjoy in the states
I know what you mean about space though, I'm guessing its your head on the rollcage thats the issue? I banged my head on it yesterday and I'm only 5.10, but I was craning forward to look around a junction. If its the leg room you find constricted I'd have to confess to being a tad bemused. Have you sat in an Exige yet? Obviously it depends on your body shape, but the Elise derivatives gets tricky much beyond 6foot. You might be ok with a steering wheel spacer and maybe a shortened gear stick.
They are at least pretty easy cars to maintain as mechnically its all pretty simple. You also have lotus dealers as backup who'll be able to source parts I'd imagine, and will know most of the car except for the engine.
Not sure I'd pick an Exige for US usage due to ride (so many US roads are awful, especially the prefab poured conrete panel ones, or all of NY) and heat issues. Not to mention complete absence of storage space.
Anyway if you want to know about Exiges, www.exiges.com if the place to go
Cheers for the info. When I was talking about leg room I was refering to the Lotus'. I've hopped in an Elise S1&S1 and a 340R. Now, I love the 340R but bloody hell they is a tight squeeze!
I don't know why, I just assumed that the noble would be a similar fit in the leg department.
Thanks for the links guys. I will check them out.
Still got 3 weeks to look at pics and vids. The shortest times to wait are so long though
I don't know why, I just assumed that the noble would be a similar fit in the leg department.
Thanks for the links guys. I will check them out.
Still got 3 weeks to look at pics and vids. The shortest times to wait are so long though
maranellouk said:
Cheers for the info. When I was talking about leg room I was refering to the Lotus'. I've hopped in an Elise S1&S1 and a 340R. Now, I love the 340R but bloody hell they is a tight squeeze!
I don't know why, I just assumed that the noble would be a similar fit in the leg department.
Thanks for the links guys. I will check them out.
Still got 3 weeks to look at pics and vids. The shortest times to wait are so long though
No the noble has loads more leg room, I know plenty of tall owners. Its the roll cage that will get you if you have a tall torso. Its not that its in the way under normal driving, its that you'd smack your head into it if you got t-boned. The Elise doesn't have an adjustable column, which is why people your height normally need to get a steering wheel extension boss, and shorten the stick.
Are Marcos TSOs shipping yet? I keep forgetting about them, but they do drip potential. New car though which your list seems to be avoiding. Have you tried the 3200? They were universally slated when they came out, especially the pre-ferrari engined ones. Agree the old lights are worlds better though.
I'm 6'3" with long legs and fit in the Exige (barely) still have problems trying to H&T as it's easy for me to wedge the knees with the steering wheel.
Still, if you can do without H&T it's Ok.
-The aircon is more con than air (IYSWIM ). If you like to be cold inside got for the Exige S2, at least there it works.
-For the service (or any long trip) get the manual. For a trip to the US, get the Exige S2, as it has the Toyota lump, and you will get plenty of spares there.
Many parts are interchangeable between the Elise and Exige, abut many are not.
S2 is better for you in that case, as there is no knowledge of this car in the US.
-190BHP is the std upgrade for the S1, but there are many other ways. Mine is almost std but has been rebuilt, blueprinted, balanced and now gives 210BHP.
Get to www.Exiges.com if you're serious about an S1, we're a bunch of friendly guys over there.
Other upgrades? better pads and fluid is a must.
Then maybe braided lines and driver training.
Then the world is yours. At some point you'll need new disks and it could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade them to alloy belled.
-Day to day, well, I can live with it and think it's the perfect car.
But then I would say that, as I'm crazy and have never thought of having more luxuries other than an excellent chassis and dynamics.
Other people seem to think that carpets, A/C, ABS, electric windows, mirrors, central locking or soft-feeling thingies are important.
If I could have my way the car would be even lighter, but I have nothing else to remove.
And for me this is the perfect road car.
It can be hot inside, but even hotter if you choose to wind down the windows, as the cabin will suck hot air from the engine bay and through all the openings leading to the radiator or oil cooler.
And finally, yes, I would always recommend an S1 Exige to anybody that is willing to put with a lumpy engine, no more than 140MPH and being bloody quick on track or twisties, by exploiting its corner speed.
Not recommend it to drive in the US or to people that wants muscle, as it is not a muscular car. Screw the line or the momentum out of a turn and the advantage is gone. You will not outdrag a Scooby. Carry more speed than you thought was possible and you will smile big time.
Ah, lift-off mid corner is a no-no, as there is no electronic gizmo to get you out of the spin.
To you (and having haten a close look at you profile) I would recomment a TVR Tuscan, or if you really want a Lotus, the Exige S2.
But, please visit www.Exiges.com, we'll be more than glad to guide you there.
Still, if you can do without H&T it's Ok.
-The aircon is more con than air (IYSWIM
). If you like to be cold inside got for the Exige S2, at least there it works. -For the service (or any long trip) get the manual. For a trip to the US, get the Exige S2, as it has the Toyota lump, and you will get plenty of spares there.
Many parts are interchangeable between the Elise and Exige, abut many are not.
S2 is better for you in that case, as there is no knowledge of this car in the US.
-190BHP is the std upgrade for the S1, but there are many other ways. Mine is almost std but has been rebuilt, blueprinted, balanced and now gives 210BHP.
Get to www.Exiges.com if you're serious about an S1, we're a bunch of friendly guys over there.
Other upgrades? better pads and fluid is a must.
Then maybe braided lines and driver training.
Then the world is yours. At some point you'll need new disks and it could be the perfect opportunity to upgrade them to alloy belled.
-Day to day, well, I can live with it and think it's the perfect car.
But then I would say that, as I'm crazy and have never thought of having more luxuries other than an excellent chassis and dynamics.
Other people seem to think that carpets, A/C, ABS, electric windows, mirrors, central locking or soft-feeling thingies are important.
If I could have my way the car would be even lighter, but I have nothing else to remove.
And for me this is the perfect road car.
It can be hot inside, but even hotter if you choose to wind down the windows, as the cabin will suck hot air from the engine bay and through all the openings leading to the radiator or oil cooler.
And finally, yes, I would always recommend an S1 Exige to anybody that is willing to put with a lumpy engine, no more than 140MPH and being bloody quick on track or twisties, by exploiting its corner speed.
Not recommend it to drive in the US or to people that wants muscle, as it is not a muscular car. Screw the line or the momentum out of a turn and the advantage is gone. You will not outdrag a Scooby. Carry more speed than you thought was possible and you will smile big time.
Ah, lift-off mid corner is a no-no, as there is no electronic gizmo to get you out of the spin.
To you (and having haten a close look at you profile) I would recomment a TVR Tuscan, or if you really want a Lotus, the Exige S2.
But, please visit www.Exiges.com, we'll be more than glad to guide you there.
uldis said:
u profile) I would recomment a TVR Tuscan, or if you really want a Lotus, the Exige S2.
But, please visit www.Exiges.com, we'll be more than glad to guide you there.
Cheers Uldis,
Have been harping on about getting a Tuscan over but frankly, having some go on the engine in the middle of a U.S highway does concern me. Seeing so many loyal Tuscan owners finally lose all faith (and cash) in their P&J is sad because TVR should have fixed the flaws as it is an amazing car.
As for the S1 Vs S2: Not a fan of the S2 styling enough to pay for one. I would also not consider buying a brand spanking new car unless there was some other option.
The S1 is the kind of car I know I would wake up five minutes before the alarm just to go and sit in and look at before breakfast. The styling implies everything. Granted it is not pumped full of BHP but that is not what it is about. After being in Miami for a while I long for corners, any corners!
Might there be some way of increasing cooling in the cabin? Aftermarket aircon system? L.A can get rather toasty and the car I decide on will be doing a coast to coast run.
I haven't seen you post yet on Exiges.com, but have you at leaste searched the site?
There are a fw things you can do to cool the cabin, and they're all described there, as I did them to my car.
It basically involves sealing all hot air paths to the inside, from the rear, from behind the seats (and the cover for that matter, holes in the firewall and behind the seat belts rollers), from the front, where the oil cooler pipes enter the cabin, from inside the dash to the side sills, etc.
This because the aerodyamics of the Exige make the cabin a low pressure habitat when the windows are open. Fine when they are closed. But then it gets hot.
basically it works well on colder climates like the UK.
But the aircon model has other problems, it's not that the unit needs to get changed, it's that the whole idea of the car with aircon was not developed. The heat leaks and the bare aluminum conductivity work against it.
Also, if you try any mods like changing the manifold, installing a supercharger, or replacing the ECU you lose the aircon. Also doing an engine transplant like the Honda or Audi will lose you the aircon.
This is one of the reasons I was recommending the S2, it was much better thought in this sense.
But I see you like the S1, the original, the best!.
Hmmmm, what to do? What if you still source one, fix all the leaks, ahve the aircon more or less work.
You still have the problem that if it breaks while you're there, nobody will know how to fix it. You'd need to know how to put them in the right direction at least and be able to import the needed spares.
How much do you want one? ...
There are a fw things you can do to cool the cabin, and they're all described there, as I did them to my car.
It basically involves sealing all hot air paths to the inside, from the rear, from behind the seats (and the cover for that matter, holes in the firewall and behind the seat belts rollers), from the front, where the oil cooler pipes enter the cabin, from inside the dash to the side sills, etc.
This because the aerodyamics of the Exige make the cabin a low pressure habitat when the windows are open. Fine when they are closed. But then it gets hot.
basically it works well on colder climates like the UK.
But the aircon model has other problems, it's not that the unit needs to get changed, it's that the whole idea of the car with aircon was not developed. The heat leaks and the bare aluminum conductivity work against it.
Also, if you try any mods like changing the manifold, installing a supercharger, or replacing the ECU you lose the aircon. Also doing an engine transplant like the Honda or Audi will lose you the aircon.
This is one of the reasons I was recommending the S2, it was much better thought in this sense.
But I see you like the S1, the original, the best!
. Hmmmm, what to do? What if you still source one, fix all the leaks, ahve the aircon more or less work.
You still have the problem that if it breaks while you're there, nobody will know how to fix it. You'd need to know how to put them in the right direction at least and be able to import the needed spares.
How much do you want one? ...
DanH said:
/obi wan kenobe
This is not the car you're looking for Mara.
/obi wan kenobe
Seriously don't think it fits the needs you describe unless you are particularly hardcore. You can get out of an Elise in the UK with a good sweat on and a crumpled suit. The Exige is moreso...
Moreso is exactly what I want! There is a reason I always travel with at a pair of racing boots. The more of a racer the car is the better it is. Not really into comfort cars, just cars that hold me in place and that I fit in. Cup holders and the like can shove it.
I hope you are not mistaking me for a driver who needs leccy seats now are you
>> Edited by maranellouk on Monday 27th December 22:43
Well I got the impression you might be looking for transport whilst working, and from looking at the other cars you are discussing the Exige is in another league of impracticality (well except the vx which does have a boot, but no aircon and turbo heatsoak!).
If you travelled across the US in an Exige you'd need a shower and a change of clothes everytime you arrived as the aircon is barely functional and as an Elise derivative it suffers from considerable heat soak.
If I haven't put you off and you want the ultimate get one with a honda engine transplant, that way you get the lotus delicacy with more than enough power to get yourself into trouble and leave supercars with a bloody nose. If that tempts you, one word of caution, be warey of the Exige with a k20 currently being advertised in various places, the conversion is from a US supplier a lot of people have had problems with.
Anyway, hope I didn't offend you
If you take an Exige to the US as anything but a toy, you are far more hardcore than I and you'd have my eternal respect! I was just a bit worried you'd test drive one in this inclement weather and think the cabin temperature was always ok. Cheers for the warning. Due to travel, I will only ever have about 4-7 days with whichever car I go for. Even though, something about cushy cars really doesn't do it for me.
All the cabin needs is a wheel, a few pedals, a gear lever and a seat. Maybe some floor mats but even that is a bit much Seriously though, cars are meant to race and be driven hard. I can understand if someone is doing the daily slog and they need a little forgiveness but the little time I have I need a full, raw dose of PH heaven.
Ideally I would love to have a 360 Challenge car. Completely stripped and race prepared with the perspex windows and everything (or nothing if you look at it the right way). The Maser Trofeo cars don't look bad either. Only problem is, I did enquire, the Challenge cars cannot be road registered as they are never issued with a title.
Reading the review (EVO) on the 550LM that's built from a donor 550 car is mouthwateringly tempting but 90k + a 550 is a big ask at the moment. When the cash starts flowing in I'll have mine in black please!
MARA
All the cabin needs is a wheel, a few pedals, a gear lever and a seat. Maybe some floor mats but even that is a bit much
Seriously though, cars are meant to race and be driven hard. I can understand if someone is doing the daily slog and they need a little forgiveness but the little time I have I need a full, raw dose of PH heaven. Ideally I would love to have a 360 Challenge car. Completely stripped and race prepared with the perspex windows and everything (or nothing if you look at it the right way). The Maser Trofeo cars don't look bad either. Only problem is, I did enquire, the Challenge cars cannot be road registered as they are never issued with a title.
Reading the review (EVO) on the 550LM that's built from a donor 550 car is mouthwateringly tempting but 90k + a 550 is a big ask at the moment. When the cash starts flowing in I'll have mine in black please!
MARA
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