Audi Powered Lotus Elise S1
Discussion
After 3 years/55,000 miles in a S1 and a further 6 years/75,000 miles in a S2 111S, I thought it was time for a change! I had originally planned to try something completely different, albeit with a lot more power, with the intention to move back to a Lotus within 2-3 years. Many nights were spent searching through various classifieds for potential cars and after some deliberation, my heart was set on a TVR Chimaera 450 ...
However one night, I decided to check out what Elises were on the market and one advert piqued my interest. It turns out, the advert had only been live for a few days. I arranged a viewing, test drove the car and fell in love immediately.
It's running 265BHP and a similar lb/ft figure, complete with a range of track day related mods. In fact, the last owner fitted new Nitron shocks almost 700 miles ago.
It's in fantastic condition. There are a few bits that need attention; the Stack glass needs to be replaced, as do the heater controls. I'm also having the cam belt changed as a precautionary measure, and after constant misfiring on a short Sunday drive, all spark plugs and coil packs are being replaced. Also, due to having passengers in my car for the majority of the time, the petty bar is being removed too.
The car is going to have an easy life though, limited to sunny days and weekends. The previous owned covered 3000 miles in 6 years, but I plan to cover around 6000 miles per annum.
As for other upgrades, I'm quite tempted to have it wrapped, just to protect the original paint. Not certain as of yet. I was tempted by the LMSC heritage design at the very bottom, but perhaps aubergine might be nice? Has anyone wrapped their S1 in aubergine, or a similar purple colour?
Power delivery is brutal, and the whooshing noises from the turbo are incredibly addictive ... with a few pops and bangs thrown in for good measure! It's plenty fast enough for UK roads and overtaking is a simple task. I didn't think I'd like a turbocharged car, but throttle response is quick and lag is minimal.
Anyway, pics! (The S2 will be up for sale soon)
However one night, I decided to check out what Elises were on the market and one advert piqued my interest. It turns out, the advert had only been live for a few days. I arranged a viewing, test drove the car and fell in love immediately.
It's running 265BHP and a similar lb/ft figure, complete with a range of track day related mods. In fact, the last owner fitted new Nitron shocks almost 700 miles ago.
It's in fantastic condition. There are a few bits that need attention; the Stack glass needs to be replaced, as do the heater controls. I'm also having the cam belt changed as a precautionary measure, and after constant misfiring on a short Sunday drive, all spark plugs and coil packs are being replaced. Also, due to having passengers in my car for the majority of the time, the petty bar is being removed too.
The car is going to have an easy life though, limited to sunny days and weekends. The previous owned covered 3000 miles in 6 years, but I plan to cover around 6000 miles per annum.
As for other upgrades, I'm quite tempted to have it wrapped, just to protect the original paint. Not certain as of yet. I was tempted by the LMSC heritage design at the very bottom, but perhaps aubergine might be nice? Has anyone wrapped their S1 in aubergine, or a similar purple colour?
Power delivery is brutal, and the whooshing noises from the turbo are incredibly addictive ... with a few pops and bangs thrown in for good measure! It's plenty fast enough for UK roads and overtaking is a simple task. I didn't think I'd like a turbocharged car, but throttle response is quick and lag is minimal.
Anyway, pics! (The S2 will be up for sale soon)
Stonking machine!
I'd look at getting some seats with harness slots fitted if it was mine, I believe it's not the best safety-wise to use them as they are at the moment. All too easy for your torso to slip between the shoulder straps in an accident and get a face full of steering wheel.
I'd look at getting some seats with harness slots fitted if it was mine, I believe it's not the best safety-wise to use them as they are at the moment. All too easy for your torso to slip between the shoulder straps in an accident and get a face full of steering wheel.
AyBee said:
That looks like great fun 
Is that middle photo an extract from the advert? 
It is! I completely forgot to take a photo of the engine, so I nabbed one from my phone that I saved when I first saw the advert! Is that middle photo an extract from the advert? 
I'm hoping it'll be ready to collect tonight, after being treated to some nice new engine parts!Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff