Lotus Exige Cup 240, my thoughts...your opinion please

[GTRene]

1> I know its surely possible to put other tires on a S2 Exige, other then the semi slicks!, for all weather drive, but how different will the Exige behave when you put on lets say some Dunlops all around? any one knows/experienced around here?
Sure semi slicks will do a lot better on the track when dry ofcorse, but when you track lets say 3 times a year? and the rest of the year you drive around 15000km on "normal" roads for "everyday" use, I would think of putting "normal" tire on it when I have one, and how will that be on a track with lets say Dunlops Sports? Only the 5sec more per small trackround or also very slippery and no fun? I can't think of a very big difference then only some time loss? anybody?

2> Next issue I'm thinking about, in the Lotus Exige Cup 240 that I'm after sits a safetycage I gues its also good for a bit extra stifness, but does that thing comes much in the way in a disturbing manner?(for your head?) the salesman says its easely to get the rollcage out...but I think when its not to much in the way I leave it, looks cool and comes and is part of the car...and I think its not that heavy? and I'm still flexible anough to get in and out such car...only not taking older people with me any one knows how heavy the extra weight is?


3> Next item, that Exige Cup come's also with some items like a fire button on the outside of the car and a battery switch? see picture of that car...in "normal" life when you park such car in big cities are people pulling on those things? I don't need them realy but it looks cool and fits the type of car, but I wanted people to back of my cars...are those items a bit strong? and are people leave those items alone? I'm a bit worried about that, because I would take the car everywhere so also to some dancing places, so the car will stand alone on those parking places from about 23:00 till 04:00 in the morning...
Otherwise I was thinking to make some kind of lid for them that fit and seals the gaps...


4> What speed does it take to upset the S2 Exige Cup? I mean how fast can I go before it disturbs the car "safe" stuckd on the road feeling? I know you can take them to around 250km/h but for example the Exige Cup 240 is maked for tracks/racing so I think his roadholding is good till at least 250km/h but at what theory speeds does it become realy unsafe/unstable/lift of...280km/h? or 300km/h? does any one knows when you have to do even more spoilers or other things because I don't wanted to much stuf on a car...and its only theory and I know on a track you don't need that bla bla bla, but most of the time I'm not in curve's or on track..just wanted to know, it can give some rest in my thinking head

Let me hear what you know about things...thanks
GTRene



>> Edited by GTRene on Sunday 8th January 12:07

>> Edited by GTRene on Friday 13th January 23:34

[shangani]

If you have a car that innately develops downforce, as a basic rule, the higher the speed, the higher the downforce. The problem is that creating the downforce on the exige created significant drag, hence you need a lot of power to get to sublime speeds. Plenty of blokes with honda engines etc have been to 170 mph with good stability (no front end lift), which is fast enough for most. (Maybe not for you Rene!)

Re tyres - there is a good thread on exiges.com - suggestion was Goodyear Eagle F1's as a durable tyre, excellent in the wet. You may want the convenience of a second set of wheels if you go this route.

[GTRene]

shangani said:

If you have a car that innately develops downforce, as a basic rule, the higher the speed, the higher the downforce. The problem is that creating the downforce on the exige created significant drag, hence you need a lot of power to get to sublime speeds. Plenty of blokes with honda engines etc have been to 170 mph with good stability (no front end lift), which is fast enough for most. (Maybe not for you Rene!) Re tyres - there is a good thread on exiges.com - suggestion was Goodyear Eagle F1's as a durable tyre, excellent in the wet. You may want the convenience of a second set of wheels if you go this route.

Thanks Andrew, 170 after I get my license back is already to high not for me but for the law, when they get me doing more then 30km/h over the limit they will took my license again for 6months? I believe they said saying that, when you drive above 270km/h all seems to go very slowly around you thats when your brains making some stuf in your head thats keeps you concentrate, a very nice experiënce but I do my best not to try it in the Netherlands again and when I wanted to try a car I go to Germany where its aloud on some parts on fast roads there.
I saw an article that the Lotus Exige Cup 240 can reach 0 to 160km/h in 11,3 sec (thats oké to start with though a bit slower than the my beemer but ok) and a topspeed of 249km/h when I go to the Ring in Germany I surely will try that out! hope the stack instruments are not wobling? around as some TVR's do with the speedo.
The tyres are 250/610-17 front and 280/650-18 back? but whats that in normal language The Goodyears F1 seems to be very good for all round and not that expensive too...? but what size in normal tyres to look at? (example 225/35-17 names I'm looking at) for the wheels on the Exige Cup 240.
GTRene

>> Edited by GTRene on Sunday 8th January 15:43

[DanH]

There are two schools of thought on having a rollcage on the road. One is that its a good thing, the other that you'll probably crack your skull open on it in an accident without a helmet on. I subscribe to the latter and don't have the front section of my roll cage mounted. It will make access to the car much harder as well.

Have you bought the 240Cup yet? I'd have been enclined to consider a honda conversion personally. Less weight with that, and normal aspiration. All positives imho.

[GTRene]

DanH said:

There are two schools of thought on having a rollcage on the road. One is that its a good thing, the other that you'll probably crack your skull open on it in an accident without a helmet on. I subscribe to the latter and don't have the front section of my roll cage mounted. It will make access to the car much harder as well. Have you bought the 240Cup yet? I'd have been enclined to consider a honda conversion personally. Less weight with that, and normal aspiration. All positives imho.

Thanks Dan, I have tryed the car only by sitting in it in their showroom and yep it was a bit harder to get in then a "normal" exige! but not realy a problem for me, but my skull is...when I was 16 I had a heavy accident on a motorcycle not my fault, but I've got launched and then bumped with my head(luckely a integral helmet on) on the corner/rand of the sidewalk! 3 days in a coma and my skull broken!(also my helmet) but its hardened now I hope...so I have to look good at it, what could happen in case of an accident but I always wear my safetybelt..and the Cup has a good Harnass?
Otherway maybe I take the front section out too, if I buy it.

And no I have'nt bought it yet, it was crashed(not totaly) during racing end 2005 and they have to rebuild it, everything new, and I believe they said it will be ready in mid januar? so almost ready, and I have the first buy if we can come to a good deal ofcorse(I'm not that fortuned)...but I like to change, and can't wait, hope it all work out.

Going the Honda way with SC is even better, but changing when you have already a good toyota lump with SC its a bit to much(or you must be mad? or rich I gues) at the moment it comes with 247pk but I intend to tune it a bit more!
And only when the engine would be realy destroyd and I needed a new engine, I would buy a Honda Vtec-R instead + SC and would sell the parts that came from the Toyota lump(SC and other stuf)

Are you going the Honda way in the S2 Exige? or firstly put a 280+ TC on and drive till its dead and then change for a Honda conversion? I would go that way.
GTRene

>> Edited by GTRene on Sunday 8th January 16:13

[DanH]

GTRene said:

DanH said: There are two schools of thought on having a rollcage on the road. One is that its a good thing, the other that you'll probably crack your skull open on it in an accident without a helmet on. I subscribe to the latter and don't have the front section of my roll cage mounted. It will make access to the car much harder as well. Have you bought the 240Cup yet? I'd have been enclined to consider a honda conversion personally. Less weight with that, and normal aspiration. All positives imho. Thanks Dan, I have tryed the car only by sitting in it in their showroom and yep it was a bit harder to get in then a "normal" exige! but not realy a problem for me, but my skull is...when I was 16 I had a heavy accident on a motorcycle not my fault, but I've got launched and then bumped with my head(luckely a integral helmet on) on the corner/rand of the sidewalk! 3 days in a coma and my skull broken!(also my helmet) but its hardened now I hope...so I have to look good at it, what could happen in case of an accident but I always wear my safetybelt..and the Cup has a good Harnass? Otherway maybe I take the front section out too, if I buy it. And no I have'nt bought it yet, it was crashed(not totaly) during racing end 2005 and they have to rebuild it, everything new, and I believe they said it will be ready in mid januar? so almost ready, and I have the first buy if we can come to a good deal ofcorse(I'm not that fortuned)...but I like to change, and can't wait, hope it all work out. Going the Honda way with SC is even better, but changing when you have already a good toyota lump with SC its a bit to much(or you must be mad? or rich I gues) at the moment it comes with 247pk but I intend to tune it a bit more! And only when the engine would be realy destroyd and I needed a new engine, I would buy a Honda Vtec-R instead + SC and would sell the parts that came from the Toyota lump(SC and other stuf) Are you going the Honda way in the S2 Exige? or firstly put a 280+ TC on and drive till its dead and then change for a Honda conversion? I would go that way. GTRene >> Edited by GTRene on Sunday 8th January 16:13

Doubt you can take just part of the cage out in the 240. I have a 911 so its more practical.

Obviously your circumstances are specific, I was just wondering if you'd considered the honda option as I think its perhaps a little superior. If you already have a toyota car, you'd need to sell it to fit a honda anyway as it has a different rear subframe that hasn't been adapted to take a honda yet as far as I know. More economical that way anyway.

[GTRene]

Ow, I thought you mentioned the safetycage of a Exige...But I think its also possible in the Exige Cup to only remove the front part.
The Honda engine is indeed a bit superior, but having a good 240R lump in it, it would be a bit over enthousiast? better see first whats more possible with the toyota engine with SC.
You said: If you already have a toyota car, you'd need to sell it to fit a honda anyway as it has a different rear subframe that hasn't been adapted to take a honda yet as far as I know. More economical that way anyway.
So I think if you've had a S1 Exige the Honda way is proven and not that difficult to get it done, and way more stronger then the K-series and more powerful too, but in the S2 Exige as you said its a bit different, so I have to and will stay with the Toyota/Yamaha SC engine and maybe later on when its proven and payable to have other engine's conversions in the rear I will see, enjoy
GTRene

[bob_defly]

If you are only going to track it three times a year then you are wasting your money. Also I wouldn't park it outside a club all night with access to kill switches and such, you'll probably get a kebab stuffed in the hole! :P

The roll cage also looks a bit of overkill, you need that extra few inches to be able to get in and out easily, if I were you I'd go for a "normal" 240 or a Honda'd car, it would be much more sensible if you are using it for commuting, and probably faster.

[GTRene]

bob_defly said:

If you are only going to track it three times a year then you are wasting your money. Also I wouldn't park it outside a club all night with access to kill switches and such, you'll probably get a kebab stuffed in the hole! :P The roll cage also looks a bit of overkill, you need that extra few inches to be able to get in and out easily, if I were you I'd go for a "normal" 240 or a Honda'd car, it would be much more sensible if you are using it for commuting, and probably faster.

My gues is That I only gona use it for around 3 trackdays a year, could be more or maybe even less, I don't buy it for racing in the first place(wish I had the money to race though) and a normal exige would do fine too! but living in the Netherlands means we don't have that much choise in second-hand Lotussen Elise/Exige and I'm a very sporty driver so the use on the roads will be sporty-fun too(where roads aloud ofcorse) I just soften the Ohlins a bit and every day I use the car and go out the garage the road-track is open but I will be careful because of other roadusers and not to forget about my license

And by accidence I discovered the car that was on show somewhere, and I talked to the man about Elise 111R or S2 Exige and if he knows of any coming for sale soon...
He then told me(that was in September 2005) that the Exige Cup racer 240 will be sold after the championship so in December we could make a deal...but then trouble came...the dealer phoned me to tell that the Exige had crashed and if I where still interested in a buy when Lotus build it up like new? hm...OFCORCE I'm still interested when Lotus build it up like new when it will be done good... and I like the looks and had no problem faulding me to get in and out that car(though you need to be flexible and slim) and liked the idea of the Supercharger that I wanted to have anyway! and the Ohlins, and on that car all was there in the first place!
So it looks good, it goes like a litle devil out a box, its very sporty, there only a few of them, its got racing history, and most the goodies I want, and I liked the color too(its the car on the pics)

But if all goes wrong or no good deal, I go and see what else to buy, but wanted the S2 Exige as first then a 111R(both with supercharger) and I like the Honda version mk2 also very much! It all depends of what happens next and if I can sell my beemer first or if I can px it in a good deal...
GTRene

[scuffham]

GTRene said:

I don't buy it for racing in the first place(wish I had the money to race though) and a normal exige would do fine too! but living in the Netherlands means we don't have that much choise in second-hand Lotussen Elise/Exige

go have a talk to Peter at www.vansten.nl/

[GTRene]

scuffham said:

GTRene said: I don't buy it for racing in the first place(wish I had the money to race though) and a normal exige would do fine too! but living in the Netherlands means we don't have that much choise in second-hand Lotussen Elise/Exige go have a talk to Peter at www.vansten.nl/

Thanks, did not know that one! interesting site in NL its still about 200km from my home, but could be nice to go there or to get good prices.
There is also, a Lotus dealer much closer at about 40km from my house, but Dealer prices are mostly higher, so they can compete, for me
cheers
GTRene

>> Edited by GTRene on Friday 13th January 23:38

[GTRene]

Just looking on PH Classifieds, found this very nice Exige on sale...

www.pistonheads.com/sales/61505.htm


yummy...I realy like this one
GTRene

>> Edited by GTRene on Friday 13th January 23:45

[beachbum]

Time for me to talk to Mrs Beachbum me thinks. That is absolutely gorgeeous.

[shangani]

beachbum said:

Time for me to talk to Mrs Beachbum me thinks. That is absolutely gorgeeous.

Beachbum - it was great knowing you. You were an excellent fellow.

OK BoLOCs lads - who's are we bringing on the 27th to take Beachbum's place - clearly he will never be heard from again.

Well at least that's what would happen to me if I broached the subject of another car after my current crop of mods.

[beachbum]

Well I'm still alive !!!

OK, so the deal is, someone buys mine for £26K, Nov 04 111R, no mods, 10K miles, in excellent condition and I can have it.

Anyone want mine then ??

Oh yeah, and never been tracked.


>> Edited by beachbum on Saturday 14th January 09:29

[shangani]

You sure?

[GTRene]

beachbum said:

Well I'm still alive !!! OK, so the deal is, someone buys mine for £26K, Nov 04 111R, no mods, 10K miles, in excellent condition and I can have it. Anyone want mine then ?? Oh yeah, and never been tracked.

The car is a beauty indeed, and 29.500,- is a fare price! A real shame its not LHD and for sale in the Netherlands it also has some nice hardware in it like the Touring pack, stage 2 exhaust, pipercross VIS, ipod conection. and low miles...
But Beachbum, 26.000,- and 2004 is ok too, but that Exige is 2005 and "only" 3.500,- more...I know wich one I choose
And yours has never been tracked? its gona be time then
Hope that special Exige come's in the hands of one of the guys/girls we know from here, that way it stays close...
GTRene

[stuart1969]

GTRene, As you know I am about to spec my Cup 240, regarding the fire extinguisher and ignition kill controls on the outside of the car I was looking to manufacture two clear plastic covers, sealed with an O ring and fastened using 4 of the screws in the surround. That way you can have these covered during normal driving and just pop the covers off for track work. If I do i will rustle up another set for you. If i dont have them and you still fancy a set just give me a sketch with the key dims.

Stuart

[GTRene]

stuart1969 said:

GTRene, As you know I am about to spec my Cup 240, regarding the fire extinguisher and ignition kill controls on the outside of the car I was looking to manufacture two clear plastic covers, sealed with an O ring and fastened using 4 of the screws in the surround. That way you can have these covered during normal driving and just pop the covers off for track work. If I do i will rustle up another set for you. If i dont have them and you still fancy a set just give me a sketch with the key dims. Stuart

Thanks Stuart, I was also planning such a thing, since I don't like the Idea some joker put something in those holes, or damage things or even do worse...
I made a phone call to the guy who's gona get that Exige Cup I'm after, but its not ready yet he told me and he would call me ASEP when he's got the car, and I hope to get that car, but nothing is sure yet.
But I'm interested in that option you also look at to simply put some plastic covers into them, that way most people would not notice and stay away.
I hope you can find some nice covers that make's the car look good and is almost one with the car, and not that difficult to place and get it of again, I like the idea of the O-ring, that way some resistence from water and a bit more fastened too.
But the 4 screws of the surround? the surround-ring is not flat...so a bit difficult, and I hope its not that difficult to srew and unscrew(are there nuts on the inside?)
I was thinking of a cover in the shape of a husk?( stopper)and get it out again on a special way??
or something like this, all zises? and you can spray them in the color you like?

or this that was my first thought, that way you still could see the full alu ring...

Thanks
GTRene

>> Edited by GTRene on Saturday 14th January 12:26

[stuart1969]

GTRene, never fear I was not thinking of someting chep and underengineered, this is what I do in my day job.....
www.devol.com
so we should comu up with something nice.
Stuart