Topless Exige S

[emenel]

Any of you Exige S owners had the roof off yet?

I'm desperate to do it but need reassurance that it won't cause any serious issues.

[james33]

Try doing it on an early SI for the 1st time the hoods like a pair of jeans stretched over.After going through the 12 page instructions leaflet on how to remove I managed it.

[Joe - Exige S]

Mine will be coming off as soon as my new flat(It has an individual lock up garage) purchase goes through. (As I don't have a soft top or a garage at the moment I thought It wise to wait)

I've spoken to a dealer who said there shouldn't be any issues.
The size of the scoop is so small inefficient compared to the intercooler that removing the roof will cause an insignificant drop in performance.

Wouldn't worry about warranty as it's no different to an Elise with a hardtop + the handbook actually says you are allowed to take the roof off.

Only potential issue could be insurance:
The Exige S is listed and a coupe and so if you had an accident with the roof off it could be a loop-hole for the insurance company not to pay as at the time you would have been driving a convertible.

[emenel]

Cheers Joe.

I might just give it a go now. I'll let you know how I get on.

Whilst you're here Joe, have you had your new zorst fitted and if so, how is it?

[Joe - Exige S]

emenel said:

Cheers Joe.

I might just give it a go now. I'll let you know how I get on.

Whilst you're here Joe, have you had your new zorst fitted and if so, how is it?

No, it's being fitted on Friday

I've gone for one of Jims Ultra's and have been advised that it will sound mental
See:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=266360

I'm like a kid at Christmas.

I'll let you know what it's like after this coming weekend's extensive "evaluation"

Cheers,
Joe

[emenel]

Well I've gone and done it...


It took about 3 mins to get off and about 15 to put back on. I think I could halve that time now I know what I'm doing.

Driving it felt fantastic. The roof must account for a lot of the noises that reverberate around the cabin because without it all the squeaks and rattles had gone. It somehow felt a lot more solid.

I didn't notice any performance change either, although I was only out for a short run with not many chances to open her up.

All in all a worth while experiment and one I would recommend to all you S owners.

[TIPPER]

I want a white one.....my next Lotus. ( Wonder what the kids'll fetch on e-bay?)

[turnamere]

emenel said:

Well I've gone and done it...
Driving it felt fantastic. The roof must account for a lot of the noises that reverberate around the cabin because without it all the squeaks and rattles had gone. It somehow felt a lot more solid.

I certainly find soft top off in my Liz much more pleasant; gearbox whine and tappit noise replaced by zorst and hurricane. Only used the hardtop once - it kept even more of the nasty noises in.

[emenel]

turnamere said:

emenel said:

Well I've gone and done it...
Driving it felt fantastic. The roof must account for a lot of the noises that reverberate around the cabin because without it all the squeaks and rattles had gone. It somehow felt a lot more solid.

I certainly find soft top off in my Liz much more pleasant; gearbox whine and tappit noise replaced by zorst and hurricane. Only used the hardtop once - it kept even more of the nasty noises in.

I know what you mean. I had a 111S S1 a couple of years back and the noise difference with the top off was incredible. I don't really want to hear every tap, tick, knock and whine echo around the cabin.

I just need the zorst upgrade now to complete the open top experience.