Elise to Exige

[Skyman]

Also on Seloc -

To date, my plan has been to change from my current 111R to an Exige (probably S) in March next year. However, the knowledge that several Exige owners have successfully gone 'topless', has got me thinking whether I should make the change sooner rather than later. One influencing factor would be if there are currently deals out there on to date unsold S's (or even basic non s/c Exiges). I see that 'drivethedeal' are discounting by 7 to 8%. Any views appreciated in advance of a possible trip to the dealers tomorrow? Particularly interested if people know if the deals are available.

[R2Dn00b]

I thought on the S the air-vent on the roof was fully functional and there to feed air to the supercharger unlike the fake roof vent on a standard exige. Therefore removing the roof would be a bad idea?

[therossatron]

Someone on here posted pictures of their topless Exige and it was running without problems or loss in power apparently.

[Janitor]

My Dealer said that there was some foam in the roof intake to stop bugs and bits being hoovered up by the SC, but as long as there was something similar in the remaining intake then no problem

I recall there may also be an issue with insurance classification and possible invalidation if the unfortunate happened as an Elise is classed as a convertible, but Exige of course isn't

[Andyt25]

The standard Exige roof will come off and your Lotus dealer can convert it for you, the Lotus warrenty for that part of the car is then void. A mate had to sign to say he understood this when he got the dealer to do this.
The 'S' is a different matter. My dealer said it was not possible because of the air vent. The standard cars air vent is convered in and not used but the 'S' vent is functional so takinf the roof off will effect the air supply to the super charger.

[boggy]

Morning all

Guys there are at least 3 People on this site who own a Exige S and take the roof off, it is possible and doesn't affect the performance, Joe Exige is the man to speak to

Calling Joe

Boggy

[boggy]

Skyman said:

Also on Seloc -

To date, my plan has been to change from my current 111R to an Exige (probably S) in March next year. However, the knowledge that several Exige owners have successfully gone 'topless', has got me thinking whether I should make the change sooner rather than later. One influencing factor would be if there are currently deals out there on to date unsold S's (or even basic non s/c Exiges). I see that 'drivethedeal' are discounting by 7 to 8%. Any views appreciated in advance of a possible trip to the dealers tomorrow? Particularly interested if people know if the deals are available.

This is exactly the same predicament that me & Mrs Boggy are in, we have an Elise R 55 but badly want an Exige S. I've driven all the Exige S/Standard S2 and S1 the Exige S would be the one that we would go for, to be honest there's no real difference in performance term's between the standard Exige S2 and the R. Obviously it will handle better but certainly not be any quicker, I'd wait until the Europa comes out and throw that into the mix even if your not looking for a GT car, You also must try the Honda Conversion but I'd try this after you've driven the Exige S, believe me it monster's the S and it your going to spend 37k - 40k you'd be able to buy a 55 - 06 Exige do the Honda conversion SC and a few other bit's for the same price. You then have a Car that will keep up with a Rari

Boggy

[emenel]

I was told by my dealer that Exige S' were being ordered with the soft top conversion. There was no mention of warrenty or performance issues. Surely a main Lotus dealer would not sell a customer a soft top with his brand new car and then bin his warrenty as soon as he uses it! Would they?

Anyway, I can confirm that performance is NOT (noticeably) affected by going topless in an S.

[Skyman]

boggy said:

Skyman said:

Also on Seloc -

To date, my plan has been to change from my current 111R to an Exige (probably S) in March next year. However, the knowledge that several Exige owners have successfully gone 'topless', has got me thinking whether I should make the change sooner rather than later. One influencing factor would be if there are currently deals out there on to date unsold S's (or even basic non s/c Exiges). I see that 'drivethedeal' are discounting by 7 to 8%. Any views appreciated in advance of a possible trip to the dealers tomorrow? Particularly interested if people know if the deals are available.

This is exactly the same predicament that me & Mrs Boggy are in, we have an Elise R 55 but badly want an Exige S. I've driven all the Exige S/Standard S2 and S1 the Exige S would be the one that we would go for, to be honest there's no real difference in performance term's between the standard Exige S2 and the R. Obviously it will handle better but certainly not be any quicker, I'd wait until the Europa comes out and throw that into the mix even if your not looking for a GT car, You also must try the Honda Conversion but I'd try this after you've driven the Exige S, believe me it monster's the S and it your going to spend 37k - 40k you'd be able to buy a 55 - 06 Exige do the Honda conversion SC and a few other bit's for the same price. You then have a Car that will keep up with a Rari

Boggy

Thanks for the input Boggy. My problem is I have an itch to change, and there is a gorgeous Chrome Orange S with Touring/Sport at my local dealer which just keeps winking at me.

Edited by Skyman on Friday 23 June 10:06

[boggy]

Skyman said:

boggy said:

Skyman said:

Also on Seloc -

To date, my plan has been to change from my current 111R to an Exige (probably S) in March next year. However, the knowledge that several Exige owners have successfully gone 'topless', has got me thinking whether I should make the change sooner rather than later. One influencing factor would be if there are currently deals out there on to date unsold S's (or even basic non s/c Exiges). I see that 'drivethedeal' are discounting by 7 to 8%. Any views appreciated in advance of a possible trip to the dealers tomorrow? Particularly interested if people know if the deals are available.

This is exactly the same predicament that me & Mrs Boggy are in, we have an Elise R 55 but badly want an Exige S. I've driven all the Exige S/Standard S2 and S1 the Exige S would be the one that we would go for, to be honest there's no real difference in performance term's between the standard Exige S2 and the R. Obviously it will handle better but certainly not be any quicker, I'd wait until the Europa comes out and throw that into the mix even if your not looking for a GT car, You also must try the Honda Conversion but I'd try this after you've driven the Exige S, believe me it monster's the S and it your going to spend 37k - 40k you'd be able to buy a 55 - 06 Exige do the Honda conversion SC and a few other bit's for the same price. You then have a Car that will keep up with a Rari

Boggy

Thanks for the input Boggy. My problem is I have an itch to change, and there is a gorgeous Chrome Orange S with Touring/Sport at my local dealer which just keeps winking at me.

Edited by Skyman on Friday 23 June 10:06

Well if you have the money and you really like it then go for it, make sure you get at least 23.5k trade in thou I'm looking at 13.5 - 14k to change Mrs Boggy wants her Pimped up Aygo first

boggy

[Joe - Exige S]

boggy said:

Morning all

Guys there are at least 3 People on this site who own a Exige S and take the roof off, it is possible and doesn't affect the performance, Joe Exige is the man to speak to

Calling Joe

Boggy

Morning!

See post:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t=278443

In summary:
Buy an Exige S and get hold of a soft top (all the fixing are already there apart from the two back slots for the roof spars which cost nothing and just need to be drilled in)

Currently the roof takes 5 mins to take off and about 5-10 to put back. As a result it has been coming off every weekend there has been sun now.

I'm going to buy a softtop from WillB on Seloc and then I'll pretty much treat my car as a Elise over the summer.

Regarding concerns:
1. I've had no problems with leaks
2. Warranty - The manual actually states that you can take the roof off but that "you may experience a very slight drop in performance and rear end grip."
3. The scoop just provides air to the intercooler not the engine.
4. A scoop feeding an intercooler should be 1/3 of the size of the intercooler min. On the Exige S it is about a 1-20/25 ratio thus the scoop is so ridiculously inefficient anyway that shortening it by a foot makes no difference. Note this scoop isn't any bigger in the S, it's just got a lip stuck over the top to make it look like it is!
5. Following on from above the back of the scoop still protrudes above the top of the car with the roof off and so is still able to do it's job. see pics.
6. Most dealers are fine with you taking the roof off , mine certainly is.
7. Insurance. There could be a loop hole here but if it bothers you mention it to your Insurance company.


8. MOST IMPORTANTLY! FIT A 2BULAR ULTRA SPORTS EXHAUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Have fun!


Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:26

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 16:03

[Skyman]

Morning and thanks Joe. BTW - I am already in contact with Jim V. Had a chat with him yesterday in fact. Great guy and really knows his pipes! How are you getting on with the Ultra. Any noise level/drone issues, particularly when motorway cruising?

Edited by Skyman on Friday 23 June 10:38

[Joe - Exige S]

Skyman said:

Morning and thanks Joe. BTW - I am already in contact with Jim V. Had a chat with him yesterday in fact. Great guy and really knows his pipes! How are you getting on with the Ultra. Any noise level/drone issues, particularly when motorway cruising?

Edited by Skyman on Friday 23 June 10:38

Hi there,

I couldn't be happier with the Ultra

You only really get noise when you want it! Oh and when you do it has lots to give! The pitch and note are fantastic it's not a boy racer style drone but a very hard race car style scream Almost a bit superbike ish if you know what I mean). See flyby clip on Gooby's profile.

Re: Motorways or when you are not in the mood. Just stick in 5 or 6th and you hardly know it's there.

I don't know much about exhausts but this is one very very clever bit of kit.

Jim's great to talk to, he has real enthusiasm and pride (Fantastic craftsmanship. I wanted one for the car and one for the coffee table when I saw it) in what he does and makes sure that you get an exhaust specifically matched to your requirements and tastes.

You will not regret it!

Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:53

[Rob_W]

Joe - Exige S said:

[quote=boggy]Morning all


7. Insurance. There could be a loop hole here but if it bothers you mention it to your Insurance company.




Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:26

Be careful here, the reason Exige S insurance is relatively cheap is that it's classified as a hardtop/coupe. Change that and you may be uninsured.

[boggy]

Rob_W said:

Joe - Exige S said:

[quote=boggy]Morning all


7. Insurance. There could be a loop hole here but if it bothers you mention it to your Insurance company.




Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:26

Be careful here, the reason Exige S insurance is relatively cheap is that it's classified as a hardtop/coupe. Change that and you may be uninsured.

Yep that's technically correct so if I buy one I'd just take the top off when it's hot and put it back again when it's not, soft-top conversion could end up costing allot more then £1500

Boggy

[Skyman]

Boggy,

I might go a little further with this plan tomorrow, and visit the dealer concerned. Talk on Seloc is that £3,000 to £4,000 discounts are achievable. Do you think this is realistic from your discussions?

Cheers

[jez o]

Holy crap!- I've just listened to the Exige-S flyby in Gooby's profile and that sounds absolutely superb. Not surprised you were laughing- you must have heard it coming from the next county! Good job the limiter intervened by the sound of it!!

[Skyman]

Rob_W said:

Joe - Exige S said:

[quote=boggy]Morning all


7. Insurance. There could be a loop hole here but if it bothers you mention it to your Insurance company.




Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:26

Be careful here, the reason Exige S insurance is relatively cheap is that it's classified as a hardtop/coupe. Change that and you may be uninsured.

Spoke with my insurers today (NU Direct), and they confirmed they would continue to provide full cover subject to an additional premium. Drove an S this morning and loved it. Now have to decide on the colour - Chrome Orange or Solar Yellow. Also, to Sport Pack or not to Sport Pack. Love the seats and the TC. Decisions, decisions.

Edited by Skyman on Saturday 24th June 14:56

[boggy]

Skyman said:

Rob_W said:

Joe - Exige S said:

[quote=boggy]Morning all


7. Insurance. There could be a loop hole here but if it bothers you mention it to your Insurance company.




Joe

Edited by Joe - Exige S on Friday 23 June 10:26

Be careful here, the reason Exige S insurance is relatively cheap is that it's classified as a hardtop/coupe. Change that and you may be uninsured.

Spoke with my insurers today (NU Direct), and they confirmed they would continue to provide full cover subject to an additional premium. Drove an S this morning and loved it. Now have to decide on the colour - Chrome Orange or Solar Yellow. Also, to Sport Pack or not to Sport Pack. Love the seats and the TC. Decisions, decisions.

Edited by Skyman on Saturday 24th June 14:56

Nice one, I'd go for Krypton Green, Sport's Pack, Air Cond, then change the interior to my spec that's the only thing that drive's me mad the interior is so boring standard

Boggy

[Skyman]

What's the view of this colour?

www.democarsales.com/details.html?VID=1-46l1145640731