Exige S2: NA or S? Sports Pack a Requirement

[theturbs]

Looking for an Exige S2 with Sports Pack. With the price difference narrowing between an NA car and the S, the supercharged model is becoming increasingly tempting. The car will be used for trackdays.

I am interested in finding out about any problems with the factory supercharger installation in terms of reliability, ability to cope with track work, cooling, etc.

I like the idea of an S, but if there is even the slightest concern regarding how robust the supercharged powerplant is in comparison with the normally-aspirated unit, I will opt for the latter.

Any advice much appreciated. Thanks

[21TonyK]

From what I have read so far there are no issues with the S, the stock 220 is quite conservative. I think it comes down to personal preference. For serious track use you might want to consider brakes as well and maybe suspension etc. You could end up talking yourself into a cup.

[SimonK]

Yup for track use it may be worth:

1) Buying an NA and upgrading brakes and suspension with the money saved over the S

or

2) Buying a 240r/cup with the extra top end power over the S and brakes and suspension already done

HTH

[Furyous]

AP brakes a £1500 must have for track work.

S appears to be totally reliable to date, with only faults on the poxy led rear lamps rearing their head.

Blown car has more bottom end in my mind.Also more likely to be quicker, easier, if that makes any sense.

Get the S, AP's and a walshy day.

Job done.

[21TonyK]

SimonK said:

Yup for track use it may be worth:

1) Buying an NA and upgrading brakes and suspension with the money saved over the S

or

2) Buying a 240r/cup with the extra top end power over the S and brakes and suspension already done

HTH

If NA maybe the ECU cam tweak as well. Takes 100% concentration to keep it on 2nd cam when you really want to push it, ie. on track. But then that's half the challenge (for me).

[paul2897]

Furyous said:

AP brakes a £1500 must have for track work.

On the subject of the AP upgrade is this really recomended for track. It was something I have looked at, but everytime I have mentioned to dealers they seem to think they are a waste of time.

[21TonyK]

paul2897 said:

Furyous said:

AP brakes a £1500 must have for track work.

On the subject of the AP upgrade is this really recommended for track. It was something I have looked at, but everytime I have mentioned to dealers they seem to think they are a waste of time.

I can only go on what I have read and that is that APs are only really needed when you get into big power, ie. honda or audi Up to that point the stock callipers and discs are fine with the right pads.

I think there are quite a few in the LOT series who are still running standard brakes.

[theturbs]

Thanks guys - much appreciated. I would upgrade the brakes regardless of whether I opted for the NA or the S.

The key factor governing the choice I make is the robustness of the S/C installation - I have read murmurings elsewhere about cooling issues, etc. Can anyone shed any light on this?

Thanks again

[paul2897]

21TonyK said:

paul2897 said:

Furyous said:

AP brakes a £1500 must have for track work.

On the subject of the AP upgrade is this really recommended for track. It was something I have looked at, but everytime I have mentioned to dealers they seem to think they are a waste of time.

I can only go on what I have read and that is that APs are only really needed when you get into big power, ie. honda or audi Up to that point the stock callipers and discs are fine with the right pads.

I think there are quite a few in the LOT series who are still running standard brakes.

OK, that makes sense. Best to run on track with a standard setup, then if I feel they are lacking get the upgrade.

[tricky 100]

I heard the S/C had a few problems with the S/C pulley coming off , dont know how many cases.

[coxy79]

Most of the SC Hondas I've seen run the standard calipers with uprated discs.

Randys car just finished the britcar24 with standard front calipers without any issues.

[mrdemon]

just buy mine

Its had 9k of track parts fiited and is the best colour ( black)
with sports pack and air con :-)

[coxy79]

Can't believe yours hasn't gone yet.

I'm tempeted but haven't got anywhere to put it till my garage has been built

[jamwill79]

coxy79 said:

Can't believe yours hasn't gone yet.

I'm tempeted but haven't got anywhere to put it till my garage has been built

Sam, I'll store it for you in my warehouse. No excuses now!!

[theturbs]

Mrdemon, congrats your car looks very nice, however I am looking for a slightly newer example, and as yet haven't ruled out an 'S' (hence starting this thread).

Best of luck with the sale and with the forthcoming cup car.

[chrissimp]

My Exige S has been totally reliable on track. Haven't heard of anyone having supercharger problems except for very early models when the s/c bearings went. Standard brakes are fine with Pagid pads. Mine is for sale as we want to move up to a Radical and do some serious competition - see Classifieds - it has Sports and Supersports packs. If you are going to do track days you need at least a Sport pack to get the twin oil coolers and if you have the Supersport pack you will have adjustable dampers, front anti roll bar settings and ride height. It will be huge fun, so good luck with it. BTW the S is considerably faster round a track, maybe because of the power delivery which is absolutely linear making it easier to drive fast, whereas the N/A version doesn't have much under 6,000 rpm (but they are quite a bit cheaper).

Hope this helps.

Chris