Have I gone too far?
Discussion
The winter is coming and I feel I did not use enough my Elise.
2007 was not a great driving year for me. I really enjoyed "Rallye de Paris" (finished 6th overall) and met pistonheads' friends at Abbeville and folembray around easter and that is it...
I did a few track days also
As I already mentionned: My car is quite track oriented for an elise, certainly too much as everyday car in a big city and probably too much for week end with my wife.
With the rain and cold coming, I wonder if keeping the yokohama are making sense, hopefully the ohlins are adjustable,...but for what... driving too fast on open road without feeling the limit of the car: no sense here
Maybe I should just change my car but I find the spoiler of the Elise SC horrible. I don't want the exige and the 2 eleven is superb but too unpractical for me (after 2 weeks of deep reflexion)
I am thinking about a Porsche Boxster or a 997, to increase the use of the car but I can't accept to loose the agility and touch of the elise.
Anyone has such an experience to share?
I AM NOT DEPRESSED, just frustrated driving too less
2007 was not a great driving year for me. I really enjoyed "Rallye de Paris" (finished 6th overall) and met pistonheads' friends at Abbeville and folembray around easter and that is it...
I did a few track days also
As I already mentionned: My car is quite track oriented for an elise, certainly too much as everyday car in a big city and probably too much for week end with my wife.
With the rain and cold coming, I wonder if keeping the yokohama are making sense, hopefully the ohlins are adjustable,...but for what... driving too fast on open road without feeling the limit of the car: no sense here
Maybe I should just change my car but I find the spoiler of the Elise SC horrible. I don't want the exige and the 2 eleven is superb but too unpractical for me (after 2 weeks of deep reflexion)
I am thinking about a Porsche Boxster or a 997, to increase the use of the car but I can't accept to loose the agility and touch of the elise.
Anyone has such an experience to share?
I AM NOT DEPRESSED, just frustrated driving too less
I've got every comfort in my Elise (it's a S2 111S) and use it as my everyday car in all weathers, all year round. Neither me or my girlfriend has ever complained about the rawness of the car. Maybe you could change to a 111R with a touring pack?
You may be interested that I chose the Elise over a Boxster, as I felt the Elise offered the more intimate experience, with more than enough comforts. I've never wanted for the comforts of a Boxster, expect maybe on long motorway journeys.
You may be interested that I chose the Elise over a Boxster, as I felt the Elise offered the more intimate experience, with more than enough comforts. I've never wanted for the comforts of a Boxster, expect maybe on long motorway journeys.
Edited by RobM77 on Monday 29th October 13:30
Benoît, I really don't know what to tell you. Highlighting differences between an Elise and a Porsche isn't going to help much, as I'm sure you're well aware what each car has to offer. I agree on the supercharged Elise - don't like the wing, and getting a more expensive car that is held back by marketing rather than technical bounderies is not one I would pay hard money for.
I know, after-market tuning isn't a real concern over in Belgium as the car quickly loses its value - but given Lotus identification problems and bringing out a new variant just about every year, I can't believe an after-market supercharged would lose more money? Surely, all Exige-S (220bhp) that have been sold throughout 2007 have just lost a lot of their value with the introduction of the newer 240bhp variants and the supercharged Elise?
As for alternatives - if the 2-eleven is too raw and the Elise not quick enough - my personal choice would be a Caterham. The CSR should available now with 260hp making it a very, very quick car. No doubt a lot quicker than a 2-eleven, but still being "more car" at the same time.
A 997 would be nice though, even if it's not quite the same thing. What about a 996 GT3? Lovely cars...
I know, after-market tuning isn't a real concern over in Belgium as the car quickly loses its value - but given Lotus identification problems and bringing out a new variant just about every year, I can't believe an after-market supercharged would lose more money? Surely, all Exige-S (220bhp) that have been sold throughout 2007 have just lost a lot of their value with the introduction of the newer 240bhp variants and the supercharged Elise?
As for alternatives - if the 2-eleven is too raw and the Elise not quick enough - my personal choice would be a Caterham. The CSR should available now with 260hp making it a very, very quick car. No doubt a lot quicker than a 2-eleven, but still being "more car" at the same time.
A 997 would be nice though, even if it's not quite the same thing. What about a 996 GT3? Lovely cars...
Thanks for the answers.
My question is more which car will make me feel good on the track AND on the road?
It is "normal" that the caterham and Lotuses are track queens, they are done for this and I just push my car a bit too far to keep the pleasure on road. Arguing even further: Waiting the next track day (only a few per month in belgium) is not enough for me to justify my car.
The only real alternative if I want track efficacy And everyday concern is the german one. I would be happy to receive other options. I don't like the M3 and the Z4.
My question is more which car will make me feel good on the track AND on the road?
It is "normal" that the caterham and Lotuses are track queens, they are done for this and I just push my car a bit too far to keep the pleasure on road. Arguing even further: Waiting the next track day (only a few per month in belgium) is not enough for me to justify my car.
The only real alternative if I want track efficacy And everyday concern is the german one. I would be happy to receive other options. I don't like the M3 and the Z4.
Hullo Ben 
Obviously it's your decision as to what you want to do ... BUT since you're inviting opinions here's a suggestion.
As you say, you've invested time and money to set up your 111R into a very competent track car. You can soften off the Ohlins I believe and get some road tyres which will allow you to use the 111R for normal use ... after all some may say there's little point in going too quickly on speed restricted public roads with other people when it's wet, dark, cold etc.
Then clear several days out of your busy diary and get yourself booked up on as many trackdays/events/races as you can ... so you've always got something to look forward to.
Not sure how much more actual enjoyment you will get by acquiring a Porker (both very nice cars
) and you also avoid selling during the winter months which will help your wallet!! I know you can pedal your car really well and there are quite a few more after market options now beginning to appear for toyota owners and so there may be a viable and attractive option soon if you're after more power??
Back to the Porkers ... both excellent cars if you go that route too ... we all like new toys every now and again!!! Had a pax round Spa in a 997 GT3 RS which was very very nice
Good luck and hopefully will see you at Abbeville next year!!
Obviously it's your decision as to what you want to do ... BUT since you're inviting opinions here's a suggestion.
As you say, you've invested time and money to set up your 111R into a very competent track car. You can soften off the Ohlins I believe and get some road tyres which will allow you to use the 111R for normal use ... after all some may say there's little point in going too quickly on speed restricted public roads with other people when it's wet, dark, cold etc.
Then clear several days out of your busy diary and get yourself booked up on as many trackdays/events/races as you can ... so you've always got something to look forward to.
Not sure how much more actual enjoyment you will get by acquiring a Porker (both very nice cars
) and you also avoid selling during the winter months which will help your wallet!! I know you can pedal your car really well and there are quite a few more after market options now beginning to appear for toyota owners and so there may be a viable and attractive option soon if you're after more power?? Back to the Porkers ... both excellent cars if you go that route too ... we all like new toys every now and again!!! Had a pax round Spa in a 997 GT3 RS which was very very nice
Good luck and hopefully will see you at Abbeville next year!!
To my mind, a standard Elise (111R or 111S) is the perfect compromise between usability and track prowess. If that's not quick enough for you stick a honda engine in it and some better (adjustable) suspension but don't lose any of the creature comforts. A second set of wheels with different types of tyres is presumably a must too?
ETA: or get a BEC for the track and something to tow it for use every day
ETA: or get a BEC for the track and something to tow it for use every day
Edited by kambites on Monday 29th October 14:18
bjc388 said:
You can soften off the Ohlins I believe and get some road tyres which will allow you to use the 111R for normal use ... after all some may say there's little point in going too quickly on speed restricted public roads with other people when it's wet, dark, cold etc.
That man BJ, you know, he speaks a lot of sense!Benoit, do exactly that my friend. Wind back those superb dampers you have to a softer setting, put the original wheels back on with some road tyres, and get out there and enjoy some nice road driving. Wait for those gorgeous sunny, crisp, cold mornings when Mrs Ben asks you to pop to the shop for some bread, or some milk for the kids... and then go the long way, down your favourite country roads. That's where the Elise gives the most pleasure, and you don't need more power for that.
Already there are LoT days for you to book up. Come over to England for the day to Brands Hatch on 11 January. It's the same distance for you as it is for us to come to Abbeville in a day.
Then there is Abbeville in February, already time for some fun at our favourite go-kart track
You don't need more power, or a Porsche. Enjoy the one you love already
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