Early 2004 111R

[deep purple]

Were there any issues with the first 111Rs produced. I've seen a car that was registered in Dec 2003???

[bogie]

not that have been publicised and no more than any other Elise

[Fidgits]

bogie said:

not that have been publicised and no more than any other Elise

yeah, as bogie said, a few known issues, but regardless of what the K-series boys say, the Toyota engine is damn reliable*

*goes to find some wood to touch

[NathanE]

Not really any major mechanical things.

The 2004 111Rs are quite raw in comparison to the latest Elise R's. You'll have a lot more creaks, squeeks and rattles than a newer car. But in general well put together...

Only thing that has fallen off my 2004 111R is the front left indicator... twice.. but that's just an S2 problem.

[S Works]

Earlier cars allegedly are more prone to the effects of oil cavitation and the engine going ka-blammo, the bills for which are very expensive and I think not covered by (some/all?) warranty claims.

[NathanE]

But only if the planets are aligned and you just happen to hooning down a long sweeping bend pulling a G or 2

[Gooby]

NathanE said:

But only if the planets are aligned and you just happen to hooning down a long sweeping bend pulling a G or 2

Oh the laughter, I can feel my ribs hurt.

There are no issues, just a few "quirks". The main one is the brakes, not much feel and a lot of slack before they bite. This can be sorted (improved). Later models got a new pedal box and even later got FBW. Quirky suspension geo is easily sorted. Build quality on early lotus zorsts is rubbish but that is a damn good reason to get a noisy one and always make sure the engine is full of oil.

[Scuffers]

Only real engine different is the early cars are not drive-by-wire throttles.

Persoanly I preffere the non DBW, I find them more responcive and easier to 'play' with the throttle...

[Boggy]

Scuffers said:

Only real engine different is the early cars are not drive-by-wire throttles.

Persoanly I preffere the non DBW, I find them more responcive and easier to 'play' with the throttle...

Yup, agree

Also worth checking to see the results of the ECU print-out to make sure then engine hasn't been buzzed (over-revved) to much, this could result in some sort of engine failure at a point, I’d get a warranty as well but that’s just me

Boggy

[Fidgits]

when did the DBW come in?

[Boggy]

Fidgits said:

when did the DBW come in?

06/56

Boggy

[Fidgits]

Boggy said:

Fidgits said:

when did the DBW come in?

06/56

Boggy

I have a July 06 - you reckon I have it?

[Stu_00]

Almost Certainly. If you have the probax seats, LED rear lights, and Yoke's then I would be very surprised if you did not have DBW.

Mine has and it is a March 06 Example

Fidgits said:

Boggy said:

Fidgits said:

when did the DBW come in?

06/56

Boggy

I have a July 06 - you reckon I have it?

[Fidgits]

okay... is it me then that cant really tell the difference?

I mean, im sure if i drove both back-to-back and looked really closely i might be able to tell, but as it is, it seems fine to me?

[Stu_00]

I have only driven DBW - But have no problems!

Cannot imagine that there is a vast difference

Fidgits said:

okay... is it me then that cant really tell the difference?

I mean, im sure if i drove both back-to-back and looked really closely i might be able to tell, but as it is, it seems fine to me?

[deep purple]

Thanks guys for all your advice

[Scuffers]

Stu_00 said:

I have only driven DBW - But have no problems!

Cannot imagine that there is a vast difference

Fidgits said:

okay... is it me then that cant really tell the difference?

I mean, im sure if i drove both back-to-back and looked really closely i might be able to tell, but as it is, it seems fine to me?

throttle progression is different, assides the fell is somewhat different (sping on the pedal vs. a cable with a spring on the other end...

[crackthatoff]

Scuffers said:

Stu_00 said:

I have only driven DBW - But have no problems!

Cannot imagine that there is a vast difference

Fidgits said:

okay... is it me then that cant really tell the difference?

I mean, im sure if i drove both back-to-back and looked really closely i might be able to tell, but as it is, it seems fine to me?

throttle progression is different, assides the fell is somewhat different (sping on the pedal vs. a cable with a spring on the other end...

how can the throttle progression feel different? one floor feels the same as another

[anonymous-user]

Scuffers said:

Only real engine different is the early cars are not drive-by-wire throttles.

Persoanly I preffere the non DBW, I find them more responcive and easier to 'play' with the throttle...

Amen to that!

[Stu_00]

Agreed - jackie Stewart technique, either on the power or off with a cap on !