Exige forums/info
Discussion
Hi All
I currently drive a TVR Cerbera which I bought in March 08 back when I was a youngster at 21. Now 22 I will be looking into a house later on in the year, and was thinking something a little cheaper to run and perhaps a tad more reliable would be a better option. Yet I do not want an Elise, I want something a bit more 'special' so looking at the Exige.
Are there any good forums around? Owners clubs? Exiges.com is the only one I have seen, searching there now. Just wondering about other sources of information..
Has anyone made the same switch? Would I be disappointed going from a huge V8..? I do quite like the idea of something that handles really well, the TVR does feel a little on edge sometimes
Rob
I currently drive a TVR Cerbera which I bought in March 08 back when I was a youngster at 21. Now 22 I will be looking into a house later on in the year, and was thinking something a little cheaper to run and perhaps a tad more reliable would be a better option. Yet I do not want an Elise, I want something a bit more 'special' so looking at the Exige.
Are there any good forums around? Owners clubs? Exiges.com is the only one I have seen, searching there now. Just wondering about other sources of information..
Has anyone made the same switch? Would I be disappointed going from a huge V8..? I do quite like the idea of something that handles really well, the TVR does feel a little on edge sometimes
Rob
Edited by Spawn on Sunday 28th December 14:42
Completely different type of driving experience IMO... the supercharged Exige isn't slow but it's not OMGWTF fast either. But you don't really have to slow down for corners, unlike the vast majority of TVRs 
It's a change from point-and-squirt with vast, silly, overpowered V8 to the agility of a swallow, the ability to be faster on a twisty road than just about anything without having to push past safety margins, and the ability to overdrive the car (on track, of course) and actually get feedback well before it's going to bite.
I've not had a Cerbera but have had a Griff 500 for a while, which was fun enough, but most of the character was in the engine IMO. With the Lotuses you won't get engine character (that's something they refuse to do, oddly) but the rest of the car makes up for it in spades. And with the Exige, well it's got as much road presence as most TVRs, especially in a lairy colour.
You have to try one out really. If you want the OMGWTF performance of the Tiv then you'll probably need to get a Noble (which is what I did) but after a while, the sledgehammer performance gets boring - the real challenge is in the corners. And there ain't much out there better than a Lotus for that...
It's a change from point-and-squirt with vast, silly, overpowered V8 to the agility of a swallow, the ability to be faster on a twisty road than just about anything without having to push past safety margins, and the ability to overdrive the car (on track, of course) and actually get feedback well before it's going to bite.I've not had a Cerbera but have had a Griff 500 for a while, which was fun enough, but most of the character was in the engine IMO. With the Lotuses you won't get engine character (that's something they refuse to do, oddly) but the rest of the car makes up for it in spades. And with the Exige, well it's got as much road presence as most TVRs, especially in a lairy colour.
You have to try one out really. If you want the OMGWTF performance of the Tiv then you'll probably need to get a Noble (which is what I did) but after a while, the sledgehammer performance gets boring - the real challenge is in the corners. And there ain't much out there better than a Lotus for that...
I went from a V8 Chimaera to an S2 111S last year, it sounds like it will give you exactly what you are looking for, i.e. something that doesn't try to bankrupt you at every turn and will doesn't give the impression it'll stop working and sulk if you don't talk to it nicely enough. They look great and give you that special feeling that you get from a TVR and are also an exciting drive, although in a very different way to a TVR. There are plenty of things you'll miss though, for me the biggest thing is the sound, even with a sports exhaust there is no comparison, and the other thing is the feeling of 'power' which dominates the handling. Clearly an Exige will feel very different to my Elise, but the handing it led by the chassis and balance, its very fast but a much more 'sanitised' driving experience. I'd love to go back to a TVR one day but for the time being I have no regrets about switching to Lotus.
join SELOC for tons of info
we've had both TVR and 330bhp Elise for over 6 years until this year ...very different animals
Id look at a used Exige S as a minimum (thats the supercharged one) - due to the weight differences, you dont actually need *that* much power in an Elise/Exige to make it as quick as a TVR ...my old Elise would make the Sagaris feel a little bit unresponsive in gear and in need of a blower
say an Exige S wound up to 250bhp or get a cheap early one, and spend £5K on aftermarket Sc kit to 260bhp ish - that will be more than adequate for a road car and not lacking in straight line performance
we've had both TVR and 330bhp Elise for over 6 years until this year ...very different animals
Id look at a used Exige S as a minimum (thats the supercharged one) - due to the weight differences, you dont actually need *that* much power in an Elise/Exige to make it as quick as a TVR ...my old Elise would make the Sagaris feel a little bit unresponsive in gear and in need of a blower
say an Exige S wound up to 250bhp or get a cheap early one, and spend £5K on aftermarket Sc kit to 260bhp ish - that will be more than adequate for a road car and not lacking in straight line performance
My tiv has actually been incredibly reliable. Just expensive to run and thats without little niggles.
I'd love an exige, I have owned n/a, turbo, now V8 so Supercharger might be a good way to go. But I can be pretty sure I would want a little more 'ooomph', how easy are the Exige S' to upgrade and get a few extra horses? Obviously I am looking a little further ahead, I need to try one first.
I'd like a PP model but these are simply to new/expensive right now. Something a tad cheaper that I could mod to a similar level would be perfect.
I'd love an exige, I have owned n/a, turbo, now V8 so Supercharger might be a good way to go. But I can be pretty sure I would want a little more 'ooomph', how easy are the Exige S' to upgrade and get a few extra horses? Obviously I am looking a little further ahead, I need to try one first.
I'd like a PP model but these are simply to new/expensive right now. Something a tad cheaper that I could mod to a similar level would be perfect.
I had exactly the same dilemma recently, turned out cheaper to buy a factory supercharged standard car with the Lotus warranty, reasonable finance etc. rather than throw a load of cash at a nasp car and then paying more cash for the charger conversion and other bits. But that's just my current attitude that cash is king at the moment and I'd rather finance my toys rather than pay cash for them (with low rates and liquidity problems)... you may be in a different situation.
The base Exige S (like mine) with 218 bhp or so apparently is limited by the ECU compared to the PP models. All the standard Lotus supercharged Exiges are the same apart from the map (mine only opens the throttle 70% or something silly) so a remap can give the 240 or so quoted by Lotus in their PP spec. For more you need bigger injectors and ideally better charge cooling - that's a reasonably common mod as well, and will take you up to 280 or so before you really need engine internals changing.
Given the modification junkie that I am, once I've got a more tolerant insurance policy next year I'll be turning up the wick on mine
The base Exige S (like mine) with 218 bhp or so apparently is limited by the ECU compared to the PP models. All the standard Lotus supercharged Exiges are the same apart from the map (mine only opens the throttle 70% or something silly) so a remap can give the 240 or so quoted by Lotus in their PP spec. For more you need bigger injectors and ideally better charge cooling - that's a reasonably common mod as well, and will take you up to 280 or so before you really need engine internals changing.
Given the modification junkie that I am, once I've got a more tolerant insurance policy next year I'll be turning up the wick on mine
Like has already been said really. For me you have two financially sound options:
1.) Get a 2nd hand NA Exige for £16-17k. Call Sinclaires in Romford and get them to fit the Katana SC for £4,799. For 21/22k you get an Exige with 255bhp.
2.) Get a 2nd hand Exige S for anywhere between £23k and £27k (they aren't selling at the moment). Call Sinclaires and get them to upgrade your injectors and ECU with a Gotham remap. For £24k to £28k you get a newer Exige S with 245bhp and better mid-range torque.
After that you can slap a charge cooler on and get to 290/300bhp with a smaller pulley.
1.) Get a 2nd hand NA Exige for £16-17k. Call Sinclaires in Romford and get them to fit the Katana SC for £4,799. For 21/22k you get an Exige with 255bhp.
2.) Get a 2nd hand Exige S for anywhere between £23k and £27k (they aren't selling at the moment). Call Sinclaires and get them to upgrade your injectors and ECU with a Gotham remap. For £24k to £28k you get a newer Exige S with 245bhp and better mid-range torque.
After that you can slap a charge cooler on and get to 290/300bhp with a smaller pulley.
Going on from what you have been saying and to give you a better idea..
I currently live with the parents, 22 years old, the plan has always been to move when I turn 23. With the economy at the moment, it looks like i'll probably rent before buy. So I guess I'm blessed to be buying TVRs at 21
but going forward the Exige S is looking promising.
From what I can gather you're paying a fair amount more for PP when all you are really getting is better brakes and a few more horses which you can release anyway........ and I'm sure brakes can be uprated easily.
Now, I dont know if I'm being really dumb here, but how come this is stated as Performance Pack yet it's not an 'S' - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/787322.htm
Ideally... this would be perfect, love it - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/787322.htm
It will be later on this year before I sell the TVR, but want to look into this early as I want to know the mods etc that can be done before I buy. I will be pretty much buying the car out right, maybe a small loan if needed. The good thing about living with the parents - money coming in and VERY little going out!
I currently live with the parents, 22 years old, the plan has always been to move when I turn 23. With the economy at the moment, it looks like i'll probably rent before buy. So I guess I'm blessed to be buying TVRs at 21
but going forward the Exige S is looking promising.From what I can gather you're paying a fair amount more for PP when all you are really getting is better brakes and a few more horses which you can release anyway........ and I'm sure brakes can be uprated easily.
Now, I dont know if I'm being really dumb here, but how come this is stated as Performance Pack yet it's not an 'S' - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/787322.htm
Ideally... this would be perfect, love it - http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/787322.htm
It will be later on this year before I sell the TVR, but want to look into this early as I want to know the mods etc that can be done before I buy. I will be pretty much buying the car out right, maybe a small loan if needed. The good thing about living with the parents - money coming in and VERY little going out!
Sport/performance packs include sportier seats with harness holes, a harness bar and harnesses. Twin oil coolers.
Touring pack includes alcantara door cards, sometimes leccy windows, sound deadening.
Easy way to tell if one has a supercharger is the front spoiler, rear wing and side pods will be body colored unless someones changed them.
Touring pack includes alcantara door cards, sometimes leccy windows, sound deadening.
Easy way to tell if one has a supercharger is the front spoiler, rear wing and side pods will be body colored unless someones changed them.
Perf Pack also includes a Stage 2 Exhaust.
The slight extended roof scoop and the 'S' logos are the easiest way to spot an Exige S. Many Exige S owners are now keeping the splitter, pods and wing black to get a two tone effect. Saw a new Isotope Green Exige S PP with black bits and it looked pretty sweet.
The slight extended roof scoop and the 'S' logos are the easiest way to spot an Exige S. Many Exige S owners are now keeping the splitter, pods and wing black to get a two tone effect. Saw a new Isotope Green Exige S PP with black bits and it looked pretty sweet.
NeilC said:
Sport/performance packs include sportier seats with harness holes, a harness bar and harnesses. Twin oil coolers.
Touring pack includes alcantara door cards, sometimes leccy windows, sound deadening.
Easy way to tell if one has a supercharger is the front spoiler, rear wing and side pods will be body colored unless someones changed them.
Touring pack includes alcantara door cards, sometimes leccy windows, sound deadening.
Easy way to tell if one has a supercharger is the front spoiler, rear wing and side pods will be body colored unless someones changed them.
Hi, I have had a TVR in the past and some other fast cars in between and found that the closest match was the exige CUP car. I bought a 240 CUP (243 bhp) as the S with the 218 bhp still felt slow when accellerating. I would try and test drive a CUP car as you will probably be disapointed with the others.
I,m surprised no ones suggested an S1 with Honda S/C conversion,
Example....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/780345.htm
I have no idea what this car is like in terms of the sellers description but with the sort of spec it has if I had the dosh right now I'd be looking at this with a Lotus mechanic in tow.
These Honda'd cars when put together correctly are astonishing.
I test drove one at maidstone sportscars and it was Definately as quick or quicker than My Noble M400 and in was so well balanced in the handling department.
I will own a S/C Honda elige as soon as I can do the man-maths and buy one.
F.C.
Example....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/780345.htm
I have no idea what this car is like in terms of the sellers description but with the sort of spec it has if I had the dosh right now I'd be looking at this with a Lotus mechanic in tow.
These Honda'd cars when put together correctly are astonishing.
I test drove one at maidstone sportscars and it was Definately as quick or quicker than My Noble M400 and in was so well balanced in the handling department.
I will own a S/C Honda elige as soon as I can do the man-maths and buy one.
F.C.
I mentioned my old S2 SC Honda
yes, in a straight line it would give an M400 a run for its money, cornering wise depends on tyres n suspension
that black Exige looks like a bargain for the spec
the latest top spec Honda engined Elise/Exiges are 350bhp....400bhp is availble if you pay for a 2.3 stroker conversion ....400bhp in an 800Kg car just about will see off anything else with a number plate on track ...all for well under £35K depending on donor vehicle
yes, in a straight line it would give an M400 a run for its money, cornering wise depends on tyres n suspension
that black Exige looks like a bargain for the spec
the latest top spec Honda engined Elise/Exiges are 350bhp....400bhp is availble if you pay for a 2.3 stroker conversion ....400bhp in an 800Kg car just about will see off anything else with a number plate on track ...all for well under £35K depending on donor vehicle
I went from a TVR Sagaris to an Exige s240 with the performance pack, I fitted a K&N air induction kit, Larini F1 sports cat and exhaust, which have made it sound like a loud powerful motorbike.
I personally prefer to drive the Exige, but for looks, sound and presence I do miss the Sag.
I personally prefer to drive the Exige, but for looks, sound and presence I do miss the Sag.
eburacum said:
I went from a TVR Sagaris to an Exige s240 with the performance pack, I fitted a K&N air induction kit, Larini F1 sports cat and exhaust, which have made it sound like a loud powerful motorbike.
I personally prefer to drive the Exige, but for looks, sound and presence I do miss the Sag.
That's what I'm worried about. Going to lose those looks and the V8 I personally prefer to drive the Exige, but for looks, sound and presence I do miss the Sag.
Do you have any regrets in changing from the sag? (apart from what you just mentioned)
F.C. said:
I,m surprised no ones suggested an S1 with Honda S/C conversion,
Example....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/780345.htm
I have no idea what this car is like in terms of the sellers description but with the sort of spec it has if I had the dosh right now I'd be looking at this with a Lotus mechanic in tow.
These Honda'd cars when put together correctly are astonishing.
I test drove one at maidstone sportscars and it was Definately as quick or quicker than My Noble M400 and in was so well balanced in the handling department.
I will own a S/C Honda elige as soon as I can do the man-maths and buy one.
F.C.
This car has now been sold - an absolute flying machine, I know the car very well and was very tempted to buy it Example....
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/780345.htm
I have no idea what this car is like in terms of the sellers description but with the sort of spec it has if I had the dosh right now I'd be looking at this with a Lotus mechanic in tow.
These Honda'd cars when put together correctly are astonishing.
I test drove one at maidstone sportscars and it was Definately as quick or quicker than My Noble M400 and in was so well balanced in the handling department.
I will own a S/C Honda elige as soon as I can do the man-maths and buy one.
F.C.
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