The echo that can be heard from Elise owners is of course, how to get more
power? Depending how extreme you want to get there are of course the more
expensive options such as the Turbo-Technics' supercharger conversions, but
what's available at less expense? A whole range of options! Therein lies the
problem for the enthusiastic owner looking for more power, but not looking to
spend weeks and weeks researching the options and implications.
That's where Power Train Projects have stepped in. Not only have they come up
with the power hike desired, they've gone to the trouble to package it sensibly.
Order a 165 kit from PTP and they'll send you a nice box o' bits, complete with
fitting instructions. If it's not in the box then you don't need it. If you're
handy with a spanner, it's a conversion that you can complete yourself, or just
deliver your Elise with said box to your local specialist and they'll do the
business for you.
What's it like in practice? Well PTP may be playing games with the numbers a
little with the 165 demonstrator car achieving 165PS (just over 162bhp) only
after the addition of a Janspeed performance exhaust, sports catalyst and ITG
performance induction system. That said, it's a car capable of an indicated
145mph and provides the Elise with that extra glob of torque (140lbft) that
makes climbing through the rev range a pleasing experience rather than a
disappointing one.
Driving the PTP powered Elise could almost be described as an unremarkable
experience - the conversion has no perceivable foibles and you are soon lost in
enjoyment whilst looking for the chinks in its armour. The power delivery is
smooth and doesn't surge at any one point, nor does it drop off. It's more
torquey than a standard 1.8, but it's no V8. Don't expect to pull away from
standstill in fourth gear, but do expect a constant supply of torque as you slot
your way up the gears, right up to 7,300rpm. Mid and high range improvements
haven't come at the cost of low end driveability either.
You can never have enough power, but 160+ bhp in an Elise does at least go
some way to unleashing the potential of the car, particularly on a track.
Coupled with the passive nature of the conversion that won't adversely affect
tootling around town, it's a very sensible option. Coming complete with a parts
warranty it does make for a particularly painless upgrade path.
Elise owners considering a power hike will be getting the chance to try PTP's
demonstrator out as they'll be taking it around track days and Fish and Chip
runs etc, to give owners hands on opportunities. Aside from the sensible
packaging, it seems that PTP are taking a sensible approach to marketing the
product too. A well balanced package from a company with a well balanced
approach it would seem.
For a test drive in the demonstrator contact Simon Watts on +44 1455 622229
or email simonwatts@ptp-ltd.co.uk
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Who are PTP?
PTP is a subsidiary of Trinity Motors, franchised dealers
in Land Rover, MG Rover and others.
Since the early 90's PTP have worked closely with Rover
Group and more recently with Caterham, Westfield, TVR and
Morgan.
Projects have included Lotus 135 Sport Kits, 340R engines
and gearbox, Exige engines and gearbox as well as the Caterham
Superlight R engine. They've even squeezed 220bhp out of the
1.8 litre Rover K series.
With an annual turnover of nearly £10million, this is no
back street operation either. |
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What's in the kit?
The core of the 165 package is the brand new cylinder
head, based on that used in the VHPD engine but tuned
for optimum combustion efficiency. New camshafts are provided
and a new EFI unit to remap the engine parameters. PTP also
recommend a manual timing belt tensioner.
Importantly it meets UK SVA/MOT legislative requirements
regarding emissions, something often forgotten when evaluating
upgrades.
The 165 Performance Cylinder Head kit is £2499 (ex VAT).
See the PTP website for a complete list of components
included. |
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