Lotus elise series 1 160 sport
#1
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: On MLR
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Does anyone own or have any knowledge about these cars, especially the WVTA model? I'm considering purchasing one but would like to know what faults or problems they are prone to before taking the plunge.
![Thumb](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
Last edited by bluerigster; 23 September 2010 at 10:46 PM.
#2
Scooby Regular
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: A4069
Posts: 2,060
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
How many cars you want?
The usual head gasket issues with the K series engines. And they are awfull for leaking through the roof. But the fun they return is worth the little issues.
The usual head gasket issues with the K series engines. And they are awfull for leaking through the roof. But the fun they return is worth the little issues.
Last edited by DYL 4N; 23 September 2010 at 10:49 PM.
#3
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: On MLR
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Says Dylan with two Subaru's![Lol](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/lol.gif)
Is the K series engine head gaskets issues down to insufficient cooling due to radiator size etc or block design? Leaking roof isn't an issue as I'm going to stick a hard top on as I don't do convertables.
![Lol](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/lol.gif)
Is the K series engine head gaskets issues down to insufficient cooling due to radiator size etc or block design? Leaking roof isn't an issue as I'm going to stick a hard top on as I don't do convertables.
![Thumb](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#4
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (100)
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Planet Earth
Posts: 13,684
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
![EEK!](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
In all instances from what I understand the cylinder heads have warped due to overheating caused by failing / blocked radiators and in one instance I think a faulty thermostat, I believe the heads can be skimmed but only by a small amount and another failure means a new cylinder head.
![Brickwall](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/brickwall.gif)
I know someone who had to scrap an MG ZT due to the block being distorted as well as the cylinder head but he did drive it until it just stopped.
![Lol1](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/lol1.gif)
#5
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: On MLR
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Not knowing about the Lotus install of the K series engine I can't comment, but I know quite a few people who have had repeated head gasket failures on this engine. ![EEK!](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
In all instances from what I understand the cylinder heads have warped due to overheating caused by failing / blocked radiators and in one instance I think a faulty thermostat, I believe the heads can be skimmed but only by a small amount and another failure means a new cylinder head.![Brickwall](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/brickwall.gif)
I know someone who had to scrap an MG ZT due to the block being distorted as well as the cylinder head but he did drive it until it just stopped.![Lol1](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/lol1.gif)
![EEK!](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/eek.gif)
In all instances from what I understand the cylinder heads have warped due to overheating caused by failing / blocked radiators and in one instance I think a faulty thermostat, I believe the heads can be skimmed but only by a small amount and another failure means a new cylinder head.
![Brickwall](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/brickwall.gif)
I know someone who had to scrap an MG ZT due to the block being distorted as well as the cylinder head but he did drive it until it just stopped.
![Lol1](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/lol1.gif)
![Thumb](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/smilies/thumb.gif)
#7
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: On MLR
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Trending Topics
#8
Scooby Regular
Thread Starter
iTrader: (9)
Join Date: May 2006
Location: On MLR
Posts: 1,280
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Lotus elise series 1 rolling shells go for £2000 and a DIY Honda coversion costs roughly £2400 with remapable ecu.
Conversion costs :-
Engine (stripped so need to build) - £650
Box - £200
Mounts (Late Phoenix ones) - £200
Loom - £70
Link Up Baffle - £65
Link up driveshafts - £100
ECU - £75
Misc engine parts inc billet fuel reg, plumbing, fuel lines, intake hoses etc - £355
K Pro ecu £700 ish.
So roughly £4400 or an awesome track car.
Conversion costs :-
Engine (stripped so need to build) - £650
Box - £200
Mounts (Late Phoenix ones) - £200
Loom - £70
Link Up Baffle - £65
Link up driveshafts - £100
ECU - £75
Misc engine parts inc billet fuel reg, plumbing, fuel lines, intake hoses etc - £355
K Pro ecu £700 ish.
So roughly £4400 or an awesome track car.
#9
Scooby Regular
iTrader: (3)
![Default](https://www.scoobynet.com/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I had an Elise S2 with the 160 VVC engine, fantastic car. S1 is a little lighter but S2 is a better build.
Quite a few have had HGF but loads have not, if you keep an eye on coolant etc should be fine. Rads can fail, the plastic end caps debond which is one of the reasons for HGF. Replace with an alloy one and forget it, but it's a front clam off job to change the rad.
Honda and Audi conversions are fantastic get it right and very little will out handle or out power it.
Everyone should own one at some point, I miss mine.
Quite a few have had HGF but loads have not, if you keep an eye on coolant etc should be fine. Rads can fail, the plastic end caps debond which is one of the reasons for HGF. Replace with an alloy one and forget it, but it's a front clam off job to change the rad.
Honda and Audi conversions are fantastic get it right and very little will out handle or out power it.
Everyone should own one at some point, I miss mine.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Mattybr5@MB Developments
Full Cars Breaking For Spares
28
28 December 2015 11:07 PM