This RSS feed displays a list of latest posts made on the forum http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:36:53 +0000 5 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/images/rss.gif http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58936-photoshoot-last-night-at-airbase/


The photographer George is a fellow petrolhead and can be contacted for shoots here:

http://www.gfwilliams.net

Will post the others up as they are processed by George, nice to meet some more MLOC'ers I hadn't met before and some I had Airfield was very cold and windy last night though, not helped by the rain shower mid way through!!]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 07:36:53 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58936-photoshoot-last-night-at-airbase/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58959-cylinder-head-removal-leaving-the-clam-on/
1) When she has been given a bit of a workout it takes a long time to return to normal idle speed. The engine holds at about 2000 rpm and then slowly returns to its normal idle of just under 1000 rpm ( it takes around a minute for the idle speed to return to normal )

2) The engine has quite a tappety top end knock and after the recent trackday at Blyton this seems to be slightly worse.

My first thought regarding the high idle is that the throttle boddies could do with a strip down, a clean, some lubrication and a general once over.

At the same time I would like to quieten down the tappety knock. My plan is to remove the cylinder head and take it to Sabre heads for Rog to inspect, replace any worn valve guides, oil seals etc and re shim the cam followers.

I do have a problem in that my garage is only the size of a shoe box and I don't have anywhere to store the rear clam if this has to come off.

How difficult would it be for me to do the work required leaving the clam on ? I would have thought most of the work can be done ok. I realise that fitting the new timing belt is a PITA but understand this can be done.

Are there any other issues / reasons why I would be better to bite the bullet and find some way of removing the clam ?

All advice will be very welcome.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:23:08 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58959-cylinder-head-removal-leaving-the-clam-on/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58899-should-i-buy-a-mini-cooper-s/ I'm running a Eunos (Mazda MX5 mk1)R Limited as my daily drive which is good fun, but rust is starting to come through on the rear arches and the car can feel its age in terms of ride quality on its standard suspension.

Mrs B is driving a Civic and thinks that my car is fine in the summer (roof down and all that), and I like that aspect and at this time of year I'm loving the fact that's it's rear wheel drive, but she thinks I ought to have a more modern car. There are 4 of us in the house, myself, Helen and our two girls, one of which is furry!! Now if I'm going to sell the Eunos, I want something fun to drive, quickish, ride and handling need to be good, small, and I want a bit of torque. I've had Golf GTIs Clios and all manner of other cars, but have an idea that I'd like to spend no more than £5K on a fun hatch.

Sooo...my questions are:
Does the 2002-2006 Cooper S satisfy the qualities above?
Have you owned or experienced one?
Would you recommend the experience of ownership?
What alternatives meet the above criteria?

Many thanks,
Kurt]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 23:09:27 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58899-should-i-buy-a-mini-cooper-s/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58918-warwickshire-newbie/
Over the moon with the car, it is immaculate and handles like a dream

I used to go to the Waterman pub for the meets some 4 years ago when i had a VX220 so i intend to take a drive over next month in the exige and say hi to some of you guys

Best regards, Chalkey]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:35:23 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58918-warwickshire-newbie/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/46012-mloc-member-feedback/
Please ensure comments are constructive and not abusive.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 21:23:51 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/46012-mloc-member-feedback/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58927-cons-funeral-arrangements/
As there are many people who would like to pay their respects to Con. His Family have asked us to post the funeral arrangements on the forum.

Cons Funeral will take place at 1:00pm on Friday 24th February.
The service will be held at St Josephs Roman Catholic Church, 20 Westgate, Wetherby,Yorkshire,LS22 6LL.
After the service there will be a Burial which will be for the family only. That will be followed by a reception at Wood Hall Hotel, Trip Lane, Linton, Wetherby, Yorkshire LS22 4JA. which is approximately 10 minutes from St Josephs Church.

Beth has invited all of Cons friends to attend the service at St Josephs and at Wood Hall for a Buffet and Drinks.

It has been requested that Floral tributes be given by family members only, but donations to Beth’s chosen charities would be most welcome.

As Con’s Exige and the Lotus community was a big part of his life could everyone please come in their Lotus’ We are also told that Con had a liking for Stripy Shirts, ties and socks, So Wear something Stripy if you can.

If anyone would require any further information please feel free to get in touch with us.
Either Steve on 07973726596 or Martin on 07973725980 or e-mail martin@lotuspower.co.uk.

Also could someone who can post on the other Lotus forums, SELOC, MLOC, NYLOC, NORLOG etc please copy this information to the other forums for all to see.

Thanks.

Steve & Martin Edwards.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:43:29 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58927-cons-funeral-arrangements/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58931-future-diy/
I have started collecting bits for the next project. Here are a couple of pics.




Yes it is on a rickety old table in our conservatory





£55 worth of K series block with a crank inside. Its a low milage unit covered in oil when the head was removed.

This is the plan. Collect all the bits during the coming months and build a engine during the winter and drop it in Stripey. This will leave the current engine for the next project

I will start a thread in Technical when we get underway in earnest. Liz pointed out there is no mug. I will also rectify that ommision.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:42:47 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58931-future-diy/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58852-gregg/
This Ali hear !!!

I also have sad new's about my hubbie Greg.g.
He was taken to hospital last night around 10.30PM last night. He had been unwell at work on
wednesday and has been since, he had been complaining of a headache and neck.
But last night , i had to call for ambulance, because, he took a turn for the worst!!!!
He was taken City Hospital , they said that he may off had either a seize or a mild stroke, he has
had a cat scan and has bleeding on the brain, and water also. He has know been to transferred
to the QE [the Neurology wing]. I've not been home all that long, i'm going back to hospital a bit
later on.
I will keep you informed on how thing's are progress.

Take care

Ali G]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 20:38:53 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58852-gregg/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58965-tagliani-successfully-completes-test-at-texas-motor-speedway/ The test marked the second chance in as many months for the Canadian driver to continue learning the new features of the Lotus-powered Dallara DW12. With only three install laps completed on day one, the second outing brought better results as the Lotus test team, comprised of members from Team Barracuda – BHA, Lotus HVM Racing and Dreyer & Reinbold Racing, completed 132 incident-free laps.
“Overall, I think it was a good day,” said Tagliani. “For our first time on an oval in the new car, we learned some amazing things. Of course, we still have some work to do and we didn’t have as much speed as we would have liked, but every time I came into the pits with a change, the guys were able to make it happen.
“I am so thankful and proud to be working with this amazing group of guys. Plus, this is the track where Todd [Malloy] and I had a great event last season, so we kind of started today where we left off.”
Tagliani also noted that the Lotus group was helpful and positive. He added, “They were receptive to the things we need to improve. It’s great to work with people like that.”
Now, it’s onto the next test with an exciting twist. The official unveiling of the Team Barracuda – BHA car is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 28, during the team’s test at Barber Motorsports Park. Media is encouraged to attend. After that, Tagliani and his crew head to the IZOD IndyCar Series open test in Sebring, FL.
On March 25, the season kicks off on the streets of St. Petersburg, FL, where Tagliani has his sights set on Victory Lane. Fans can watch all the action live on ABC.]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 17:36:57 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58965-tagliani-successfully-completes-test-at-texas-motor-speedway/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58963-tests-in-estoril/ The team has collected a lot of datas that will help to prepare as much the qualifying sessions and the races to come. Added to that, it has the fastest lap time of both days in its bag, courtesy of Aaro Vainio who lapped in 1:30.466.

This post has been promoted to an article]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 16:18:35 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58963-tests-in-estoril/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58962-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-4000-thats-the-number-of-parts-that-make-up-each-rs27-2012-v8-f1-engine-its-you-know-complicated/
View the full article]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:42:49 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58962-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-4000-thats-the-number-of-parts-that-make-up-each-rs27-2012-v8-f1-engine-its-you-know-complicated/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58961-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-team-lotus-ajr-httptco6xemca0d/ http://t.co/6XeMCA0D

View the full article]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:48:02 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58961-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-team-lotus-ajr-httptco6xemca0d/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58960-lotus-racing-and-alex-job-racing-form-team-lotus-ajr-to-compete-in-american-le-mans-series/ - Bell and Sweedler to drive

- Battery Tender, Yokohama and WilliamRast sponsors

Hethel, England and Tavares, Fla., (February 15, 2012) -- Lotus Racing and Alex Job Racing are joining forces to compete for the American Le Mans Series GT (ALMS) championship beginning in 2012. The team will be known as Lotus Alex Job Racing (AJR). The factory endorsed sportscar team will focus its primary efforts in North America.

Team Lotus AJR will campaign the 2012 Lotus Evora GTE car beginning with the ALMS Long Beach Grand Prix, April 14, 2012.

Alex Job, team principal of Team Lotus AJR Racing said, "I am truly excited to announce the partnership between Lotus and Alex Job Racing in North America. Our efforts and ability to attract Lotus is a testament to the hard work that AJR has put in over the past several years. This partnership, along with our key sponsor's Battery Tender, Yokohama, and WilliamRast represent a new chapter for our seasoned organization and for the ALMS.

I'm especially excited to announce my partnership with Bill Sweedler, Townsend Bell, and Colin Dyne (CEO, WilliamRast) in forging this long-term relationship with Lotus Motorsports. We collectively look forward to representing this iconic sportscar brand for years to come in GT racing."

Dany Bahar, CEO of Group Lotus said, "we are focused on winning - Alex Job has one of the best records in sportscar racing. We look forward to working together and developing a top-tier team over the coming years. Racing is a core component of the Lotus brand, and we are thrilled to have this new partnership to further enhance our winning race heritage."

Alex Job has confirmed that Indy Car driver Townsend Bell will be joining the team and partnering behind the wheel with two-time ALMS Founders Cup winner and AJR driver Bill Sweedler.

"We are delighted to welcome Townsend to the Lotus AJR Racing family," Job continued. "Townsend comes from a distinguished career in IndyCar racing and open-wheel in the U.S. and Europe. His natural speed and personality will make for a successful partnership with Lotus AJR Racing, Battery Tender, Yokohama, WilliamRast, and veteran AJR co-driver Sweedler.

Bell's racing pedigree boasts an Indy Lights Championship in 2001, Rookie of the year in 2000, and 12 top-five finishes in the Indy Car Series. He finished fourth in the 2009 Indy 500 and was the first American to have a podium finish in the FIA Formula 3000 series.

Sweedler added, "I am really excited about 2012 and driving with Townsend - he will be a strong addition to the team. I had a fantastic time working with AJR for the last couple of years and am honored to continue as one of their drivers. Alex and his team run a first class operation just like Lotus. It will be a strong partnership."

Townsend Bell stated "Having the chance to represent such a great brand like Lotus is simply awesome. The fact that I get to work with one of the best teams in sportscar racing is icing on the cake. I’m really fired up to work with AJR and Bill Sweedler in what will undoubtedly be a great adventure. Time to buckle up!"

Team Lotus AJR also announced sponsorship from Battery Tender, Yokohama and WilliamRast for 2012.

This post has been promoted to an article]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 11:36:58 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58960-lotus-racing-and-alex-job-racing-form-team-lotus-ajr-to-compete-in-american-le-mans-series/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58943-anyone-know-this-car/
I'm on the verge of buying this car:

http://www.redlinespecialistcars.co.uk/car.php?id=2296

Original reg is RX54 HFW.

I think it's spent the last few years in the midlands as its been serviced by Top Gear but they're reluctant to give me copies of the paperwork for work done without the permission of the last owner so I'm hoping someone on here may know the car. Top Gear have given me a detailed history over the phone so I know the cambelt's been done and head gasket replaced with an MLS one amongst other things but it would be nice to have the receipts!

Any help/advice would be much appreciated.

Paul]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:13:18 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58943-anyone-know-this-car/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58930-whats-your-lotus-story/
so do tell....

1. What made you interested in Lotus in the first place, what was your influence?

2. The moment you got the keys to your Lotus and drove it for the first time what was your first thoughts?]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:07:27 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58930-whats-your-lotus-story/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58956-we-can-work-it-out/ Barcelona test finishes early for Lotus F1 Team
Lotus F1 Team will not run for the remainder of the second test at Barcelona, scheduled from today until Friday.
During initial runs this morning with Romain Grosjean at the wheel, the team identified an issue with the chassis. After investigation at Enstone, initial plans to bring out chassis E20-01 to Barcelona have been held in order to give the team enough time to rectify the situation.
Lotus F1 Team will be back on track next week in Barcelona (1-4 March)
James Allison, Technical Director:

“Before we were due to fly chassis E20-01 out to Barcelona in replacement of chassis E20-02 - damaged this morning - we ran a series of simulations at the factory based on the data provided by our brief running on track today. As a result, we were able to identify an area which requires some additional work. It will be more productive for us to carry out these modifications to both chassis at Enstone rather than send E20-01 out to this week’s test. We’ll put the right measures in place and we will be able to fix the problem before next week.”
Eric Boullier, Team Principal:

“Not running this week has been a tough decision to take, but we feel that our choice is the right one. On the positive side, we have quickly identified the issue with the chassis and our design office has already devised a solution. We will be present at next week’s test in Barcelona. We draw faith from the fact that the E20 was quick out of the box in Jerez and showed its reliability there. We have a lot of work ahead of us over the next week but everyone at Enstone is ready for this challenge.”

This post has been promoted to an article]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 19:24:16 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58956-we-can-work-it-out/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58950-early-bath-on-first-day-in-barcelona/
Romain Grosjean, Lotus F1 Team Race Driver: “We completed a few aero runs and then started timed runs, but I was very quickly aware that the car wasn’t responding as it should. It’s not ideal to lose track time, but fortunately we will have the chassis which ran perfectly in Jerez so I should get some good track time tomorrow. It’s far better that we have an issue like this now rather than in Melbourne.�

Alan Permane, Trackside Operations Director: “This morning was our first shakedown of our second chassis. Once the car was on track it was soon evident that everything wasn’t quite as it should be. As a precaution we are returning the chassis to Enstone for further investigation. Chassis E20-01, which we used in Jerez, is being sent over and we expect to be on track with that chassis tomorrow.�

Eric Boullier, Team Principal: “This is a minor setback to our overall test programme. Fortunately we accumulated good mileage in Jerez. If this is the only issue we have during testing then we will still be well prepared for the start of the season. We’ll be back on track tomorrow with chassis E20-01 and assessing chassis E20-02 back at Enstone.�

This post has been promoted to an article]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 13:52:38 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58950-early-bath-on-first-day-in-barcelona/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58948-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-11000-the-number-of-technical-sketches-produced-ahead-of-the-e20-f1-cars-build-28-more-than-any-previous-enstone-car/
View the full article]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:19:37 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58948-group-lotus-grouplotusplc-11000-the-number-of-technical-sketches-produced-ahead-of-the-e20-f1-cars-build-28-more-than-any-previous-enstone-car/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58920-splitters-lowered-multistory-car-park-experiences/
just wondered anyone who has had their car lowered or splitter added which lowers the front of their elise/exiges, have you dared take your cars into multistory car parks or on ferry ramps?

What ground clearance on the front are you running mm? and have you had issues??? whats the general experience say??? has anyone dared, safe or not?]]> Tue, 21 Feb 2012 08:38:39 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58920-splitters-lowered-multistory-car-park-experiences/ http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58827-help-please-gurus/
does my car, s2 o4 (54 plate), have a throttle cable? Or Electronic fly by wire type?

im guessing throttle cable, but really have no idea....

i knew the modding wouldnt take long.]]> Mon, 20 Feb 2012 19:34:06 +0000 http://www.midlandslotus.co.uk/forum/topic/58827-help-please-gurus/