Technical Talk
Technical posts about Lotus car ownership only
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5,599 topics in this forum
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So, I did a Forum 'service' and 'servicing' search, but couldn't find much about the topic specifically. So thought Id kick one off instead. Servicing. Self or Garage? Lotus are renowned for the servicing required. Lots of specialists out there, and it does come at a premium. But... Changing things like oil, filters, brake/clutch fluids etc, are pretty much the same on a Lotus as on most other combustion engines. The Lotus Service Guides have the full list of things to cover too, but the garage doing it will cost. Yes, it does help having a FSH, but there are plenty of mechanically minded and able owners out their who service their own vehicles. I once…
Last reply by winthattt, -
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- 182 replies
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And so the winter refresh of my S1 Elise started today. Hoping to take front clam of tomorrow. However of the 4 lower bolts that hold the lower rear to the chassis, 2 are spinning and 2 won't budge despite copious amounts of penetrative oil over the last few months. The Eagle eyed will spot my Dremel tool which I'm not looking forward to using to remove 4 bolt heads that have limited access. Currently on my list are replacing the driving lights brackets, shot blast and paint the tow post, new front badge, replace all fluids, replacing leaking drivers side transmission seal, shotblast and paint the wishbones Probably change the radiator to, and fix/replace whatev…
Last reply by Badger02, -
- 1 follower
- 2 replies
- 419 views
Hello all, just out curiosity has anybody else experienced either one of there front side indicators taking flight mid drive ? I was driving back from Whitchurch yesterday and mine decided to do exactly that. haven’t hit any pot holes, nor had I previously loosened it off around the seals etc…. Just very bizarre as I’ve never had a car like this where bits and pieces just fly off lol. also when getting a replacement as I have now ordered are there any ‘upgrades’ you can do to prevent this as I’ll be honest I’ll be driving with a bit of PTSD. Lol
Last reply by Jonathan E, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 401 views
The Lotus name and detailing on my engine cover is in need of some new silver paint. The cover is plastic and gets hot, so what paint is suitable for this part? Thanks for any advice.
Last reply by frank7, -
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- 5 replies
- 768 views
I have just fitted a 7” Joying headunit to my Elise to replace the antiquated Alpine headunit I had fitted. It’s excellent! Sounds great, gives me wireless Apple CarPlay and was a doddle to fit. If anyone was thinking about fitting one, do it, you won’t be disappointed.
Last reply by Dave-hp, -
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- 647 views
Hi all, first post. I've a 2006 S2 Elise 111R, that I am looking to refit the fabric on the door card. The fabric has come loose, when I take the door card off, it looks like an age thing, in which the glue and 'sponge' backing has simply perished. I dont want to purchase new cards or pay for new ones, as I am keen to keep the car OEM, retaining the original fabric. Has anyone found that their fabric cards have come loose with age? Have you refitted the fabric? The inner leather section behind the window winder is set in the card by 'fir tree' fasteners, which I am worried about busting, if they cannot be replaced from the inside. If I can get the inner card of…
Last reply by Dave-hp, -
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- 14 replies
- 825 views
My car went into PJS last week for a full Geo setup. It's made such a difference to the handling of the car - Money well spent!! It was pointed out to me that my front tyres were over 8 years old! Although they have plenty of tread, I was advised to change them. My current front tyres are Yokohama AD07 (175/55R16). My rears are AD08RS (225/45R17). Due the car being my daily, I was advised to look at Yokohama V105 to replace the AD07's. I would have to increase tyres to 195/50R16 though. Is the combination of front and rears a good one or would I be better replacing all 4 for V105's? Any other recommendation? I realise tyre choice is subjective but any gu…
Last reply by kayj_prod, -
- 2 followers
- 4 replies
- 734 views
Hi All, Theo Clive's son has asked the following. any ideas? Hi Ray, hope you’re well! Got a little query, trying to get my Dads car on the road but hit a few obstacles. Couple of which have been sorted however such as dipped lights not being able to turn off and the radio not working but are still struggling to get the rear fog lights to operate fuses have been checked and they’re working. But on starting the car the battery isn’t charging which is leading to the alternator? Have you had any problems with yours at all? Or know anyone in the group that may have one?
Last reply by Elisemadray, -
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- 3 replies
- 459 views
One of my shocks has got very hard to adjust the stiffness on my Nitron ntr shocks. i think it’s may be a tiny bit of grit has got into the thread as it turned it. Would lithium grease spray work or GT85, which is better to carefully work into the thread where you adjust the stiffness?
Last reply by dw1, -
- 4 replies
- 741 views
The latest Absolute Lotus suggests (Issue 37 page 75) that it is simple to fit cruise control, with just the change of indicator stalk and an ECU mod. The stalks seem readily available, so has anyone experience of this please? I have a 2008 Elise SC thanks Keith
Last reply by dw1, -
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- 758 views
Hi. I'd like to get the head gasket and cam belt changed on my 1999 S1 elise. I've already removed the rear clam. I'm looking for a company or one person band who could come to my house to do the job. I have all the parts. I'm based in the East Midlands but of course willing to pay for the travel costs and of course the hours actually doing the job. I'm not looking for someone to do this as a freebie. Was hoping someone might be able to give some recommendations Cheers Badger
Last reply by Badger02, -
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Hi all well it’s been a few years now since I sold my Elise SC Toyota 2009 and it’s one of the biggest mistakes ever just like when I sold a 911 turbo that’s now worth a fortune. Anyway I will be back one day but for now I have the original single outlet exhaust sat in my garage so if anyone needs one DM me with an offer. It would need picking up at B633TE. thanks I really do need to get another Lotus it’s was the best car I’ve ever owned👍
Last reply by jako999, -
- 1 reply
- 492 views
Anyone had a throttle cable replaced on a Toyota engined (cable throttle) and got a price for supply and labour,thanks
Last reply by DeanB, -
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- 530 views
Hi I tried to move my elise s2 zz1 Toyota engine out of the garage today first time since last September it started fine but every time I tried to rev the engine it cut out runs fine on tick over help please
Last reply by duncx, -
- 4 replies
- 519 views
In readiness for the summer, I want to refresh the body stripes on my Elise and maybe wrap some other areas on my Elise. Can anyone recommend someone in the Midlands area? TIA
Last reply by CDM2018,