Elise s1 111s - To modify or not

[Geek]

I purchase my Elise s1 111s last October with a relatively low mileage (around 27000). If I am being honest, I really wanted an Exige s1, but far too expensive for my budget, next choice was an Elise s1 160, but again a bit more than I could justify. Therefore, the quandary: should I keep the s1 standard or upgrade?   I have been down the modifying  route many (many) years ago with motorbikes, and with hindsight I should have just kept the bike standard, it can soon become a money pit with diminishing returns.

Thoughts, what have you done with your Elise (s1, s2 and s3)/Exige (s1, s2)?

[DeanB]

I would say mod it a bit but be careful. I wouldn't do much to the engine as it quickly becomes very expensive. I think the pistons fall apart with more than 160 bhp. Presumably it's not that difficult to get them up to 160 bhp so I would look to do that. A well-sorted K series Elise - so lightweight - is a sweet spot.

Most of my attention though would be on things other than the engine that will make the car better to drive. Things like:

Better dampers, eg Nitrons, but on quite soft springs

Better brake pads that stop it better but also give more bite and better feel

Braided brake hoses

Improve the gearshift (Prodimex shifer, better bushes on the linkage)

Personally I really like a quick rack

Take some weight out eg with lightweight battery, exhaust

 

That kind of thing.

[Daveb99]

Hi Paul, leave it as it is and fix / upgrade things with improved parts when needed.
 

The 111S is the best of the S1 models, it should be left just so (in my view) 👍🏻

Exige S1 is VHPD and the engines requires more attention, and the original Titan throttle bodies can be a nightmare.

Elise S1 Sport 160 look great but the aggressive timing overlap causes kangarooing at around 2k rpm at low speeds, and they lack the CR gearbox…

Edited October 26, 2024 by Daveb99

[Daveb99]

1 minute ago, DeanB said:

I would say mod it a bit but be careful. I wouldn't do much to the engine as it quickly becomes very expensive. I think the pistons fall apart with more than 160 bhp. Presumably it's not that difficult to get them up to 160 bhp so I would look to do that. A well-sorted K series Elise - so lightweight - is a sweet spot.

Most of my attention though would be on things other than the engine that will make the car better to drive. Things like:

Better dampers, eg Nitrons, but on quite soft springs

Better brake pads that stop it better but also give more bite and better feel

Braided brake hoses

Improve the gearshift (Prodimex shifer, better bushes on the linkage)

Personally I really like a quick rack

Take some weight out eg with lightweight battery, exhaust

 

That kind of thing.

Good advice Dean but I’d leave the engine alone unless more power / torque is needed (perhaps for track days).

A well pedalled S1 111S is plenty quick enough for road use 👍🏻

I personally wouldn’t bother with a lightweight battery - expensive and basically scrap if you ever let it go flat.  And I’d wager you’d never tell the difference driving two identical cars, one with the lighter battery…

Prodimex is good but if you sort the bushes and adjust it all properly, and add a rose jointed cross gate linkage (pennies on eBay) it’s a very positive and slick shift action.

Better to spend the money on dampers, suspension refresh if needed, a geo, and rear toe links - replacing them could save a hell of a lot of aggro of course!

[Geek]

Thanks for the replies. Forgot to mention that the car when I purchased it already had a Larini exhaust, better brake pads and Bilstein dampers (I think that's what Olli said when it had a C service at Phoenix Motorsport). Also, in my ownership the car will only ever be used on the road, it won't ever venture on track.

[MrWill]

 

Hello Geek 

A very Warm welcome to MLOC.

These gentlemen know what they're talking about. 

 The car is more than quick enough and on upgraded bilsteins. 👍 Upgrade as advised ie to address weakpoints  like toe links etc  and 4 wheel alignment.  -Nothing better than a first drive in a newly geo'd elise.

I therefore only have a couple of thoughts to offer.

Apologies in advance if you're an ex racing driver... the weakest link is usually the driver not the car.  I certainly am 😁. If you haven't already treat yourself to some driver training. Even for road driving your 111s will probably be faster and more capable than you are at making progress safely down a twisty b road. There's probably lots of performance in you and the car just waiting to be unlocked.

Check your tyres.  I personally enjoy the lower speed grins when rubber starts to go off on older tyres but if you want to address performance  on road make sure you have a decent (age, tread, sidewall, even wear etc) set of road oriented tyres.  Not saying do anything than check yours over.

And lastly brakes. Both pads and fluid. Don't forget them.  they may not be standard but that doesn't mean they are good.  If you find they are not great (travel and fade and feel)  then worth a review of options later down the line.

What a car you've got. I know you'll have lots of fun in it .  Just awaiting some pics being uploaded so we can have a look 👍 

 

[Daveb99]

Great advice Will, spot on.   The Bilsteins are a popular choice for road use and although Nitrons offer more control over how you want the car to feel and handle, Billies will do the job.

Tyre wise, I’d go for Yokohama AD08RS and run them at 22F / 24R (psi).  They still remain the closest thing to the AD05/06 tyres Lotus used to recommend for S1’s years ago.  Do not be tempted by the cheaper Nankang NS2R, they have very stiff sidewalls.

At some point perhaps change the rad for an ally one - the plastic ends on the standard rad can split, giving you a nice coolant leak.   These coolex rads on eBay are the ticket, and way cheaper than Eliseparts etc.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/162133244583?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=kTpAVnG6SDa&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=HrshwfmZS4i&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

[DeanB]

Dave B's advice benefits from a lot of experience of s1s so is bang-on. I would take his advice over mine where it differs for that reason. 

Mr Will's point about tyres is crucial and something I forgot to mention. And driver training too - I think everybody benefits from it whatever level you are at, but especially if you are new to the Elise platform because you need to be very conscious of where the weight is and drive accordingly otherwise they can spin on corner entry. Not so much of an issue in the dry but in the cold wet weather on unfamiliar roads you need to be careful. Plus driver training/coaching days are great fun.

Oh' one last thing - I put Redline gearbox oil in mine and it made an incredible difference to the shift quality - sounds mad but it's true - so I highly recommend you do so too.

Enjoy!

[Geek]

[Geek]

An improved gear change would be worthwhile.

[Dave-hp]

23 hours ago, Geek said:

Looks nice. Enjoy as is....

[LRS7]

On 27/10/2024 at 19:19, Geek said:

Looks very tidy 👌🏻