Elise S1 engine query

[Alan-LTS]

Hi,

I am currently looking for a decent Elise S1 and noticed a potential purchase but not 100% on the engine inlet manifold. The inlet manifold seemed to be the cast aluminium type that are in early S2's or VVC type in the S1.

Could anyone tell me if this is a engine replacement or did folks swop over to this type of inlet manifold for more power or reliability?

Thanks Alan

 

Edited March 1 by Alan-LTS

[winthattt]

People often fit them to S1 Elise’s as they “look good”, the standard plastic manifold and 48mm throttle are better, more linear. 
 

Check the engine numbers match the v5 to ensure.

[DeanB]

Lotus fitted that ally plenum to S2 135 Sport and 135 R cars - the rest of the 135 upgrade consisted of a ported head and different map. I have this engine in my s2, albeit with some hotter cams too.

People on SELOC have been saying for years the ally plenum offers very little improvement in bhp and actually reduces low-end torque. I don't know how true that is.

I wonder if the ally plenum on 'your' car is indicative of it having had some more engine mods.

I'm sure you know that all VVC cars have the ally plenum.

[DeanB]

I should add if the seller doesn't know why it has that plenum I would be digging around in the service history.

[Lithopsian]

Quite common for people to switch to the aluminium inlet manifold.  The throttle body would typically be changed at the same time, or even a whole new intake.

From what I can see, the whole intake isn't standard, but the engine is not a VVC.

[Alan-LTS]

Thanks for the feedback Guys. As it's a 400 mile round trip to view the car, I think I will wait for something a bit more standard to come along

[Bird]

If it’s the x-reg.  I’ve seen better for the money. It’s fairly low miles but sometimes that doesn’t mean much if it’s not been cared for like a higher mileage car.