EliseTypeR.com

Oulton Park 25th Jan 2008

First track day of this year at Oulton Park last Friday (the 25th Jan). What a day out!!

Firstly, lets discuss the issues I had (well issue)

• I lost the nipple off the end of my throttle cable. Easy fix as I had a spare with me.

That was it… no other problems, car ran like clockwork and I’m very very relieved that it did. Obviously I’ll be taking the under trays off v.soon to make sure everything is done up properly.

On Track

Now, lets talk about how much better the car is on track.

This car is now how it should have been from day one. Its quick, very quick, the acceleration now matches its performance in the bends. Let’s just say it had no issues with keeping up with the new spec Exige S fitted with the 240BHP super charged Toyota lump. In fact, the owner came over to ask what I’d done to my Elise as he was surprised at how quick it was - as was I. Once its on the VTEC range, it really sings.

Noise wise - 92 Db at the sound check. I have the sports CAT and a Piper Cross enclosed induction kit fitted, the enclosed filter really make a huge reduction in noise. From what was said in the driver’s briefing the circuit owners are starting to get some heat about noise levels and I think 2008 will see much tighter enforcement.

Engine temp and fluids - I ran the car for 8 x 20 minute sessions with no issue with overheating or excessive fuel use. No fluids lost so good news on that front.

Anyway, I’ve posted some vids on YouTube - take a look.

Video 1 - My Elise Type-R chasing the Exige S

Video 2 - Taken from my Brother’s Sprint R - Yamaha R1 450KGs.

Update from SunSpeed - on the Engine mounts.

I’ve also had a mail from SunSpeed to outline the changes they are making to their kit as a result of finding by myself and other customers. They have posted some official information on the changes on their web site, but here is the extract:

Engine Mounts

• engine mount - right side motor mount: 2007 production tooling fault in small run of components delivered to UK and Australia. Two holes in the SunSpeed component  were off center. Installation technicians’ solution to ream the holes. Production tooling has been corrected, condition was eliminated.
  – UPDATE 01/02/2008 - SunSpeed have now fixed this issue on future kits.
• engine mount - left side motor mount: 2007 customers reported center steel bushing too long. Some cause was varying condition and type of original Lotus isolator. Effect was null. Clamping between bolt washer and bottom of Lotus isolator retained the mount securely. Nevertheless, specification of the center bushing has been changed to be flush with the top of the fiber bushing.
  – UPDATE 01/02/2008 - SunSpeed have now fixed this issue on future kits.