To modify or not to modify?

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:09 am

I've driven cars with a manner of steering wheels, but by and large the one that comes in the car is perfect - if you want a new one MMC can sort it.

Parts and Mods - where do you want to start? And what are you trying to achieve.

First mod I'd suggest is getting you and the car down to Carlimits for driver training. Ideal car for this, and no point in modifying what is already an pretty exceptional package, before you've look at the most important component. You.

Geo effects these cars hugely and if you want a more aggressive set-up look at 340R road settings and take it to your local Geo specialist.

alicrozier · Post by **alicrozier** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 10:42 am

The Momo wheel on my 2-11 is the best feeling of any variant I've driven...
http://www.deroure.com/partinfo.asp?MAK ... PBID=52336

Edited to add its original fitment

Ferg · Post by **Ferg** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 1:29 pm

Good points Graeme makes, the centre of the steering wheel itself (not the mounting point or hub kit) is offset. Most of the smaller Momos have the same attribute for the same reason but check as it will change feel if you buy without. I've had my momo since my first car which predates the Elise but happily was a direct size and shape replacement for the standard one....

The EP adapter is more awkward to install but the result is slightly better IMO.

You could satisfy your modification worries as follows:
Upgrade = better/newer version of original fitment.
Modification = change of technology or principle to original fitment.

Mellow Yellow · Post by **Mellow Yellow** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 2:03 pm

See, these are the things I don't want to change (in reference to the off set wheel position) and I would be none the wiser without this helpful insight - cheers! Need to see if I can find an original
replacement steering wheel - or at least an Alcantara middle insert, which is the bit that looks a little tired.

Andy

Scotty C · Post by **Scotty C** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:35 pm

Mellow Yellow wrote:See, these are the things I don't want to change (in reference to the off set wheel position) and I would be none the wiser without this helpful insight - cheers! Need to see if I can find an original
replacement steering wheel - or at least an Alcantara middle insert, which is the bit that looks a little tired.

Andy

you can easily get the wheel center re trimed.

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:36 pm

Alcantara is also designed to be pretty resilient and easily cleaned.

neil · Post by **neil** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:43 pm

As Scotty says, retrim of the wheel centres easily done. You could do something "stylish" like this

Stephen · Post by **Stephen** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 3:45 pm

Pity it's squinty on the vertical spoke! [GRINNING FACE WITH SMILING EYES]

Mellow Yellow · Post by **Mellow Yellow** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 4:45 pm

Ha, nice effort on the tartan insert!

Andy G - I've done a fair amount of car racing so not overly concerned on my ability, found the limit in the wet pretty quickly on the road back up from buying the car and it feels rather progressive in the way the oversteer comes in on throttle (unlike some rwd cars I've driven), plus I'm a bit of a Sunday driver most of the time, especially in the wet haha. Those courses do look good though, especially for higher turn in speed, which would be stupid anywhere other than a track with lots of run off!

The steering wheel mod was more for asthetical reasons than driving

Scotty C · Post by **Scotty C** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 6:26 pm

first mod get the hard top off

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 6:31 pm

Mellow Yellow wrote:Ha, nice effort on the tartan insert!

Andy G - I've done a fair amount of car racing so not overly concerned on my ability, found the limit in the wet pretty quickly on the road back up from buying the car and it feels rather progressive in the way the oversteer comes in on throttle (unlike some rwd cars I've driven), plus I'm a bit of a Sunday driver most of the time, especially in the wet haha. Those courses do look good though, especially for higher turn in speed, which would be stupid anywhere other than a track with lots of run off!

The steering wheel mod was more for asthetical reasons than driving

Its is - didnt realised you'd raced - either way doing in on the airfield is epic - what I did before i went racing in my Elise.

Mellow Yellow · Post by **Mellow Yellow** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 8:42 pm

Scotty C wrote:first mod get the hard top off

It will be Scotty, as soon as I get back from my summer holiday, first time I've been away and wishing I was back home! Hope the weather in the Burgh will be scorchio next week as still have a few few days to play with the new toy before I'm back to work.

KennyT · Post by **KennyT** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 9:05 pm

A lot of talk about steering wheels, gives me a chance to show off my latest mod:

Had the outside re-trimmed in alcantara-effect last month by Transcal in Livingston, they were able to do the inside also but I kept it original to match the dash.

On the topic of modifying I usually go for an uprated part at the time of replacement for example Pagid pads and Alloy-belled discs instead of standard parts, AP clutch, complete TRD box instead of a new filter

With a Lotus I don't see aftermarket mods as a negative in the same way I would if I was buying an M3 or 911, as long as they are functional, tasteful and OEM+ philosophy.

For me, this clown is doing it all wrong!
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topi ... urbo&mid=0

Mellow Yellow · Post by **Mellow Yellow** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 9:27 pm

That looks nice Kenny, bet the feel of the wheel is nicer too, especially in the winter months. I'd definitely opt for that if they could do an exact match on the centre part re trim. Or can that part be replaced OEM?

Ferg · Post by **Ferg** » Fri Jul 04, 2014 9:34 pm

That looks very neat. How much was the wheel retrim?

Scottish Elises

To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?

Re: To modify or not to modify?