Should i upgrade my engine?

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:23 am

I've got a 2002 S2 EliseS with the standard Rover engine. It's great but i'm looking into tuning. I spend most of my time below 5000 revs and was wondering what could improve the punch (torque) in this zone. Dan at Jude's was talking about changing the cams to get 140bhp but i think this mainly comes into play higher up the rev band (like a VVT).

I'd also appreciate any tips on where to do a driver training day so i can get the most out of the power i do have.

Cheers

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:32 am

do a search for 'more power' mate - its a topic oft covered. The most notable answers are usually that the driver should be upgraded before the car - http://www.carlimits.com. can to some of your own on limit 'testing' by popping on a trackday. There's one at Knockhill on 11/11 run by the Sunaru Impreza Drivers Club - great introduction to the track

For upgrades, check out http://www.dvapower.co.uk and http://www.ptp-ltd.co.uk

more torque can be got by fitting a 4-2-1 exhaust manifold, but I confess I can't say where in the rev-range you'll get your punch. Neil will be along to tell you that Honda power is the only solution

best of luck

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:41 am

Cheers Gregr. Will i still be able to concentrate on getting the best out of my car with lots of imprezas buzzing about? Are they tolerant of relative track novices like myself? I just want to find the limits and learn the basics so i can push it on the deserted A roads up north.

tut · Post by **tut** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:47 am

Not usually any prob with Scoobys Ron, they are very good and move out of our way..........

<BG>

tut

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 11:55 am

That's reassuring tut, thanks. I actually thought about buying a scooby before i saw the light. Funny how things work out.

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 12:19 pm

As tut says, scooby drivers are very good

You'd be surprised how close you can run some of them - remember, a fast car does not maketh a fast driver.

If it wasn't for us S_Eer's, some of these SIDC days would undoubtedly be cancelled so there's a mutual appreciation on track

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 2:30 pm

last SIDC day

21 Lotus's

17 scooby's

Get it on the track, we are a friendly bunch. If you worried hop in with one of us for a pax first, and then get out there yourself

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 3:36 pm

Cheers Andy G,

That's a kind offer and something i'd definitely like to do. Is anyone doing the Subaru day on the 11/11? What cost am i looking at for that? And i take it my insurance doesn't apply to the track (not that i care).

At the moment i'm learning what the car can do on some of the roads to Moffat etc but of course i'm not going to push it too much in public till i really know what it's capable of. My driving buddies at the moment include a 360, a Modena and a 911 but i'd rather be in the company of other Lotus enthusiasts (even though they only get me on the straights).

GregR · Post by **GregR** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 6:22 pm

I'll be there mate. Cost is free for passangers, but you have to sign on as a pax, and rent a helmet unless you've got your own

Just look out for the cars with the new S_E stickers, stand by them, and the drivers will be over to take you out no probs

Post by **simon** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 7:37 pm

Didn't you mean actually going on track rather than just passenger rides?
If so, it's about £75 for the SIDC one and £5 to hire a helmet usually. Your own insurance probably won't cover you unless you're with AON/Lotus Esteem, CCI, Heritage or someone similar.

Andy G · Post by **Andy G** » Wed Nov 01, 2006 9:35 pm

Ron wrote:Cheers Andy G,

That's a kind offer and something i'd definitely like to do. Is anyone doing the Subaru day on the 11/11? What cost am i looking at for that? And i take it my insurance doesn't apply to the track (not that i care).
.

£75 and they are a sound bunch. More than happy to take you out for a few laps, and then come out for a few with you.

Really looking forward to being back on track again. You'll have the bug just in time for the track season wionding down for winter though, but at least you'll have things to add to your Xmas list that you really want;

speedcats
crash helmet
a048's
pagids...........

Ron · Post by **Ron** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:14 pm

Cheers all,

Sounds good. I'll be there. I'm thinking i might use this first visit to suss it out and maybe get a few laps as a passenger (i'm light), ask questions, watch the carnage etc. I just know i'll come away with a massive christmas list for myself however. Does anyone know the cut off date for actually getting booked to get on the track myself (just in case i can't resist the urge).

Ron

Andy G wrote:
Ron wrote:Cheers Andy G,

That's a kind offer and something i'd definitely like to do. Is anyone doing the Subaru day on the 11/11? What cost am i looking at for that? And i take it my insurance doesn't apply to the track (not that i care).
.
£75 and they are a sound bunch. More than happy to take you out for a few laps, and then come out for a few with you.

Really looking forward to being back on track again. You'll have the bug just in time for the track season wionding down for winter though, but at least you'll have things to add to your Xmas list that you really want;

speedcats
crash helmet
a048's
pagids...........

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:27 pm

Andy G wrote:speedcats
crash helmet
a048's
pagids...........

Check

kenny · Post by **kenny** » Thu Nov 02, 2006 4:29 pm

Ron wrote:Does anyone know the cut off date for actually getting booked to get on the track myself (just in case i can't resist the urge)

No cut off date, just a certain number of places.

6 non members places left. book here.

http://shop.sidc.co.uk/index.cfm?cat_id=8

I imagine that if the 9 member spaces are not sold you will be able to pay on the day.