Lotus Elan Central

by **John_W** » Fri 24.03.2006, 14:42

Elanlover wrote:
Elanlover wrote:Can anyone advise whether a bypass valve is advisable/useful if the chip is installed? Any positive or negative impact? Thanks!

Sorry to repeat the above quesiotn but I don't think I've received a good answer on this. I'm assuming some people have combined the ESM chip and a bypass valve. Was it a good combination? SHould it be done or just go with the chip? Any light that can be shared on this would be appreciated. Thanks all!

Elanlover,
Some people say that the dump valve (blow-off valve) is a good idea to increase the life of the turbo by reducing forces on it when the throttle is suddenly shut during gear changes etc. They also say it helps throttle response (reduces lag) by ensuring that teh turbo stays spinning during gear-changes rather than being forced to stop / stall.

Other people say that a bad dump valve can vent boost even when the throttle is open, and that unfiltered air can enter the induction system through it.

Whatever you believe, if you decide to get a dump valve get a good one and when it is fitted run it for a while at least in non-recirculating mode so that you can hear when it is working, and log ElanScan before and after to verify that you're not losing any boost through it.

Personally, I'm not convinced it it necessary. However my car has a Bailey recirculating dump valve fitted because I got worried by the "you can damage your turbo without one" statements. Also because more modern cars than the Elan have dump valves as standard. It has not provided any problems with loss of boost (even with Everest chip fitted) but I don't know if it's doing any good.

John

by **Nige** » Fri 24.03.2006, 15:04

The only reason I have a dump valve fitted is because of the 'reduced wear on the Turbo' view. I follow the logical argument of a still spinning turbo spooling up quicker than a stalled one so improving response but think that mere mortals would struggle to notice the difference, if indeed there is one.

I agree with JohnW if you're going to get one, get a good one. You dont want one that opens to early or your precious boost will vent, equally you dont want one that allows air back in under vacuum. The Bailey ones are fine but I currently have and all metal one by Turbo Dynamics fitted which I can recommend.

by **Elanlover** » Fri 24.03.2006, 20:06

I just ordered one from Top Performace along with their pipe kits. I think this is the same setup that Doug has based on his engine bay pics (and the fact that TP has pics of his car on their site). Crossing my fingers to hope its a "good one". They don't specify the brand on their site.

by **ailwyn** » Fri 24.03.2006, 20:40

Elanlover wrote:
Elanlover wrote:Can anyone advise whether a bypass valve is advisable/useful if the chip is installed? Any positive or negative impact? Thanks!

Sorry to repeat the above quesiotn but I don't think I've received a good answer on this. I'm assuming some people have combined the ESM chip and a bypass valve. Was it a good combination? SHould it be done or just go with the chip? Any light that can be shared on this would be appreciated. Thanks all!

What exactly do you mean by a by-pass valve? Are you asking about a dump valve (BOV?), or a valve which places a "leak" in the system (not sure where it goes) to fool the ECU into thinking it's running less boost than it actually is?

If it's the dump valve then there should be no impact, if the latter then you would be advised to remove/not fit it.

Ailwyn

by **ailwyn** » Fri 24.03.2006, 20:42

Never mind, read the bottom of the wrong page Doh!

Ailwyn

by **Elanlover** » Fri 24.03.2006, 20:49

Elanlover wrote:I just ordered one from Top Performace along with their pipe kits. I think this is the same setup that Doug has based on his engine bay pics (and the fact that TP has pics of his car on their site). Crossing my fingers to hope its a "good one". They don't specify the brand on their site.

Actually, I was mistaken. The brand appears to be a "TurboXS" compressor. Don't know if its a good one.

by **F1 LOTUS** » Fri 24.03.2006, 21:03

Elanlover wrote:
Elanlover wrote:Can anyone advise whether a bypass valve is advisable/useful if the chip is installed? Any positive or negative impact? Thanks!

Sorry to repeat the above quesiotn but I don't think I've received a good answer on this. I'm assuming some people have combined the ESM chip and a bypass valve. Was it a good combination? SHould it be done or just go with the chip? Any light that can be shared on this would be appreciated. Thanks all!

Try this
http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6237

by **John_W** » Sat 25.03.2006, 14:04

F1 LOTUS wrote:Try this
http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6237

Thanks, Brian - I'd forgotten about that thread . And it was only last month.

Brain obviously addled by too much beer and too many (excellent) curries at Donington last weekend. :beer:

John

by **Elanlover** » Mon 27.03.2006, 22:00

F1 LOTUS wrote:
Elanlover wrote:
Elanlover wrote:Can anyone advise whether a bypass valve is advisable/useful if the chip is installed? Any positive or negative impact? Thanks!

Sorry to repeat the above quesiotn but I don't think I've received a good answer on this. I'm assuming some people have combined the ESM chip and a bypass valve. Was it a good combination? SHould it be done or just go with the chip? Any light that can be shared on this would be appreciated. Thanks all!

Try this
http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=6237

Thanks! That's a great link to explain things.

Website · by **theelanman** » Mon 17.04.2006, 20:47

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LOTUS-BHP-CHIP_W0 ... dZViewItem

alan.....
spotted this...any comments for those who might be persuaded...!!!
well you know thats not me as Ive got the everest....
cheers
g

by **Doug** » Mon 17.04.2006, 20:59

I'll sell you a round thing that will put a magic vortex on your air intake for more power AND a magnet to tape to your fuel line for better fuel economy too !!! :smt082

Website · by **theelanman** » Mon 17.04.2006, 21:04

doug
I know what you mean but we do have newbies who may be drawn in by this.......
they talk it up well but as per some stuff on ebay its just crap that people seem to parted from their cash for....
once the word lotus goes infront of something you can x5 the price...well I may exaggerate but at least x2 ££££££...and it doesnt always need to be anything that works either.....
cheers
g

by **GeoffSmith** » Mon 17.04.2006, 21:18

Plastic box £2.49
Three wires £0.03
Terry nappy £2.49

Total £5.01 so obviously a bargain at £4.99! Shame about the postage.

You will also join a band of happy, highly intelligent customers who bought previously:

no item reseved!! despite contact

Tuck over a month to come

absolute tosser no goods arrived wont reply to email dont waste your time. prick

Personally, I'd stick with the bent 2p resistor from Maplins he castigates - you'll loose less money and it will probably be just as effective.

WARNING: WOULD APPEAR TO WORK ONLY ON N/A's.

by **GeoffSmith** » Mon 17.04.2006, 21:30

theelanman wrote:once the word lotus goes infront of something you can x5 the price...well I may exaggerate but at least x2 ££££££

Gareth, you're being a bit harsh. They also sell them for Audi, BMW, Chrysler, Citroen, Daihatsu ........ Volvo, VW and all at the same price!

by **Ultimatt** » Tue 23.05.2006, 12:48

Just need a bit of guidance on the benefits of both the chips.

Is the Kilimanjaro a more conservative version of the chip upgrade for those of us that don't require cruise missile performance, or has it been superceded by the Everest chip? Are there any other benefits / considerations in addition to the basic performance characteristics posted on the 'Mountain Chips' website?

Also, I'm having trouble getting my head around (read 'being thick') which chip I would need to order based on my 'PROM' ID/number. What is a PROM ID and how can I find out what mine is?

Cheers guys

Matt

by **taffy** » Tue 23.05.2006, 14:44

Hi matt.
I had the Everest chip fitted at Doonington. Driving the car normally you will find little differance, ie it is no harder to drive, does not have to be red lined to pull off etc. However, :twisted:

if you want the power it will make a differance. I decided to go for the Everest on the basis of 'can you have too much'. I would be affraid of upgrading and then wishing I had gone for the higher output. It may effect the petrol but who cares, I would think that you would drive the car harder because of fun factor

which in itself would use more fuel. Personally I dont find traction an issue unless it is wet, but you would drive accordingly ;-)

by **Doug** » Tue 23.05.2006, 22:58

Matt,

I am no expert in UK cars but if you have an SE or an S2 those are different chips. And then if you have the "Lotus update" for the CO pot that changes your SE chip type. So I think there's only 3 and that is what they are. Not sure how Alan spells it out on his page--I'm sure you could PM him if needed for ordering help.

BTW I agree, go for the Everest. The only difference is the boost traget maps (which Alan displays on his site), which is a touch higher for the E than the K chip. They will feel almost the same I'd bet, but wouldn't you rather know you have the top one ? ? ?

For non-boost driving there is no difference--you would only notice the difference when you hit it hard and thus get boost above stock levels.

-Doug

by **Ultimatt** » Tue 23.05.2006, 23:19

Confirms what I was thinking guys. Thanks.

I wasn't suggesting I would have gone for the 'K' (having trouble spelling that myself ;-)

but wanted to make sure I wasn't jumping in at the wrong level. I trawled through a fair bit of the thread, but I was a good few post long, so got bored and jumped to the end.

As there is no price difference consideration, I will definitely opt for the Everest chip. Just need to figure out these PROM IDs. Is it linked/relating to me VIN number? I've got a '90 SE.

by **GeoffSmith** » Tue 23.05.2006, 23:30

Matt,

Hook up Elanscan and read the PROM ID.

If you need an ALDL cable, I've got one and I should be going to Castle Combe on Sunday :poke:

.... and so should you!

Geoff

PS Don't forget to uprate your brakes first - oh you are!

by **quiksilva** » Tue 23.05.2006, 23:30

"They will feel almost the same I'd bet, but wouldn't you rather know you have the top one ? ? ? "

it aint how big it is is but how you use it my dear fellow

:poke:

seriously though id doubt anyone this side of a chavtastic saxo driver would notice the difference and your also less likely to put it in a ditch first time you open up on a greasy road

Lotus Elan Central

ESM Chips - Performance & discussion

Who is online