A Real Owners Project

[desmondsee]

Thanks! I would agree that addin that couple of stripes would just take it to the next level!! The pictures posted were in response to some members request for some piccies in the sun and also on the ICE options.

To complete it all i think i will also post the prices of some of the parts as a tuning option for consideration. The idiea is to update the look of existing parts and yet be able to replace them easily thereafter.

1) Defi Gauges (+Sensors & Cntrl Unit) : Boost, Oil Temp, Water Temp, Oil Pressure (~GBP750)
2) Defi Gauges (RPM) : GBP150
3) Defi (Digital Speedometer HeadsUpDisplay and Control Unit) : GBP180
4) Tomei (Duracon GearKnob) - direct screw on for Elan: GBP40 (very respectable japanese engine tuning company for EVOs)
5) APEXi EBC (Limited Black Series) : GBP350
6) APEXi Turbo Timer : GBP50
7) Elise Aircon Vents : GBP28 ea
Sony Dual Din Head Unit : GBP400
9) Red Stich & Perforated leather re-trim for Handbrake, Gear boot and Door Cards: GBP90
10) Thick Carpeting (black mercedes run) including both door lower edges and rear board (behind seats) : GBP120
11) Aluminium Floor Driving Plate : GBP30
12) Sparco Deep Dish Steering Wheel : GBP130
12) Sparco Steering Hub : GBP90
13) Control Dash Panel Metal (Handcrafted)-no more warps! : GBP600
14) Carbon Fibre Print on Dash Panel : GBP200
15) Centre Console Fibre Glass Modelling and Carbon Fibre Plate Cup Holder : GBP600
16) Focal K2 Power 6.5 Inch Component Speakers : GBP400
17) Precision Power DCX600.4 Amp : GBP400
18) Morel 10" Subwoofers : GBP150 ea
19) Bride Carbon Kevlar Seats and Custom Brackets to fit Elan Rails: GBP850ea (Latest Model with more relaxed Posture for cabriolets)
20) Pivot Engine Start Button (Blue lit): GBP50
21) APRacing CP3788 2.2kg Calipers , 4 x Large Area Pistons with Custom Mouting Bracket and Hub Spacers for Elan : GBP1900 (whole set)
22) 5Zigen FNOR-1 Forged 17" 4/100 Offset+42 Centre Hub Adapter 56.5mm, Weighed in at about 6+kg : GBP1100 (per set of 4)
23) Yokohama Advan Neova ADO7 Tyres: GBP330 (per set of 4)
24) BF GoodRidge Steel Braided Brake Lines: GBP90
25) Paint Job (Colour) Lamborghini Titanio with Double Lacquer : GBP1000
26) Rear Housing for Elise II Lamps (Handcrafted) : GBP550
27) Rear Grille and Bumper Mod for License Plate : (absorbed by Paint Job Package)
28) and the top of list: Dave M's Custom Rear Strut!!
29) Also have Darren's ignition Carbon Fibre plate
30) Other unseen parts also include HKS SSQV BOV (GBP180) and APEXI Aluminium Water Tank with custom fittings (GBP130). (the original Lotus water tank cracked twice and the cap also cracked once.
31) And of course the Quaife ATB (i think it was about GBP400)
32) Still have a set of ARP head bolts for future engine bay works.

- I am in the midst of ordering the CentreForce Dual Friction Clutch - it's meant for the 4XE-1T engine Isuzu (am crossing my fingers that it fits!) Anyone using this US part on a UK spec car? Clutch Specialties is out of business i think. UR only provides for other ISUZU models. Exedy is only for non-turbo version. Someone in Korea is using a HKS..not sure how it can happen.
- but i still need an aftermarket flywheel!! (No luck so far, any advise?)
- btw does switching out to the Spearco Intercooler help to reduce engine bay temp? (especially oil temp)
- so far think the main problem with Elan or modded Elanss is heat. some other options include opening up the bonnet with grille inserts and custom front wind directional plates, front bumper mods and perhaps side fender mods. But may not pursue due to spending to much on this car already!

But i learnt alot from this site and hope that the experience above is of help for those in pursuit of further excellence!
Cheers, Des

[desmondsee]

Ok, sorry if this is going in the wrong thread.. but it is kind of considered as part of the project...I need a new clutch and flywheel.

So far, i think the readily available option is Centreforce Dual Friction Kit with Release Bearings from the US. I tried to order via Racepages, Horesepower Freaks, but somehow they do not accept even if they indicated that they do international orders.

Was wondering if any good budies in the US could help me out here? Clutch is slipping really badly now...cant go over 3K rpm.

Also, if anyone is keen on any of the parts that i mentioned above, do hesitate to let me know and either i can help you back or if you like to go direct.

Either case, thanks in advance guys!-

[Dave M]

Looks great! Wow! I might have to take a look into those wheels...might look nice in dark grey or black on my white car. What size are the Yokohamas? Do you have any rubbing issues under hard cornering? The silver paint you've done is gorgeous!

If you need some help on the clutch/flywheel, let me know. If the place you want to order won't ship international, you can have it sent to me and I'll forward it on, no problem. I assume you've been through the various threads to find current options to come up with the Centerforce, correct? I'm running the Clutch Specialties setup (1800# pressure plate with 6-puck clutch disk) and really like it, though I don't know if they are still around. It's been a while since I ordered.

[desmondsee]

Hi Dave,
It's really good to hear from you again! Thanks for being able to help. (Sent you a PM).

As for the rims, i have spent so long searching for a light one that has the closest fit. It is a 5Zigen FNO1R forged set. (Not the FN01R-C). I put it on the weighting scale and it came up to slightly over 6kg. The price was something i paid some years back but probably lower today. But it is rather difficult to get in (4/100) since today's cars are usually (5/114.3). Not to mention this weight at 17inches; which is needed for the large size calliper. I was somewhat disappointed that it didnt come in silver or chrome which was something i wanted at first. anywhow, the white slowly grew on me and gave the car a distinctive flavour overtime. Anyhow, it is possible to get it re-sprayed to another colour.

Cheers

[desmondsee]

I am using the Yokohama Advan Neova AD07. Much more quite than the Falken FK451 previously and also much lighter. Excellent control. The Rubber is sized:215/40/17 (front) and 215/45/17 (rear). The maximum is 40 i can go after trying that it doesnt rub when cornering. i have not tried hard cornering since i dun go to the track, more of a street drive for me.

As for the clutch, i am taking a risk with the Centreforce since it is meant for the Isuzu 4XE-1T engine for the Impulse. I hope it fits; but if it doesnt...guess i would have wasted a few bucks. I dun have much of a choice unless i choose to go back to stock clutch. Clutch specialties seem to have gone to Mars or Jupiter for a holiday i think...

[Dave M]

Here's what it appears Hegg is doing for his parts. Check these places and parts. If you can pay them and they'll ship to me at the address I gave you, I'll forward them on to you asap. If they can't accept international payment (can't imagine they won't take a credit card number), I can order them for you. The flywheel looks to be a good price - probably $40 less than I paid years ago. Hegg has said he's waiting for his though. Check his thread, too for more info:

http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8165

Clutch/pressure plate-
http://www.racepages.com/performance/ba ... brand=true

Bearing-
http://www.racepages.com/performance/ba ... brand=true

Flywheel-
http://www.jazzproparts.com/ProductDeta ... ode=111871

[Monty]

Dave,

If u do order the above for Desmond could i jump on the band wagon as it`s very difficult to get uprated clutch and fly over this side and alot of the US site won`t ship overseas, I`ll pay up front, no prob`s.

[Dave M]

Dave,

If u do order the above for Desmond could i jump on the band wagon as it's very difficult to get uprated clutch and fly over this side and alot of the US site won't ship overseas, I'll pay up front, no prob's.

No problem, Monty. Whichever shop above (or if you find another here in the States) won't ship to you, I'd be more than happy to send it on. Looks like the flywheel is free shipping to me anyway-so no extra cost to you! I'll PM you my address. Just let me know what else I need to do.

[ailwyn]

Dave,

If u do order the above for Desmond could i jump on the band wagon as it's very difficult to get uprated clutch and fly over this side and alot of the US site won't ship overseas, I'll pay up front, no prob's.

Dave,

I'd like to do the same if that's ok.

Thanks

Ailwyn

[desmondsee]

alright, have been away for a while. just to keep post, the Clutch and Flywheel from ClutchMasters did finally arrive and fitted. Been driving for a good few months now and well and good.

Anyway, now is the time to work on the cooling and power of the car. Need to get the following parts:

RC Engineering Injectors
Aftermarket Intercooler
Aftermarket Radiator
Aftermarket Radiator FANS
Aftermarket Forged Pistons (same bore size)
Engine Bearings
Higher Strength Valve Springs
Turbo Upgrade
Aftermarket Water Pump
Titanium Valve Stems and Retainers (?? - just dreaming)
Mine is UK spec car.

Can the good souls who has done the above advise and point the direction? I know i can re-read the threads again but thought this may be faster. Thanks guys!

[Doug]

good to hear the progress and plans.

sorry, can't be of help for parts, but someone will hopefully drop in and help soon

FWIW, I was reminded recently that Costas is running his increased boost and NOS with the OE intercooler -- only Zeus knows why but just mentioning it as it may lower that on your upgrade list.

[desmondsee]

Thanks Doug!

I had a lengthy discussion with my mechanic and now will downsize to revamp the cooling system and fuel injection first. Took some measurements and here goes...

I already have a new radiator fitted. So I am looking to do the following:

1) Spearco Intercooler (ordered through RaceTep @ $695 @ 3 weeks)

2) 2x Maradyne 9" Puller Fans (absolute radiators @ $52.5 ea) Specs are 790CFM and 7.7Amp draw. Depth is about 2.5inches.

3) Looking to buy RC Injectors (Anyone can advise the best place & $?) I may look to upgrade the turbo and engine and am thinking of the 550cc. But in the event i dont, will this flood my fuel rail? I do have a Sard fuel regulator installed at moment.

4) I am not sure if my ECU is conked up. Its causing the temp to rise. It's wierd. How do i know? Recently this was fitted into another Elan which was running well stable. But when my ECU was plugged in, it caused that ELAN temp to rise as well! Is there a place to get a new ECU cheaply?

5) I would love to have an engine and engine bay like Dave M and have this car ready for the track but i think it is not to be. But this car has just too many issues. Losing motivation after spending close to US$25K.

6) I will also be changing to a Setrab Oil Cooler to replace the stock one.

7) I have just replaced the Front ARB bushing and within a 6 months of just street drive, it's starting to crack again! I seriously like a more permanent solution than this.

Has anyone tried to lay fibreglass or some sound absorption material in the whole interior cabin to reduce noise and stuff? Not sure if this is worth doing.

9) Anyone has done any intake re-routing work? I think the existing is not optimal and to have an open POD is to suck in more hot air from the Engine bay. I think that is not a good idea.

Glad to hear comments...cheers

[desmondsee]

Hi

Does anyone know where i can get the ECU wiring diagram?
Thanks for help!

[desmondsee]

I would like to post this here in case i forget...for those who have been trying to get the elusive clutch and flywheel...


> >
> > On 1/24/07, lonnie futch <tech@clutchmasters.com > wrote:
> > >
> > > Desmond ,
> > > the flywheel is in stock , the price$ 472.50 .
> > > clutch kit $512.05 the price on the clutch kit & flywheel is with
> the 5 % discount .
> > > flywheel $448.00
> > > s/h $225.00
> > > total $1,185.93
> > > thanks
> > > lonnie

[desmondsee]

anyone can help?

tks!

[desmondsee]

just purchased:
4x550cc
spearco intercooler
2x 9inch maradyne pull type radiator fan @ 790cfm each and 7.7A draw each
from TOPEND performance...
Also
low temp thermostat and fan switch from Rod Fiery
car is in workshop now undergoing some work:
1) front end opening for direct flow into engine bay and intake open pod reroute
2) twin oil coolers.

i read with interest the thread on Elan coupe. this is where my hearbeat is. Hope that 1 day, can convert this car into a non-leaking hardtop, with the coolest aircon and converted soft storage area into a third seat. coupe with no spoiler and modified rear bumper but like the rear of ferrari 360 or tommy kaira zzii or some diffuser with twin exhaust after modifying the rear boot space. dun need that spare tyre and have removed it. i think the elan rear is the ugliest and need to be updated. also the front slightly narrower than the body of the car and looks disproportionate.

anyone has a ecu wiring diagram? can point direction to get one?
thanks!

[desmondsee]

just purchased:
4x550cc
spearco intercooler
2x 9inch maradyne pull type radiator fan @ 790cfm each and 7.7A draw each
from TOPEND performance...
Also
low temp thermostat and fan switch from Rod Fiery
car is in workshop now undergoing some work:
1) front end opening for direct flow into engine bay and intake open pod reroute
2) twin oil coolers.

i read with interest the thread on Elan coupe. this is where my hearbeat is. Hope that 1 day, can convert this car into a non-leaking hardtop, with the coolest aircon and converted soft storage area into a third seat. coupe with no spoiler and modified rear bumper but like the rear of ferrari 360 or tommy kaira zzii or some diffuser with twin exhaust after modifying the rear boot space. dun need that spare tyre and have removed it. i think the elan rear is the ugliest and need to be updated. also the front slightly narrower than the body of the car and looks disproportionate. no offence to anyone though...just my own thoughts.

anyone has a ecu wiring diagram? can point direction to get one?
thanks!

[Dico]

Good luck with the upgrades. What bhp are you hoping to get?
Do you still have the stock turbo Dezzy?

[desmondsee]

you can see where it is all leading too isnt it ? sharp!
Yup, still the stock turbo. i think it is about time to upgrade that but before i do i need someone here who could do the custom extractor and turbo piping, then also the ECU mapping. You guys are really blessed in US for having the abundance of tuning shops and specialty custom dealers. Sigh, it's really hard to find good ppl here.

Anyway, my car is always running too hot and i am tired of that. So i decided to re-do the cooling to get it to run stable and low, thereafter to go for Power Enterprise PE1818 turbo with Haltech ECU / ECUtek. The guy doing the motec is avoiding me!!

For the cooling, i have just installed a new Trust Oil Cooler but will try to do a twin like COSTAS (Shark). For the intercooler, the Spearco unit. I will also be installing more powerful radiator fans (with one operating all time and second with a manual switch) Also will be considering opening up vents in the front for better air flow. I will try to acheive 1/4 mark in stop go traffic under 35degC environment.

Another turbo option is the VF34. There are also Garrett turbo options but those are about 70% more in cost than the IHI VF34 series....still to decide i guess. Cooling system first nonetheless

[desmondsee]

FANS: ok the Maradyne 9in fans arrvied. my mechanic got it fitted and fits perfect and the it is also positioned about half inch to the radiator so to have maximum pull. tested the fans prior, my mechanic almost got all his pimples blown away. so i am hoping this will definitely be an excellent upgrade. plastic shroud so no rusting issues. very happy with this upgrade and hope things will be kept cool.

Oil Cooler: next up the Trust Oil Cooler. It comes in Blue Aluminium. Thicker and larger than the stock. Solid Build. In fact, this is the aftermarket part for the Mitsu EVO. But this one is quite expensive though, 380GBP. But i hope this will keep the oil temp low. Especially when looking to upgrade the turbo and boost up.

FAN Switch: Bought the Dick Rodney's parts. Installed the low temp fan switch. Hope that this time there will no more steam and smokes.
Have not installed the Thermostat yet. May i ask if anyone has installed this? Will it require the engine to be taken out for the install ? Any effects for installing this?

I should be able to test the operating temp and cooling in the next few days whilst waiting for the Spearco intercooler's arrival. Further updates then...