New car delivered today

[lotusles]

Well not quite new, I purchased it 3 years ago and until this morning I had never sat in it.
Its had a chip, turbo work, new big bore exhaust, lowered suspension (to get the power on the road), silicon hoses, Honda seats, roll hoops (decorative of course)

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[Simon_P]

Looks nice. Why the 3 year wait?

[TorqueHorse]

Very nice! Looks like it has an eclectic stall mate too in the background?

[Rambo]

Don't forget to tell your insurance co. about all the mods. and upgrades Les

[lotusles]

Looks nice. Why the 3 year wait?

This is my 3rd M100. This car was for sale and true to form it got the usual derogatory remarks from this forum.
My friend purchased it without me knowing and had it in hi museum.
I visited and he said, did you see your new car.

He then decided it was definitely mine and thats the last I saw of it. It was then put in the museum but had loads of development work done by a very experienced vehicle tuner that has has managed to get 200 MPH from a Leon.

I had some personalised plates that I could not put on the company hack or the other car in the background in the piccies.

So, I belong to a Newbury Car Club that supports blood cancer and I promised to show the car, Guess what, it was road tested in Cheshire and found that with 2 up and lowered suspension and a big bore exhaust there was a knocking, so I missed the show.
Then my wife promised that her nephew could get a ride to his stag do in my classic car. So taxed it for the last few days of August
Well the E Type doesn't fit in the garage, my "other" car in the photo is 1953 and a sod to drive, 3 spd and no synchro, (anybody fancy a guess) so it was down to the Elan.
Call to friend, I need the bloody car now so here it is.
Apologies for crap pictures, but it really is quite stunning. My tuning friend wanted to change the bright yellow carpets, but hey no.

Ill post more piccies etc as and when I drive it

[lotusles]

Don't forget to tell your insurance co. about all the mods. and upgrades Les

Er no, you just plead ignorant and say really? dont forget there are no physical inspections anymore and if there were the current engineers dont know anything older than a Ford Focus

I worked in a Rootes dealers when engineers could see that a pair of twin carbs on a series 3 Minx made no difference but it was classed as sports

You have seen the car in the background of my yellow peril, I have a fantastic story about that

[lotusles]

Very nice! Looks like it has an eclectic stall mate too in the background?

I did that on purpose and glad it created some interest.
It does have a Lotus connection, perhaps a competition option here?

Do you need any clues?

[lotusles]

Took the car out yesterday for its first run, what a bloody nightmare, every speed bump creates a loud bang from underneath.
Sadly once i leave my road there are speed bumps in both directions.

Once clear of obstacles car is like a mobile rocket, but after very few miles and parking up, more coolant leaks from the silicone hoses.
Cant believe how harsh the ride is though with lowered suspension though, is that the norm?

To be honest slightly disappointing after it having so much work carried out, think I prefer a standard car and set up. Also I forgot how poor the turning circle is compared to modern motors.

But it certainly turned a lot of heads when delivering my nephew to his stag do, apparently we could be heard well over a mile away.

[dapinky]

As far as the silicone hoses go, because they are so pliant, they will take on the shape of the jubilee clip when you tighten it up.... I found that the only way to get rid of all slight leaks was to replace the offending clips (joints) with ones which were perfectly round - even a slight kink would allow a small seepage through. If you simply tighten them up, it won't help, and will possibly cut into the soft silicone material anyway, ruining the hose.

It is hard to diagnose 'loud knocks from underneath' as they can be caused by lots of things, either stuff not done up correctly, stuff hitting other stuff or stuff not moving when it should.

I found that adjustable suspension was more trouble than it is worth 99% of the time - it's fine if you are driving on road and track, in all weathers, to optimise performance in a competitive environment, but these days I simply set it up for 'comfort' (usually remaining as close to OE as I can get) and drive accordingly!

[lotusles]

As far as the silicone hoses go, because they are so pliant, they will take on the shape of the jubilee clip when you tighten it up.... I found that the only way to get rid of all slight leaks was to replace the offending clips (joints) with ones which were perfectly round - even a slight kink would allow a small seepage through. If you simply tighten them up, it won't help, and will possibly cut into the soft silicone material anyway, ruining the hose.

It is hard to diagnose 'loud knocks from underneath' as they can be caused by lots of things, either stuff not done up correctly, stuff hitting other stuff or stuff not moving when it should.

I found that adjustable suspension was more trouble than it is worth 99% of the time - it's fine if you are driving on road and track, in all weathers, to optimise performance in a competitive environment, but these days I simply set it up for 'comfort' (usually remaining as close to OE as I can get) and drive accordingly!

Thanks,I suspect the correct hose clips have not been fitted and yes I totally agree with suspension, it is far too low for normal road driving. Cant believe they have done this just to get the power on the road, i would have preferred less power.
I'm seriously thinking of selling the car and getting something really basic. Could be M100 No4

[Saltire]

FWIW, Les, when I fitted my Samco hoses, I used the accompanying ‘official’ Samco hose clips (new), and I’ve had no leakage at all (famous last words)

[Fredjohn]

Likewise, no problems either after 4-5yrs.

[lotusles]

FWIW, Les, when I fitted my Samco hoses, I used the accompanying ‘official’ Samco hose clips (new), and I’ve had no leakage at all (famous last words)

Hi Jon and yes totally agree, never wanted 200+ bhp to suffer with no confidence in a car and harsh drive and coolant pissing out out on the floor.
My total love (and being a a Lotus pensioner ) has been to support the marque (and my income)
3rd M100, all have been messed around with and not happy with in any of them

I think in 3 M100s I have not yet completed 100 miles

Car for sale without the personalized number

[Rambo]

I think in 3 M100s I have not yet completed 100 miles

Very sad. In the 3 M100's I have owned I have completed tens of thousands of (mainly) trouble free, very enjoyable miles

[lotusles]

I have decided to part company with this car, sadly its just not for me

[MackieRM]

Sweet new ride, man! Nice

[lotusles]

Car now sold, never again. I worked for Lotus prior to and during launch, it was regarded as a bag of S**t then, they were not wrong
ill just enjoy my Lotus pension

MGB GT on its way

New owner will sadly not be joining forum as they think its too self opinionated, probably explains why so few post on here.
I have to admit you either fit or you dont, such a shame as the background information is invaluable, but I have to confess I belong to 6 other forums and owners club, all are very supportive, except this one.

Perhaps there is a lesson to be learnt here.

[Jamie N]

At least you can put another S at the end of your usename and be perfecty happy it's true.

[dapinky]

Well, whilst it's always sad to see anyone leave, it does appear from your *final* post that you won't miss us much.....

Clearly it took you 10 years to either realise what a load of shite we are, or to develop the moral fibre to express your opinion.....

..... all whilst gleaning information from those happy to provide it for free.

Maybe owning an Elan isn't for you (it wasn't intended to appeal to everyone), but I feel that your personal 'attack' against the members here who are the most helpful and inclusive of any forum I have ever visited is a tad "too much".

Anyway, I wish you well with your MGB (you'll need it).

Don't let the door hit you on the way out.

[esprit888]

Hmmm, so much that could be said, the trolling as an exit post after 10 years says a lot more about you than it does this forum. If you think this one is bad (IMO it isn't) then try the Esprit one (or any other Lotus forum) it isn't a patch on the information or assistance (both in parts and advice) given at no cost or benefit to the poster. I will agree that on occasion the 'old-timers' sense of humour/sarcasm can be a little sharp at times, but its a public forum and is mild in comparison to the majority out there. Is the M100, now a 30 year old car, deserving of criticism? absolutely it is, and it was far from perfect when new, but its long lasting popularity and more recent increase in desirability contradict your experience. Not that your opinion isn't valid, I'm sure it is, and we all have our fair share of M100 horror stories, but its a love of the marque that keeps me reading this forum. I've owned four M100's and recently sold one that I bought, twice, to a guy who feels the same way about the brand and comradery that typically accompanies an older Lotus purchase. I sincerely hope you have found the positivity and love that you are seeking on an MGB forum, but being a member of several of those I can safely say you need thick skin, don't get me started on the first car i ever owned, an MGB roadster, or the GT V8 that caught fire