Which header rail is needed for 1991 M100

[Megwenda]

I am trying to establish which header rail I need to purchase for my 1991 Lotus Elan M100 VIN SCC 100ZT1 MHF 279 43.

According to SJSportscars, all M100's up to vin M8161 use Header Rail A100V0125H.
On the other hand, Paulmattysportscars lists "Header rail A100V0125H PRE 91" and Header rail B100V0125F 91 ON

From the VIN, I decode my car to be a 1991 (first registered in Switzerland in 1992).

Please advise.
Dave

[jHamshaw]

I am trying to establish which header rail I need to purchase for my 1991 Lotus Elan M100 VIN SCC 100ZT1 MHF 279 43.

According to SJSportscars, all M100's up to vin M8161 use Header Rail A100V0125H.
On the other hand, Paulmattysportscars lists "Header rail A100V0125H PRE 91" and Header rail B100V0125F 91 ON

From the VIN, I decode my car to be a 1991 (first registered in Switzerland in 1992).

Please advise.
Dave

Refer to the last 4 digits of the VIN number (a.k.a. Serial Number) - if yours is 8161 or lower then the earlier option above applies, otherwise the later option... M=1991 from character ten....

[Megwenda]

Many thanks for the quick answer.

So you are saying that sjsportscars boundry of pre 8161 is correct, and therefore paulmattysportscars method of doing it by the year is incorrect?

My car is pre 8161, but is also a 1991model, so the two different suppliers quote different part numbers

Dave

[jHamshaw]

I've always gone by the VIN serial number method for Elise S1 S2 and Esprit as well as the M100. That's how the parts lists are set out by Lotus. Year is a guide but they do have a habit of changing mid-way through one, whether its model year or calendar year...

[Megwenda]

**** EDIT ****
Just had a reply back from someone at Paul Matty Sports Cars, and they noticed that based on the VIN number, my car does indeed use the 'Pre 91' (i.e. pre 8160) header rail.
*** END EDIT

Good point about the parts lists... I downloaded the parts guide from the manual section, and it does definitely use the VIN number, so my header rail is p/n A100V0125H.
Now just waiting for the two shops to answer my emails so I can decided where to buy it from.

Anybody with experience of these two shops?
SJSportscars
Paulmattysportscars

Also, anywhere else I can order the header rails from?

Many thanks for your help
Dave

[Lotusman33]

Hi Dave
Did you sort you header seal in the end?
I damaged mine while removing the hood so hunting also.
Cheers
Davr

[Megwenda]

Hi Davr

Sorry for delay in answering, I have been busy away for the weekend.

Yup, I ordered the header rail p/n A100V0125H from Paul Matty Sports Cars. It arrived yesterday (I haven't started fitting it). I had to pay £60 to import it into Switzerland, however that isn't too much of a problem as I didn't have to pay VAT in the UK.

I dealt with Clive Green, (Tel : 01527 835656 www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk), who was very helpful. Give him a call, he may still have one left.

Regards
Dave

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Lotus Dealers can supply A100V0125H for £254.38

SJS has A100V0125H listed for £295.38

[Simon_P]

I've always gone by the VIN serial number method for Elise S1 S2 and Esprit as well as the M100. That's how the parts lists are set out by Lotus. Year is a guide but they do have a habit of changing mid-way through one, whether its model year or calendar year...

It is best to have both as lotus seem to reset the sequence to 6000 frequently - There is an explanation at the front of the parts book.