Basic inlet and turbo QUESTIONS

[Mel_Boss]

My m100 is nearly dead-stock. It's a California-car.

It does have a drop-in K&N filter, but I am considering an aftermarket (smooth) inlet hose and omitting the airbox. Would this mod fail the "visual" part of the smog test? If so, is there a source for a smooth inlet hose/tube that would accommodate the stock airbox?

What about a wastegate? I asked Marie about the one on hers, and she related that it releases the boost upon trottle letoff (assuming one lets off the trottle when one shifts) thereby prevent engine damage.

My engine just turned over 100k miles. Should I seriously consider adding this for longevity? What is the source, and is there a techtip on this topic?

I should add that my M100 often fullfils the role of my daily driver. While I drive hard, I have a well-equipped "classic" Elan for trackdays, and I'm mainly pursuing mods to the M100 that will enhance its enjoyment (a little more power), safety (brakes fergodsake) and longevity.

I have a priority-list. Comments are very welcome (I'm a novice when it comes to turbos and aftermrkt chips and MBC valves).

MyM100 Priority List:
1. Audio - Not originally a first priority, but I'm in the door now. I'm replacing speakers in the door presently since I had to rpl the broken butterfly-window-clip on the passenger side. I have an excellent pair of custom 4"-4ohm spkrs from Dynamic Acoustics that are being rblt. I have 8"-drivers to rpl the rear. Perhaps, I'll add an amplifier. It already has an excellent Pioneer tuner/amp.

2. Brakes. I'm pursuing information on the Wilwood upgrade but will retain the stock wheels for the time being. The stock brakes really do suck - very unlotus. (budget $900).

3. Light engine upgrades like inlet enhancements and a wastegate for turbo longevity (budget $500).

4. Exhaust system upgrade (a bit down the road due to the expense, which I see as about $900).

5. Chip or MBC-valve.

6. Wheels.

[Ashaman]

1 - I would think so. They may not be familiar with the stock layout of an Elan, but that open element is a dead giveaway. What's the problem with stock & a K & N?

2 - I think you mean a bypass valve. A good idea, but IMO not that big of a deal on a stock car. They are easy to install though and not very expensive; so if you get a chip I would add one.

They are universal, but I prefer a closed circuit design (bypass) rather than open (blowoff). At any rate, they are pretty universal.

Your priority list looks good to me!

[Mel_Boss]

Thanks for the reply and advise. I'm guessing that the K&N filter in the stock airbox is reasonably good, but that corragated hose should go. What did you use?

Thanks too for setting me straight on the bypass valve. I take it that the prevailing wisdom is that it is not a high priority with an engine with stock boost?

Your site has lots of useful and interesting information.

Thanks!

[Mel_Boss]

Make that - "corrugated."
Oops.

[Ashaman]

I think it is, I have kept it. I like the fact that it pulls air from outside the engine bay; an open element might be better due to the shorter path - it has been debated and I don't think a benefit has been shown either way.

The lumpy hose looks terrible, replaced mine with rigid tubing and silicone couplers. My turbo is a bit different, but you could probably work out something similar if you want. Keep in mine that since it is pre-turbo turbulence isn't really a problem, though it may be more restrictive.



I don't think so, others may have different opinions. Basically the idea when installing is to decrease lag during gear changes and save wear on the bearings when the throttle snaps shut - so it couldn't hurt, there is just more benefit at higher boost levels.

[Mel_Boss]

Your engine bay looks great!

The inlet tube you used looks direct and straight fwd. Where did you find the silicone couplers? HW store item or autoparts?

I'll start checking into bypass values. It seems like a good precaution.

I appreciate your time and advise.

My "other" Elan:

[Doug]

Joshua, you need one of Brian's Oil Caps to finish off that nice engine bay !!

[F1 LOTUS]

Did you use a Thermotec jacket to insulate the turbo etc? Was this easy to fit - how do you rate it?

[Elanlover]

Your engine bay looks great!

The inlet tube you used looks direct and straight fwd. Where did you find the silicone couplers? HW store item or autoparts?

I'll start checking into bypass values. It seems like a good precaution.

I appreciate your time and advise.

My "other" Elan:

Nice pic of your Elan. I especially liked the Esprit in the distance trailing you

Your upgrade selection looks ok and addresses the "easy" upgrades that many seem to have done. You may want to look at this site ( http://www.racetep.com/lotus.html ) for the intake piping and BOV. I and others have installed this and like it. As for an MBC, I prefer ESM's Everest chip and his site details its advantages over an MBC. I ordered the intake piping set and asked them to take out the MBC which they'll do saving some m oney for the chip purchase.

Sadly, you'll have a hard time finding wheels that match the Elan's stock specs. Lots of tried without success but if you find some you'll make a lot of people very happy!

If you complete all the mods on your list you'll have a very different (and more enjoyable) car

[Mel_Boss]

That's a good site, and it looks like it answers many of my questions. Down the road, I'll have to resolve the question: chip or mbc keeping in mind I live in California...
Fortunately for me, wheels are not a big issue in that I actually like the OZ wheels; although, I plan to have them painted anthracite-grey.

Yeah, the "blackcar" is a trip, and I've h-jointed the rear WBs for camber/toe adjust since this photo; so, the rear is much more stable now. As for the Esprit, he missed the apex by 3 feet! That's T4 @ Laguna, and if I'd taken his line at my speed, I'd have been in the weeds. But, yeah, I do enjoy this photo for the reason you stated.

Thanks again!

[Elanlover]

Mel, have a look at ESM's site if you haven't already.

http://www.astb91.dsl.pipex.com/MountainChipMenu.html

He speaks to the advantages of the chip design over an MBC. My Elan is a Cali version as well. The chip works like a dream in mine and I wouldn't want it any other way. To each his own however

[Elanlover]

That's quite the engine bay! Mind if I ask how you did the spark plug cover (Or whatever we call it)? Looks to be silver with some red accents. Looks fabulous!

[Ashaman]

Your engine bay looks great!

Thanks! I am no Nitroman, but I try to keep it presentable I got the couplers at www.turbohoses.com. They have a nice selection of transitions & turns, they should have something you can work out if you like.

Joshua, you need one of Brian's Oil Caps to finish off that nice engine bay !!

Yes, I do...I tried to get on board last time around but missed out I should try again - that stock one is so boring...

Did you use a Thermotec jacket to insulate the turbo etc? Was this easy to fit - how do you rate it?

Well, sort of - It is actually the header kit for a V6. I used one for the manifold & cut/shaped the second for the turbo. I then wrapped the downpipe all the way to the crossmember. I think it is sort of the same result, but I haven't seen the actual "kit" they sell aside from online.

I am happy with it, it looks good, insulates well, and is a pretty quick install. The only bad thing is it gets brittle with use, so if you have to do any repairs or maintenance it will probably have to be replaced. Other than that I like it. Installation is easy if you have access both above & below.

That's quite the engine bay! Mind if I ask how you did the spark plug cover (Or whatever we call it)? Looks to be silver with some red accents. Looks fabulous!

Thanks! It is the stock cover. I stripped the original paint off, then polished it (it is aluminum). Then I masked off one "stripe" at a time and shot it with a couple coats of Calypso Red - peel, mask, repeat. Once they were all done, I gave the whole thing a final clear coat to finish it off. A little time consuming, but I was happy with the result.