Lotus Elan Central

by **blacknight** » Wed 11.04.2007, 17:07

Wife got pulled over in the elan today for speeding :burnout:

Police seemed more upset that while slowing down the exhaust was popping and producing flames! Apparently they should not do this?

Ideas? Advice? Help?

Having never had a pefofmance turbo car (MG metro turbo does not count) I have never had this problem before.

Is this in fact illegal (It sounds a little bit cool ;-)

)?

Cheers

Iain

by **GeoffSmith** » Wed 11.04.2007, 17:21

Sure it wasn't Dave Pink having a laugh?

Seriously, it might be worth checking the base timing. Also, have you got a non-standard exhaust because since I got a Peco, I've been farting and banging on over-run that I didn't have before?

by **Enright** » Wed 11.04.2007, 17:35

Excellent - best laugh I've had all day!
Stevo's did this after he put a 2.5" system on (I think he was quite proud of it).
Free-er flowing systems do pop a bit more, but I agree with Geoff - check that your timing is right.
If it's too far retarded then the sparks can't burn all of the fuel in the combustion chambers.
So it ignites in the exhaust instead, and singe goes PC Plod's barnet! :lol:

Ah, it's been a while since my sig was last appropriate...

by **Monty** » Wed 11.04.2007, 18:16

LMAO

wouldn`t think the police could do much as long as it passes it`s emissions and isn`t to noisey.

by **John_W** » Wed 11.04.2007, 18:53

Stevo would be proud. I hope your wife is not too upset by the attention from the polis. If they didn't do her for it I think it's safe to say it isn't illegal and they were just being :evil:

.

I presume you have a modified exhaust (straight-through). As well as checking the timing, make sure the CO pot is trimmed correctly to give even running with lowest possible emissions, and ideally that you have the latest version of the chip installed (?9930 from memory - you can check the PROM id on ElanScan) which also lets you set the CO level lower and pass the emissions test at MOT time easily.

The replacement chip may still be available from Lotus. If not it's a good excuse to put an Everest in which based on the latest Lotus version.

Pictures of the flames, please. :twisted:

John

by **dapinky** » Wed 11.04.2007, 19:30

Monty wrote:wouldn't think the police could do much as long as it passes it's emissions and isn't to noisey.

O YES WE (THEY) CAN !

if flames are coming out of the pipe, then you commit the offence of Dangerous Driving :cry:

(full wording is "knowingly driving a motor vehicle on a road in such a condition that it MAY cause danger to other road users or pedestrians")

Of course, if it's never happened before then it cant be done "knowingly" :wink:

It carries a choice of penalties from a warning, through an endorsable fixed penalty (£60 and 3 points), to a court appearance with a fine up to £5k, 6 months in jail, 10 penalty points and a discretionary 12 month ban.

That said, i can't believe that many coppers would be too bothered by it - after all, it's not like its a Corsa 1.2 or Saxo with a 4" exhaust can and a million watt stereo.

Be aware that the VOSA also do roadside checks on emmisiions, and they have the power to put your car off the road (immediate or delayed prohibition) - as have some of the Old Bill (but i won't give you a ticket :-D

)

by **muley** » Wed 11.04.2007, 19:34

[voice=bart simpson]Cool![/voice]

I hope mine does that - sounds like it might and it is running rich ...

Cheers

Jim

by **blacknight** » Wed 11.04.2007, 19:47

Thanks Dave

Glad it was not you! Wife said it was quite entertaining as one officer was being all serious while the other one was trying to keep a straight face! Apparently it quite shocked one of them :-D

Tailgating is not a good idea :lol:

especially when car is likely to spit!

I will check my timing and chip (already planning everest purchase) and report back!

Will get my quote book ready "Gosh it has never done that before" :wink:

Unfortunately not really going to get opportunity to witness flame thrower option. Shame, would look really cool at night! :twisted:

Wife was just pleased that she was stopped on return journey if you know what I mean :wink:

So if all engine bits look fine I guess I will have to use my favourite X-files quote "Deny everything"

After market straight through exhaust and K & N Filter are only visible enhancements.

Thanks

Iain

by **GeoffSmith** » Wed 11.04.2007, 22:04

Can someone get a video of this? :twisted:

by **Monty** » Wed 11.04.2007, 23:14

dapinky wrote:
Monty wrote:wouldn't think the police could do much as long as it passes it's emissions and isn't to noisey.

O YES WE (THEY) CAN !

if flames are coming out of the pipe, then you commit the offence of Dangerous Driving

(full wording is "knowingly driving a motor vehicle on a road in such a condition that it MAY cause danger to other road users or pedestrians")

Of course, if it's never happened before then it cant be done "knowingly"

It carries a choice of penalties from a warning, through an endorsable fixed penalty (£60 and 3 points), to a court appearance with a fine up to £5k, 6 months in jail, 10 penalty points and a discretionary 12 month ban.

That said, i can't believe that many coppers would be too bothered by it - after all, it's not like its a Corsa 1.2 or Saxo with a 4" exhaust can and a million watt stereo.

Be aware that the VOSA also do roadside checks on emmisiions, and they have the power to put your car off the road (immediate or delayed prohibition) - as have some of the Old Bill (but i won't give you a ticket )

Aaarrrrr but they`d have to prove it and i bet they couldn`t get the car to replicate it again but maybe Stevo could LOL Mine u saying that they do have the cameras running now :roll:

be great to see it on police camera action :-D

If the car was repeatlingly spitting flames fare doos. Infact if i had the Plod behinde me and Pinky could spit flames i`d give`um a fire works display :smt044

Lotus Elan Central

Flame thrower exhaust! Police not amused!

Flame thrower exhaust! Police not amused!

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