Short shift and new brakes

[Malc]

I read someone’s piece in another place (where people post pictures of their dinner), that the two best upgrades that he did to his S2 was the short shift gear linkage and PNM front and rear brake upgrades. Would be grateful for others’ opinion on these as they are tempting…..

[MPx]

Brake upgrade is fundamental and really good IMO, as I found the brakes by far the weakest part of the dynamics of the car and now they're great. Of course I know that some can make the oem work well enough with reasonably frequent fettling, but not as good as the upgrade. The PNM rear gives a handbrake that works - I dont use it other than for the MOT, but its deffo nice to have.

Short shift kit I've not fitted, but like you have only heard good things about it. I think I've even got one in the barn somewhere so no excuse!

The other old skool regular mods were a mountain chip (sadly no longer easily available), bigger 2.25" or 2.5" stainless exhaust with PCE...and if you did all that then you'd need to port the wastegate out to about 20 or 21 mm to avoid boost creep. Makes the car much faster (particularly an S2 but similarly for SE) and shows just how good the chassis set up is.

[FunElan]

My car had these modifications done before I got it. While I don't know exactly how a stock car feels in terms of brakes, I can confirm that a short shifter really changes the experience. The stock shifter is very vague with long throws. I'm not sure which kit mine is but it feels like a nice snick-snick, almost akin to the 60s Elan shifter (but not AS direct).

[Malc]

S’funny, when I was looking for my car, I drove one at a Lotus specialist. I mentioned that it did not have the short shift gear linkage - he said that it was over-rated. I didn’t buy the car (not for that reason but because it was, erm, how shall I put this, unloved). A week or two later he was advertising another one with ‘the very desirable’ short shift gearbox. Ah well, all is well in love and war.

[dapinky]

My opinion is not at all surprising to those who've known me a while..... but it flies in the face of "conventional" modification doctrine....

I am firmly in the camp of keeping the OE brake callipers - but make sure they work 100%.

With a good pad compound on the front (I use Ferodo DS2500), and a slight modification to the hydraulic pressure reduction at the rear, there is no need to 'improve' the rear calliper at all - Hydraulically speaking (there is plenty of spare capacity on the OE one). Obviously, and as alluded to by someone else, if your issue is getting the handbrake to give enough "oomph" to pass the MOT, then that is a separate matter which needs careful maintenance of the system or a change of calliper.

As for the 'short-shift' kit, I have a "first generation Dave Hall unit", and I fitted it at the time I had 2 Elans ....... I much preferred the one without it! Again, maybe it's because I have no play in any of the other components, so it isn't too much of a soup-stirrer anyway.

Each to their own, and if you want the 'easy' way to reliable brakes, then an upgrade is the way forward, but if you are able and willing to fettle, then the OE stuff can be much improved.

[Saltire]

I’m with Dave - well, part of the way at least

I don’t drive the Lotus like I stole it (unlike the daily driver ), and I prefer to keep it original, so I’ve retained the original braking setup. I have, however, fitted Mintex discs and pads front and rear, which made a big difference to the retardation and responsiveness. I clean and grease the caliper sliders regularly (an hour or so in total), and check the handbrake linkage, and I’ve never had a problem at MoT time.

With regard to the short shift, I’ve fitted John C’s replacement shift cables and combined short shift kit, and it made a big difference to the feel and positivity of the shift. Not cheap, but very much recommended, and still available last time I looked.

[Rambo]

I’m with Dave and Jonathan too - well, part of the way at least

I agree that the braking system on the M100 is more than up to the job, BUT only if if is correctly and regularly maintained. I can't do that myself so I have upgraded both of my M100's (Hi Spec/PNM fronts on both. PNM VW MK IV upgrade on the rear) However, I also like originality so all calipers, and the old pads, have been retained for a future owner of either car. Not that I am selling either at present

I have the OEM gearshift on the Black Beastie and Dave's short shift kit on the Norfolk Custard. Because the Black Beastie is well sorted I like the originality and I have no problems with the gearshift. Yes, it does feel longer than Dave's one but not surprising as Dave's short shift was designed to, errrr, shorten the shift ! I do, however, prefer the short shifter because the action feels quicker and I like the fact the gear stick and knob is at a better height.. I always felt that the OEM set up had too long a stick, but that's just me

[Malc]

I have decided to buy a short shift kit and cables (mainly because he only has about seven left!). As my days of mechanical work are behind me (after a five year restoration of a Jaguar and no suitable garage any more!), can anyone recommend a specialist or individual in the South East who has done this before and who could fit mine? I have seen the instructions and it looks relatively straightforward and I’m sure my local garage could do it very competently but it would be good to know someone who has done it before. Thanks