New ECU add-on boards available - Form an orderly queue!

[Smudger74]

Hi All.

new to elan ownership and love the thing. Are the chips still available and where can i get a closed loop kit.
many thanks (apologies if this is covered else where still finding my way around forum.

cheers john

[Saabbug1]

If you're interested in getting a board, please add your name to the list starting in Post 2 of this thread in the usual LEC manner, and don't forget to say if you require 1 or 2 images, the prom version, and whether Standard, Kilimanjaro or Everest. I'll follow up by PM to each member.
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5.Saabbug1 1499/Everest 49 state car with cat.
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[Fredjohn]

Hi All.

new to elan ownership and love the thing. Are the chips still available and where can i get a closed loop kit.
many thanks (apologies if this is covered else where still finding my way around forum.

cheers john

This is the thread for the correct chip more bhp and closed loop. Add your name to Ron's list.
There isn't a closed loop kit as such, but you will also need an O² sensor. Hopefully the sensor to ECU wiring is already in place. If not you'll need to add it. There's an article on here on how to go closed loop. In wikilec tab under Converting SE to closed loop.

Also helps if you add your location to your profile.

[RonR]

New information on the ECU boards, chip supply and a new offering in the first post of this thread HERE.

[andrewoitS2]

Hi Ron, Chris M just gave the the heads up, add me to your list please (95 S2) many thanks Andrew

[TorqueHorse]

Ron,
Thanks for the update and for continuing to provide this awesome resource!

[Stevenarth]

Hi Ron,

What a legend. Please add me to your list. I need some more ponies in my ‘95 uk elan!

Steve

[engtec]

Hi Ron
Please could you add me to your list for any future build of boards.
I'm currently running open loop 9930.
So if possible could I have Standard and Everest switchable and option for closed loop in the future of the same.
Many thanks in advance.

[RonR]

Hi Ron,
What a legend. Please add me to your list. I need some more ponies in my ‘95 uk elan!
Steve

Steve, You have a PM!

[ChrisGoldsworthy]

If you're interested in getting a board, please add your name to the list starting in Post 2 of this thread in the usual LEC manner, and don't forget to say if you require 1 or 2 images, the prom version, and whether Standard, Kilimanjaro or Everest. I'll follow up by PM to each member.
1.Geordie not sure which is best for me ,need some guidance
2. Chris, yes please! Same request for advice as Geordie.
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[Bella91]

RonR,

I’m new to the Lotus family. Recently, purchased a 91 elan in the states. I live in Atlanta Ga. The car is stock only the exhaust is upgraded- I believe. Do you have any Everest chip available for sell? If you do, how much to ship to the states? Also, what parts must I upgrade in order to use the chip?

Thanks,
Angelo Roper

[Bella91]

RonR,

Please add me for an Everest chip for USA 91 model. How do I check to see if it’s a 49 states vs Cali car? Is it a plug and play chip. New to this chip stuff. Does closed loop means no need to flip some switch to get the extra power?

[dapinky]

Hi Angelo,

I have only just seen your 'first' posts which needed approval to make them visible, so I appreciate that it may look a bit disjointed in content...... but let me try to answer some of your queries.

First, to see that your car is a '49' state car, and not a Cali car (very few were Cali cars, but you never know), you need to look at the VIN number - specifically, the 13th digit.....

VIN.jpg

However, that is more necessary if you were actually in California and need to meet smog test requirements....... living in Georgia means that you can use a '49 state' chip anyway..... so no problem for Ron!!!

'Closed loop' simply means that the car has an O2 sensor to monitor and control the air ratio - this will be standard on a Federal car, but was not fitted to a UK car which runs 'open loop' - so no need to worry about that as it doesn't apply to you.

The chip is somewhat 'plug and play' in so much as you need to open the ECU, unplug the old chip, plug that into the new board, and then plug the new board into the socket that the old chip came out of....... everything is reversible, and it is a straightforward process - there are full instructions available with pictures, and it doesn't need any special tools or knowledge.

No other parts need to be fitted or changed to use the chip (on a Fed car).

[RonR]

Cross-posted with Dave!

The chip sits on an add-in board which fits inside the ECU so in that respect it's plug-and-play.

All USA cars came with closed loop code where an O2 sensor is used to modify the fuelling for best combustion, so you won't need to use the open loop proms. I can permanently set your board for Closed Loop operation.

If the thirteenth digit of the VIN number is 2 or 4 you have a 49-States car, if it's 3 you have a California car (at least that's what it left the Factory as, but of course previous owners could have modified the car).
If you have the Elanscan software and cable you can find the PromID as the first field in the Elanscan output, but as you're new to this I'll assume you don't have them.
The surefire way is to examine the ECU - if the cover seals are unbroken there will be a sticker on the outside with an 8-digit number - the last 4 digits is the PromID.
If the seals are broken you have a bit more work to do: Unbolt the ECU from it's hanger (no need to disconnect the wiring), remove the 2 screws on the sides, remove the lid and find the blue 'Memcal'. There should be a hole at the left end with a foil label underneath - a 4-digit alphabetic code identifies the PromID, usually AXMZ or AWKZ = 49 States.

If you want to have the Everest permanently on there's just a jumper to install on the board, but if you want to switch between Standard and Everest you'll need to install the supplied wiring and add a switch.

[Bella91]

Thanks Dave and RonR for your very informative knowledge and insights. My Elan has a #2 in its 13letter spot. So, it’s a 49 state model. Please I would like to order from you an Everest chip. I’ve read so many different ideas about what is needed in order to use the chip. Please let me know what is needed in order to keep my “Bella” safe and fast.

1. Do I need an upgrade intake high flow inlet pipe with blow-off value and k&N filter?
Which product do you recommend? Also, do I need a manual boost controller?

2. Do I need a new Brake Kit or could I just upgrade my brake pads instead?

3. Do I need a short trow shift kit?

Please let me know if I missed any important additional items needed.

Also, how do I send payment to you?

Thanks RonR

[Tuga2112]

the everest chip is a atomic upgrade.

you can install that by itself without anything else changing.

if after you install it, you find theres an overboost problem (despite what may appear in the forum threads, it does not happen "all the time" ) you may find a sticky, or partially sticky wastegate, or in some cases the wastegate will need porting.

if you drive it fast. some will tell you the PMN front brake conversion is a "must". i dont have it installed neither my wastegate is ported, but been driving with the everest chip for... a little over 2 years (got it before this post was made public ) without issues.

my advise is to install the everest chip. and use the car. then find out what else you need in order to enjoy it fully.

[dapinky]

On the subject of 'things to change', it is a very personal list, really......

...... Like Joao, I have been running an Everest chip for a while (about 18 years!) but did port the wastegate when I fitted a 2 1/4" exhaust system......

I also have a short-shift on my car (but not on my wifes)...... personally, I wouldn't bother with it as I have no issues with the other Elans I've owned/driven without one - you will soon get used to where things 'feel' right, and when it works - BUT - other people swear that it is the best thing ever to fit to their car.

Which brings us on to brakes - a whole lot has been written on this subject (possibly more on this forum than any other topic). Let me start by saying that I no longer use my car on track - but I did for a fair few years (with the current one, and the previous one) as well as road use......

..... I have got 'standard' brakes - well, to be honest, not quite, but the callipers are standard - it is a slightly different master cylinder that I use, and a different set-up for the rear brake proportioning valves - both of which help a little, but not enough to change the basic argument.

The basic argument is "The OE brakes are fine if they are maintained, but if you leave them alone they will become less effective over time" - whilst, "PNM (or Wilwood, Hi-Spec) callipers can be fitted and left alone without causing too many issues".

To clarify it a bit - It takes me about an hour every year to jack up the 4 corners, remove the wheels, check the callipers are sliding correctly, and re-grease them - so it isn't exactly something that needs spending a lot of time on.... but it needs checking. Those that have not been looked at for 30 years (other than pad changes) are the ones which are more likely to have problems.

I have the Hi-Spec front callipers on my wifes car (only because they were fitted when I got it), and they don't seem to stop the car any quicker than my car stops..... who knows? - I've never bothered to measure it.

Far more likely to make a difference on any Elan is the choice and condition of the ty(i)res.

On your last point about the air intake - common wisdom is "Leave it alone" - the ducting currently takes in cooler air from the front left bumper area, but changing to an aftermarket system often leaves it taking in warmer air from the engine bay. A K&N type filter element in the OE dustbin is a common(ish) compromise - but not at all essential.

A blow-off valve is a contentious subject as well - I have one, my wife doesn't - I don't like the noise, she does! Some say that if it were necessary, Lotus would have fitted one..... but that doesn't take into account the extra boost from an Everest chip, so is a poorly based argument.

However, I wanted one when I was tracking the car as I didn't want boost lag when changing gear etc - for road use it is far less valuable...... but the theory remains that it will prevent backpressure from stalling the turbine shaft and therefore it will save wear and tear on the parts (as well as keep the boost up!) - bottom line, you can live without one, but fitting one may help.

[RonR]

All good advice from Joao and Dave.

Of course having better acceleration doesn't necessarily mean you'll end up going faster, but....

Brake pad material is also important - I did once frighten myself (and the then owner) when test-driving an M100 with standard brakes and cold Greenstuff pads.

I now have PNM Calipers and larger Subaru disks on the front of my car with standard rears. The PNMs are fit-and-forget, so I just have to check the rear sliders and handbrake adjustment before MOT time. I'll be fitting Jamie's Honda rear caliper conversion over the winter so hopefully that should mean better slider movement and handbrake self-adjusting.

My car came with a dump valve, but I couldn't stand the noise it made so took it off as one of my first jobs on the car. I've since found out it has a fitting for a recirculating hose so I'm considering putting it back on and recirculating dumped air back into the air filter box - another reason to keep the original set-up! The dump valve needs to be set up to crack off at just above the maximum boost, which will be different when the Everest is added (0.9 Bar vs 0.65 Bar). Mine (HKS) has a selection of springs and an adjuster to alter the opening pressure to suit.

If you have the original 2" Exhaust & Cat fitted there should be no problem with boost creep, but a 2 1/4" exhaust and/or Cat deletion MAY get you into that territory, in which case you'll need to port the wastegate.

I'll send you a PM with further details of the upgrade.

Edit: Manual Boost Controller - These 'Fool the ECU' into thinking you have less boost than you actually have, so the fuel mapping will be all wrong as it's adjusted according to a Boost table. The Everest chip adjusts the boost in software so you should never use an MBC with it.

[Bella91]

Thanks Tuga and Dave,


Good to know I don’t need to spend a small fortune to upgrade my new “Bella”. I will take your guys advice and just start with only the Everest chip and the blow off value to protect her. I was able to find a blow value but it comes with a kit. It’s from a shop called Top End performance.

Here is the kit special:

Special Package Pricing
Turbosmart Blow Off valve and Inlet pipe
High Flow Inlet pipe with 3" Inlet High Flow Cone Filter.
Manual Boost Controller (TurboSmart Brand)
Gloss Black Powder Coat

Do I need the manual boost controller?
I will call them to see if they will sell me only the Turbosmart blow off value.


I’m so excited about this project. Curious to see how much of a difference in speed and performance once the chip is installed.

[Tuga2112]

I’m so excited about this project. Curious to see how much of a difference in speed and performance once the chip is installed.

it will be noticeable. and FUN. but keep in mind that you need to be on the higher end of the rev range to actually take advantage of it. which in my personal experience (because my exhaust is a bit too loud) makes it happen barely ever.

one thing i didnt mention. is that my car has ran the 2-1/4 exaust system for nearly 10 years, some people claim that upgrade is enought to experience overboost. I Have more than 30k miles without it.