David James

Hi John. I've been following Nick's site for quite a while and can't wait for him to complete it and update his website. My Dad used to own an Elite 504 in silver in the 80's and I've always wanted one. So I very much envy you on renovating such a great car. I'm sure I will take the plunge and own one myself in the near future. Dave

Hi John. Check out this website www.nickslotuseclat.com This website has lots of information and pictures. Good luck with your project

Lotus Elite 501 Restoration project Reg. Date: 1976 Mileage: 52,237 Location: 115 mi from bn20 9pt, United Kingdom Enlarge

http://www.ebay.co.u...=item3cc65e4e45 1977 LOTUS ELITE RED - LOOKS AND DRIVES GREAT 9 MTS MOT AND 5 MONTHS ROAD TAX Reg. Date: 1977 Mileage: --

Hi Darren. You are right in thinking it's only a K series and many mechanics have came in contact with them due to cylinder head problems. If the MG clubs say he's good and reasonable you don't have much to lose. I've had HGF twice now and my only concern would be to make sure you understand what has caused the HGF and rectify it. There are many causes and of course this will effect the end price. Sometimes a cheap fix isn't so cheap when the gasket fails again.

Hi Gary thanks for your reply. The car went in originally for an external head gasket leak. The engine ran fine but I wanted to fix it before it gave way. I decided to go for a reconditioned head that was peended because two years ago I already had the head gasket replaced with a MLS gasket and skim. Because it failed so soon after I decided a head that was peened might be a good option. The garage replaced the head. When it was ready for collection the head gasket gave way again. The cylinder head was faulty, the peened area had sunk causing HGF. The garage then replaced the faulty cylinder head with new but has remained tappety. The garage then replaced the lifters but has still remained tappy. The poor garage have now said a conrod could be bent caused by last HGF. They say it will be fixed on their expense as the engine ran fine before head removal. Oil level and pressure all fine. Just hope the garage can claim expenses on the engineering firm that supplied the faulty head as I've no complaints with the garage concerned. Sorry for such a long post.

I've had a reconditioned cylinder head fitted that has been peened. It developed a tappet noise shortly after getting the car back. Been gently driving for six hundred miles and the tappets seemed to get worse. The garage have now replaced all the lifters but still remains tappety. I've driven about one hundred miles and still tappety. Is this normal? How long do the lifters need to bed in for?

My Elise

Can't believe the difference the Elise Parts gear linkage kit with the short shift gear stick has made. I had the gear linkage fitted while having my cylinder head and gasket replaced without the gear stick about two weeks ago. I found it made a slight improvement when selecting gears. This weekend I fitted the gear stick and can't get over how good the short shift selection is. Gear selection was very sloppy and always crunched in reverse. Very happy bunny indeed!

I watched all the auctions relating to this Elite. The first sale was advertised for £1800 needing to be put back together. The 2nd didn't sell and auction ended on £1651.10. Reserve was not met. The 3rd listing. Car number plates blanked and now lowered reserve. Not sure how much it sold for originally. I can't see it making any profit but am pleased to see the Elite back on the road. Would love it myself as it's very similar to my dad's Elite in the 80s.

Anyone on here bidding for this. Recently bought off ebay and put back together. Not sure they will make a profit.

Here is a picture of my dad's Elite. Please double click to enlarge picture. http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/gallery/image/1598-lotus-elite/

Have you had the geometry adjusted. Mine used to understeer quite badly. I fittted AD07 tyres all round and geo setup and the Elise points much better now. Haven't experienced understeer since on the road but can't comment on track driving. AD07 tyres are great in the dry but require caution in winter conditions.