Mattmahope Posted September 18, 2018 Author Report Share Posted September 18, 2018 Brilliant, thanks Dave! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mattmahope Posted October 29, 2018 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted October 29, 2018 Time for a brief update... I had a great day on Friday visiting Hethel with my Dad for a B&C test day driving the Exige 410 and Evora 410. The Evora 410 was surprisingly civilised and I can see why someone would love it, particularly as an everyday car or a GT sports car. Amazingly capable on track for that type of car too. But for me it really felt slow by comparison to the Exige and the steering too light. The Exige 410 was terrific though. Not night-and-day faster than my 350 but noticeably so. The main difference for me was the suspension/ride. With the Nitrons on it felt super smooth, really stable and predictable. Oh, and that titanium exhaust!! Big thanks to Jamie @ B&C for organising and part hosting the day. I went straight from Hethel to meet Dave @Hangar 111. Let me just say that Dave has been incredibly helpful dealing with my endless email requests over the last few weeks and it was a pleasure to finally meet him. Clearly a true enthusiast and obviously knew his onions. My car needs a service and to have a variety of low-level niggles sorted out that have been driving me a bit nuts: sticky first gear selection, creaking from body panel above passenger's head, replace broken strut for fabric roof, rebalance wheels to hopefully cure vibration through steering wheel etc. All rather dull but essential for me not to fall out of love with the car needlessly. And then the upgrades can begin... The visit was initially precipitated by a need (OK, perhaps more of a desire) to get the clutch replaced under warranty. It is unusually heavy to operate and rattles like an old diesel at idle. While at Hethel, I got a Lotus field engineer to approve the warranty claim so am keeping my fingers crossed that all goes through smoothly. In an ideal world, the warranty department will sign it off and give me a new, uprated clutch from the 430. If that happens I will be a very happy Lotus customer indeed. It will also allow me to fit the Quaife LSD at the same time as the clutch is out, which I have been wanting to do ever since I got the car. Once the clutch and LSD are done, that will set the platform for the first stage of my mods. Have decided to start with the EX370 kit just to dip my toe into the water. Hopefully it will give the car just a bit of extra spark and convince me that the full 460 kit is a totally sensible proposition in due course. Dave had two EX460s in the workshop at the time of my visit, which he kindly allowed me to drool over. Very neat looking installation and I am already convinced having driven the 410 that a properly set-up Exige can handle a load more grunt... Finally, Dave is going to fit the 60l fuel tank since I am fed up with the pathetic range on the current tank, which presumably would be made even worse by the power kit being fitted. I like the fact that the tank is also a bit lighter (when empty obviously!) than the standard one, although that is of secondary importance for me in this instance. I had been toying with the idea of fitting the close ratio gearing while the clutch/LSD was being done but have decided against that on the grounds of cost and the loss of 6th gear motorway cruising ability. As @GFWilliams rightly said, just add power instead. I like his style! 7 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 So, my car is finally ready (almost) and I am absolutely pumped to collect it early next week. Fully report will follow in due course but I am hopeful that the major upgrades will be great and that the minor niggles will have been sorted. I happen to see that there is a Javelin Trackday at Snetterton next Sunday 9th. Never done Snetterton and hear good things about the 300 layout so am very interested in going along. Anyone else thinking of attending? Will noise limits of 105 static and 92 drive by be a problem for a bog standard 350 with the KT370 carbon air intake? Is it a bad idea to take the car on track immediately after fitting a new clutch?? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arun_D Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 Happy days. I'm dropping mine off to H111 tomorrow for its winter TLC so if you want I can do some full-bore launches to get some bedding-in done :-) Honestly, you'll be ok just getting a token amount of road miles under your belt to get an initial bedding done, and infact H111's pre-handover road test will undoubtedly have this covered so you're good to go. Snett 300 is fantastic, you'll enjoy it. I don't foresee any noise issues for you. I'll be interested to hear how you get on with the Quaife. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted November 30, 2018 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 A very kind offer, but I think I’ll pass!! What does winter TLC entail? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vd9 Posted November 30, 2018 Report Share Posted November 30, 2018 5 hours ago, Mattmahope said: 92 drive by be a problem for a bog standard 350 with the KT370 carbon air intake? This may be a bit of a challenge, I've been hitting 97-98dB drive by in Goodwood without short shifting. Just go one gear higher and hope for the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arun_D Posted December 2, 2018 Report Share Posted December 2, 2018 On 30/11/2018 at 16:34, Mattmahope said: A very kind offer, but I think I’ll pass!! What does winter TLC entail? Car looks good! Just service and MOT and having a couple of small issues attended to. If I got my act together I would have had the front-end re-PPF'd, but that'll have to wait for another time. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted December 2, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 2, 2018 Thanks for checking up on her for me @Arun_D! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted December 4, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 4, 2018 Car collected from H111 this afternoon and firstly I must thank @Hangar 111 for a truly excellent service. My first experience with them and certainly will not be my last. Top marks to Dave, Marianne and team. Thank you. List of main works completed: Fit Evora 400 clutch/flywheel Inspect gearbox and replace worn selector fork Install Quaife LSD Fit EX370 kit (carbon air intake and remap) Install 60l fuel tank Fit battery isolator in boot Reset geo Year 3 service Will try to post a few pictures when I have a moment. Not really able to provide too much feedback from the two hour drive home, but a few initial observations. New clutch is a major improvement over my old one. Much lighter, smoother and less rattle. Will be taking some time to bed it in as carefully as possible, which probably means sitting out the Snetterton track day I was hoping to attend on Sunday sadly on advice from Dave. But there will be another one - possibly as early as the following weekend. The geo reset has also really helped. Car feels far more accurate and lighter on its feet. I haven't tested the LSD at all as yet, but the good news is that there is no immediately obvious detrimental impact on handling on the road. Car turns in nicely, grips and goes. Magnificent. Looking forward to getting it out on track asap. The EX370 kit is terrific! The car definitely feels more eager and really rips through the revs with a lovely bit of supercharger whine. The lighter flywheel may help with that as well - the car has gained some extra fizz for sure, which is exactly what I was hoping for. It really does feel plenty for the public road, at least for now... Dave took me out in their demonstrator, which is a V6s with full EX460 kit fitted and JZW 1 one dampers. The thing goes like greased weasel sh!t, that's for sure! The JZW dampers also felt good from the passenger seat. Perfectly civilised on some rather rough sections of tarmac and seemed to give good balance when leaned on a little. Dave and Marianne really rave about the JZWs so would be interested to hear any other feedback, since Nitron 3 ways are currently at the top of my wish list now that the above work as been done. Finally, @Arun_D, very nice indeed to have a poke around your machine, which was up in the air with wheels off and Ohlins on show. Looked great! That wing is ridiculous and I love the steering wheel set up you've got. Hope to meet the owner before too long. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Arun_D Posted December 5, 2018 Report Share Posted December 5, 2018 Great to hear you're happy with the car, Matthew. I'm sure the chance to track-test the new setup will come very shortly. Glad you liked my Cup, I wish I had a setup at home where I can get the car up in the air with the wheels off and just look at it! If you have any questions about anything, just give me a shout. 11 hours ago, Mattmahope said: Hope to meet the owner before too long. Don't say things you might regret 😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hangar 111 Posted December 5, 2018 Report Share Posted December 5, 2018 12 hours ago, Mattmahope said: Car collected from H111 this afternoon and firstly I must thank @Hangar 111 for a truly excellent service. My first experience with them and certainly will not be my last. Top marks to Dave, Marianne and team. Thank you. Dave took me out in their demonstrator, which is a V6s with full EX460 kit fitted and JZW 1 one dampers. The thing goes like greased weasel sh!t, that's for sure! The JZW dampers also felt good from the passenger seat. Perfectly civilised on some rather rough sections of tarmac and seemed to give good balance when leaned on a little. Dave and Marianne really rave about the JZWs so would be interested to hear any other feedback, since Nitron 3 ways are currently at the top of my wish list now that the above work as been done. Thanks Matt. Small correction, dampers are JRZ... http://www.hangar111.com/shop/lotus-exige-v6-suspension-steering/662-exige-s-v6-jrz-1-way-adjustable-suspension-kit.html Dave Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted December 5, 2018 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2018 Thanks for the correction @Hangar 111! Think my brain was slightly scrambled from the amazing drive home Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 12, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 12, 2019 Lovely drive out into Essex/Herts this morning. Found a cracking coffee stop too! Car feels fantastic although an odd clanking noise has developed at the rear. Sounds like something is a bit loose and it’s metal banging on metal. Will need to investigate further. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 Anyone else experience this issue and have a more elegant solution?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 The eagle-eyed may have noticed from the above pictures that I have had black wrap applied to the lower part of the front clam incorporating the “Pirelli” logo. I am very pleased with how it came out but appreciate it may not be to all tastes. Limits my tyre choice slightly! Also the extremely eagle-eyed can see that I have had the Schroth harnesses mounted on both driver and passenger side. I didn’t give selecting the harnesses a great deal of thought and just left it to BoT to source and install. The versions that were fitted are the “twisty knob” type rather than push-button. I’m fine with that but just wonder if they would be road legal without seatbelts? Hypothetical question only at the moment since I have retained the standard seatbelts, primarily in case I didn’t like the harnesses for road use. I love them but my wife hates them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vd9 Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 1 hour ago, Mattmahope said: Anyone else experience this issue and have a more elegant solution?? Driving in/out at an angle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 @vd9 Unfortunately the dip is too steep for that even after I got the counsel to level it out! It’s also hard to go in at a sharp angle because I am restricted by the width of the gate I need to get through Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark030358 Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 reverse in? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 29 minutes ago, Mark030358 said: reverse in? The issue is the same driving in or driving out, so don’t think reversing would help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stephenwhyte Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 38 minutes ago, Mattmahope said: The issue is the same driving in or driving out, so don’t think reversing would help! Reversing so the front wheels are at full turn as they approach the kerb will heighten the front......or alternatively approach the kerb side on and then reverse in at 90 degrees or.....drive up on to kerb with one side of car so front and back wheels are on the kerb and reverse turn in? Or use another car park.......or buy a Porsche😉 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vd9 Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 Depending on the severity of an issue, going for Michelin PSC2 may help a little bit, as they are 215/45/17 front, so 4.5mm taller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattmahope Posted January 16, 2019 Author Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 Can’t do that with my Pirelli decals now, can I?? 😂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vd9 Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 Dump the decals anyways 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulli Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 7 hours ago, Mattmahope said: Also the extremely eagle-eyed can see that I have had the Schroth harnesses mounted on both driver and passenger side. @ Mattmahope: Maybe I am not eagle-eyed enough, but to me it looks like your harnesses are not mounted correctly. The shoulder straps with the yellow ASM labels should be used on the inboard side of the car. These labels cover the ASM cartridge. You might have a look at the fitting instructions of ASM Schroth harnesses, for example: ASM instructions On page 16 it says: Separate SCHROTH asm harnessbelts are supplied for the left and right sides. Black asm cartridge must be on the inboard shoulder strap when system is installed (see illustration). Never install belt on wrong side of vehicle. System will not function properly in an accident and serious injury or death may occur. I personally think it is not THAT dangerous, but I am sure you would do yourself a favour by exchanging the shoulder straps of driver and passenger sides. With the ASM straps mounted correctly, in an accident the upper bodies of driver and passenger tend to turn away from each other. The way they are mounted in your Exige increases the risk that upper bodies and/or heads of driver and passenger collide in a car crash. Regarding the wooden boards you are using: At least they look better than the ones I am using to drive in and out of my garage. 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ulli Posted January 16, 2019 Report Share Posted January 16, 2019 14 minutes ago, Ulli said: On page 16 it says: Sorry, page numbers of this documents are somewhat strange. It is page 10 of the pdf, which has no printed page number. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.