340R

General General Lotus Talk
1

Hi All

2 questions for the masses

  1. Anyone had a 340R and if so how do they compare to an Exige S2 - I know it depends on model etc.

  2. If question 1 is answered to my satisfaction am I still welcome on Exiges.Com or is there a 340R.Com ?

I await with baited breath

2

I have a green 340R and having owned a Exige might be qualified to answer.

In a nutshell, the 340R is quicker than a Exige S. I’ve never had a problem passing one on track.
Handling wise I guess it’s better since it’s lighter and feels more agile. Keep the revs up and it’s a flyer. I actually think it’s a better road car than track. Stelvio in a 340R would be awesome…providing it didn’t rain.

Problem for me, I sold my Caterham Superlight R for the 340R. Anything after the SLR feels slow(ish). That car had sublime handling and performance.

For me the 340R was a box that needed ticked.

And any excuse to post a pic

[image]http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3072/2634280414_061b149732.jpg[/image]

3

Such a nice 340R you have.
I also serched 340R LHD but there is no LHD 340R with good condition.

4

I don’t care what you say Chris, you’re just as bad as me They are stunning though.

5

Gareth

Thanks for the mail. Couple more questions - sorry

How have you found reliabilty etc ?

Any engine probs or rebuilds ?

What are they like for parts/servicing etc ?

Were all the 340r’s the same base spec - engine, brakes etc ?

Anything particular to watch out for when buying ?

Do you have the 190 upgrade ?

That’s more than a couple - can’t count


Thanks


Chris

6

Gareth

Thanks for the mail. Couple more questions - sorry

How have you found reliabilty etc ?

Any engine probs or rebuilds ?

What are they like for parts/servicing etc ?

Were all the 340r’s the same base spec - engine, brakes etc ?

Anything particular to watch out for when buying ?

Do you have the 190 upgrade ?

That’s more than a couple - can’t count


Thanks


Chris

Thanks for the mail. Couple more questions - sorry

How have you found reliabilty etc ?
[color:“red”]Not had a problem. They do like to drink some oil after a trackday, not that’s a problem [/color]

Any engine probs or rebuilds ?
[color:“red”] It’s a K afterall so there’s potential for HGF. I’m on my 3rd Lotus with a K and never (touch wood) had a problem [/color]

What are they like for parts/servicing etc ?
[color:“red”]Junks is your man for windcreens and maybe a few other things. You can almost guarantee if you smash it, it’s a write off [/color]

Were all the 340r’s the same base spec - engine, brakes etc ?
[color:“red”] All 340Rs were sold as 170bhp and the 190 kit was optional. Brakes standard. [/color]

Anything particular to watch out for when buying ?
[color:“red”]They stone chip quite easily but most have had low miles. As long as it’s been well maintained then hopefully no problem. [/color]

Do you have the 190 upgrade ?
[color:“red”]Yeah, mine does. [/color]

7

Thanks for that

Might do the deed then


Chris

8

Thanks for that

Might do the deed then


Chris

If you can find one for sale…

9

2 or 3 on PH

10

Yeah seen those

1 from Pure Lotus - think it’s been on for ages
1 from Barry Ely sportscars
1 from specialist - only got 390 miles on though - could be problems
1 JPS replica @ 25K - not sure about that for 25K

Any guidance oh wise Exigers ?

11

1 from Barry Ely sportscars

Everything from Bazza seems to in be stock just toooo long, either that or he does not keep his website upto date.

I would suggest ringing a few Lotus dealers and lodging an interest if one were to come along for sale, but in my experience they never take any notice.

Are you flogging your Exige then…

12

Unfortunately I am.

Wifes not working etc etc etc and can’t justify the car at the moment.

Don’t want to stop doing trackdays etc so need to scale down to a 20K car for now.

When she’s back at work its 2-11 here we come !!!

Until then not much at that price that comes close to my S2 apart from Loti

Also considering S1 Exiges but like the 304r not too many good ones around

Chris

13

304r not too many good ones around

Might be worth posting on Scottish Elises as I think there might be a chap looking to punt his.

SP

14

Stelvio in a 340R would be awesome…

So you’ll be joining me in 2009 then?

Sanjoy - sounds like gossip? Who’s selling up??

15

Unfortunately I am.

Wifes not working etc etc etc and can’t justify the car at the moment.

Don’t want to stop doing trackdays etc so need to scale down to a 20K car for now.

When she’s back at work its 2-11 here we come !!!

Until then not much at that price that comes close to my S2 apart from Loti

Also considering S1 Exiges but like the 304r not too many good ones around

Chris

Update : Looks like the deal is done - just got to get a service in at Lotus for the new buyer

So - on a 20K budget what are the (sensible) suggestions ?

I’m thinking 340R or S1 Exige or VX220 Turbo or Clio V6

Phoned Barry Ely about the 340R - still available but no warranty if used on track

Another 340R available but with only 375 miles - great investment or bottomless pit for money ?

I want something for track days that will be resonably quick and tuneable

Any advice/guidance on any of the above ?

16

Chris

As you’re considering a Clio V6, I’ll chip in

New Clio Cup (with aircon) for under �13K - you’ll be pleasantly surprised how good they are, on both road & track (Even your missus would enjoy driving it )

IMHO 340R is only any use if you’re going to trailer it. Wouldn’t touch a VX, simply because they ain’t as good as the Elise on track, & body parts are in short (& expensive) supply. You’ll need more than �20K to find a decent S1 Exige, & maintain it for more than occassional track use.

Another alternative would be to buy an S1 Elise for say �8K, & chuck the rest of your budget at having it Honda’d with brake & suspension upgrades.

Finally, I’m a great fan of Caterhams, but realise they’re not everyone’s cup of tea!

17

^^^^^^^Holy cow that all makes complete sence^^^^^^
It’s why we love you Rob. Chris a chap called Ian Morris (His brother has a Golf GTI Works often tracks) anyway same thing brought an Elise cheap put a Honda in it, new dampers etc saw him last time at Donny and at Spa this weekend and his car is seriously quick and looked like a fun long term project! Not sure about the Clio tho

18

Cheers Jonny

Ian (& his bro) has been a regular around the trackday scene for some time - had a Renault Spider for many years before getting his Elise. Glad to hear he’s pedalling the Elise well too

19

Trailer is for wimps!
Oulton Park booked this year…I’m travelling from Aberdeen (6hrs)

20

Trailer is for wimps!
Oulton Park booked this year…I’m travelling from Aberdeen (6hrs)

October 28th?

If so, see ya there