Buying an Elise

General General Lotus Talk
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Test drove an Elise yesterday as I am looking to buy one, WOW!!! is all I can say, now I know I really want one!!!I am thinking of getting a removeable steering wheel which is slightly smaller to give me a bit more room (as I am 6ft 4in tall), anyone got one ?? Also they did mention that they (Bell & Colvill) are able to shorten the gearstick a bit and move it to one side if neccessary, anyone had this done??Can’t wait to get it!Shortie.

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My Exige (same cockpit) has a removable wheel (MOMO Power) which is slightly smaller (30cm diam. as apposed to 32cm for std Lotus). I’m not that tall and did it as I prefer smaller wheels and the fact that the Lotus one has a slightly offset centre. The removable hub also brings the wheel slightly closer to you and therefore up a little. Also, get B&C to put a Lotus badge in the middle.I also have the quick shift which has a shorter stick. Never really had a problem with its length but I do think it is great as it makes the box feel more engineered. That said I also think I’m going to get the www.eliseparts.com Nylatron bushes done, having liked the feel of Miniman’s box.Ian [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image]

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Thanks for the info, that’s the wheel size I was thinking of, how much did it cost to have it done?They had an Exige there yesterday, in for a service or something, you’re a lucky man!!! a trully beautiful car!Shortie

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quote:Originally posted by IDG:…having liked the feel of Miniman’s box.Short shift, or shirt lift? [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image] [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image] [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/grin.gif[/image]

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Oi! [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image]

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quote:Originally posted by Shortie:Thanks for the info, that’s the wheel size I was thinking of, how much did it cost to have it done?I seem to remember about �400. Top quality though and it makes it easier to get in and out without the wheel. I also lock mine behind the seats as added security.If I recall correctly, Lotus’ own wheel is in fact just a badged MOMO one (and probably more expensive). Check here for the types of MOMO wheels, B&C should be able to get them - http://www.momo.it/Momo/volantieng.html quote:Originally posted by Shortie:They had an Exige there yesterday, in for a service or something, you’re a lucky man!!! a trully beautiful car!Why thank you! The owner of the Exige you saw was also a lucky individual actually managing to get B&C to book him in for a service! Although if it all gets too much, Lakeside Engineering are not far away and, although not officially Lotus, know their stuff, significantly cheaper too.Ian [image]http://www.exiges.com/ubb/NonCGI/images/icons/smile.gif[/image]

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Ian,I have heard alot of good things about Lakeside and also Eliseparts, looks like alot of people use these companies.I am starting to wonder if there are any good Lotus Main Dealers as I have heard horror stories about most of them!!!Rich.

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I also have the Momo removable steering wheel in my Elise S1 - I’m 5’10 and to be honest can get in and out perfectly comfortably with it in place, in fact when the roof’s on it’s nice to have it there to grab for leverage!Mind you, I think it’s much better feel than the original and I feel a lot better knowing it’s locked away when the roof’s off.Daniel