Finally think I could do with a bit more grunt from my NA Exige. Four options that I can see:
Sell it and buy an S. Cost an extra 6-7k once traded and upgraded.
Fit a Lotus approved 220 kit, as fitted to the a Elise. Costs about 4.5 k. Dead end for more power, Lotus approved.
Get a Hanger111 kit fitted. About 7k fitted, 280bhp, means gearbox trouble?
Get a Sinclair kit fitted. Bit more than hanger1111. Same issues.
I will never be a superstar driver and no need for 300bhp.
I favour trading or the Lotus kit. Trading will have better resale when I sell the S but I have got everything else just right on my NA and do not want to start again.
You know I’d be inclined to trade up tbh. What’s your NA spec and current value? I’d also sell now, enjoy the S1 over summer then buy an S over winter when prices are at there lowest.
yeah trade up, you’ll never see the money back
Or… Audi it 
yes…I’ve got a n/a S2,and if ever going for more power I’d definately go the Audi route, otherwise seems too much ££outlay for less power and additional problems elsewhere, gearbox etc.
let us know which way you decide.
Dave
I’m not sure you’d be that satisfied with the lotus upgrade kit. I’ve changed to one of the later S2 Elise SC’s, having previously run an NA exige. It’s a very sophisticated and smooth power train and effortless, but it’s not that ‘special’ to drive. It helps to have more torque on the road. I don’t think the upgrade would be value for money though,unless you’re keeping your car for the long term. I much preferred my NA honda!
Why wouldn’t you, are S2’s tumbling in value? Lots of choice then 
Would an Audi or Honda conversion help the NA appreciate, almost pay for itself maybe. Or would a fairly boggo 240/260 S stand more chance of holding its value?
Edit. I bought my NA 8 years ago for £25k and there are NA’s on PH’s from £20-25k… Webuyanycar.com values it £17k so clearly it’s £20k ish all day long. So for another 5-8k you’ll get a nice S cheaper and waaaaaaaaaay less hassle than an engine conversion surely. More reliable too I would guess.
people don’t want to pay exige S money for a exige with a blower bolted on.
6-7k would see him to a exige s upgrade I bet
Cross post buddy, see the edit.
yeah I was agreeing with you: want a blown exige then find a factory one
Yes sorry lol.
How about just change the cams to start with to a stage 2 or 3 and free up some air?
The main reason for keeping my NA and fitting a blower is I had so much trouble with the car with a full LSH. For the first year it missed all track days and my S1 Vhpd did the duty for it. The second year it was perfect as it has been this year. It was mainly problems like old brake fluid boiling, pads falling apart, coolant header turning to sugar…all trivial but I told the Lotus dealer I was collecting it and taking it to the track and asked them to prep it…hmmm they did not. I do not want to go through that again getting a new car sorted. I had similar grief with my first S1 Elise, from a dealer as well. My S1 Exige was no bother…purchased privately.
I have become quite attached to my NA S2 after hating it in the first year it is really nicely sorted now. The Hanger111 kit has some appeal over a Lotus S as it has an intercooler but I and sure I do not want 280bhp.
I think I will try and get a pax ride in a 220 Elise and see what it like.
Some may ask why I do not just use my S1, it is faster then the s2. I often go to tracks a long way away and I just find it too raw for long journeys and the S2 (now) is drive and forget…and I can hear radio 4 on the way!
Given what you’ve just said about the s2 would suggest keeping as it is and saving the cash. Any changes will add little to the track day experience and detract from day to day driving appeal. Leave as is or upgrade to an ‘S’ and that’s from someone that doesn’t know how to heed him own advice but is convinced that if head ruled heart he’s done the wrong thing.
i don’t change my N/A with C-ONE better than a 220S,and works for more light parts…
it’s a pleasure to say,it’s just a N/A my car when you are more quick than a compressor …
I’ve been up and down the same thought processes since soon after I bought my NA S2 new back in 2007
More POWER
Well no. I don’t need it.
I am no track driving God, I love my Exige and it’s colour. It performs absolutely fine. I do the odd track day and get passed by all sorts, but I am enjoying myself, and I am not competitive.
The only supercharger upgrade I have considered… hard… is the Lotus option, to keep it as stock as possible.
I suppose I could consider a different exhaust, but is there one that is always acceptable on track
So, I just leave mine NA
I do quite a few track days in mine. I keep up on the corners and watch humble stuff romp away on the straights. That is why I am considering superchargering it, I think other track day drivers expect an Exige to out drag them down the straights and take pleasure when you cannot. They then hold you up for laps until they get a blue flag.
I
Are there any good cam options available, and is there a way of remapping the std ECU to cope with them?
