Why keep it standard? It’s not as though it will be worth more by doing so (probably much less). Convert it if you want keep it standard if you want. Individuals choice.
Depends if you mean next years value or 30+ years value.
No contest - I’d rather have an Elan that had been fettled by Spyder (chassis, engine, suspension) than an original condition Lotus Elan.
Depends if you mean next years value or 30+ years value.
Without a load of work, the original VHPD is a bag of shite waiting to explode. Even KingK agrees on that.
KingK’s engines are top notch (as far as I can see), but they are nothing like “original”, nor readily available, nor cheap.
I cant argue against that, I would change mine in a heart beat … but surely a totally original spec exige will be worth more to collectors in the future than a converted (audi/duratec/honda) version. I wonder how many totally original exiges are left in the world ?
… but surely a totally original spec exige will be worth more to collectors in the future than a converted (audi/duratec/honda) version. I wonder how many totally original exiges are left in the world ?
Difficult to comment on either point - I’ve certainly got no idea In fact I don’t really care - if my car is worth zilch tomorrow, it’s been a bargain for the smiles/enjoyment it’s given me for the last 6 years (priceless!!!)
I doubt that any (that are actually driven!) will retain an “original” VHPD engine - at some stage they will be “KingK’d” or “DVA’d” or similar, to some extent to keep them going!
Crikey, Mr P, I’m twitchy enough about my motor as it is.
Perversely, I sort of enjoy that frisson of fear that it might go bang at any moment . . .
Actualy the Honda is a piece of peepee to use as an everyday car. Very easy to drive (pootle) about in until you step on the gas and it goes into ballistic mode.
One comment I would make is that the honda does make the car sound very bland and docile. doesnt quite have the grumpy idle and charm of the vhpd and its bag o nails noise. I would have the everyday reliability of the honda combined with the noise of the VHPD.
honda does make the car sound very bland…
you�re having a laugh, the Honda sounds gorgeous in comparison, it�s fruity, but still a bit hard edged and raucous; I dunno, maybe it is to do with the exhausts people fit, but I love how the Honda sounds: Video
David
David, I think Carsten is refering to the noise when in “pootle” mode. Must admit I miss the grumpy old VHPD at tickover, that said I can’t think of any other downsides to the conversion
A standard Lotus is rare thing.
I cant see an standard S1 being worth any more than a converted one unless it’s done no miles and has lived in a museum.
If you want to use it (in my experience) the 177 is a dog and was aweful until I got the verniers and Emerald fitted.
It’s still a bit ropey but it certainly has that fragile Lotus charm.
Mine has done loads of miles and will certainly need quite a bit of work to refresh it - then it certainly wont be standard even if it retains the original block.
I think I will stick with the K though and go for 200hp but reliability (crosses fingers).
I would love the power of a Honda SC or Audi but as it’s almost impossible to rev mine out in third on the road i think for me 300hp would be cock waving!!
No contest - I’d rather have an Elan that had been fettled by Spyder (chassis, engine, suspension) than an original condition Lotus Elan.
Oh if only Fiona - I have been working on mine for 12 years - it’s like painting the forth bridge!
David
I just finished my Honda SC conversion, its a very “smooth sound” - I can assure you the sound of “that” Honda is very different …
I think it must be on ITB’s to create that sound.
Don�t suppose you fancy uploading a clip? .
David
Yeah come on Andy you cant say something like that with out putting up some pics
Still enjoying mine, though I fear the day may come when I need a “refresh”. Next time I see you (Cadwell, June?) i’d like a ride in yours to see the difference with Verniers and Emerald.
I just finished my Honda SC conversion
Woohoo well done Andy Can’t wait to see you and the car out on circuit.
Yeah come on Andy you cant say something like that with out putting up some pics
[image]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/AndrewDovey/DSC059.jpg[/image]
![http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/AndrewDovey/DSC059.jpg[/image]](http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v471/AndrewDovey/DSC059.jpg%5B/image%5D){kind=link}
Im working on the sound clip
Looks great, as all the Honda installations seem to.Congrats
Colour coded � Love it .
By the way, what wheel is that, it kinda looks like a suede Reverie one?
David