Fitting A/C to S1 Exige/Elise?

General General Lotus Talk
1

I’ve read that the factory A/C doesn’t run very well but I need to add some weight to a car and would prefer useful weight. Can A/C systems be bought used? Are they hard to install? Is there any reason not to fit one? Any thoughts appreciated. TIA.

2

I’ve read that the factory A/C doesn’t run very well…

You hear correctly, it’s little more than an emergency measure to stop you slipping in to unconsciousness when it gets hot.


…I need to add some weight to a car…

WHAT??!?


Can A/C systems be bought used?

Never really heard of it but they’ll be plenty of bits out there from removed ones.


Are they hard to install?

Probably, there’s bits at the front and the bits at the back are in different places to a non-A/c car.


Is there any reason not to fit one? Any thoughts appreciated.

  • Extra weight
  • Doesn’t work
  • Will be hard to fit
  • Insanity
  • Other Exigers will laugh at you (but we do that to each other all the time already so don’t let that stop you)


    Ian

ps. Is this really a joke?

3

If you need more weight in the car then you should get it distributed to give the best balance and lowest COG.

Otherwise just eat more pies

4

Nope not a joke; but thanks for you amusing reply I’m building a tarmac rally car, in rallying we have firm weight limits in each cc class. A few years ago I had a GroupA Cosworth that wieghed 1180Kgs for a 1230Kg class so I added useful weight (tools, spares, bigger battery, bigger fire extinguisher etc) rather than ballast and A/C was one of those things. The weight class for the Exige will be 790Kgs dry without occupants so I have some room to fill. A full-size underpan will be one of those things. In-car temperatures (not in-suit) reach 30C here, A/C keeps drivers alert. Any winning WRC car is running A/C and so are the N4 cars.

5

I took the AC out of my car and to be honest I think it would be a monster job retro fitting the standard system to a non AC car. The pipes that run the length of the car are ally hard pipes, so would be a mare to fit. Plus there are so many other little bits and bobs that go with the system.