me lottie

redhairsucks · 9 March 2009 00:22

I decided to do this project during and after the ownership of a number of previous vehicles. These cars consisted of a Zetec 180bhp powered Westfield, a Vauxhall Vx220 Turbo and an M.K Indy Fireblade powered.
My favourite car for pure fun was the Westfield however it lacked any comfort at all and with this I was forced to run two cars which was costly. I decided to then turn to the Vx220 as they are quick, handle ok, look alright and have a roof and doors. I did however have some reservations about the Vx220, its handling was not a touch on a friends lotus S1 Elise, also it had a standard exhaust so it sounded gutless which did not help towards the experience of driving it. With these thoughts in my mind I set out a plan to have a car which would feature the some of the rawness from the Westfield, excellent handing and practicality, in turn I decided on an Lotus S1 Exige with the Honda conversion.

The first thing to establish was a budget. With this in mind I decided a particular route, one not favoured by the majority but I felt strongly that if I found the correct car I would save a lot of money. So I committed myself into sourcing a Category D, insurance right off. I was looking for a car with cosmetic clam damage as I would later be changing the clams to the motor sport Exige Clam Kit. I also made a huge effort into researching information about exactly how the chassis were made so that I would have a greater understanding into how much work was involved in the repair process along with crucial info into what damage could not be repaired properly. After talking to many people in the trade, on the web, skilled mechanics and body work technicians my search began.

The task of finding the perfect Category D car was harder than expected, I searched for 4 months when I found what I believe to be a very lucky find.
The car was a 3 hour drive away from home and had been on the advertised on the web for 6 hours. The following day I made arrangements to go and view the car, I armed myself with cash as I expected the car to be sat round for very little time. I arrived and found the car looking sorry for itself. I made a written note of all the damage along with detailed photos of all the possible issues. Below is a copy of the list which was made at the time:
Front clam damage to the off side
Off side headlamp unit

The rear sub frame had suffered damage

After care full negotiation with the owner I decided to purchase the car and have it delivered to my address.

During the next month I embarked on a complete strip down of all the components on the car and replaced the following

All the wheels and tyres using brand new Team Dynamic Pro race 1.2 s with 16s at the front and 17 s at the rear. The tyres were new Toyo Proxes, fronts 195 rear 225, these dimensions are the same as the standard Lotus Exige S1 wheel set up. Solid bespoke alloy spacers were used to dish the wheels correctly along with longer wheel studs.
All the wheel bearings were replaced.
Uprights cleaned
Wishbones replaced with brand new ones
New ball joints
New Nylatron bushes
Upgraded hub bolts
New Nitron adjustable dampers
New Ebaich springs using advised spring rate provided from Nitron,
The damaged rear sub frame was unbolted and replaced with a non damaged one
All the exposed chassis was completely de greased and cleaned followed by an alloy sealent.
A new Elise Parts Alloy radiator fitted with existing pipe work checked cleaned and sealed using a rubber sealent.
New Elise Parts upgraded anti roll bar with upgraded bushes
New full Lotus Exige S1 body kit was fitted to the car including, front clam, rear clam, front over sills, front splitter and scuttle, engine cover and roof which features the full length roof scoop. An original Exige rear spoiler was also fitted using the correct original brackets. The kit was Sprayed in black which is a standard colour

Elise Parts H.I.D Xenon light kit was fitted
New lenses covers fitted
New Alloy Belled discs fitted
New standard rear discs fitted
New Green stuff pads fitted to rear
New Ferodo pads fitted to the front (the exspensive ones)
Calipers fully cleaned ad serviced
Braided brake hoses used

5.1 Brake fluid used

I also had the Honda conversion carried out. I found a 2005 engine with under 20,000 miles on the clock, the donor car had a rear impact and I viewed the car with engine running. This was fitted with all the usual refinements including an baffled sump Blitz air filter, solid engine mounts, the stronger drive shafts, omex ecu with generation 3 mapping.

Seats have been re trimmed with grey alcantara.

Pioneer sub fitted, kenwood amp, mtx speakers, sony mp3 and usb stick head unit.

All in allï¿½…im very happy. Just need geo and some stone guards oh and a couple of days detailing the paint.

If I have some ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ the wish list isï¿½rota wheels, exige seats and some harnesses, jr s/c with charge cooler and a wrap in matt black.

Regards andy.

redhairsucks · 9 March 2009 00:42

oh this is me…so hi by the way
[image]http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v377/33/33/1340306310/n1340306310_30162124_4982.jpg[/image]

and this is rob (bob) me cousin who helped me out…love you xx

[image]http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs034.snc1/2597_1103951122563_1340306310_30315536_372948_n.jpg[/image]

redhairsucks · 9 March 2009 01:00

p.s only dfamage on car was front clam, scuttle, wheels and rear sub frame.

all wishbones replaced out of caution. new subframe fitted…
for those that dont know they are bolted on not bonded.

that ill do…took me 2 hours to upload that lot…im off out!

Mr_Pesky · 9 March 2009 08:44

Excellent write up of your project

DaveP · 9 March 2009 09:12

Great write up mate - did you sort out your handling issues ?

Waverunner · 9 March 2009 09:51

Very nice write up and great photo documentary. I have to admire anyone who can do stuff like that. Way beyond my skills.

[image]http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2597/33/33/1340306310/n1340306310_30315245_8341308.jpg[/image]

Does spraying with your trousers down improve the finish?

SeanB · 9 March 2009 18:32

Well done mate, nice job!!!

jonnyfox · 9 March 2009 21:17

Great job, enjoyed the read

Boothy · 9 March 2009 22:22

Nice motor! I cant believe you let that cowboy loose on it though! I hope you have had it checked over by someone who knows what they are doing
How are Rob and Denise? are they still running both there Loti? tell him we are back at the Boatyard next month so I’ll be expecting to see him soon

cheers

Boothy

Middo · 10 March 2009 00:48

nice work fella, glad your keeping it.

21GG · 12 March 2009 12:37

Nice car, think i saw it in Poulton the other day?
Condolences on being related to rob!

Gav

Boothy · 12 March 2009 16:36

Nice car, think i saw it in Poulton the other day?
Condolences on being related to rob!

Gav

PMSL!!!

redhairsucks · 12 March 2009 16:44

lol…he is my dads brothers daughters husband, if that constitutes as family lol

21GG · 12 March 2009 16:46

Close enough to make me nervous!

Gav

redhairsucks · 17 November 2009 16:11

Car no for sale and i will be uploading some recent pics soon of the car, engine and charger 07746132530 andy.

redhairsucks · 17 November 2009 16:11

now