Wahey, Kurt. That’s how it gets you. First a 111S (S1) then it’s an Exige (S1) There’s no turning back!
Well done. And such an accommodating missus. Just like mine, although she’d never be able to comment on the driving characteristics as she’s never driven it!
[quote=IDG]I’m lucky too Kurt. My wife watched the GP again on Sunday because she appreciated the racing; brought a tear to my eye. She went to bed rather than watching the rallying though, so there’s room for improvement (anybody else see Jari’s penulatimate stage attack in Jordan, blime that was some committed driving!).
Bizzarely though she asked for a business case on upgraded brakes (they were the words she used), I have some hope of getting it passed the spending committee.
Ian 
[/quote]
Ha Ha, that’s great! I think that persuading Helen that our car needs upgrades will entail a stern look so soon into ownership! She is well aware that Lotus ownership isn’t a cheap exercise, and also knows that when consumables (brakes, suspension etc) ever need replacing will be done with better replacement parts than stock. She draws the line way before watching motorsport on TV though, but that said, she is looking forward to Snetteron in June if only for the BBQ and wine!
Thommo,
Yep, I think I’ve done it the right way and owned a 1969 S2 Europa before the Elise, but wanted to turn that into a Banks car really. Just money, time and space stood in the way…
Cheers,
Kurt
Guys,
I arrived back in the UK on Tuesday evening and tried to resist spending too much time in the garage just looking at our Exige. On the Wednesday I rolled it out of the garage and just looked at it closely for a while…until all the details went in! Considering I bought it “blind”, I’m certainly not disappointed. It’s not absolutely perfect (it’s a Series 1 Exige after all), but it’s certainly led a cossetted existance.
I took it for a drive to work- which was the longest drive to work ever-and then another journey back home in the afternoon and my driving impressions are thus:
Steering. Sublime, direct and maybe slightly heavier than the Elise.
Suspension. The car is fitted with Gaz suspension, which is quite noisey and the NSR unit thumps quite loudly when it gets to the end of its extended travel. On our roads and the country lanes around where we live, it can’t really cope with the masses of undulations. I think I’ll upgrade to something much better when funds allow.
Engine. What a power house! It’s a Scholar 1.9, with 220 bhp and am Emerald ECU and above 2.5-3K it’s like the hand of God gives you a good shove! I’m not sure what the rev limit is, but it was still giving out strongly at 7750rpm. It doesn’t like village type speeds though, as at low RPM its lumpy and hunting for a free breathing rpm range.
Brakes. The cars Achilles Heal. They don’t provide much feel (hot or cold) and the pedal pressure required made me note that my foot was uncomfortable so they NEED changing asap. I had Pagid RS42 on the Elise and thought they were amazing and a good road/track compromise, so I may well go for these.
Otherwise, the cabin is hot and an aural delight! The CD player is superflous, so I may just remove it. At full chat, I’m hearing intake noise, typical K series “clatter”, exhaust roar and wind noise from the roof scoop and mirrors. It’s an amazing experience and I’m tempted to use it for more than the high days and track days I thought I’d use it for! It won’t go out in the rain (unless I’m caught out), but I want to drive it everywhere!
Both Helen and I are keen to give it 12 months and then have track day tuition so we can both give it some beans in it’s more natural environment. I feel very proud of our achievements and can safely say that chassis #077 won’t be returning to the open market…after owning 50 cars, I know this one is staying for good!
All the best,
Kurt
Excellento, Kurt. 
glad it was as good as you thought it would be
Really great to read that you’ve finally got behind the wheel.
All of your gripes can be sorted and you’ve got lots of experience (and opinion) to help guide you.
Sounds like another car has met with it’s long term keepers, look forward to seeing you guys and the car out and about.
Cracking write-up.That’s the first drive. And all the rest will be the same.
I’m aching now to nip out for a drive but I’ve got to get something done here at home but every time I open the kitchen door to the garage she’s lying there tempting me . . .
Nice one Kurt, glad its living up to your expectations and was “worth the wait” - whatever that means? 
[quote=thommo]
I’m aching now to nip out for a drive but every time I open the kitchen door to the garage she’s lying there tempting me . . . [/quote]
Your Mrs will do anything to keep you out of that car 
Fair play dude!!
Just a quick one…what engine oil should I be using and can anyone recommend a supplier.
Cheers,
Kurt
Kurt
Most of us use Mobil 1 - check the manual for the grade - I think it was 15-50 -get it from Halfrauds
Use Mobil 1 myself - there’s analternative suppliers to Halfords - try Opie Oils - posts on most of the car forums and always seems to have special offers on