The main differences (there are lots of little ones) in the std S1 cars (Elise/Exige) that come to mind are the engine (118 vs 190), tyres (super grippy on Exige) and downforce (100kgs @ 100mph on S1 Exige vs. lift on the Elise), and I think the suspension is slightly more sporty (firmer springs/wider track? might be wrong on that).
I may also be right in thinking that the Elise doesn’t have a steel rollover hoop, which I believe is required for racing.
To be honest, there’s probably not much in it, especially if you’re going to tweak the suspension, change the engine, fit a motorsport wing and put decent rubber on it.
Totally agree by the way…love the looks of the S1 over the Elise and even the S2! - which is why I thought the Motorsport bodied Elise would be a decent option ? (looks similar to the S1)
I’m guessing that the Motorsport clams are just a straight bolt on to the Elise ?
Firstly welcome to the Forum.
It will be a shame to have to sell your CSL as they are also an awesome car both on the road and the track, however with the money you have tied up in that you could as you say have a toy and a practical car - which is similar to what i have !!
I have a motorsport bodied Elise - there are a few differences between the Exige but not as many as you would think. With the kit on they are costmetically the same you could even say that the motorsport kit gives a more agresive look and includes the motorsport rear engine cover which you would possibly buy anyway if you had an exige. Other diferences include geometry settings which can be changed easily to suit, anti bump steer shims (easy to change) Alloys with a different offset and a wider track with a larger diameter. Some cosmetic stickers on the body and the interior dash possibly seats with Harness and the big difference is the engine which in simple terms is a higher tuned version of the elise engine (cams, head etc)
Two ways of looking at this, if you are going to change the engine anyway then the engine spec is not a problem. The other thing to look at is with lots of Honda and Audi conversions being done daily there are some amazing K series VHPD units going for literally peanuts, and all the spares to go with them like UCR PG1 boxes etc.
This means you could swap the elise engine for a ball busting fully tuned unit(easily) add an ECU and go racing in the LOT series which i believe would mean that on a highly tuned K you run NO BALLAST !!
With regards to costings the MK1 Exiges are quite rare and seem to hover around �20K for a real clean one but don’t go much lower than �17K for an alright example.
The Motorsport kit is a few grand but then you have to fit it - don’t know if this is easy or tricky. At a guess I think you would spend at least �5k ontop of the elise cost to get the car looking and handeling right before any engine swaps…IMHO
In respect to your “normal car” I have created a car that is nearly as fast as my Lotus even more economical yet is a 5 seater for everyday use and it didn’t cost the earth.
A Golf GTTDI 252 BHP 404 ft/lbs torque and 600+ miles to a tank of bio diesel - It has recaro leather interior, built in sat nav, cruise, OBC BBS alloys (all std fitment) about �5k to buy and �2k to tune…
Awesome reply, thanks Pegbox…Just the sort of info I was looking for !
I agree, the CSL is fantastic, and it’s a really hard decision to be honest! - but trying to maintain that compromise between road car and track car is just such a hard thing to do ! - plus the expense of tracking it and keeping it my pride and joy!
I figure the body would have to come off anyway (for the rollcage fitment) - so the Elise with motorsport body looks like a good option considering the price you can pick Elises up for these days!
Any bigger pics of yours anywhere ? - I had assumed it was an S1 from your avatar !!