As previously posted I am from the dark side of Exige ownership, (the cosseted side of reliability etc) and am on a steep learning curve in regards to the S1 and the K series.
The first question is regarding engine temp � the dash is reading between 58�C & 62�C when on the motorway at 70mph. It has had a QED remote stat fitted by Scholar. I have replace the stat with another 82�C from QED after checking both in a heated saucepan � both opened within seconds of each other as the water heated up, so it can not be the stat stuck open.
After speaking to QED this morning, they suggest that this is to be expected as their remote stat is a motorsport application and these temps are to be expected!
They went on to suggest that I cover up part of the radiator to achieve a more �normal� engine temperature.
Is this correct?
Is the engine oil offering the correct protection at these low temperatures?
Will this affect the performance of the engine via the ECU?
Harking back to my S2 days where the heater actually worked � it�s bl**dy cold in the car. I am hoping that this is due to the low engine temp.
My very standard and very reliable 177hp K showed a normal 86�C at any speed. When stuck in traffic it could hit 92-93�C before the fan’s kicked in.
Whether remote or not the engine temp should still be registering higher. My VHPD maintains a steady 80 on the move and fan kicks in at 94 in traffic (remote stat not fitted).
In traffic what does the temperature climb to? - sounds like a duff temp sender unit or fault in stack unit to me.
At those temps the engine is not running efficiently if that is the case.
I have fitted the Elise Parts PRT, this is practically the same as the Land Rover one and used the Land Rover thermostat hosuing. See thread om here at
I would definitly fit this, running a K Series at such low temps is not healthy. The temp on mine is always 81/82 deg and in heavy trafic it may get as high as 88. I also have a Lotus alloy motorsport rad fitted but this should not afect the running temp as I have a standard engine, I just did not want another burst pastic rad!
[quote=lotus_fatboyii]I have fitted the Elise Parts PRT, this is practically the same as the Land Rover one and used the Land Rover thermostat hosuing. See thread om here at
Thanks Harvey… do it once, do it right is my motto
And don’t worry, clam off and on isn’t as big a job as I once feared. Really once you’ve got it jacked up, wheels off and arch liners out, you’re 2/3 of the way there
Replacing the radiator from there’s a doddle, although you may find some of the fasteners under there a little stubborn.
There’s also a few good jobs to do while it’s off too, including cleaning some of the crap out of the crash structure that’ll inevitably have accumulated in there. Removing the battery and cleaning out the front compartment and potentially removing and inspecting/repairing the fan/heater unit. The last one is a PIG of a job, but it’s easier to do it now than when it decides to break on its own.
Having said that, this is me talking and I do that kind of thing just for the hell of it
My Rad came from Lotus MotorSport. It was difficult to fit and I ended up modifying the front bonnet hinge to get it to clear so I can not realy recomend this one although it works well now.
I will get some pictures of the PRT today and post them.
