I’m starting to seriously look at S2 Exiges.
Ideally a 220 because coming from a 140 S1, I suspect id be disappointed with a 190???
Would prefer to buy from a dealer if I’m spending in excess of £20k, our am I being over cautious?
Cannot make my mind up on colour… Orange, green, blue, silver (definitely not red, black or yellow).
Seen a conversation on PH with 255 and another with 260… Isn’t this the threshold for the gearbox?
Hi John,
I bought a s220 last July in laser Blue. I looked for months until a car came up that I liked the look of. The car was advertised privately on a lotus forum by a 3 time lotus owner. I did my research on the car, checked with the garage he brought if from and the dealer who had been looking after it during his ownership. everything checked out fine and i’m really happy with my purchase.
Mine is going into Silverstone for the 260 upgrade next week which can be done by fitting a new set of injectors , fuel pump and sending the ecu back to hethel for a reflash.
With regarding to the gearbox I believe plus 260 is where problems can begin, mainly due to the increase in torque but I may be wrong, ive not looking into it too much. Mainly the syncros, I heard rev matching on downshifts and gearbox coolers can help?
Good power can be made from the standard 2zz if needed , ask Jonnyfox he’s more qualified than me to give you an answer on that.
Good luck with the search and don’t buy the first one you see , go and look at few to get a idea of whats out there.
Also don’t be put off with cars that don’t run a/c (touring pack). mine has the sport pack only and although its a only a weekend car it doesn’t get unbearably hot in the cabin. but that’s my opinion.
I see your local to me anyway so If you wanted a passenger ride just let me know.
Kieran
I’m running about 300 bhp/200 lbs/ft and although 2nd gear synchro is worn (unlikely due to the power) the gearbox has been ok. I suspect the synchro issues people talk about are more to do with the amount of engine movement when changing gear causing bad linkage alignment and resulting grinding. There are stiffer engine mounts and a few other linkage solutions available to help with the gear change.
I do feel like I’m pushing my luck with my power levels and I want more so will have to have the gearbox rebuilt with something like jubu 3rd/4th gears to cope with the extra torque. Its been well documented that typically its 3rd gear that fails when pushed much beyond 200lbs/ft of torque, some more, some less.
So with all that said, if you don’t want the hassle of having to build a stronger gearbox go for up to 260 bhp and just enjoy it.
Cheers.
220 should be in budget and I know if I got a 190, I’d always want that extra bit of shove.
The 220 easier to tune at a later date?
Does the 220 benefit from the cam change ECU modification?
Any essential modifications a 220 benefits from (as well as new radiator and suspension re-fresh)… stiffer engine mounts?
I have read the gear change is crape, is there a way to improve?
Hi John,
I’ve just put yellow powerflex engine mount inserts in mine and it feels so much better. No more engine lurch under full load gear changes.
A trd airbox seems to be a easy upgrade for a little bit more sound.
I will let you know about the cam switchover at the end of the week when I get mine back but I’m sure in the 260 the switch is dropped a little from the standard setting.
Go for it John, whatever way you go you won’t be disappointed. It’s an easy car to car with 