I am considering the above conversion to my S1 exige (had that about selling it but have temporarily talked myself out of it) and would be interested in hearings advice/opinions from those that have done so. Have yet to try one but home to get a demo at one of the tuners in the coming weeks. Am i right in saying that there are only about 3 companies that do this and the the cost (without the supercharger) is about 10k less whatever i can sell the k series for (�3.5 to 4 ish)
All advice appreciated. Post here, pm email or ring me.
And here was me thinking it was just about manageable! I Thought it was about 12.5K all in with SC. What else is on top? In addition i was under the impression that these were a popular engine for lotus/caterhams and that a good 190 engine with low mileage would fetch 3-4k.
In addition i was under the impression that these were a popular engine for lotus/caterhams and that a good 190 engine with low mileage would fetch 3-4k.
Hi Colin,
Not sure how man other S1 Exiges there are out there that have had the Honda + Supercharger conversion but mine was the 2nd car converted my Maidstone Sports Cars, they also have the best developed kit and it also comes with 1 year warranty.
The conversion will cost you �13.5k inc vat, there are a few extras you can add on top if you wish, I ticked all the boxes
If youre anywehre near Surrey Im quite happy to take you out for a spin if you have not all ready been out in one.
I still have my K series VHPD sitting at maidstones but to be honest i havent made a lot of effort to sell it but around 2k would be right i guess.
If you want any more details PM me.
Thanks for the offers of the test rides. May well take a few people up on that. I have two major gripes with the engine. Firstly around town its terrible and struggles at low speed (1st gear too jerky, second gear almost stalls) so would like a more usable lump. Secondly i like the thrill of a fast car. When i was looking to buy i test drove a 270 turbo technics car and was impressed by the power and liked the charcter of the k series (reminded me of my first trip in a caterham). However having done a trackday i did find it frustrating being stuck behind a couple of rice burners that refused to pull over and let me past and left me behind on the straights.
Hence the idea of the honda but will look into the audi and duratec too.
A standard Honda is pretty quick without the need for the charger IMO. Heh, at Silverstone last Friday Dragging with a Challenge Stradale there was very little in it to 120. Need I say more?
Well, extras you’ll want are baffled sump (necessity) big laminova oil cooler (ideally), lightweight fly wheel, some SPA oil guages (IMO), sports cat…etc
Oh, and how are your brakes, suspension, bushes? It all adds up.
And lastly there is no cost benefit for fitting the charger at the time of transplant. You can uprate at a later date for the same cost.
Thanks Paul. Am looking at other options at the moment as i’ve been told that i could get much better power and driveability from tuning the standard engine at a fraction of the cost. If i do go the honda route it would be without the supercharger initially, then get it done when funds permit.
The current plan now is to change my tyres to A048’s, get the brake pads lines and maybe discs and decide what suspension to go for. The 46mm ohlins really appeal but then it is a lot of dosh.
Hoping to try the changes, and maybe other peoples cars, at Donnington in April
Thanks Paul. Am looking at other options at the moment as i’ve been told that i could get much better power and driveability from tuning the standard engine at a fraction of the cost. If i do go the honda route it would be without the supercharger initially, then get it done when funds permit.
The current plan now is to change my tyres to A048’s, get the brake pads lines and maybe discs and decide what suspension to go for. The 46mm ohlins really appeal but then it is a lot of dosh.
Hoping to try the changes, and maybe other peoples cars, at Donnington in April
Personally, I wouldnt go the tuning route. Its a 1.4 metro engine. Anything above 160hp and you’re risking reliability. I couldn’t live with that in my old 340 (2 rebuilds in 13k miles). Just my humble opinion, though.
But yeah, try the different cars. That’s the best way forward. I think you’ll find for the trouble you are experiencing, the tractability of the honda around town etc would far outweigh a fettled K.
Oh, the single way nitrons are a very good road and track suspension setup. I love them.
Christian, no i spoke to a tuner and an engine builder. There seems to be a lot of varying opinions on what engine is best value so think i will look at the chassis first and try other peoples conversions before i make a decision. Still interested in a demo in yours at some point if possible. Tyres and brakes are definately first.
Christian, no i spoke to a tuner and an engine builder. There seems to be a lot of varying opinions on what engine is best value so think i will look at the chassis first and try other peoples conversions before i make a decision. Still interested in a demo in yours at some point if possible. Tyres and brakes are definately first.
I agree with the opinion of tuning the K, but I would, wouldn’t I?
Just make sure you don’t go and get the engine done at the same place Paul Leyland did…
Anything above 160hp and you’re risking reliability. I couldn’t live with that in my old 340 (2 rebuilds in 13k miles).