VHPD...

The Oily Bits S1 Specific Topics
1

Just wanted some collective thoughts on what I should do with my engine.

Currently on 45k miles, it was rebuilt by DVA at around 20k and was putting out around 210 ponies at the time via an Emerald M3DK. I get the feeling that it’s nearing the time for it to be refreshed again although it’s not drinking oil but I did switch to a thicker oil last year.

My car is going in for an engine change soon which leaves me with the following…

  1. Keep the engine etc etc should it I ever decide to revert it back to a standard car (come sale time)
  2. Sell the engine, gearbox, exhaust the lot…
  3. How much would this engine sell for as I don’t see many coming up for sale…?

I don’t intend to sell the car in the distant future and hope it’d be a keeper.

Cheers for any thoughts…!!

2

Taking a VHPD out of an Exige is like taking the mustard out of Norfolk. :0(

3

Assuming it’s the original engine for the car and you can afford not to sell it, then I’d put it into a preservation mode and keep it.

Might be years off but having matching engine and chassis numbers, to original paperwork, seems to attract the best money in the long run.

4

Yeah I’d agree with that. I should really talk to SimonE about buying my old engine back at some point. I have no intention if reinstating it but kinda feel like it is part of the car and if I own the car I should own the engine too…

5

It’s a challenge seeing other well modified cars and not thinking about the possibilities. I’m new to my Exige so still very happy with the VHPD and still have plenty of fettling options. Sounds like you’re further down that road. There’s the question of future value from mods and a plethora of arguments can be found both from purists and modification junkies. TBH it’s your car. I would say with the values where they are that keeping any mods reversible might be prudent. You might also consider whether modding an Elise to achieve the same car might even be cheaper!

IMO the VHPD is a great thing to be cherished. :wink:

6

Do with your car whatever will give you the most enjoyment, it’s only a car in the end. If your car is pretty non-standard you would probably never put it back so you may as well sell it but if you keep it the investment is better than money in the bank. Someone was after my spare VHPD last year and offered over 3k for it. I still have it as I want to keep my car VHPD and know whilst I have a spare it will not go pop (thought it had last year). If I sell the spare it will go pop the next day.

I like to keep my car as original as possible (just Nitrons and Emerald) but that’s my choice. Do what gives you most fun.

7

If selling/keeping the original engine isn’t a deal breaker for your plans, then I’d think you would be better to keep it.

8

these days with the values of S1s I’d be keeping it stock and building up an elise

9

Dampers and ECU changed - hardly original then :wink:

10

Thanks for all your thoughts guys, I appreciate the wisdom of some long term owners.

Don’t get me wrong, mine is some way off JF’s car. The previous owner took all the wiring out etc for the radio and when I had it resprayed last year by Uncle Steve (kept it CO) I had the aerial hole covered over so it’s some way from being pristine already! I have spent a fair bit on it though, refurbed the rimstocks, full suspension refresh with quantums etc…

My original thoughts were to keep the engine and gearbox for a just in case moment.

I also agree in the you only live once mantra so rather then buy an elige, stay with what I know.

11

yeah I see the logic, would you keep it NA? Maybe a Dan webster special

12

You’ve got it in one Tim.

2.2 K20 on ITB’s with a few goodies along the way planned.

13

PM. Me if you wish to sell.

14

You know what I’m doing :thumbup:

Dan does make a nice very engine :sunglasses:

15

I still have the originals…just in case. With my car the Yipping dampers drove me nuts and it was undrivable below about 3k5 rpm on the stock ECU. It nearly killed me bogging down on Lotus in the Peak.

You are right, it’s not original, but I could put it back in a morning!

16

Fair play.