16 replies to this topic

[ratboiler]

Having looked at the Lotus version I note that it could be supplied with Air Conditioning. I assume that due to a different engine layout on the Vauxhall, it is not possible to fit it, due to lack of space. Or can it be fitted?

[speedyK]

Don't think you will be able to get it as an option, though a guy with a VX220 in Hong Kong (? – could have been Singapore ) has one that has had aircon fitted – big box against the bulkhead in the passenger footwell. As I understand it, it was supplied new like that, i.e. factory fitted. So if you begged and waved wads of cash... But Elise 111R has far more sophisticated vents system than the VX anyway as well as air con option. Elise S2s have the battery in the boot to free up space at the front for aircon unit. There is not enough room in the VX up front – hence the footwell solution on the Hong Kong car...

[Bengie]

Anything is possible. It's just that somethings you wouldn't want to pay for. I would imagine that you can fit the AC compressor to the engine, and run the extra pipes to and from it. I would also imagine that you can fit the AC Rad either above or below the normal rad. I think the biggest problem is that the Heating & Ventilation system (on the VX) isn't designed to have AC fitted. Now that the Elise has AC, it may be possible to fit it's new HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning) bit in the VX. The next problem is that the output from the new HVAC system may not be the same (i.e. different shape, position, etc), so may not mate with what you've got inside your VX. Then again, it might all fit. You'd need a willing AC engineer to help you out because you'd still need to fit Elise AC Rad, Evaporator, pipes with the Vauxhall compressor, which could be in a totally different place in the engine bay. HTH

[Bengie]

I take it that the 'SpeedyK' tag comes from the speed at which you can reply!

[Whiteboy]

Why would you want to put something as heavy as aircon on a VXR, when vauxhall spent all that time building the ultimate VX. You would be better off looking at other cars if you want these sort of creature comforts!

[Ryder]

Elise/Exige aircon is not very heavy, take your argument to extremes why would you buy such a heavy car as a VX when there are much lighter caterhams/lotuses etc on the market. A lot of people are buying the VXR for everyday use where aircon would be an advantage. lack of it would not stop me buying it and personally I would not bother with it even if it were available but whatever floats the old boat

[WoodenDummy]

I agree, if I was looking at a new Elise I'd spec it with AC. If I wanted nothing but a track car I can think of more extreme cars out there. Not having AC doesn't put me off though.

[da_murphster]

Why would you want ac? Surely if the sun is even considering shining then the roof should be off. You can then make it cooler by driving faster.

[calbee]

I have an A/C Fitted into my VXT. At days with 30-40 degrees, no way I could survive without it Its not perfect, under very hot condition, my back will still sweat! But it Does Make a Difference. It operates with the engine fans as well, so if I switch on the a/c, it will cool down the engine from 9x to 8x degrees! A big plus if you are always stuck in traffic. I believe its not that complicated to fit one, as mine is fit aftermarket. There will be a small container fitted above where the passenger laid their legs. Its not that big of an issue.If you have footrest, it would be better. If you need any pics, just msg me or search in the old post.

[andym172]

Clabee - can you stick pics up on here please? If not, e-mail them to me at: andym172 at yahoo.com and I'll put them on the net for you if you like...

[ratboiler]

Clabee thanks for that, could you send a few pictures in and maybe a contact phone number.

[pter141]

Calbee I take it you are living abroad with these temps hell in scotland i would be more interested in a decent heater

[jneill]

iirc Calbee's in Hong Kong. There's some piccies in one of his threads so, AndyM, DO A SEARCH James

[andym172]

iirc Calbee's in Hong Kong.

There's some piccies in one of his threads so, AndyM, DO A SEARCH

James

lol!

Like it...

[andym172]

[pampers advert tune]
I'm a big boy look what I can do, I can use the search function too...

[/pampers advert tune]

[jneill]

Andy, well done! Calbee did say previously that part of the unit is fitted in the passenger footwell and takes up a fair chunk of space.

[WoodenDummy]

I don't think the Elise would have been as much of a hit in the US without AC. Last time I was in DC it was so hot you could feel your skin burn as you walked down the road, you'd get out of bed at 9am and you'd be able to roast chicken outside. I also burnt the hell outta my feet. You WOULDN'T take the top off the car when the sun was at it's hottest. I think people would have ONLY bought it as a track car. AC isn't that heavy these days anyway, you can live without it over here but in places around the world you need it.