76 replies to this topic

[AleVX220]

Hi guys

 

Having lurked on here for a while and asked some questions about engine conversions and the like I thought it was time I shared my project. Any constructive thoughts, tips, and banter very welcome.

 

Having spent some time track driving whilst with work in the US I decided I want something fun for at home. It had to be quick, lightweight and not cost the earth when something goes wrong… seeing as my M6 ticked none of these boxes (ok its quite quick beyond 30mph [font="wingdings;"]J[/font] )... I decided it was time for something Lotus. I've loved VX's since first having a go a few years back and have always been impressed with the cost/handling/smile ratio.. so a VX as a base was an obvious choice.

 

Whist on Ebay one evening looking at cars.. as I do far too often… I stumbled across a lightweight kit that reduces the weight of the VX clams and adds a more sporty (in my opinion) Exige look. I like the Exige but it doesn’t tick all the boxes, whilst the VX chassis does.

 

I love some of the projects out there but the backend of the VX dosent do it for me.. and thats coming from a guy who likes the backend of an M6.. and so was born my project. After a trip to DJM Motorsport in Notts and being seriously impressed by what they do and have done (Colin McRae anyone), I gave the nod for work to start on my 80k miler blue VX. The clams are going to be on a quick release via Aerocatch and the whole thing is going to be vinyl wrapped in black eventually.

 

The clams themselves are seriously light yet strong and well constructed – so they aren’t some of the usual fibreglass cr*p out there.

 

The new clams;

 

 

Original VX up on the ramp;

 

 

Clams stripped;

 

 

Door sills (as many of you will know - the hardest part so far);

 

Test fitting;

 

 

Will post more info as time goes on.

 

Alex

[ChrisS1]

Ooh very interesting. Will keep watching with interest.

[ChrisS1]

Have you got a link to the kit? I haven't seen them before.

[Curtiscraddock]

Hence an entire bodywork listing on ebay. I did wonder why. Good luck and hope you have fun with your project

[Exmantaa]

As the VX has a longer wheelbase than an S1, how do you plan to resolve that? Shorten the wheelbase with custom wishbones etc., or lengthen the rear clam? (I would do the 2nd option and not altering the suspension.)

[The Batman]

Another lotus wannabe! Least you chose the best shape

[bladerunner]

Out of curiosity; what does a vx220 chassis offer that an exige wouldn't ?

[turbo2015]

among the lotus cars this ones going to be a wolf in sheeps clothing...or do mean a vx in lotus clothing

 

you could do what i do, cheaper to debadge vaux badges and replace with lotus badges, pretend you own a lotus....just kidding i love my vaux badges...but how many of us say its a vaux commissioned by lotus.

 

   watching with interest.

[turbo boy]

Hi Alex, Very interesting project indeed - good luck mate. I hope that you checked the rad whilst you had the front clam off? Are you in Mansfield by the way. Kind regards, Jon

[mbes2]

Vxige... will this upset luke lol

[Nev]

Vxige... will this upset luke lol

 

I suspect Luke is too busy with his new engine to notice now.

[C8RKH]

A Vauxus Exige. Not sure about this but good luck with the project and hope to see a great result.

[AleVX220]

As the VX has a longer wheelbase than an S1, how do you plan to resolve that? Shorten the wheelbase with custom wishbones etc., or lengthen the rear clam? (I would do the 2nd option and not altering the suspension.)

 

Thanks guys. Lengthen and slightly widen the rear clam which should improve aero ever so slightly too. Defo didn't want to go down the suspension route but i've seen others who have, and have done it very well

[AleVX220]

among the lotus cars this ones going to be a wolf in sheeps clothing...or do mean a vx in lotus clothing

 

you could do what i do, cheaper to debadge vaux badges and replace with lotus badges, pretend you own a lotus....just kidding i love my vaux badges...but how many of us say its a vaux commissioned by lotus.

 

   watching with interest.

 

This made me chuckle.. i'm gonna stick VX badges back on it . It is what it is after all; however you look at any of these cars they are fantastic all rounders

[siztenboots]

At least getting lights will be easy

[vocky]

Hence an entire bodywork listing on ebay. I did wonder why. Good luck and hope you have fun with your project

 

my advice would be to split the 'kit' and sell the front lights, rear lights, clams, doors and sills on their own

 

you would also get more for them

[vocky]

Out of curiosity; what does a vx220 chassis offer that an exige wouldn't ?

 

a decent engine

[AleVX220]

Out of curiosity; what does a vx220 chassis offer that an exige wouldn't ?

 

Good question, about 10k less initial outlay and a lot less fear when I eventually put it into the gravel or a wall

[AleVX220]

Another lotus wannabe! Least you chose the best shape

 

It will look like the batmobile when its done

[siztenboots]

So the blue vx clams on eBay are yours?