52 replies to this topic

[Porker]

Hi all, I've been playing with the thought to change my VX220 for an Elise Sport 160. I would plan to sell my car after the upcoming trackday-season, if I get a decent price. The reason to change up (or down) would be the lighter weight. I was thinking, if you're going to sacrifice usability and comfort for the sake of lightweight, you might as well get the lightest possible Elise. It struck me during a trackday in Clastres how a Sport 160-owner could brake later, turn in quicker, ... Pro's for me: + Light + K-series engine + No Vauxhall Con's: - Risking potential costs again - Looks (beachbuggy) - I'd say reliability but I guess it'll be more of the same Any ideas on this?

[techieboy]

The K series is a pro? Hmmm, not sure about that.

[SteveA]

Sport 160's are my fave elise , nearly bought one with a K20 conversion a while back. Speaking to a guy who ran a K-series 160 for racing, he said they are a great engine to drive but can't take a lot of stick. He was talking about regular rebuilds etc.


It's still for sale!

http://www.pistonhea...les/1335983.htm

Edited by SteveA, 08 January 2010 - 09:55 AM.

[vocky]

+ Light - slightly + K-series engine - are you serious + No Vauxhall - remove the badges

Edited by vocky, 08 January 2010 - 10:08 AM.

[Porker]

+ Light - slightly

+ K-series engine - are you serious

+ No Vauxhall - remove the badges

Are we serious about commenting on the K-Series engine, while we're (at least the NA-guys) driving around in Z22SE's?? Let's not be blind for "our" own shortcomings...

[Porker]

Sport 160's are my fave elise , nearly bought one with a K20 conversion a while back. Speaking to a guy who ran a K-series 160 for racing, he said they are a great engine to drive but can't take a lot of stick. He was talking about regular rebuilds etc.


It's still for sale!

http://www.pistonhea...les/1335983.htm

That's a very cool example, if it's still for sale by then, I'd consider it!!

I've heard the K-series requires to be maintained properly, but works well if you do...
The "joint-de-culasse" (don't know the correct word in English) appears to be quite sensitive.

[vocky]

well at least once the z22se timing chain is replaced it's good for 100,000 miles, don't think the K series head gasket will last that long we are trying to convince you to keep your vx220, what else do you expect from us

Edited by vocky, 08 January 2010 - 10:21 AM.

[Crazyfrog (Fab)]

The "joint-de-culasse" (don't know the correct word in English)

cylinder head gasket = "joint-de-culasse"

Edited by crazyfrog, 08 January 2010 - 10:23 AM.

[Porker]

well at least once the z22se timing chain is replaced it's good for 100,000 miles, don't think the K series head gasket will last that long

we are trying to convince you to keep your vx220, what else do you expect from us

I expect everyone to be car enthousiasts

What's up with the timing chain, when does one know when to replace it? I assume if you're too late, it's over and out for the engine?

[vocky]

and there was me thinking that Fab would say 'buy throttle bodies'

[Porker]

The "joint-de-culasse" (don't know the correct word in English)

cylinder head gasket = "joint-de-culasse"

Thanks.. That doesn't seem like to big a deal to replace by a proper one, or am I mistaken?

[Crazyfrog (Fab)]

and there was me thinking that Fab would say 'buy throttle bodies'

itb's are under snow
no work today Neil are you board
poor head is in the cold waiting for you to perform your magic

[vocky]

I expect everyone to be car enthousiasts

we are, just a bit biased towards the vx220

What's up with the timing chain, when does one know when to replace it? I assume if you're too late, it's over and out for the engine?

early engines before engine number 11064500 had a small oil jet fitted (2000, 2001 and early 2002 cars), if you ever hear a rattle from the engine on cold start it's best to get the timing chain kit replaced asap

[vocky]

no work today Neil are you board
poor head is in the cold waiting for you to perform your magic

work none of that until monday

your head is still waiting, maybe get stripped this weekend

[Porker]

I expect everyone to be car enthousiasts

we are, just a bit biased towards the vx220

What's up with the timing chain, when does one know when to replace it? I assume if you're too late, it's over and out for the engine?

early engines before engine number 11064500 had a small oil jet fitted (2000, 2001 and early 2002 cars), if you ever hear a rattle from the engine on cold start it's best to get the timing chain kit replaced asap

Thanks, I'll look into that! Mine's a 2001...

Maybe the previous owner had it done, I'll ask him about that (I've got 60.000mls).

Regarding K-series', are there examples which are better than others? I've read the K-series in the 111s is more problematic than others, for example...

By the way, why I wrote "K-series" as a "pro", I think the sound is just to die for (in 4-cilinder terms)...

[N17VES]

I expect everyone to be car enthousiasts

we are, just a bit biased towards the vx220

What's up with the timing chain, when does one know when to replace it? I assume if you're too late, it's over and out for the engine?

early engines before engine number 11064500 had a small oil jet fitted (2000, 2001 and early 2002 cars), if you ever hear a rattle from the engine on cold start it's best to get the timing chain kit replaced asap

Thanks, I'll look into that! Mine's a 2001...

Maybe the previous owner had it done, I'll ask him about that (I've got 60.000mls).

Regarding K-series', are there examples which are better than others? I've read the K-series in the 111s is more problematic than others, for example...

By the way, why I wrote "K-series" as a "pro", I think the sound is just to die for (in 4-cilinder terms)...

Frank - Timing chain and oil ject nozzle has been done on your car

Nothing wrong with the K series engine. Very characterful (unlike the z22se!!), and quite easy to tune. Parts are also extremely cheap and easy to come by because they put they have put them in so many different cars. Porous head have been a problem, but if you look on SELOC there is loads of info about it.

Not sure if its worth the swap personally, but can see why you are considering it. I would drive one first because they are a step backwards in some areas.

p.s.
Sport 160 shouldn't be able to outbreak a vx220 on semi slicks!

[SteveA]

+ Light - slightly

Over 100kg lighter.

[Yellow_or_black?]

+ No Vauxhall

What does that have to do with anything?! If it bothers you that you're driving a Vauxhall, then I'd say you're prime Lotus material

[Winstar]

Thanks.. That doesn't seem like to big a deal to replace by a proper one, or am I mistaken?

The head gasket goes because the cooling system is badly designed not because of the gasket.

If all you want the car for is the track then a 160 would probably be good, but I suspect it will cost you quite a bit more to buy on than a VX as they are pretty sort after

[Porker]

I expect everyone to be car enthousiasts

we are, just a bit biased towards the vx220

What's up with the timing chain, when does one know when to replace it? I assume if you're too late, it's over and out for the engine?

early engines before engine number 11064500 had a small oil jet fitted (2000, 2001 and early 2002 cars), if you ever hear a rattle from the engine on cold start it's best to get the timing chain kit replaced asap

Thanks, I'll look into that! Mine's a 2001...

Maybe the previous owner had it done, I'll ask him about that (I've got 60.000mls).

Regarding K-series', are there examples which are better than others? I've read the K-series in the 111s is more problematic than others, for example...

By the way, why I wrote "K-series" as a "pro", I think the sound is just to die for (in 4-cilinder terms)...

Frank - Timing chain and oil ject nozzle has been done on your car

Nothing wrong with the K series engine. Very characterful (unlike the z22se!!), and quite easy to tune. Parts are also extremely cheap and easy to come by because they put they have put them in so many different cars. Porous head have been a problem, but if you look on SELOC there is loads of info about it.

Not sure if its worth the swap personally, but can see why you are considering it. I would drive one first because they are a step backwards in some areas.

p.s.
Sport 160 shouldn't be able to outbreak a vx220 on semi slicks!

Thanks for your info Nick!

The guy with the Sport 160 is a regular on trackdays around here, I'll try and ask if we could swap for a couple of laps, just to see if it's worth it...

The Elise was on semi slicks too, and although I could brake late, I'm sure he did even later, but I must admit I haven't looked at his brakes, maybe they were upgraded...