Elise 111 and 111S

[MrArchive]

I've recently purchased a Elise 111 and wish to know what is the actual differences between the 111 and 111S model. I have read the performance and stats are identical but with the 111S you get leather interior (which I find is a disappointment to the alacantra trim), carpets and an upgraded stereo. Apart from these is there anything else? I have noticed a lot of the 111S have the 2 small spotlights at the front on the grills but my 111 doesn't. I have been quoted £350 by Kelvedon Lotus to add these on, are they worth the money and is £350 a good price for parts and labour? Many thanks in advance.

[MrArchive]

Are we talking about the S1 or the S2 shaped Elise?

[MrArchive]

Sorry its a 2002 S2 Elise

[MrArchive]

As far as I know, the difference with the 111 S2 and the 111S S2, other than the optional spec available, there is the difference between 120bhp and 156bhp and a different ratio gear box along with the VVC bits to give you that extra BHP.

See http://www.grouplotus.com/car/car_tech_specs.php?id=1
though it doesn't mention VVC bits? May be someone can clarify.

[MrArchive]

I was informed the stats and perfomance of the 111 and 111S model were identical, as the 111 is not the same as the basic Elise 120bhp tourer. Supposedly the 111/111S models are the upgraded versions of the basic tourer. Is this not the case? I have checked many of the websites inc Robert Collingridges and many reviews and they have confirmed this statement.

[MrArchive]

The S2 111s has the VVC timing so you get the extra BHP according to the Lotus Brochure. Have a look in the brochure section on Southrun, in particular this page (you need to open the image full size to read).

http://www.southrun.co.uk/images/brochures/lotusfeb04page1side2.jpg

It's basically the VVC Rover K-Series engine

S1 111 - 118bhp with Rover ECU - standard gear box
S1 111s - 143bhp with Rover ECU and VVC engine - close ratio box
S2 111 - 120bhp with Lotus K4 ECU - close ratio box I think?
S2 111s - 156bhp with Lotus K4 ECU and VVC - close ration box?
S2 111r - 190bhp Toyota Engine

[MrArchive]

Thanks Mark and Craig, looks like I need to upgrade my engine to get the wanted 156bhp. Do you know by any chance how much the VVC engine upgrade would set me back? Cheers again guys

[MrArchive]

Not sure if you can buy the VVC kit? You might be better off
going for another type of natural asperated upgrade or even a
super charger.

See

http://www.ptp-ltd.co.uk/
http://www.eliseparts.com
http://www.turbotechnics.com/docs/index.htm

I think going that route is usually the ethusiasts favourite
rather than finding the bits to go VVC, but I might be
wrong. Anyone else?

[MrArchive]

Would buying the complete 156bhp engine be the easiest route, I have been quoted around the £3500 mark but to me whats the point, I might as well bought the 111S. What cheaper mods would you recommend. I have a sports exhaust and K&N air filter fitted (which I want to amend to the Hurricane)

[MrArchive]

Im not a mod expert so can't really say, but from common knowledge I suspect porting the head is the next step for you.
You could probably safe some cash because you've already done the air filter and exhaust, though some tend to go for the Hurricane as you mentioned over the K&N.

PTP do the 140 package for about 2K, but they do better packages.

http://www.ptp-ltd.co.uk/shop/ProductDetails.aspx?productID=484

There are other manfacturers of ported head solutions but again someone else with direct experience needs to comment here as it's out of my depth.

I have driven the PTP 165 S1 a couple of years back and it
was much more responsive off the mark in a big way, the
throttle was very sensitive and the acceleration in 1st
was lightning compared to my standard S1. It also
has nice power higher up in the range but I didn't get
too much play time at higher speeds due to limited time
at the time. I would certainly say go for something with
a fair whack of extra BHP if you're looking for big gains,
or look at loosing more weight off the car and may be fine
tuning your driving technique.