Changes to the production Elise by VIN-DATE

[Randy Chase]

This thread will document all the changes we can identify, that have been made to the Elise since the first production cars were delivered to the US.

My plan is to spend more time later making a nice table, but for right now, to focus on gathering data. This will require help from everyone, specially in determining VINs. We can also, where we know, add in some approximate dates.

Please add to this list- we can categorize or collate it later.

First car delivered. Date. VIN.

Deletion of locking lug bolt and tool for rims.

Sport Pack rims changed to painted instead of anodized.

Rear Diffuser design changed. Added dimples for diffuser bolts to cross member.

Exhaust heat shield design change?

Deletion of second oil cooler on non-LSS cars

A/C fix, relocation of temp sensor.

Addition of wiring harness for running lights.

Removal of plastic plug on engine hood (where old antenna went)

Shift knob size and added a set screw

Finish change on gas door

Removed retaining strap for gas cap.

[JWA]

I'll have to check my VIN, though I don't think I was at the early stages of anything.

However, you should add the removal of the antenna plug from the engine cover, and if you want to get really detailed you could also track the changes in radios too.

--Josh

[unibrain]

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

A/C fix, relocation of temp sensor.

How can I tell if my car has this modification?

VIN 32722
Build Date: Feb 2005

Deletion of second oil cooler on non-LSS cars? No
Addition of wiring harness for running lights? Yes

[ChrisH]

I have VIN 2473, touring, base suspension
Indicated build date: Feb. 2005
Date arrived at dealer (Desert European in CA): April 8, 2005
Oil Coolers: 2

I communicated with a person on pursportscar.com that stated the following:
VIN 2704, touring, base suspension
Remembered build date: Jan. 2005 (he didn't go out to the car to check, so could be Feb. given how Lotus dates seem to slip)
Date arrived at dealer (East Coast): Early April
Oil Coolers: 2

The curious thing I found about comparing the two above was the large difference in VIN number for a similar build date. It sure seems like they may not be built in VIN order.

[CHRISN]

My VIN # 0742

Deletion of locking lug bolt and tool for rims. ........................ I have them.

Sport Pack rims changed to painted instead of anodized........ Painted

Rear Diffuser design changed. Added dimples for diffuser bolts to cross member............................................ .................................Dimples yes

Exhaust heat shield design change?........................................Not Sure

Deletion of second oil cooler on non-LSS cars......................2 oil coolers yes

A/C fix, relocation of temp sensor...................................A/C works heat no

Addition of wiring harness for running lights.......................Not sure.

Black antena plug on engine cover....................................Yes

La Blaupunkt......................................... .........................Yes

Star shield that goes up farther on the fenders......................Yes

Gas cap strap............................................. .....................No

Fuel door.............................................. ...........................old style

[Abe]

Bigger shifter knob which I'm trying to figure out by VIN and also, fuel door finish. If you look at some of the fuel doors, some have that horizontal finish while the newer ones have the circular finish. The best I can figure out by VIN is 2787 and higher have the circular finish while, 2767 and below have the horizontal finish. That being said, I just went outside to double check and I found one with VIN #2870 with the horizontal finish also, the horizontal finish are darker while the circular finish are lighter.

[MikeGalos]

I'd say we need descriptions of how to quickly check the following items:

• Rear diffuser design change - maybe some pictures?
• Heat shield design change
• A/C fix
• Running lights wiring harness

Frankly, mine is early enough (0027) that it's probably a good test for determining what the earliest version looks like but some of these are hard to tell without comparison photos or at least good descriptions.

[iRod]

Didn't they change the diffuser bolt style too? From something else to hex? And I don't know if the clutch rubber stopper was included in some cars and not on others, or if it just falls off and people don't notice.

[Surferjer]

VIN 33, build date 4/04, delivery 7/21/04, none of the changes Randy notes. I wonder if I can retrochange my A/C so it actually works when it's hot.

The Starshield coverage changed, too. I know mine is cut a lot lower in the front than Evl's, for example, which was delivered in in January.

[OneFastLotus]

I must be confused on the gas cap "strap". I have car #163 and #501 and neither one has a strap to hold on the gas cap.

[peck555]

vin#1356 no hole for antenna,2 oil coolers,early gas cap,small shift knob(no set screw),no gas cap strap

[Randy Chase]

Originally Posted by OneFastLotus

I must be confused on the gas cap "strap". I have car #163 and #501 and neither one has a strap to hold on the gas cap.

My car has one.

[OneFastLotus]

Bizarro. Wonder if there are differences at all stages of production for the gas cap strap thingy?

[pinmagic]

I recently saw a new Elise, and the heater control knobs definitely had more of a polished finish than mine -- mine are much more satin. (Mine's an early car.) The owner said they were stock.

Not sure if that holds true for all, or if the car I saw was an anomaly (spelling?).

Neil

[adamant]

As mentioned earlier, it would be useful to add pictures for people to compare. Wouldn't it be easier if it was a "vote" type form so that each item can be chosen from old/new/don't know. Some of the items on the list need pictures because I don't know the difference.
I have a mid 300 vin and
no gas strap.
The very early LSS wheels were shinier than mine but they do not feel like they are painted?
arial plug
I am sure all the other changes came later

[sandsmuseum]

Perhaps we can create a VIN registration database. It will allow you to enter your VIN, other obvious cosmetic information and perhaps provide you with a list of check boxes to determine if you have certain modifications.

Pictures of the finish on the fuel door, with both finishes, will allow people to make the right call.

Anyone with a yen for some PHP and MySQL programming?

Michael

[Randy Chase]

Excellent ideas. I agree. It is becoming more apparent that the value of this data is worthy and that the complexity of the task is moving past a simple thread.

[khamai]

Originally Posted by sandsmuseum

Perhaps we can create a VIN registration database. It will allow you to enter your VIN, other obvious cosmetic information and perhaps provide you with a list of check boxes to determine if you have certain modifications.

Pictures of the finish on the fuel door, with both finishes, will allow people to make the right call.

Anyone with a yen for some PHP and MySQL programming?

Michael

This was in a thread I started a few weeks ago, but it didn't get much in the way of feedback.

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10845

If I recall Unibrain said he might be able to help. Whatever is done it needs to be tied to ETalk or Club111.

Kiyoshi

[cranium]

Hey guys,

Try this out. It is only a few questions right now to see if I can get the proper results and if it will work for our needs:
http://www.ccandcs.com/survey/public...Elise_Registry


I should be able to do reports and add questions with ease. Fill it out and let me know what you think. If it works for a couple people, I'll gather all of the questions and create a nice survey.

[looney]

just out of curiousity, if you guys dont actually have an antena on your engine lid, where is your antena located?

i wonder if this is something i could modify on my car? because my radio reception is $#!t