How is clutch different on Sport Elise? - LotusTalk

Cali · 04-20-2007, 04:17 PM

This came up on another thread, but I couldn't find an answer... I have a Sport Elise and I know it comes with an upgraded clutch. Does anyone know how it's different than the stock one? Thanks in advance!

Weedo · 06-13-2007, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cali

This came up on another thread, but I couldn't find an answer... I have a Sport Elise and I know it comes with an upgraded clutch. Does anyone know how it's different than the stock one? Thanks in advance!

Really? I had read that all the Elise clutches are the same and couldn't find anything different in the literature. Let us know what you find.

Cali · 06-14-2007, 03:25 PM

Do any of the Lotus dealers on this site know the answer?

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 03:28 PM

"The Sport Elise takes the street-to-track theme of the standard Elise to a new level. The suspension — already intensely stiff — gets broomed in favor of race springs and dampers, lower ride height, and adjustable anti-roll bars. The Yokohama A048 track tires that are optional on other Elises are standard here. A high-performance clutch and stainless steel braided brake lines address potential weak points in the chassis. It’s everything you need to go fast around a road course, and Lotus Sport even has thrown in a roll hoop and harness bar in case your enthusiasm outpaces your skill."

So....what does high performance clutch mean?

Cali · 06-14-2007, 03:35 PM

"Just when we thought the Lotus Elise couldn't get more focused, along comes Lotus Sport and recalibrates the most undiluted performance car sold in the United States. Lotus Sport, Lotus' nine-person-strong specialty division responsible for performance parts as well as production and one-off racecars, gets credit for tuning the 50 2006 Lotus Sport Elise models in the U.S. market this year.

Adding exclusivity to this already distinguished club, the Lotus Sport version of the Elise is identified by its proprietary Saffron Yellow paint, Storm Titanium racing stripes and matching hardtop. Inside, there's a numbered build plate, body-color center console and leather-trimmed seats with harness cutouts. Lotus Sport also redesigned the indicator stalks, window winders, floor mats and other details.

But those aren't the parts that make it special. The real hardware components, the differences that make a difference, are hidden underneath. Threaded shock bodies with height-adjustable collars house Öhlins dampers at all four corners. The Öhlins units are two-way adjustable and utilize 22 compression and 60 rebound settings. The five-way-adjustable front stabilizer bar from the Track Pack option is also included.

Lotus' advanced traction control is in place, but interestingly, the Torsen limited-slip differential, which is optional on all Elises, isn't included. Lotus engineers and PR folks alike admit that the limited-slip diminishes the car's world-class steering feel and was made available for the small but vocal group of owners whose autocrossing demands required it in low-speed, high-load corners. For road racing, it's not necessary.

Other hardware changes include stainless-steel brake lines and high-temperature fluid. There's also a stronger clutch that's able to handle more abuse. The same Yokohama A048 195/50R16 (front) and 225/45R17 (rear) tires and lightweight forged wheels from the Sport Pack are included."

This isn't really specific either...

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 03:36 PM

# Racing clutches are made of a special iron that allows them to be certified by the racing industries sanctioning body. This allows these parts to withstand the pressures of racing yet help keep the participant safe.

# This is done to try to insure safety.

# Although there are things that are done to clutches to get better performance, race clutches are not subject to the same abuse as the clutch in a standard automotive or truck application.

# Different forms of racing in different classes require different styles of clutches and different clutch set-ups. Check with your sanctioning body and your home track for the rules, regulations and limitations of your particular class of racing.

Cali · 06-14-2007, 03:38 PM

More discs?

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 03:46 PM

This is NOT a Lotus clutch but a racing clutch:

Full 100% Kevlar disc with an unsprung hub, matched pressure plate, and release (throwout) bearing.
Lasting up to five times longer than OEM clutches and holding 50% more horsepower and torque than the stock clutch.
Full face design to better disipate heat.
An excellent choice for daily drivers which are also occasional weekend racers.

Cali · 06-14-2007, 03:47 PM

That's not specific to the Sport Elise, correct?

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 03:50 PM

My guess is that a stronger clutch like this one above IS specific to the Sport Elise, yes. Based on the quotes you and I found about the car.

Cali · 06-14-2007, 03:56 PM

"The Lotus Sport Elise is a competition-level version that is intended for Elise owners who prefer track performance over street use. The Lotus Sport Elise comes standard with a factory-specified list of performance upgrades including a competition-quality clutch, Lotus Sport suspension components, Lotus Sport exhaust with twin center outlets and safety equipment such as a roll hoop and safety harness bar."

"At around $12,000 more than the $43,915 base Elise, each individually numbered Sport comes with adjustable Öhlins shocks with 60 rebound and 22 compression settings. You also get a five-way-adjustable front antiroll bar, stainless-steel brake lines, high-temperature brake fluid, competition clutch, roll hoop, safety harness bar, and black forged wheels with wider Yokohama A048 front tires."

"What makes the Lotus Sport Elise special are adjustable Öhlins dampers with remote reservoirs and an adjustable front anti-roll bar. Compared with the other Elises brought along for comparison purposes, the Sport Elise felt more composed and relaxed on the track, more confidence-inspiring. In addition to chassis tweaks, the Sport Elise gets a beefier clutch and stainless-steel brake lines. Fifty will be sold here, all in Saffron Yellow with gray stripes. "

(OK, so I did a lot of reading before I bought mine!)

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 03:57 PM

AP Racing offer a new breed of high performance clutches for a your (tuned) Elise, Exige or 340R.
More power at one end and better grip at the other means you need a clutch that can deliver, without slip.

Everything you need to improve your engine's power delivery, you'll find in the box!
This kit is supplied including Pressure plate, (Organic faced) Driven plate and Release bearing.

From AP Racing, the choice of Champions.

This kit is suitable for fast road and track use.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...en-US:official

LARRY · 06-14-2007, 04:03 PM

Who cares about the clutch? Just look at your beautiful car and enjoy it!

CalBears92 · 06-14-2007, 04:05 PM

Given the labor cost involved to change the clutch, spending more to get a more durable one may turn out to be the more economical option. I hope my ACT HD is that clutch.

lotuson74 · 06-14-2007, 09:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LARRY

AP Racing offer a new breed of high performance clutches for a your (tuned) Elise, Exige or 340R.
More power at one end and better grip at the other means you need a clutch that can deliver, without slip.

Everything you need to improve your engine's power delivery, you'll find in the box!
This kit is supplied including Pressure plate, (Organic faced) Driven plate and Release bearing.

From AP Racing, the choice of Champions.

This kit is suitable for fast road and track use.

http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...en-US:official

I agree, ALL the AP Racing items I have on my things (cars & motorcycles) are FANTASTIC!!! I personally trust AP Racing!

lotuson74 · 06-14-2007, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LARRY

Who cares about the clutch? Just look at your beautiful car and enjoy it!

Eww... Yellow!!! THAT IS WORSE THAN PINK!!!! WITH LIME GREEN POCA-DOTS!

lotuson74 · 06-14-2007, 09:21 PM

The convertable 76 Pinto Wagon in grey primer is a real car SO... GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brendan · 06-15-2007, 04:37 AM

That AP clutch is for Rover engined cars, not Toyota.

"AP Racing Clutch (Elise, Exige, 340R, all models except VVTI)"

evilfij · 06-15-2007, 02:14 PM

Ask HRM, they offer the sport clutch as a $1500 option.

I have been meaning to ask if that is installed. When (and if, given the way I drive) mine goes I am getting the sport clutch.

goelise · 11-16-2007, 06:28 AM

A little thread resurrection because I upgraded my OEM clutch/pressure plate that was replaced under warranty to a Lotus Sport Clutch.

It is actually a TRD clutch and pressure plate. The Lotus technician showed it to me before installation. The TRD stampings were on the pressure plate and the clutch disc itself was beefier than the OEM sample he had. It was cool of Lotus to allow me to upgrade so I only had to pay the difference in cost between OEM and the Lotus Sport parts.

I drove my car home with the Lotus Sport clutch installed yesterday. It feels great!

The clutch pedal itself is firm, not tiring to drive unless your unfortunate to get caught up in very bad stop and go traffic for a very long time. The engagement felt smooth but you can feel that its clamping stronger than stock. It took just a little getting used to but now since I've tried it I don't think I can ever go back to the stock clutch.
I think its a great clutch for street and occasional track use!

04-20-2007, 04:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	How is clutch different on Sport Elise? This came up on another thread, but I couldn't find an answer... I have a Sport Elise and I know it comes with an upgraded clutch. Does anyone know how it's different than the stock one? Thanks in advance! __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:25 PM	#3 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	Do any of the Lotus dealers on this site know the answer? __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:28 PM	#4 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	"The Sport Elise takes the street-to-track theme of the standard Elise to a new level. The suspension — already intensely stiff — gets broomed in favor of race springs and dampers, lower ride height, and adjustable anti-roll bars. The Yokohama A048 track tires that are optional on other Elises are standard here. A high-performance clutch and stainless steel braided brake lines address potential weak points in the chassis. It’s everything you need to go fast around a road course, and Lotus Sport even has thrown in a roll hoop and harness bar in case your enthusiasm outpaces your skill." So....what does high performance clutch mean? __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T)

06-14-2007, 03:35 PM	#5 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	Here's some more... "Just when we thought the Lotus Elise couldn't get more focused, along comes Lotus Sport and recalibrates the most undiluted performance car sold in the United States. Lotus Sport, Lotus' nine-person-strong specialty division responsible for performance parts as well as production and one-off racecars, gets credit for tuning the 50 2006 Lotus Sport Elise models in the U.S. market this year. Adding exclusivity to this already distinguished club, the Lotus Sport version of the Elise is identified by its proprietary Saffron Yellow paint, Storm Titanium racing stripes and matching hardtop. Inside, there's a numbered build plate, body-color center console and leather-trimmed seats with harness cutouts. Lotus Sport also redesigned the indicator stalks, window winders, floor mats and other details. But those aren't the parts that make it special. The real hardware components, the differences that make a difference, are hidden underneath. Threaded shock bodies with height-adjustable collars house Öhlins dampers at all four corners. The Öhlins units are two-way adjustable and utilize 22 compression and 60 rebound settings. The five-way-adjustable front stabilizer bar from the Track Pack option is also included. Lotus' advanced traction control is in place, but interestingly, the Torsen limited-slip differential, which is optional on all Elises, isn't included. Lotus engineers and PR folks alike admit that the limited-slip diminishes the car's world-class steering feel and was made available for the small but vocal group of owners whose autocrossing demands required it in low-speed, high-load corners. For road racing, it's not necessary. Other hardware changes include stainless-steel brake lines and high-temperature fluid. There's also a stronger clutch that's able to handle more abuse. The same Yokohama A048 195/50R16 (front) and 225/45R17 (rear) tires and lightweight forged wheels from the Sport Pack are included." This isn't really specific either... __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	# Racing clutches are made of a special iron that allows them to be certified by the racing industries sanctioning body. This allows these parts to withstand the pressures of racing yet help keep the participant safe. # This is done to try to insure safety. # Although there are things that are done to clutches to get better performance, race clutches are not subject to the same abuse as the clutch in a standard automotive or truck application. # Different forms of racing in different classes require different styles of clutches and different clutch set-ups. Check with your sanctioning body and your home track for the rules, regulations and limitations of your particular class of racing. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T) Last edited by LARRY : 06-14-2007 at 03:54 PM.

06-14-2007, 03:38 PM	#7 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	More discs? __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:46 PM	#8 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	This is NOT a Lotus clutch but a racing clutch: Full 100% Kevlar disc with an unsprung hub, matched pressure plate, and release (throwout) bearing. Lasting up to five times longer than OEM clutches and holding 50% more horsepower and torque than the stock clutch. Full face design to better disipate heat. An excellent choice for daily drivers which are also occasional weekend racers. Attached Images __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T)

06-14-2007, 03:47 PM	#9 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	That's not specific to the Sport Elise, correct? __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:50 PM	#10 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	My guess is that a stronger clutch like this one above IS specific to the Sport Elise, yes. Based on the quotes you and I found about the car. __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T)

06-14-2007, 03:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
Cali Shish Kebab Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 804	Here are some more, if this helps... "The Lotus Sport Elise is a competition-level version that is intended for Elise owners who prefer track performance over street use. The Lotus Sport Elise comes standard with a factory-specified list of performance upgrades including a competition-quality clutch, Lotus Sport suspension components, Lotus Sport exhaust with twin center outlets and safety equipment such as a roll hoop and safety harness bar." "At around $12,000 more than the $43,915 base Elise, each individually numbered Sport comes with adjustable Öhlins shocks with 60 rebound and 22 compression settings. You also get a five-way-adjustable front antiroll bar, stainless-steel brake lines, high-temperature brake fluid, competition clutch, roll hoop, safety harness bar, and black forged wheels with wider Yokohama A048 front tires." "What makes the Lotus Sport Elise special are adjustable Öhlins dampers with remote reservoirs and an adjustable front anti-roll bar. Compared with the other Elises brought along for comparison purposes, the Sport Elise felt more composed and relaxed on the track, more confidence-inspiring. In addition to chassis tweaks, the Sport Elise gets a beefier clutch and stainless-steel brake lines. Fifty will be sold here, all in Saffron Yellow with gray stripes. " (OK, so I did a lot of reading before I bought mine!) __________________ "Have you ever noticed that anybody driving slower than you is an idiot, and anyone going faster than you is a maniac?" - George Carlin

06-14-2007, 03:57 PM	#12 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	AP Racing offer a new breed of high performance clutches for a your (tuned) Elise, Exige or 340R. More power at one end and better grip at the other means you need a clutch that can deliver, without slip. Everything you need to improve your engine's power delivery, you'll find in the box! This kit is supplied including Pressure plate, (Organic faced) Driven plate and Release bearing. From AP Racing, the choice of Champions. This kit is suitable for fast road and track use. http://images.google.com/imgres?imgu...en-US:official Attached Images __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T)

06-14-2007, 04:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
LARRY It's a Lotus Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Beverly Hills, Ca. Posts: 17,162	Who cares about the clutch? Just look at your beautiful car and enjoy it! Attached Images __________________ 2005 Saffron Yellow Elise. Stage II Exhaust. 2007 ProBax seats. "We know they're magical and worth every minute we spend on them. The whole Lotus owners' world is like a secret handshake among people who understand that." (R&T)

06-14-2007, 04:05 PM	#14 (permalink)
CalBears92 Monkey Tuned! Join Date: May 2006 Location: Orange County, CA Posts: 503 Images: 3	Given the labor cost involved to change the clutch, spending more to get a more durable one may turn out to be the more economical option. I hope my ACT HD is that clutch.

06-14-2007, 09:21 PM	#17 (permalink)
lotuson74 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 567	The convertable 76 Pinto Wagon in grey primer is a real car SO... GET A LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ Kirk Will this do??? Artic silver Elise, Ohlins, Monolites, Q.S. header Arqray Ti. & more 99 Sport 190 Elise 02 Mini Cooper S 03 Dinan BMW S-3 Supercharged X-5 4.6is 06 F-250 Diesel, 11 inch lift, 1000lb ft. hauler 04 Radical SR-4 Racecar 97 Lotus Esprit V-8 TT 04 Lotus Esprit V-8 TT 90 Nissan 300 zx TT showcar with 680 r.w.h.p.!! 02 BMW 330i (needed something practical!) 06 BMW M5 with Schnitzer & Dinan mods. (3) Racebikes built by Richard of Attack Racing

06-15-2007, 04:37 AM	#18 (permalink)
Brendan Registered User Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Twycross, England Posts: 69 Images: 11	That AP clutch is for Rover engined cars, not Toyota. "AP Racing Clutch (Elise, Exige, 340R, all models except VVTI)"

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06-15-2007, 02:14 PM	#19 (permalink)
evilfij Land Rover Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Main Line PA Posts: 769	Ask HRM, they offer the sport clutch as a $1500 option. I have been meaning to ask if that is installed. When (and if, given the way I drive) mine goes I am getting the sport clutch. __________________ 2006 Autumn Gold Elise SELL ME YOUR AUTUMN GOLD HARDTOP PLEASE OR WILL TRADE FOR CARBON FIBER LOOK TOP I ALREADY HAVE

11-16-2007, 06:28 AM	#20 (permalink)
goelise AR #1275 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Midwest, USA Posts: 2,527 Images: 1	A little thread resurrection because I upgraded my OEM clutch/pressure plate that was replaced under warranty to a Lotus Sport Clutch. It is actually a TRD clutch and pressure plate. The Lotus technician showed it to me before installation. The TRD stampings were on the pressure plate and the clutch disc itself was beefier than the OEM sample he had. It was cool of Lotus to allow me to upgrade so I only had to pay the difference in cost between OEM and the Lotus Sport parts. I drove my car home with the Lotus Sport clutch installed yesterday. It feels great! The clutch pedal itself is firm, not tiring to drive unless your unfortunate to get caught up in very bad stop and go traffic for a very long time. The engagement felt smooth but you can feel that its clamping stronger than stock. It took just a little getting used to but now since I've tried it I don't think I can ever go back to the stock clutch. I think its a great clutch for street and occasional track use! __________________ '06 Ardent Red Elise - black interior with LSS, Touring, HT, Starshield, Lotus Sport Clutch, Moroso Oil Pan, 2ZZ(#2), Ekological HIDs, Lotus Driving Lights, Stebel Horn, Bootie, Razo '06 Pedal mod,Snorkel Delete,Odyssey 680 with s111 bracket. Future Mods:LETSLA (ordered), Rear toe link brace Thank you FVMC! WOO-HOO!