Is Exige roof removable? - LotusTalk

gameson · 03-25-2006, 09:18 AM

Looks to me it is, but of course, I haven't seen it in person, so I don't know

Thanks

glitch · 03-25-2006, 09:20 AM

yep.

DaveJ · 03-25-2006, 09:21 AM

Yes it is. 7 screws.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4625509337

ducatiexigeowner · 03-25-2006, 09:23 AM

.....yep

craig7l · 03-25-2006, 11:55 AM

and i have the DIY soft top conversion kit....to make it into a soft top if required in approx 10mins.... just need the car now.

cheers

rizviz · 03-25-2006, 12:03 PM

the top is removable but the manufacturer doesn't recomend removing the top due to the fact that the roof scoop continues beyond the top and causes air turbulence in the cabin.

gameson · 03-25-2006, 12:13 PM

So that means basically Elise and Exige is about the same, beside the scoop that goes from the roof to the rear on top of the engine, are there any other difference between Elise and Exige?

Also, technically it's possible to convert Elise to Exige if owner just buys the scoop that includes the wing and the hardtop, right?

charliex · 03-25-2006, 12:13 PM

top stories why the exige roof can't or shouldn't be removed

1. its fixed and cant be removed ( nope its the same as the elsie)
2. it leaks it ( and the elise doesn't ? )
3. any leaks won't be covered by the warranty ( the car is legally a convertible therefore removing the roof can't void anything )
4. there is no way to add the soft top (the soft top fits, the ony missing parts are the stand offs which arent needed but can be easily added )
5. the scoop generates turbulence in the engine, cabin, uneven air pressure? etc ( there is a grille on the rear scoop so that when the roof is off so its not completely open, it could easily be blanked too, the scoop is functional on some exiges, and theres a big hole in the engine bay)
6. rain gets in the engine (yeah theres a big hole above the engine )
7. it spoils the looks (subjective)
8. it spoils the aerodynamics ( yes and the touring package spoils the performance but they still sell it )
9. the underside is unfinished and it looks ugly ( yep to a degree )
10. lotus told me not too ( yep because in their eyes it doesn't look right and its not the way the car was designed to be )
11. the anoraks will beat you up, and ridicule you ( yes they will )
12. rain gets into the unfinished fibreglass and damages it (plausible but rain gets in 100 other places in the car, and lotus are in one of the wettest places in the world, as well some exiges have functional scoops)

i probably missed a few

lotus54 · 03-25-2006, 12:33 PM

Here is an excerpt from the service manual:

Exige Hardtop Roof:
The Lotus Exige has been conceived and configured as a sports coupé with a removable roof. The
aerodynamic performance of the bodyshell including the front spoiler, rear aerofoil, roof panel and tailgate
have been tuned to provide the optimum handling balance with the roof panel also contributing to the flow of
cooling air into the top of the engine bay.
The roof panel may be removed for better access to the interior for servicing, and the car may be driven
without the roof fitted, but wind buffeting and increased noise levels will be experienced. In order to avoid
discomfort, and so as not to compromise engine cooling efficiency, it is recommended to restrict usage in this
configuration to lower vehicle speeds.

codymac · 03-25-2006, 12:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charliex

11. the anoraks will beat you up, and ridicule you ( yes they will )

Yes... we will!

Unless, of course, you're a dainty hairdresser!

FlyLo · 03-25-2006, 01:55 PM

"car may be driven without the roof fitted"

Well, that settles that.

mark.r · 03-25-2006, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by craig7l

and i have the DIY soft top conversion kit....to make it into a soft top if required in approx 10mins.... just need the car now.

cheers

I'd like to hear more about the above as well as the following:

Quote:

" . . .the soft top fits, the ony missing parts are the stand offs which arent needed but can be easily added"

charliex · 03-25-2006, 07:03 PM

i posted the parts list of the bits you need in one of the gajillion threads on the exige roof stuff.

argento f360 · 03-30-2006, 05:26 PM

Took the roof of today no problem!!!!Love it

Karma · 03-31-2006, 07:17 AM

My understanding (from what I've heard) is the scoop is only functional on the versions not sold in the US...

steuspeed · 03-31-2006, 11:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karma

My understanding (from what I've heard) is the scoop is only functional on the versions not sold in the US...

Yep. Scoop is for supercharger intercooler on Non-US cars. The scoop is blocked off on US cars.

03-25-2006, 09:18 AM	#1 (permalink)
gameson Track Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,000	Is Exige roof removable? Looks to me it is, but of course, I haven't seen it in person, so I don't know Thanks

03-25-2006, 09:21 AM	#3 (permalink)
DaveJ Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Central Texas Posts: 91	Yes it is. 7 screws. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=4625509337 Attached Images __________________ cars for sale 512-619-9855 (text ok!)

03-25-2006, 09:23 AM	#4 (permalink)
ducatiexigeowner Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: 49o30.21'N...2o30.37'W Posts: 1,447	.....yep Attached Images

03-25-2006, 12:13 PM	#7 (permalink)
gameson Track Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 2,000	So that means basically Elise and Exige is about the same, beside the scoop that goes from the roof to the rear on top of the engine, are there any other difference between Elise and Exige? Also, technically it's possible to convert Elise to Exige if owner just buys the scoop that includes the wing and the hardtop, right? Last edited by gameson; 03-25-2006 at 12:16 PM.

03-25-2006, 12:13 PM	#8 (permalink)
charliex OSX Black hat Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 10,000	top stories why the exige roof can't or shouldn't be removed 1. its fixed and cant be removed ( nope its the same as the elsie) 2. it leaks it ( and the elise doesn't ? ) 3. any leaks won't be covered by the warranty ( the car is legally a convertible therefore removing the roof can't void anything ) 4. there is no way to add the soft top (the soft top fits, the ony missing parts are the stand offs which arent needed but can be easily added ) 5. the scoop generates turbulence in the engine, cabin, uneven air pressure? etc ( there is a grille on the rear scoop so that when the roof is off so its not completely open, it could easily be blanked too, the scoop is functional on some exiges, and theres a big hole in the engine bay) 6. rain gets in the engine (yeah theres a big hole above the engine ) 7. it spoils the looks (subjective) 8. it spoils the aerodynamics ( yes and the touring package spoils the performance but they still sell it ) 9. the underside is unfinished and it looks ugly ( yep to a degree ) 10. lotus told me not too ( yep because in their eyes it doesn't look right and its not the way the car was designed to be ) 11. the anoraks will beat you up, and ridicule you ( yes they will ) 12. rain gets into the unfinished fibreglass and damages it (plausible but rain gets in 100 other places in the car, and lotus are in one of the wettest places in the world, as well some exiges have functional scoops) i probably missed a few __________________ Black Exige S / Elan M100. Don't run a smaller pulley without an upgraded fuel pump! http://www.goth.am ecu stuff.. New reflash box coming soon! Last edited by charliex; 03-25-2006 at 12:16 PM.

03-25-2006, 09:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
glitch AR/Biscuit Touring HT SS Join Date: May 2005 Location: Huntsville, AL Posts: 202	yep.

03-25-2006, 11:55 AM	#5 (permalink)
craig7l Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Silverstone UK Posts: 42	and i have the DIY soft top conversion kit....to make it into a soft top if required in approx 10mins.... just need the car now. cheers

03-25-2006, 12:03 PM	#6 (permalink)
rizviz Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 50	the top is removable but the manufacturer doesn't recomend removing the top due to the fact that the roof scoop continues beyond the top and causes air turbulence in the cabin.

03-25-2006, 12:33 PM	#9 (permalink)
lotus54 Nightfall Blue Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Port Angeles, WA Posts: 612	Here is an excerpt from the service manual: Exige Hardtop Roof: The Lotus Exige has been conceived and configured as a sports coupé with a removable roof. The aerodynamic performance of the bodyshell including the front spoiler, rear aerofoil, roof panel and tailgate have been tuned to provide the optimum handling balance with the roof panel also contributing to the flow of cooling air into the top of the engine bay. The roof panel may be removed for better access to the interior for servicing, and the car may be driven without the roof fitted, but wind buffeting and increased noise levels will be experienced. In order to avoid discomfort, and so as not to compromise engine cooling efficiency, it is recommended to restrict usage in this configuration to lower vehicle speeds.

03-25-2006, 01:55 PM	#11 (permalink)
FlyLo Laughin' Easy Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 1,864	"car may be driven without the roof fitted" Well, that settles that.

03-25-2006, 07:03 PM	#13 (permalink)
charliex OSX Black hat Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Las Vegas , NV Posts: 10,000	i posted the parts list of the bits you need in one of the gajillion threads on the exige roof stuff. __________________ Black Exige S / Elan M100. Don't run a smaller pulley without an upgraded fuel pump! http://www.goth.am ecu stuff.. New reflash box coming soon!

03-30-2006, 05:26 PM	#14 (permalink)
argento f360 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: ocean city nj Posts: 18	Yep!!! Took the roof of today no problem!!!!Love it

03-31-2006, 07:17 AM	#15 (permalink)
Karma Registered User Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 37	My understanding (from what I've heard) is the scoop is only functional on the versions not sold in the US...

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode