How to install a soft top on the Exige - Page 3 - LotusTalk

MikeS27 · 11-04-2006, 10:50 AM

That sounds like a great idea guys!

Like stated before, do yo think it will interfere much with the Exige S' intercooler. I am thinking about doing this too to my Exige S.

BOB1984 · 11-04-2006, 12:06 PM

No, people in the UK have removed the exige S top with no problems...

MikeS27 · 11-04-2006, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BOB1984

No, people in the UK have removed the exige S top with no problems...

Now I have a 2nd cabrio!

I see this guy did not do the "soft top" mod. Thanks for posting the picture, the car looks awesome!

blacktoy · 11-04-2006, 02:40 PM

Wouldn't recommend removing the hard top on the Exige S as the s/c uses the air intake from the roof. The air scoop on the Exige S is bigger than the normal Exige to accomodate for this (and looks better IMHO).

The air intake on the normal Exige is blocked so is just a cosmetic touch thus removing the hard top won't effect engine performance or efficiency.

RichS · 11-04-2006, 04:52 PM

Actually the scoop isn't any bigger on the Exige S (although it is 'functional' in that it isn't blocked like it is in the N/A Exige) and the remainder of the scoop (what's left over after the hard top is off) will draw in just as much air as when you use the whole scoop (with the hard top on).

While there is a miniscule possibility that removing the hard top will get 'less' air into that little opening, the amount of 'less' is so small that it could only be detected using a very sophisticated instrument of some sort.

In other words; Do this mod and enjoy the ability drive topless and quickly add a top to your Exige even if it is an Exige S.

Keeper · 11-05-2006, 04:20 AM

I missed this one the first time around. ATUP.

RideMooch · 12-20-2006, 06:02 PM

to dig up an old thread....
how well did the windows meet up with the softtop? Any leakage when it rains (well...more than usual)? I was under the impression the windows' height is different on the exige vs elise vs elise with hardtop.

pilot · 12-25-2006, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RideMooch

to dig up an old thread....
how well did the windows meet up with the softtop? Any leakage when it rains (well...more than usual)? I was under the impression the windows' height is different on the exige vs elise vs elise with hardtop.

the roll up height most certainly is different. the trick is to adjust the window to roll up to meet the "taller" top. then, when you put on the other top, you just dont roll the window up to the mechanical stop-just to the rubber seals. (this, i sadly must still adjust)

Imolas54 · 12-25-2006, 07:16 PM

i did this recently, and had to adjust the window for the different tops. also, what i found is, you will probably never want to drive around w/ the softtop on the exige just for the sole fact that it looks like crap

Westrock · 03-14-2007, 07:31 AM

I'm going to want to do this to mine as well. Texas weather is great for open top, but things can change quick.

What are part numbers and prices?

I'm guessing you need the 2 plastic ribs, 4 grommets and the soft top.

Do you guys know the price and part numbers so I know what to expect when I go the Lotus dealership?

I saw this on page 1, not sure what its referring to.

Quote:

Originally Posted by inetd

The parts included were:
A116B0182F Conv. Bow Plug
B117B0480K Plug Spacer
1 hour labor

Total $118.61

allegretto · 03-15-2007, 08:01 AM

This business of airflow to the scoop is more complex than simple venturi size.

Keep in mind that on a stock roof the scoop at the top of the windshield is (probably, only the windtunnel guys can tell us for sure) in a somewhat smooth high pressure area. At the back of the cokpit position, over an open spot, the flow is likely to be far lower pressure and quite turbulent. Further, the "dead space" is different in the two systems as will therefore be the whole manifold pressure throughout the system.

In short, you have (possibly) profoundly effected the intercooler's cooling. I'd be concerned at the track about this. Perhpas it's no big deal on the street, but I'd be sure to discuss this with Lotus Sport if I wanted to do it on the Cup (and I admit, I would like to do it on my Cup).

mrluky · 03-18-2007, 09:25 PM

Does anyone know the total cost of parts?

Lotus of Greenwich charges $1650 for this mod.

Needspeed · 03-19-2007, 12:48 PM

[quote=mrluky]Does anyone know the total cost of parts?

QUOTE]

The 2 grommets and 2 spacers only cost around $7.00 for everything. The soft top is the most expensive part. I picked mine up used for a decent price. Good luck!

johnraiders · 05-06-2007, 12:31 PM

Yo

Just done mine on normal Exige.
Didnt have a dremmel so made a series of small holes then punched out bit in middle, smoothed it off with a file.
You do get dust everywhere !
I stuck a yogurt pot behind where I was drilling to catch some debris.

JOhn

grappa · 05-06-2007, 04:55 PM

http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38548

Check out my post on temps,might be interesting to you.

ryoung99 · 05-16-2007, 03:39 PM

I just wanted to thank Pilot for his directions, I just finished mine, it worked great.

Thanks again.

intofx · 05-16-2007, 04:28 PM

Do you have to cut the holes in the windshield frame as well or are they already there?

Matt

Ian · 05-16-2007, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by intofx

Do you have to cut the holes in the windshield frame as well or are they already there?

Matt

They're already there.

robl45 · 05-18-2007, 06:26 PM

I know this may seem stupid, but what if you don't put the brackets in, can you still use the top?

And can you order this stuff from any local lotus dealer, what approximately is the cost of the stuff? I've seen 1650 including installation.

andykeck · 05-18-2007, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robl45

I know this may seem stupid, but what if you don't put the brackets in, can you still use the top?

Technically, yes. But it will flap around like a MFer without the stays in their brackets. Like a tent missing a couple of poles.

11-04-2006, 12:06 PM	#42 (permalink)
BOB1984 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: UK Posts: 627	No, people in the UK have removed the exige S top with no problems... Attached Images

11-04-2006, 04:52 PM	#45 (permalink)
RichS No, it's only an N/A Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 3,285	Actually the scoop isn't any bigger on the Exige S (although it is 'functional' in that it isn't blocked like it is in the N/A Exige) and the remainder of the scoop (what's left over after the hard top is off) will draw in just as much air as when you use the whole scoop (with the hard top on). While there is a miniscule possibility that removing the hard top will get 'less' air into that little opening, the amount of 'less' is so small that it could only be detected using a very sophisticated instrument of some sort. In other words; Do this mod and enjoy the ability drive topless and quickly add a top to your Exige even if it is an Exige S. __________________ Useful links to vendors removed at Nadeem's request. "Nice avatar by the way, I doubt Colin Chapman would have followed the herd as I have seen many here do. --Nadeem" Last edited by RichS : 02-20-2007 at 09:16 AM.

11-05-2006, 04:20 AM	#46 (permalink)
Keeper Probably Lurking Join Date: Nov 2003 Location: North of Boston Posts: 2,280	I missed this one the first time around. ATUP. __________________ -Shawn (2005 Lotus Econoxotic) Uberpost -- things owners should know - common problems/fixes - rattles, squeaks, noises - read the manual - good ideas? - maintenance - mods - reference - abbreviations

12-20-2006, 06:02 PM	#47 (permalink)
RideMooch wanna swap cars? Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Chapel Hill, NC / new orleans Posts: 213	to dig up an old thread.... how well did the windows meet up with the softtop? Any leakage when it rains (well...more than usual)? I was under the impression the windows' height is different on the exige vs elise vs elise with hardtop. __________________ ~Matt "but officer, its only a four-cylinder!" '02 Subaru WRX [13ESP] "CONEATR" co-driver of my dad's '06 CO elise [(1)47SS] co-driver of my brothers '06 Subaru WRX STI co-driver of.....can i drive your car?

03-18-2007, 09:25 PM	#52 (permalink)
mrluky Full GRP Jacket Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: 45°48'41.42"N 6°14'41.92"E Posts: 1,417 Images: 28	Does anyone know the total cost of parts? Lotus of Greenwich charges $1650 for this mod. __________________ My line is never wrong, it just doesn't always correspond with the asphalt. Above the clouds, the sun is always shining.

11-04-2006, 10:50 AM	#41 (permalink)
MikeS27 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 244	That sounds like a great idea guys! Like stated before, do yo think it will interfere much with the Exige S' intercooler. I am thinking about doing this too to my Exige S.

11-04-2006, 02:40 PM	#44 (permalink)
blacktoy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: UK Posts: 24	Wouldn't recommend removing the hard top on the Exige S as the s/c uses the air intake from the roof. The air scoop on the Exige S is bigger than the normal Exige to accomodate for this (and looks better IMHO). The air intake on the normal Exige is blocked so is just a cosmetic touch thus removing the hard top won't effect engine performance or efficiency.

12-25-2006, 07:16 PM	#49 (permalink)
Imolas54 ToYoTa dRiVeR Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 1,426	i did this recently, and had to adjust the window for the different tops. also, what i found is, you will probably never want to drive around w/ the softtop on the exige just for the sole fact that it looks like crap

03-15-2007, 08:01 AM	#51 (permalink)
allegretto Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 159	This business of airflow to the scoop is more complex than simple venturi size. Keep in mind that on a stock roof the scoop at the top of the windshield is (probably, only the windtunnel guys can tell us for sure) in a somewhat smooth high pressure area. At the back of the cokpit position, over an open spot, the flow is likely to be far lower pressure and quite turbulent. Further, the "dead space" is different in the two systems as will therefore be the whole manifold pressure throughout the system. In short, you have (possibly) profoundly effected the intercooler's cooling. I'd be concerned at the track about this. Perhpas it's no big deal on the street, but I'd be sure to discuss this with Lotus Sport if I wanted to do it on the Cup (and I admit, I would like to do it on my Cup).

03-19-2007, 12:48 PM	#53 (permalink)
Needspeed Trust in God Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Mid Atlantic Region Posts: 482	[quote=mrluky]Does anyone know the total cost of parts? QUOTE] The 2 grommets and 2 spacers only cost around $7.00 for everything. The soft top is the most expensive part. I picked mine up used for a decent price. Good luck! __________________ 07 Exige S (Chili Red) 05 Legacy GT Ltd 98 Esprit V8 (sold) 02 WRX (sold)

05-06-2007, 12:31 PM	#54 (permalink)
johnraiders Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Posts: 12	Yo Just done mine on normal Exige. Didnt have a dremmel so made a series of small holes then punched out bit in middle, smoothed it off with a file. You do get dust everywhere ! I stuck a yogurt pot behind where I was drilling to catch some debris. JOhn

05-06-2007, 04:55 PM	#55 (permalink)
grappa Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 61	http://www.elisetalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=38548 Check out my post on temps,might be interesting to you. __________________ www.fquick.com/quicker "Quicker" Exige S- Storm Titanium • Touring Package • Performance Pack

05-16-2007, 03:39 PM	#56 (permalink)
ryoung99 Selfish Asshat Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Shingle Springs, CA Posts: 445	I just wanted to thank Pilot for his directions, I just finished mine, it worked great. Thanks again. __________________ 2006 Exige StormTi, BWR S/C, Nitto NT-01's (love em) 2005 Stealth Focus Midget (3 of them); 2001 Ocke Mannerfelt B-24 "Batboat" 2007 Honda S2000 (wifes car), 2003 Insight (commuter), 2000 Ford Excursion 2004 Meridan 411 and 96 SeaDoo Speedster boats 2004 Newmar Kountry Star RV and various racing karts and snowmobiles www.capitalcitymidgets.com

05-16-2007, 04:28 PM	#57 (permalink)
intofx Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: West Hills, CA Posts: 904 Images: 14	Do you have to cut the holes in the windshield frame as well or are they already there? Matt __________________ 2006 Phantom Black Exige 2004 Porsche C4S 2007 Black Hummer H2 SUT

05-18-2007, 06:26 PM	#59 (permalink)
robl45 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 61	I know this may seem stupid, but what if you don't put the brackets in, can you still use the top? And can you order this stuff from any local lotus dealer, what approximately is the cost of the stuff? I've seen 1650 including installation.

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Sport Car Club :: View topic - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-28-2008 03:32 PM
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Sport Car Club :: Ver tema - soft top para el exige	This thread	Refback	04-27-2008 02:47 PM
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