Going Forward with the Lotus Supercharger Kit - Need Advice

[vincesf]

I am going forward with the dealer installation of the Lotus Supercharger kit on my '08 Elise California Edition.

There are two basic questions that I need advice on:

1. Are there any other differences between a Factory SC and a dealer retrofit car. I have an '08 California Edition, so I already have the rear spoiler, but rather are there mechanical differences that the factory Elise SC comes standard with that will NOT be a part of the Lotus retrofit kit?

2. Does the single exhaust tip of an SC add any functionality, and should I install that as well? I prefer the looks of the 2 pipes, but there might be some added benefit to the single exhaust tip.

Thanks,
vincesf

[Demonized]

I'm not sure if the SC comes standard with dual front oil coolers, but there are no internal engine differences between any of the Toyota lumps in the Elise/Exige's.

I'd suggest getting a stage 2, or aftermarket exhaust, as you will save upwards of 15lb with those. Doubtful you will actually gain sustainable horsepower with any option, but the stock California Ed. (And any base Elise) exhaust might generate higher heat than one designed for the SC'd engines.

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by Demonized

I'm not sure if the SC comes standard with dual front oil coolers, but there are no internal engine differences between any of the Toyota lumps in the Elise/Exige's.

I'd suggest getting a stage 2, or aftermarket exhaust, as you will save upwards of 15lb with those. Doubtful you will actually gain sustainable horsepower with any option, but the stock California Ed. (And any base Elise) exhaust might generate higher heat than one designed for the SC'd engines.

I believe the dual oil coolers come with the SC or NA optioned with the Sport Pack Option, otherwise I believe they are all single oiler cooler equipped.

Does the Factory SC's have a different exhaust system?

Vincesf

[Demonized]

Originally Posted by vincesf

I believe the dual oil coolers come with the SC or NA optioned with the Sport Pack Option, otherwise I believe they are all single oiler cooler equipped.

Does the Factory SC's have a different exhaust system?

Vincesf

I honestly don't know very much about the Elise SC. But if I had to guess, it probably has the Exige S exhaust, or something similar.

[Green Rat]

My understanding is that the oval single pipe SC exhaust doesn't net any horsepower gains, but has a more robust/louder note to it. I didn't change out my exhaust, and I haven't had any issues. To answer your original question, from an engine/ECU perspective your car will be the same as an SC. Lots of luck with the install, you'll love your car even more once the blower is installed.

Peace,

[vincesf]

THANK YOU.
Vincesf

[LordZ]

You are aware that this is the MP45 and not the MP62 that is found on the 07 ExigeS, and I believe the S240 for 08.

With that said in addition to the above it should be just like a basic Elise S or the 08 Exige S220(?). If you have the stock exhaust like most of the Elise (would need a picture to verify) then you might need to upgrade to the ExigeS or stage2. Not sure the stock muffler will flow enough. The stage 2 does have dual tips if you don't care for the ExigeS single oval.

I'm assuming the main goal is to have something covered under warranty until it turns 36 months and not the best hp/dollar. You will absolutely love the new found power. Hopefully it won't leave you for wanting more though. Power is addictive...

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by LordZ

You are aware that this is the MP45 and not the MP62 that is found on the 07 ExigeS, and I believe the S240 for 08.

With that said in addition to the above it should be just like a basic Elise S or the 08 Exige S220(?). If you have the stock exhaust like most of the Elise (would need a picture to verify) then you might need to upgrade to the ExigeS or stage2. Not sure the stock muffler will flow enough. The stage 2 does have dual tips if you don't care for the ExigeS single oval.

I'm assuming the main goal is to have something covered under warranty until it turns 36 months and not the best hp/dollar. You will absolutely love the new found power. Hopefully it won't leave you for wanting more though. Power is addictive...

Yes, I'm aware that the Lotus Kit brings it to the Elise SC power output of approximately 220hp. As for upgrading the exhaust, it is the first I've heard about it. My concern is that if I have the Lotus Supercharger kit installed, which is $6,500 and other work is also required such as changing the exhaust, then would it not be easier just to buy an Elise SC? I was hoping that my 2008 would be virtually identical spec wise, after the conversion, as I am not aware of any drivetrain, brakes or any other differences between a factory SC and a Dealer Installed Supercharger Kit. Am I wrong?

vincesf

[LordZ]

Originally Posted by vincesf

Yes, I'm aware that the Lotus Kit brings it to the Elise SC power output of approximately 220hp. As for upgrading the exhaust, it is the first I've heard about it. My concern is that if I have the Lotus Supercharger kit installed, which is $6,500 and other work is also required such as changing the exhaust, then would it not be easier just to buy an Elise SC? I was hoping that my 2008 would be virtually identical spec wise, after the conversion, as I am not aware of any drivetrain, brakes or any other differences between a factory SC and a Dealer Installed Supercharger Kit. Am I wrong?

vincesf

Nope, there are no other changes, and to be honest I don't know what the factory S exhaust is other than the ExigeS from 2007. That 220hp is crank from your 190hp, so 30hp gain for the $6,500. But you get to keep your warranty.

Personally with the power output only going up 30hp, your stock exhaust should be perfectly fine. The only time it would limit you would be if you are pushing the higher power of the vf kit or the tvs.

Brakes, suspension, clutch, flywheel should all be the same. I'm not sure what injectors the 220S or your kit comes with though. But I'm sure they are the same between the two.

[vincesf]

Originally Posted by LordZ

Brakes, suspension, clutch, flywheel should all be the same. I'm not sure what injectors the 220S or your kit comes with though. But I'm sure they are the same between the two.

Thank you for the response. I believe the kit includes new injectors, and I am told the exhaust is the same as that on the Elise SC, it is just the oval Exhaust tip that differs. I can imagine I can fit the oval tip, as I am told it gives a better sound though I prefer the looks of two pipes. Also, the cut-out where the exhaust tip comes out changed in '08 to accommodate the oval shape.

I am still leaning on doing it. Yes, it is only a 30hp gain, but it turns the car into an SC at a lot less than trading my car in for an SC.

vincesf