Taking my Exige S off the road - LotusTalk

RQ_GT3 · 04-07-2009, 07:29 PM

Mods - love LT but figuring out which section to post in can be overwhelming, so please move as you see fit.

Enjoying my Exige on the track but just no love for it on the road, so just bought a trailer, dropping the registration and insurance.

Given the economy and since this is my backup track car I don't want to get too carried away, so resisting temptation.

Not much done to date: Larini exhaust, S111 engine mounts, 6-pt Schroth, RT brace. Basics such as Pagids, Motul and track alignment. Rubber from r888 to R6 or hopefully full slicks now that I have the brace.

Short term wishlist: Baffled oil pan (Moroso?) and/or Accusump,would love the tighter steering ratio rod, Ohlins.

Longer term wishlist: CharlieX tune, and whatever cooling and braking mods may be required from the increase in power.

So outside of the basics above:

Safety: a full cage is always appealing.

Weight: outside of AC, sound system, airbags, what else is obvious and easy? How heavy is the windshield and engine separator glass compared to lexan?

Thanks in advance, this is the first time I strip a street car so all links, thoughts and advise are very welcome!!

RoadDad · 04-07-2009, 07:36 PM

I'd do one of these

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Baffled oil pan (Moroso?) and/or Accusump,

before I did this

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

hopefully full slicks

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Weight: outside of AC, sound system, airbags, what else is obvious and easy? How heavy is the windshield and engine separator glass compared to lexan?

Take a look at Perry's rip down thread to get some ideas for weight reduction. http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f3/s...e-me-do-59435/ Not all of it is obvious or easy but it's a good place to get ideas/info/a start.

apk919 · 04-07-2009, 07:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoadDad

I'd do one of these before I did this

And don't forget to upgrade the rear toe links (if you haven't already done so)!

EDIT: Oh, yeah... replace the wheel bolts with proper studs and nuts...

RQ_GT3 · 04-07-2009, 08:23 PM

Good advice on the oil issue, and interesting link, thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

And don't forget to upgrade the rear toe links (if you haven't already done so)!

EDIT: Oh, yeah... replace the wheel bolts with proper studs and nuts...

Is the S111's RTDBrace enough? If so done, else please point me inthe right direction.

Studs - yes, want them but any concerns at all about them (yes I should do a search). Very best choice, and source?

A7594217 · 04-07-2009, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Good advice on the oil issue, and interesting link, thanks.

Is the S111's RTDBrace enough? If so done, else please point me inthe right direction.

Studs - yes, want them but any concerns at all about them (yes I should do a search). Very best choice, and source?

Get the BWR drop forged studs. Best choice for sure and its comes with what you need so no guessing.

RQ_GT3 · 04-07-2009, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A7594217

Get the BWR drop forged studs. Best choice for sure and its comes with what you need so no guessing.

Great, will order those tomorrow.

RTDbrace still good enough?

apk919 · 04-07-2009, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Great, will order those tomorrow.

RTDbrace still good enough?

Yes, as far as I know. It's always a good area to inspect before a track day (torques, heim joint wear, etc.)

RQ_GT3 · 04-09-2009, 10:05 AM

On the BWR studs, am I better of with the standard ones or the longer ones? I'm running stock wheels, at least for now.

kestrel74 · 04-09-2009, 10:14 AM

I've been thinking of doing the exact same thing. The only reason I take mine out on the road, is just to drive around and go nowhere in particular. What's the use ? I'd rather track it a couple times a month and drive it the way it was built to be driven.

Thomasio · 04-09-2009, 10:20 AM

Rear glass is about 3 1/2 pounds. Replacement carbon fiber panel is about one pound:

Group Buy - Really Light Stuff CF Exige Rear Window

RQ_GT3 · 04-13-2009, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

On the BWR studs, am I better of with the standard ones or the longer ones? I'm running stock wheels, at least for now.

Any comments on this? Thanks!

apk919 · 04-13-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Any comments on this? Thanks!

I believe the longer studs are only necessary if you're using wheel spacers...

deddie · 04-13-2009, 08:25 PM

I would caution you regarding dropping the insurance on the vehicle. Although insurance is generally worthless if a mishap occurs on the track, there is a lot of opportunity for your car to get damaged off the track.

Example 1: you are trailering your car and either a) you cause an accident that damages your trailered Exige, b) you have a trailer mishap that damages your Exige, or c) and uninsured motorist causes an accident that damages your Exige. In either of these cases you are likely screwed. Your auto policy (on the tow car) likely does not cover the car being towed.

Example 2: your Exige is stolen from your house. Your home policy likely does not cover the stolen car.

Check these out with your insurance agent. As an alternative, you may want to consider lowering the liability coverage as much as possible and increasing your deductible to a high amount.

RQ_GT3 · 04-14-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

I believe the longer studs are only necessary if you're using wheel spacers...

Thanks. Since wheels can change over time, any downside to just getting the longer ones (other than maybe a bit of an odd look)?

RQ_GT3 · 04-14-2009, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by deddie

I would caution you regarding dropping the insurance on the vehicle. Although insurance is generally worthless if a mishap occurs on the track, there is a lot of opportunity for your car to get damaged off the track.

Good points, thanks.

I was thinking about going with something along the lines of a storage / transit / paddock policy - essentially no liability and covers the car only when its not moving under its own power. I spoke to the folks at Heacock Classic about my Radical and they have pretty reasonable rates for this requirement.

apk919 · 04-14-2009, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RQ_GT3

Thanks. Since wheels can change over time, any downside to just getting the longer ones (other than maybe a bit of an odd look)?

It takes longer to remove and install the wheels?

EDIT: There's about 8 more threads on the longer studs, so 8 x 4 x 4 x 2 (on and off) is 256 extra full turns of the lug nuts!

RQ_GT3 · 04-14-2009, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apk919

so 8 x 4 x 4 x 2 (on and off) is 256 extra full turns of the lug nuts!

For some reason that just cracks me up!!

But yes seems like a lot of wasted motion.

BTW how hard is it to remove them if one strips or breaks? New hub or recoverable?

Green Hornet · 04-14-2009, 08:39 PM

How much extra weight for the longer studs ???

I would put the suspension very near the top of your mods list.

RQ_GT3 · 04-15-2009, 11:18 AM

Outside of the rear brace (done) and Ohlins (will do soon), anything else that should be considered for the suspension?

Shine · 04-16-2009, 08:50 AM

New steering arms or milling of your OE arms to allow for greater negative camber.

04-07-2009, 07:29 PM	#1 (permalink)
RQ_GT3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 99	Taking my Exige S off the road Mods - love LT but figuring out which section to post in can be overwhelming, so please move as you see fit. Enjoying my Exige on the track but just no love for it on the road, so just bought a trailer, dropping the registration and insurance. Given the economy and since this is my backup track car I don't want to get too carried away, so resisting temptation. Not much done to date: Larini exhaust, S111 engine mounts, 6-pt Schroth, RT brace. Basics such as Pagids, Motul and track alignment. Rubber from r888 to R6 or hopefully full slicks now that I have the brace. Short term wishlist: Baffled oil pan (Moroso?) and/or Accusump,would love the tighter steering ratio rod, Ohlins. Longer term wishlist: CharlieX tune, and whatever cooling and braking mods may be required from the increase in power. So outside of the basics above: Safety: a full cage is always appealing. Weight: outside of AC, sound system, airbags, what else is obvious and easy? How heavy is the windshield and engine separator glass compared to lexan? Thanks in advance, this is the first time I strip a street car so all links, thoughts and advise are very welcome!! __________________ '07 Radical SR3 1500 '07 Exige S '08 E92 M3

04-09-2009, 10:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
RQ_GT3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 99	On the BWR studs, am I better of with the standard ones or the longer ones? I'm running stock wheels, at least for now. __________________ '07 Radical SR3 1500 '07 Exige S '08 E92 M3

04-09-2009, 10:14 AM	#9 (permalink)
kestrel74 G-200 Driver Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: North of Detroit; Watkins Glen, NY Posts: 9,313	I've been thinking of doing the exact same thing. The only reason I take mine out on the road, is just to drive around and go nowhere in particular. What's the use ? I'd rather track it a couple times a month and drive it the way it was built to be driven. __________________ 74 Europa Zetec TC Special 3614R Elise #2292 / Chrome Orange !! / Starshield / Nitron Sport SA / RTDbrace / Uprights machined / Down Low rails / ChaseCam / V1 / SS lines w/ R4-S "My daily driver does .85 Mach" " I started flying when Sex was safe and Hang Gliding was dangerous " BUY My Europa ! http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f94/...pa-sale-43829/

04-09-2009, 10:20 AM	#10 (permalink)
Thomasio really light stuff Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 3,503	Rear glass is about 3 1/2 pounds. Replacement carbon fiber panel is about one pound: Group Buy - Really Light Stuff CF Exige Rear Window __________________ 07 SY Exige S Really Light Stuff Intercooler . RLS Tubes . RLS Water/Methanol Injection . RLS 3.0" Pulley . RLS Wing Plates . RLS CF Window Panel

04-13-2009, 08:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
deddie Registered User Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: El Dorado Hills, CA Posts: 834	I would caution you regarding dropping the insurance on the vehicle. Although insurance is generally worthless if a mishap occurs on the track, there is a lot of opportunity for your car to get damaged off the track. Example 1: you are trailering your car and either a) you cause an accident that damages your trailered Exige, b) you have a trailer mishap that damages your Exige, or c) and uninsured motorist causes an accident that damages your Exige. In either of these cases you are likely screwed. Your auto policy (on the tow car) likely does not cover the car being towed. Example 2: your Exige is stolen from your house. Your home policy likely does not cover the stolen car. Check these out with your insurance agent. As an alternative, you may want to consider lowering the liability coverage as much as possible and increasing your deductible to a high amount. __________________ 2007 Carrera S 2007 Exige S 2007 CBR600RR

04-14-2009, 08:39 PM	#18 (permalink)
Green Hornet Zzzzzzz Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 875	How much extra weight for the longer studs ??? I would put the suspension very near the top of your mods list. __________________ Life, Liberty and the Happiness of Pursuit

04-15-2009, 11:18 AM	#19 (permalink)
RQ_GT3 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 99	Outside of the rear brace (done) and Ohlins (will do soon), anything else that should be considered for the suspension? __________________ '07 Radical SR3 1500 '07 Exige S '08 E92 M3

04-16-2009, 08:50 AM	#20 (permalink)
Shine Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Central Texas Posts: 333 Images: 10	New steering arms or milling of your OE arms to allow for greater negative camber. __________________ - Shine 2005 Elise, Ardent Red, Manual Winders

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