2008 shifter differences? retrofitting? - LotusTalk

MTribe · 11-26-2008, 09:39 PM

I'd like to improve the feel of the shifter in my 06 elise.

Apparently 2008s had an improved design--anyone know what's different?

The two mods I've seen here are the sector 111 re-inforcer and "stan's mod". Can anyone comment on whether these are more or less effective than the 2008 design?

Sorry if this has been covered... unable to find anything with a search...

pete k · 11-26-2008, 09:42 PM

I believe the difference is the shifter cables. Lotus has obtained a different supplier for the cables now, and they do feel different.

I think that is the only difference.

jallingt · 11-26-2008, 09:54 PM

I found a lot of difference just doing the "Stan Mod" on my O5.'

lt0302 · 11-26-2008, 11:19 PM

I have the sector 111 and the engine mount upgrade (front and rear ones) and love to solid feeling of the set up.

kaiynne · 11-27-2008, 01:24 AM

the difference was noticeable in my 08 from the 07 i test drove. Shifting just feels more stable.

Jack · 11-27-2008, 09:43 AM

New supplier for the in-car shifter mechanism as well...see photo

MTribe · 11-27-2008, 10:16 AM

Jack, is it the whole metal box, or just the shifting mechanism itself? And can you tell if the mounting points to the floor are the same?

Jack · 11-27-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTribe

Jack, is it the whole metal box, or just the shifting mechanism itself? And can you tell if the mounting points to the floor are the same?

Looks like the shifter, reverse lock-out and the manner of attachment of the cables are different. Also, the box is secured a bit better...an extra bolt much like some aftermarket solutions.

Photo of old shifter....

sandsmuseum · 12-01-2008, 05:15 PM

I found there to be significant differences in the shifting feel between my 05 Elise and the 08 Exige. I also heard there were differences in the cable manufacturer and some of the lever arms. A magazine had an interview with someone at Lotus about the changes.

I also tried to reinforce the shift frame but found the holes no longer match up. Better, the new frame is wider and is attached more firmly to the chassis. As a result, running the bolt through the shift frame to the chassis is not necessary. (See my site for how to implement the shift reinforcement on the earlier cars.)

All in all, the changes are positive, with much less slop in at the shift knob. I also get the sense the shift movement is smaller, almost like a quick shift. However I have not measured the two. (Note: I never liked the idea of a quick shift kit. While you do not need to move the shift as much, you also make it more difficult to find the right spot. )

Michael

EricH · 12-01-2008, 05:37 PM

Sweet! Thanks for the review / info as I was within a few weekends of trying to perform that mod myself.

darkSol · 12-01-2008, 06:30 PM

Hmmm. I wonder if you can retrofit the new parts into a 2005 car...

Bruce · 12-01-2008, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by darkSol

Hmmm. I wonder if you can retrofit the new parts into a 2005 car...

It will cost you a fortune. That assembly without the shift lever is $950.

MTribe · 12-01-2008, 09:24 PM

Has anyone heard of someone doing the swap?

Might be something to aspire to if you came across the parts for cheaper. Bruce is that price quoted from the dealer and did it include the cables?

Bruce · 12-02-2008, 04:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTribe

Has anyone heard of someone doing the swap?

Might be something to aspire to if you came across the parts for cheaper. Bruce is that price quoted from the dealer and did it include the cables?

It's Lotus MSRP off the LotusGarage site for the old piece. I'm assuming the new one wouldn't be any cheaper. It doesn't include shifter and cables.

catapult · 12-02-2008, 09:02 AM

See if you can get one from a wrecked car. If you search on here there are some wreckers that specialize in Elise/Exiges.

11-26-2008, 09:39 PM	#1 (permalink)
MTribe Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 302	2008 shifter differences? retrofitting? I'd like to improve the feel of the shifter in my 06 elise. Apparently 2008s had an improved design--anyone know what's different? The two mods I've seen here are the sector 111 re-inforcer and "stan's mod". Can anyone comment on whether these are more or less effective than the 2008 design? Sorry if this has been covered... unable to find anything with a search... __________________ Lotus Sport Elise #24 71 TR6

11-26-2008, 09:54 PM	#3 (permalink)
jallingt Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 521	I found a lot of difference just doing the "Stan Mod" on my O5.' __________________ 2005 Bordeaux Met #21 (HT, Touring, Quicksilver ext, TRM F1 wheels, Stan Stud, HID lights, BWR S/C,Filled motor mounts, catch can, no camber shims, Tillett saddles) 2004 Audi S4 Sedan (Tip, GAIC Chip, AWE Cat-back, Team Dyanmics Pro 1.2 wheels, H-sport sway bars) 2002 F-350 (Powerstroke, 4x4, Banks power pack, 6th alternator) Couple nice bicycles, way too many snow skis.

11-26-2008, 11:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
lt0302 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 330	Sector I have the sector 111 and the engine mount upgrade (front and rear ones) and love to solid feeling of the set up. __________________ 05 Lotus Elise R/K Supercharger, Stage II, Moroso Oil Pan, RTD Brace, High Volume All Aluminum Radiator, Stainless Steel Break Lines, Oil Catch Can, ACT Clutch, HID, Carbon Fiber Spliter, Reverie Side Scoops, CF side skirts, FF gauge pod, BWR gauge pod, Cup Air Box, S111 front & rear tow hooks, upgraded tail lights-LED, Driving lights, LETSLA, ...

11-27-2008, 01:24 AM	#5 (permalink)
kaiynne Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Boston, MA Posts: 284	the difference was noticeable in my 08 from the 07 i test drove. Shifting just feels more stable. __________________ '08 Canyon Red Elise Touring, Hardtop, Starshield. HID's, Exige Mesh Upgrade, Reverie Side Scoops, Stealthbulbs, Black and silver wheel/steering logos, lidbone, metal carpet buttons. '92 GMC Rally Van 3500 (Band Van)

11-27-2008, 09:43 AM	#6 (permalink)
Jack Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,072	New supplier for the in-car shifter mechanism as well...see photo Attached Images __________________ Jack '07 Exige Cup 255 '08 2-Eleven Track videos ... http://www.youtube.com/jackcup

11-26-2008, 09:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
pete k Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: San Diego Posts: 665	I believe the difference is the shifter cables. Lotus has obtained a different supplier for the cables now, and they do feel different. I think that is the only difference.

11-27-2008, 10:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
MTribe Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 302	Jack, is it the whole metal box, or just the shifting mechanism itself? And can you tell if the mounting points to the floor are the same? __________________ Lotus Sport Elise #24 71 TR6

12-01-2008, 05:15 PM	#9 (permalink)
sandsmuseum Exige enthusiast... Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: San Francisco Bay Area Posts: 775 Images: 33	many differences in the shifter I found there to be significant differences in the shifting feel between my 05 Elise and the 08 Exige. I also heard there were differences in the cable manufacturer and some of the lever arms. A magazine had an interview with someone at Lotus about the changes. I also tried to reinforce the shift frame but found the holes no longer match up. Better, the new frame is wider and is attached more firmly to the chassis. As a result, running the bolt through the shift frame to the chassis is not necessary. (See my site for how to implement the shift reinforcement on the earlier cars.) All in all, the changes are positive, with much less slop in at the shift knob. I also get the sense the shift movement is smaller, almost like a quick shift. However I have not measured the two. (Note: I never liked the idea of a quick shift kit. While you do not need to move the shift as much, you also make it more difficult to find the right spot. ) Michael __________________ www.sandsmuseum.com antique coin op repair mod for the Library on EliseTalk

12-01-2008, 05:37 PM	#10 (permalink)
EricH Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Dallas, Texas Posts: 621	Sweet! Thanks for the review / info as I was within a few weekends of trying to perform that mod myself. __________________ Click links to see my 2008 Lotus Exige-S 240 , '99 M3, 505rwhp '89 Mustang ( sold) , '05 WRX STI ( sold) homepages or here for my M3 vid (11MB)

12-01-2008, 06:30 PM	#11 (permalink)
darkSol Meow!! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Leawood, KS Posts: 2,576	Hmmm. I wonder if you can retrofit the new parts into a 2005 car... __________________ d.a..v...i....d David Thomas Stewart - davidtstewart@gmail.com TVS Supercharged 2005 Graphite Grey Lotus Elise: 286whp, 1781lbs. Lotus cars aren't made, they're hand built from dreams. If you must choose between two evils, pick the one you've never tried before.

12-01-2008, 09:24 PM	#13 (permalink)
MTribe Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Location: San Francisco, CA Posts: 302	Has anyone heard of someone doing the swap? Might be something to aspire to if you came across the parts for cheaper. Bruce is that price quoted from the dealer and did it include the cables? __________________ Lotus Sport Elise #24 71 TR6

12-02-2008, 09:02 AM	#15 (permalink)
catapult Registered User Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 1,569	See if you can get one from a wrecked car. If you search on here there are some wreckers that specialize in Elise/Exiges.

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