Lotus -- Daily Driver Blog by Patrick Shim

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by SKYVUE

Good luck Patrick, and have a blast!
Make sure you bring her home intact!

Our track day (Streets of Willow) is SATURDAY!!!

--Hal

Thanks, Hal!!!

Originally Posted by Rob T

What track are you going to in SoCal?

Hi Rob! I'll be at the California Speedway (renamed "Auto Club Speedway") in Fontana, CA. It will be pretty hot in Fontana...

Come visit if you have time!

[SKYVUE]

Patrick,
WELL??? HOW WAS IT???

--Hal

[Rob T]

Originally Posted by PatrickShim

Hi Rob! I'll be at the California Speedway (renamed "Auto Club Speedway") in Fontana, CA. It will be pretty hot in Fontana...

Come visit if you have time!

What a cool place to take the Lotus! Let us know how it went.

[PatrickShim]

Track Event #1 (May 16, 2008) at the California Speedway (which was recently renamed as "Auto Club Speedway") was an awesome experience!!!

Speed Ventures did a wonderful job organizing the event. The event was a joint-event with Porsche Owners Club (POC) so our sessions ran between their events. We were given five 20-minute sessions for the day.

I have been to several different types of events at the California Speedway, but finally getting on its famous "ROVAL" (road/oval) course was very exiting.





When I arrived, it was a beautiful morning but it was already starting to get warm. The news was forecasting 100+ degrees (F) of weather, and I knew it will be one hot day. I was looking forward to putting on my new track suit (matching color as my laser-blue Elise), but there was no way I could wear the suit.



There were several hyper-performance cars, including Ferrari 599GTB (Lubomir Visnovsky of LA Kings), 550 Maranello, Noble M400, and several BMW M5s, M6s, Porsche Turbos, GT2s, and Corvette Z06s... I knew it will be a tough challenge for the Lotus on the fast part of the track...



After the driver meetings (with POC and Speed Ventures), I met my instructor William Chen. Since it was my first track day, I wanted to get an instructor who can help me to learn the lines and also help to me to come back in one piece. He asked me about my previous track experiences, and conversation pretty much went like this...

William: "... so is this your first time on California Speeway ROVAL?"
Me: "Yes, I've been on a parade lap once before in a Ferrari, but first time tracknig a car on the ROVAL course"
W: "What other track events have you been on?"
M: "Well... I've tried a couple of auto-cross events, but never on a track"
W: ...
M: "...but I'm looking forward to it."
W: ...
M: "Is this a hard course...?"
W: "You know... This event was only for the experienced drivers only..."
M: "OH..."

Well, he was definetely concerned, and that got me a bit nervous.

Soon later, it was our time to get on the track. Waiting in the pit lane was an experience on its own. Woah... the butterflies in the stomach...

We went out and had a wonderful time. Generally, most people used the point-by-passing rule well. One of the Subarus that was somewhat misbehaving blew its motor and retired. The first session was fun, and William (my instructor) told me that I did very well considering it was my first time. The car ran good, the tires were doing good and I was having a blast!



During the second session, I began to push the car a bit harder and harder. Now I could see the race lines and the true handling capabilites of the Lotus. The car really stuck to the ground well and the tires were providing a wonderful grip. I started to push the harder and harder, and finally... I spun the car at a tight turn. I felt the car drifting a couple of times in that tight corner before, but this time, I couldn't save it... That was actually a great experience, because now I knew where the limit point is, and how the car feels before losing control.





The rest of the day was really fun. The spin during the second session helped me to learn better car control, and during the third session, when something similar happend, I could control the car.

[Here's a video of Jason in a Dodge race car chasing, then passing my Lotus...]



It was an awesome experience, met many wonderful people and had a GREAT time! I can't wait to the next track event!!!

My game plan is, participate in a few more track events with instructors (having an instructor was extremely helpful), and learn this right. Once I learn how to track well, I'll have to joined you guys in the Lotus Challenge series!!!

[Rob T]

Cool Patrick! Nice to see that you were pushing it a bit. Even though you spun out, that's how you learn...and that's the important thing.

[foosh]

Originally Posted by Mattnshilp

Thanks, I can't wait to get my order in!

My RS4 is at the dealer now getting "Certified-Pre-owned" which is necessary to convert from a lease to a finance and get the extended warranty. I have 3 years to pay it off, but I'm selling some high end watches to cut that time down significantly. The day it's paid, I'm calling my buddies in Hopewell, NJ!!!

Anyone interested in some spectacular watches??? Check out:
TimeZone: TZ Showcase: FS: F.P. Jounre, Chronoswiss, Graham, Maurice Lacroix

Even in the RS4, I find myself occasionally thinking, "I wish I where in an Elise right now!" Today would NOT be one of those days though... Downpours all day. Sigh. Also, I have 3 kids and frequently shuttle them here and there. Can't do that in an Elise (the car seats would get really hot sitting on that engine!!!).

I guess the grass is always greener.



Anyway, congrat's on an awesome daily driver. Keep up the Blog. It's incredibly helpful to those of us who are currently living vicariously through you!!!

-Matt

Matt,

I have a very early '05 Elise (US car #369), and it has been flawless other than the intermittent AC issue. I just picked up a 7K miles 07 RS 4--sold a C6 Z06 for something a little more practical.

I have to say the Elise and the RS 4 are a perfect combo, and the RS 4 is simply stunning as performance sedan. I also enjoy the Lotus as much as the day I picked it up.

Patrick, I'm enjoying your thread, since I've been away from this forum for awhile, and just saw it.

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by Rob T

Cool Patrick! Nice to see that you were pushing it a bit. Even though you spun out, that's how you learn...and that's the important thing.

Thanks! Yeah, the spin out was a good experience. The car definetely handled amazingly in some of the tight turns. It was awesome experience with an awesome car!

Owning a Lotus is like dating a hot chick. I guess this track experience would be equivalent to a hot wild sex.

Originally Posted by foosh

...Patrick, I'm enjoying your thread, since I've been away from this forum for awhile, and just saw it.

Thanks!!!

[plastique999]

William: "... so is this your first time on California Speeway ROVAL?"
Me: "Yes, I've been on a parade lap once before in a Ferrari, but first time tracknig a car on the ROVAL course"
W: "What other track events have you been on?"
M: "Well... I've tried a couple of auto-cross events, but never on a track"
W: ...
M: "...but I'm looking forward to it."
W: ...
M: "Is this a hard course...?"
W: "You know... This event was only for the experienced drivers only..."
M: "OH..."

that's hilarious....I was gonna take my M6 to this event, but haven't tracked myself....glad you made it through though!
Let us know when the next on is...hopefully I'll have picked up a Lotus by then!

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by plastique999

...
Let us know when the next on is...hopefully I'll have picked up a Lotus by then!

Here's their schedule.

Speed Ventures - Track Events

I might try the Interior Road Course (CW) of the California Speedway, Buttonwillow Raceway, and Streets of Willow Springs. I really want to try Laguna Seca, but it's too far...

[JustDJR]

Originally Posted by PatrickShim

Here's their schedule.

Speed Ventures - Track Events

I might try the Interior Road Course (CW) of the California Speedway, Buttonwillow Raceway, and Streets of Willow Springs. I really want to try Laguna Seca, but it's too far...

But its THE American road course. Im atleast gonna make a trip up there for the 3 day racing school they do with the open wheel cars.

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by JustDJR

But its THE American road course. Im atleast gonna make a trip up there for the 3 day racing school they do with the open wheel cars.

Yeah, I would love to try Laguna Seca sometime...

+ Nurburgring, Goodwood, Indianapolis, Streets of Monaco... I have dreams.

[PatrickShim]

The car now has 16,488 miles (in 7 months) and got another Check-Engine Light... This is now really bothering me.

The car has a new ECU, new cat, new cam, new Stage-II exhaust... what's could be wrong next/again? This really is like dating a super hot, but bitchy girl...

(yes, I've checked the gas cap, too...)





All the services since new

[Warranty Items]
- ECU (replaced) - LBH
- catalyst/downpipe (replaced) - LBH
- camshafts (replaced) - LBH
- exhaust (Stage-II crack, replaced) - SMC
- passenger-side rear turn-signal (replaced) - SMC
- A/C relay (replaced) - LBH
- passenger-side window making wind-noise (repaired) - LBH (undocumented)
- passenger-side clear-bra damaged (since new, repaired) - SMC
- soft-top (not supplied by dealer; delivered damaged; repaired) -SMC
- soft-top bars (not supplied by dealer; got only one. waiting for one more) - SMC
- hard-top velcro covers (not supplied by dealer; delivered) - SMC
- passenger-side rear wheel (damaged by dealer; replaced) - NE
- headlight recall (addressed) - SMC
- sticking door-lock recall (addressed) - SMC
- car delivered new with improper allignment (addressed) - SMC

[Non-Warranty Items]
- 3 oil changes (@ around 1,000mi, 7,000mi, 12,000mi) - SMC
- rear tires (replaced) - NE

(*LBH - Lotus Beverly Hills, *SMC - Symbolic Motor Cars, *NE - Newport European)

[Sleazy E]

loving this blog of yours, especially since i am debating buying an elise as my dd. thanks for taking the time to keep it up!

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by Sleazy E

loving this blog of yours, especially since i am debating buying an elise as my dd. thanks for taking the time to keep it up!

Thanks!!!

I am going to stop by at Lotus Beverly Hills today to find out why I have another CEL on...

[PatrickShim]

* Update on the another CEL issue *

I stopped by at Lotus Beverly Hills this morning. Allen and Stephen found the same code (P0420: catalyst system efficiency below threshold) and I'll be brining the car in for service next week (plus an oil change). The car seems like it's running fine... Before I took the car in, the car seemed like it was running in a "safe-mode" lacking power, but now the car actually runs extremely well. I just had a blast driving the car on the freeway, and the car felt really good.

In addition to the CEL issue, Allen fixed my loose handbrake lever issue. The loose handbrake lever has been making bad rattle whenever I shift, and I'm so glad this is now fixed.



All the services since new

[Warranty Items]
- ECU (replaced) - LBH
- catalyst/downpipe (replaced) - LBH
- camshafts (replaced) - LBH
- exhaust (Stage-II crack, replaced) - SMC
- passenger-side rear turn-signal (replaced) - SMC
- A/C relay (replaced) - LBH
- loose handbrake lever (repaired) - LBH <--- today/undocumented
- passenger-side window making wind-noise (repaired) - LBH (undocumented)
- passenger-side clear-bra damaged (since new, repaired) - SMC
- soft-top (not supplied by dealer; delivered damaged; repaired) -SMC
- soft-top bars (not supplied by dealer; got only one. waiting for one more) - SMC
- hard-top velcro covers (not supplied by dealer; delivered) - SMC
- passenger-side rear wheel (damaged by dealer; replaced) - NE
- headlight recall (addressed) - SMC
- sticking door-lock recall (addressed) - SMC
- car delivered new with improper allignment (addressed) - SMC

[Non-Warranty Items]
- 3 oil changes (@ around 1,000mi, 7,000mi, 12,000mi) - SMC
- rear tires (replaced) - NE

(*LBH - Lotus Beverly Hills, *SMC - Symbolic Motor Cars, *NE - Newport European)

[paulhastings]

What exactly is the sticking door lock recall? I have a new '07 Exige and the driver door doesn't open and close nearly as well as the passenger door. I am getting close to the first service so I will have this addressed at that time.

[PatrickShim]

Originally Posted by paulhastings

What exactly is the sticking door lock recall? I have a new '07 Exige and the driver door doesn't open and close nearly as well as the passenger door. I am getting close to the first service so I will have this addressed at that time.

I am not 100% sure. It was a recall so the dealer took care of it. I think sometimes the door lock wouldn't open in some cars (mine was fine) with the fob, and had to play with the key.

[PatrickShim]

Gonzalo ("gmendoza" w/ silver Lotus Esprit), Josh ("JoshS" w/ black Lotus Elise) and I had an impromptu run on the notorious Glendora Ridge Canyon Road.





After the run, we had some philly-cheese stake sandwiches and wood fire pizzas at Luigi Ortega's. It was one of the BEST pizzas I've ever had!!!





It was an awesome day for a canyon road drive!!!

[Sleazy E]

Wow, seems like quite a bit of trouble for such a new car. I hope that all these problems are just a string of bad luck and not just something i need to look forward to when I get my elise

[PatrickShim]

[Service #8 Drop-off] June 2, 2008 - 17,012 documented miles

I dropped off the car today at Lotus Beverly Hills for the recurring Check-Engine Light issue and an oil change....


[Service #8 Pick-up] June 9, 2008 - 17,019 documented miles

Lotus USA and Lotus UK got involved with the recurring Check-Engine Light (MIL) issue. They replaced the O2 sensors and another cat.

While the car was in the service, I got another oil change (which I get every 5-6k miles, rather than 7.5 miles). Also Stephen found nails in my rear tires so I had to get new rear tires. Allen gave me really good deals and freebies so I was very happy.





All the services since new

[Warranty Items]
- ECU (replaced) - LBH
- catalyst/downpipe (replaced 2x) - LBH
- camshafts (replaced) - LBH
- O2 Sensors (replaced) - LBH
- exhaust (Stage-II crack, replaced) - SMC
- passenger-side rear turn-signal (replaced) - SMC
- front/right turn-signal (replaced) - LBH
- A/C relay (replaced) - LBH
- loose handbrake lever (repaired) - LBH (undocumented)
- passenger-side window making wind-noise (repaired) - LBH (undocumented)
- passenger-side clear-bra damaged (since new, repaired) - SMC
- soft-top (not supplied by dealer; delivered damaged; repaired) -SMC
- soft-top bars (not supplied by dealer; got only one. waiting for one more) - SMC
- hard-top velcro covers (not supplied by dealer; delivered) - SMC
- passenger-side rear wheel (damaged by dealer; replaced) - NE
- headlight recall (addressed) - SMC
- sticking door-lock recall (addressed) - SMC
- car delivered new with improper allignment (addressed) - SMC

[Non-Warranty Items]
- oil changes w/ Mobil Delvac Synthetic 5W40 (@ around 1,000mi, 7,000mi, 12,000mi) - SMC
- oil changes w/ Havoline Synthetic 5W40 (@ around 17,000mi) - LBH
- rear tires Yokohama A048 (replaced @ around 12,000mi, nail in tire and wear) - NE
- rear tires Yokohama A048 (replaced @ around 17,000mi, nails in both tires) - LBH

(*LBH - Lotus Beverly Hills, *SMC - Symbolic Motor Cars, *NE - Newport European)