My best mod to date - LotusTalk

smokin orange · 03-29-2008, 07:17 PM

Well i have done a bunch of stuff so far, but today i did something that makes soooooo much of a difference.

I decided to do the shifter mod, Not the sector111 package or the Sands Museum....i did both. Parts for both cost me about $6.00 from the hardwhere store. After reviewing both mods which attatch in different locations in the shifter box, i did both, and a HUGE difference in how the car feels. The best buck spent so far.
I was able to find a brass sleeve that was 1 1/8" in hight (as recommended in Sands Museun write up 1/8" thick walls which was perfect with no modification)

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elis...ace/index.html

Anyway wish i had done it a long time ago.

andrewgotanelise · 03-29-2008, 07:33 PM

got pics? I'm going to be doing this soon

The_Bishop · 03-29-2008, 07:41 PM

I wish you would have done it earlier too, 'cause i had my console out over the winter for painting, and could have done it then. Of course I'm just reading this thread now and my car is all buttoned back up.

Guess I'll have to work this in at some point.

Thanks for the post and reminder of the mod on sandsmuseum.

- Allen.

Vampyre · 03-29-2008, 07:47 PM

that is my next mod...

smokin orange · 03-29-2008, 08:04 PM

The whole thing took about 2 hours, including going to the store for the stuff. I printed out the installation of both mods, took the panel off checked the measurements and baught the stuff. A lot easer than i thaught it was going to be.

If anyone is interested i will get the part # of the shim needed for the Sands install part cast $3.15 from the store. Used the bolt from the drivers side seat to match up (same thread as the shifter and just found one 2" long at the store with a couple of flat washers and locktite)

The Sector 111 job i altered a little, did not Drill out the drivers side to underside, left it in as per Lotus install, as it was already doing its job, and found no reason to alter it, only did the right side with a 2" flat washer to disperse the load accross the body, with some silicone.

Of the two the Sands mod makes a greater difference by far over the Sector 111. Just figured that as i had the cover off, i would do both mods for the same job, could only make it better.

smokin orange · 03-29-2008, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewgotanelise

got pics? I'm going to be doing this soon

Just used the install from both web sites.

IamBatman · 03-29-2008, 08:31 PM

whats the exact size of the screw you used? I have the sector 111 part here, I'll probably do the mod next weekend.

RoadDad · 03-30-2008, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokin orange

I was able to find a brass sleeve that was 1 1/8" in hight (as recommended in Sands Museun write up 1/8" thick walls which was perfect with no modification)

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokin orange

If anyone is interested i will get the part # of the shim needed for the Sands install part cast $3.15 from the store.

It would be great if you could post exactly what you used. Thanks.

glb · 03-30-2008, 08:52 AM

I agree: this made a huge difference in shifting feel & accuracy.

NoFear99 · 03-31-2008, 07:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glb

I agree: this made a huge difference in shifting feel & accuracy.

I would like to do this mod to my S too but I'm not sure to understand what I need and what to do...

I dont understand the instructions on sands museum web site.

cerven · 03-31-2008, 08:10 AM

My Best Mod To Date has been cutting about a 2" high tapered section off the left side of the driver's seat to allow the bones of my A$$ some room. I peeled the leather back, cut out the seat with a fiberglass blade, sanded the cut edge smooth, folded the leather back (didn't even have to glue it) and you can't tell. GREATLY improved the comfort for me. I kept the piece in case I ever want to glass it back in. FANTASTIC difference for me on long rides IMHO.

Bgwilly31 · 03-31-2008, 08:14 AM

I guess i will add this to my list of things to do while the car is currently under the knife.

Smoky · 03-31-2008, 08:26 AM

apk919 · 03-31-2008, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smokin orange

Well i have done a bunch of stuff so far, but today i did something that makes soooooo much of a difference.

I decided to do the shifter mod, Not the sector111 package or the Sands Museum....i did both. Parts for both cost me about $6.00 from the hardwhere store. After reviewing both mods which attatch in different locations in the shifter box, i did both, and a HUGE difference in how the car feels. The best buck spent so far.
I was able to find a brass sleeve that was 1 1/8" in hight (as recommended in Sands Museun write up 1/8" thick walls which was perfect with no modification)

http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elis...ace/index.html

Anyway wish i had done it a long time ago.

Looking at the pics makes me wonder why Lotus didn't put the sleeve in to start with. If I'm looking at the pictures properly, everything is in place but the sleeve and the bolt. Why would that tapped hole be in the floor otherwise?

Did they originally design the extra attachment point in and then intentionally not use it? (One shudders to contemplate the reasons for this)

glb · 03-31-2008, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoFear99

I would like to do this mod to my S too but I'm not sure to understand what I need and what to do...

I dont understand the instructions on sands museum web site.

No problem. You can search for shifter, shift tower mods.

Basically, two parts to this, both to keep the shift tower from moving/flexing:

1. Something like Sector111's Reinforcer. They supply a long drill bit to make a hole thru the underbelly, and a heavy metal plate to affix under the car, with a long bolt that runs from the shift tower, then floor, then underbelly. You can see this on their site, but you could also do this w/o their kit by fabricating a similar plate. Obviously, the drill bit and bolt aren't proprietary.

2. Aka Stan's mod. If you removed the plastic shift-tower cover, you'd see that there is an unused threaded hole in the floor and about an inch below the tower. While Stan used washers between the floor and tower, I used a pc of metal tubing. Then, you run a bolt thru the tower and spacer under tower into the threaded hole in the floor.

This whole thing takes < 1 hour. NOTE that neither one alone is nearly as effective as both together.

I also added some lubricant and realigned one of the swage fittings by 1/8 turn so it was straight. Don't move them too much.

All this makes a wonderful, demonstrable difference and is cheap to do.

dma550 · 03-31-2008, 10:45 AM

Here's better directions on this from bills web space from Stan:
http://www.billswebspace.com/ShifterReinforcement.pdf

sfelise · 03-31-2008, 01:15 PM

I noticed doing both mods together was a big improvement over the Sector one alone. I don't know why Lotus didn't just deliver the car with extra bolt in place, but even stranger is why Sector doesn't just toss in the extra hardware with their Reinforcer to save a trip for hardware. This and adjusting the break and gas pedals are my favorite mods so far.

Smoky · 03-31-2008, 02:11 PM

+1

So how about it S111?

Ruchmate · 03-31-2008, 03:18 PM

I did both together + fluid change. A complete transformation in shifting feel, I definitely recommend.

xtn · 03-31-2008, 04:54 PM

Best single mod?

Badaraones baby!

xtn

03-29-2008, 07:17 PM	#1 (permalink)
smokin orange Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 276	My best mod to date Well i have done a bunch of stuff so far, but today i did something that makes soooooo much of a difference. I decided to do the shifter mod, Not the sector111 package or the Sands Museum....i did both. Parts for both cost me about $6.00 from the hardwhere store. After reviewing both mods which attatch in different locations in the shifter box, i did both, and a HUGE difference in how the car feels. The best buck spent so far. I was able to find a brass sleeve that was 1 1/8" in hight (as recommended in Sands Museun write up 1/8" thick walls which was perfect with no modification) http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/elis...ace/index.html Anyway wish i had done it a long time ago. __________________ 05 Elise, stage 2 exaust, sector 111 front skirt, 5 point harness (sold) 2002 BMW 330ci convertable, M package 1998 Range Rover 1972 BMW 2002 supercharged, fuel injected, liquid intercooled, Haltech E6A ECU...and lots of other stuff

03-29-2008, 07:33 PM	#2 (permalink)
andrewgotanelise MMA Fighter Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Where the drugs are cheap and the girls are easy Posts: 1,095	got pics? I'm going to be doing this soon __________________ 05 NFB Elise / Katana SC / No Snorkle / 3.2 "10" psi pulley / Stage 1 Exhaust / Decat / Green Filter

03-29-2008, 07:41 PM	#3 (permalink)
The_Bishop POWR2W8 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Fulton County, PA Posts: 423 Images: 1	I wish you would have done it earlier too, 'cause i had my console out over the winter for painting, and could have done it then. Of course I'm just reading this thread now and my car is all buttoned back up. Guess I'll have to work this in at some point. Thanks for the post and reminder of the mod on sandsmuseum. - Allen. __________________ S/N:34090 Mag. Blue/Biscuit, Touring, HT, 5000K HIDs, VonHep/2bular.

03-29-2008, 07:47 PM	#4 (permalink)
Vampyre Sports Cars Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,637	that is my next mod... __________________ 2006 Chili Red / Touring / LSD / TC / Forged Wheels / Hard & Soft Top / Lifestyle Paint / Desnorkeled / Odyssey Battery / Sector 111 Extinguisher Bracket / Sector 111 LidBone / CF Splitter / CF Bits / Pure X C3 Corvette 383 TPI Stroker 6.3 liters of Torque / 1976 MG Midget, fun run about / Buick Rainier CXL AWD, for the elements / Dodge Van for hauling stuff / http://www.photobucket.com/mygarage

03-29-2008, 08:04 PM	#5 (permalink)
smokin orange Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 276	The whole thing took about 2 hours, including going to the store for the stuff. I printed out the installation of both mods, took the panel off checked the measurements and baught the stuff. A lot easer than i thaught it was going to be. If anyone is interested i will get the part # of the shim needed for the Sands install part cast $3.15 from the store. Used the bolt from the drivers side seat to match up (same thread as the shifter and just found one 2" long at the store with a couple of flat washers and locktite) The Sector 111 job i altered a little, did not Drill out the drivers side to underside, left it in as per Lotus install, as it was already doing its job, and found no reason to alter it, only did the right side with a 2" flat washer to disperse the load accross the body, with some silicone. Of the two the Sands mod makes a greater difference by far over the Sector 111. Just figured that as i had the cover off, i would do both mods for the same job, could only make it better. __________________ 05 Elise, stage 2 exaust, sector 111 front skirt, 5 point harness (sold) 2002 BMW 330ci convertable, M package 1998 Range Rover 1972 BMW 2002 supercharged, fuel injected, liquid intercooled, Haltech E6A ECU...and lots of other stuff

03-29-2008, 08:31 PM	#7 (permalink)
IamBatman Rock Hard Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 916	whats the exact size of the screw you used? I have the sector 111 part here, I'll probably do the mod next weekend. __________________ Phantom Black 2007 Exige S. All options. Black 01' Mustang Cobra 'Vert ("some" modifications) daily driver User formerly known as serpentor

03-30-2008, 08:52 AM	#9 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 3,437	I agree: this made a huge difference in shifting feel & accuracy. __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, Sirius, shift tower reinforcement, Multivex; HID low beams) 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "I can resist anything except temptation" O. Wilde. "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell, 1946.

03-31-2008, 08:10 AM	#11 (permalink)
cerven Elise Fondler Join Date: Jan 2004 Location: N. KY Posts: 1,243	My Best Mod To Date has been cutting about a 2" high tapered section off the left side of the driver's seat to allow the bones of my A$$ some room. I peeled the leather back, cut out the seat with a fiberglass blade, sanded the cut edge smooth, folded the leather back (didn't even have to glue it) and you can't tell. GREATLY improved the comfort for me. I kept the piece in case I ever want to glass it back in. FANTASTIC difference for me on long rides IMHO. __________________ Eschew Obfuscation Got mine 03-25-05 Ardent /biscuit /touring /3M / hard top

03-31-2008, 08:14 AM	#12 (permalink)
Bgwilly31 Twisties Addict Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Cincy, OH Posts: 1,202	I guess i will add this to my list of things to do while the car is currently under the knife. __________________ -*Aspen White Exige S* 04' Lexus Turbo IS300 BSM "track car"--SOLD "Straight lines dont mean sh"

03-31-2008, 08:26 AM	#13 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 395

03-31-2008, 10:45 AM	#16 (permalink)
dma550 Yahoo! Got my Rotus! Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: CT, Shoreline area Posts: 881	Here's better directions on this from bills web space from Stan: http://www.billswebspace.com/ShifterReinforcement.pdf __________________ David Avery 05 Lotus Elise ~ Arctic Silver ~ BWR SC ~ Gray RACs ~ Larini SE 08 BMW 135i being painted in the mother country 04 Mini Cooper S JCW ~ 210hp JCW bump up kit 07 Husqvarna TE-250 visit FocusedE, my e-business company \| visit Spyderclub

03-31-2008, 01:15 PM	#17 (permalink)
sfelise Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: San Francisco Posts: 272	I noticed doing both mods together was a big improvement over the Sector one alone. I don't know why Lotus didn't just deliver the car with extra bolt in place, but even stranger is why Sector doesn't just toss in the extra hardware with their Reinforcer to save a trip for hardware. This and adjusting the break and gas pedals are my favorite mods so far. __________________ Eric Jennings 2005 Elise 2004 S4 Avant 1995 M3 (RIP)

03-31-2008, 02:11 PM	#18 (permalink)
Smoky Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, LA Posts: 395	+1 So how about it S111?

03-31-2008, 03:18 PM	#19 (permalink)
Ruchmate I'd rather be doing vvv Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 208	I did both together + fluid change. A complete transformation in shifting feel, I definitely recommend. __________________ 2005 Ardent Red Elise. Sport, Touring, Hardtop. Stuff done (feel free to ask me about any): Moroso Oil Pan, Sector111 Micro Mirror, carpet buttons, re-enforcer, braille battery, Nitron Quickratio steering rack, SS lines, painted console, HIDs, Ohlins Sport, BWR front sway bar, BWR supercharger, 2Bular 6" Ultra Exhaust 2005 Suzuki SV650 nekkid

03-31-2008, 04:54 PM	#20 (permalink)
xtn McLareghini Bugatterrari Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 5,858	Best single mod? Badaraones baby! xtn __________________ 2006 McLareghini Bugatterrari, Storm Titanium... <mods> installed: air horn, Scroth 4-point ASM harnesses, Sector111 halon extinguisher and mounting bracket, Von Hep exhaust and rear panel delete, Pagid brake pads, red Volks CE28n wheels, Toyo RA-1 tires, Nitron SA coilovers, Sector111 (WorksBell) quick-disconnect steering wheel kit. awaiting installation: Scroth "pull-up" lap belts, Sector111 RTD Brace, Tony's heater bypass mod, and dropped steering rack mounting plates. </mods>

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