Cone Killer: Elise or Exige? - LotusTalk

jds62f · 09-06-2009, 10:47 PM

Tried to search...

I'd like to autocross as much as my time will allow, so probably a few times a year. Maybe get out on a track a handful of times in a year. I'm not trying to be competitive just trying to have fun and learn the car.

That said, I'm a little concerned about the life of the front clam when it comes to autocrossing. Seems like the fiberglass on an exige would hold up better to the cones. I just don't want to be buying clams left and right if I hit a few orange teepees.

Also, would a splitter help deflect some of the damage? Or does it just shift the breaking points to a different place? I know there's a "clam reinforcement" thread around too, but I don't have access to anyone doing fiberglass work for free...(granted that may be cheaper than a whole new clam)

What says the brethren?

Flash G · 09-07-2009, 12:56 AM

Both cars (and their clams) are basically the same.

You're going to have to nail a cone at a very high rate of speed to do damage.

.

Keeper · 09-07-2009, 04:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash G

You're going to have to nail a cone at a very high rate of speed to do damage.

In the Hollywood Hills maybe, but not in Chicagoland. Cold cones can crack clams. (Alliteration not intended.)

Dragon · 09-07-2009, 04:18 AM

I've binged a few with my Exige and haven't seen any damage. I also don't tape up my car when I run.

alil'britdifferent · 09-07-2009, 06:11 AM

I try to miss the cones!

jds62f · 09-07-2009, 07:07 AM

Well of course I'm going to TRY to miss the cones.

I'm pretty sure that the hand laid fiberglass of the exige is thicker and I'm guessing it would hold up to more abuse, but thought I would confirm that with the people that have been hitting the cones. Anyone with an exige on here crack their clam on a cone?

Also, once cracked, I assume the exige clam is easier to repair. True?

All in all I want to have fun with the car I get. Spider-webbed paint and other related defects that come when hitting cones I'm ok with, but I'd prefer not to have my clam held together by tape at the end of the year one (or two, or three for that matter).

fpitas · 09-07-2009, 07:12 AM

As was already said, the cars are almost the same. The Elise is slightly lighter, so that would be a (small) advantage in autocross. My advice is buy whichever one you like best

...m... · 09-07-2009, 07:52 AM

...at my last autocross, i experimented with a very different driving style (unmitigated aggression rather than measured smoothness) and nailed a cone dead-center at speed, sucked it under my elise, and spit it out the back...no damage at all, but it was around 105 degrees out, so the cone may have been extra-soft...

...as noted above, though, i usually prefer not to hit the cones; in fact that was my first time...

Sweet Adrenaline · 09-07-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alil'britdifferent

I try to miss the cones!

I second that!

Sweet Adrenaline · 09-07-2009, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ...m...

...at my last autocross, i experimented with a very different driving style (unmitigated aggression rather than measured smoothness) and nailed a cone dead-center at speed, sucked it under my elise, and spit it out the back...no damage at all, but it was around 105 degrees out, so the cone may have been extra-soft...

...as noted above, though, i usually prefer not to hit the cones; in fact that was my first time...

Your first time AutoX'n or your first time hitting a cone ?

Robert Puertas · 09-07-2009, 10:43 AM

The Exige front clam definitely will survive a hit better than the Elise.
It is also easier to repair if it does get damaged.

Randy Chase · 09-07-2009, 10:59 AM

Yes, cones, specially if larger and/or in cold weather, can crack the front clam on an Elise.

Yes, the Exige will be a little stronger.

You do not need special skills to reinforce either clam. It is quite simple to do. If you could do paper mache' as a kid, you can do the work.

A splitter is probably a good idea as it transfers the load to the better supported sections. The very weak area on the Elise is the rectangular license plate plinth. The good news is you normally don't "center punch" cones.

...m... · 09-07-2009, 11:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Adrenaline

Your first time AutoX'n or your first time hitting a cone ?

...first time hitting a cone: dead center on the plinth, couldn't have done any better if i were aiming for it...i've since decided that experiment was a failure, and i'll continue developing my own driving style incrementally rather than following someone else's suggestion outright...

aschen · 09-07-2009, 11:31 AM

Its kindof the sad pardox of the lotus twins. I have never experienced a car that was suck a joy to autocross. They are truely in their element dodging cones. Unfortunately there is a chance that a good solid thwack could do damage. I have found that I dont hit many cones with the front of mine. I have clipped a few with the back in a wiggle or a spin. In the warm weather hear I think major damage is unlikely. However in the cold with a good solid hit I think you may get a crack. The answer to me is to not get a garage queen car. Look for a nice used example to drive. Its too hard to have a perfect car and have fun with it as well. People who are anal about these things end up with 5 year old cars with 1500 miles on them. If I was in the market for an autocross specific car the first thing I would be looking for is the LSD option.

jds62f · 09-07-2009, 11:53 AM

thanks for the advice.

I've actually done sdme glassing before, but calling what I did "amateur" would have been a compliment. If thats all I really need to know, I'll be doing that before taking her out.

Randy Chase · 09-07-2009, 12:39 PM

Yeah, since you are only reinforcing the inside, it can look like crap. Just be aware of the areas you need to not get in the way of other things. See the uberclam thread.

09-06-2009, 10:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
jds62f Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: chicagoland Posts: 63	Cone Killer: Elise or Exige? Tried to search... I'd like to autocross as much as my time will allow, so probably a few times a year. Maybe get out on a track a handful of times in a year. I'm not trying to be competitive just trying to have fun and learn the car. That said, I'm a little concerned about the life of the front clam when it comes to autocrossing. Seems like the fiberglass on an exige would hold up better to the cones. I just don't want to be buying clams left and right if I hit a few orange teepees. Also, would a splitter help deflect some of the damage? Or does it just shift the breaking points to a different place? I know there's a "clam reinforcement" thread around too, but I don't have access to anyone doing fiberglass work for free...(granted that may be cheaper than a whole new clam) What says the brethren? Last edited by jds62f : 09-06-2009 at 11:05 PM.

09-07-2009, 12:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
Flash G Double Trouble Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hollywood Hills Posts: 3,178	Both cars (and their clams) are basically the same. You're going to have to nail a cone at a very high rate of speed to do damage. . __________________ Turn your flatscreen TV into a work of art. Modern Art DVD \| Plasma Aquarium DVD \| Widescreen Fireplace DVD 11 Esprit??? (Wish List) 07 Exige S - Ardent Red, Stage II Exhaust, LSD, Touring pack 06 Range Rover Sport - Java Black 05 Elise - Ardent Red, Stage II Exhaust, Touring pack

09-07-2009, 04:18 AM	#4 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 1,747 Images: 2	I've binged a few with my Exige and haven't seen any damage. I also don't tape up my car when I run. __________________ 2006 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Clutch, Custom Exhaust, Black Volk Racing CE28N's w/ Toyo R1R's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue Pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Panels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, BWR Gauge Mount, OMP Superquadro steering wheel, LETSLA Short Shifter, V2arms, Rear Tow Link Brace, RLS Battery Bracket, BOE Tow Bar, Stickers.

09-07-2009, 06:11 AM	#5 (permalink)
alil'britdifferent English Exile Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Fort Mill, SC Posts: 1,092	I try to miss the cones! __________________ 2005 Elise: Starlight Black - Touring & Sport Pack Faster, Lighter, Safer: Nitron Sport Pro - Lotus Sport ECU - RTD Brace - Braille Battery - K40 anti-Radar/Laser - 4Tress Bar - Schroth 5P Harness' - Fire Ext'r - SS brake lines Audio: Alpine - JBL Speakers - Arqray Double Tip Exhaust w/ Sport Cat - Desnorkel/Green Visual: Hard top - Challenger Rear Grill - Carbon Fiber; Diffuser, Front Splitter & Side Scoops - Stealth Bulbs - Folding Tow Hook, Bootie, Mircomirror & Buttons

09-07-2009, 07:12 AM	#7 (permalink)
fpitas User, Registered Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Leesburg, VA Posts: 1,827	As was already said, the cars are almost the same. The Elise is slightly lighter, so that would be a (small) advantage in autocross. My advice is buy whichever one you like best __________________ Francis 2006 Chrome Orange Elise: LSD/TC, Nitron SAs with 425/650 springs, BWR 7/8" Front Bar, Eliseparts bumpsteer kit, VF Stage 2, 2bular Header + Sport Cat + 8x24 GT3 Muffler, ECU Tune by Jermaine, Smaay's fuel rail, ACT XT clutch, Saikou Michi dual catch can, Moroso pan, Manly's mount inserts & FF Engine Damper 2000 Black Integra Type R: - 213,000 miles...running again!

09-07-2009, 07:07 AM	#6 (permalink)
jds62f Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: chicagoland Posts: 63	Well of course I'm going to TRY to miss the cones. I'm pretty sure that the hand laid fiberglass of the exige is thicker and I'm guessing it would hold up to more abuse, but thought I would confirm that with the people that have been hitting the cones. Anyone with an exige on here crack their clam on a cone? Also, once cracked, I assume the exige clam is easier to repair. True? All in all I want to have fun with the car I get. Spider-webbed paint and other related defects that come when hitting cones I'm ok with, but I'd prefer not to have my clam held together by tape at the end of the year one (or two, or three for that matter).

09-07-2009, 07:52 AM	#8 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...at my last autocross, i experimented with a very different driving style (unmitigated aggression rather than measured smoothness) and nailed a cone dead-center at speed, sucked it under my elise, and spit it out the back...no damage at all, but it was around 105 degrees out, so the cone may have been extra-soft... ...as noted above, though, i usually prefer not to hit the cones; in fact that was my first time... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

09-07-2009, 10:43 AM	#11 (permalink)
Robert Puertas #0518 Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Irvine, CA Posts: 2,422 Images: 14	The Exige front clam definitely will survive a hit better than the Elise. It is also easier to repair if it does get damaged. __________________ Robert Puertas

09-07-2009, 10:59 AM	#12 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Yes, cones, specially if larger and/or in cold weather, can crack the front clam on an Elise. Yes, the Exige will be a little stronger. You do not need special skills to reinforce either clam. It is quite simple to do. If you could do paper mache' as a kid, you can do the work. A splitter is probably a good idea as it transfers the load to the better supported sections. The very weak area on the Elise is the rectangular license plate plinth. The good news is you normally don't "center punch" cones. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

09-07-2009, 11:31 AM	#14 (permalink)
aschen My car is really small Join Date: May 2008 Location: Woodlands Tx Posts: 393	Its kindof the sad pardox of the lotus twins. I have never experienced a car that was suck a joy to autocross. They are truely in their element dodging cones. Unfortunately there is a chance that a good solid thwack could do damage. I have found that I dont hit many cones with the front of mine. I have clipped a few with the back in a wiggle or a spin. In the warm weather hear I think major damage is unlikely. However in the cold with a good solid hit I think you may get a crack. The answer to me is to not get a garage queen car. Look for a nice used example to drive. Its too hard to have a perfect car and have fun with it as well. People who are anal about these things end up with 5 year old cars with 1500 miles on them. If I was in the market for an autocross specific car the first thing I would be looking for is the LSD option. __________________ 05 Safron Yellow "bumbleBee" A terrible car, but a great toy 02 mazda protge 5 "shagginwagin" 84 930 turbo "no nickname yet"

09-07-2009, 11:53 AM	#15 (permalink)
jds62f Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: chicagoland Posts: 63	thanks for the advice. I've actually done sdme glassing before, but calling what I did "amateur" would have been a compliment. If thats all I really need to know, I'll be doing that before taking her out.

09-07-2009, 12:39 PM	#16 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,175 Images: 761	Yeah, since you are only reinforcing the inside, it can look like crap. Just be aware of the areas you need to not get in the way of other things. See the uberclam thread. __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

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