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I'm following a thread over on PureSportsCar.com and just wanted to see if you guys had anything to say about it over here... this forum seems a little more active. I don't know whether to get excited yet or not, but it sounds really promising.
http://www.puresportscar.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=968
The person posting this begins discussing the kits on page three, but this is the excerpt I found most interesting.
http://www.puresportscar.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=968
The person posting this begins discussing the kits on page three, but this is the excerpt I found most interesting.
I'm hoping for some feedback on this from some of you guys.Ninjaboy said:The prototype in development now is a heavily modified 2ZZ-GE engine with a single turbo. The only modifications I could nail them down on were lower compression pistons, cylinder head porting, and some proprietary metal surface finishing processes to improve flow. All they would tell me is that it will be a strong, reliable product. The engineering team working on the project is extremely conscientious about the car's handling characteristics. Extreme attention has been paid to this issue in order to ensure customers get the same Lotus Elise experience, except with a lot more power.They were really intent on using the 2ZZ-GE instead of a powerplant from another manufacturer. I like the idea, myself. I don't want my Elise butchered, or turned into some kind of mutt. Also, it maintains the weight balance as Lotus intended it, not just however it ends up after Engine "X" is swapped in. This offering will be for the hardcore enthusiast that likes the look of an M-12 (and just about everything else, for that matter) in his rear-view... They hope to target customers looking for a direct-swap kit, with full, turn-key installation service. They are targeting output approaching 400 flywheel HP.
They also tell me that they're developing a full bolt-on turbo kit for the stock 2ZZ-GE in tandem with their direct swap product. This is what most people are looking for, I'm sure. Output will be targeted for around 300 flywheel HP, I believe. I think they're very close to a product with this one, but I couldn't nail anybody down for certain on ETA. I asked about pre-orders, and got a dirty look. lol Pricing hasn't been worked out yet, he explained. To me, I think you can expect the price to be very reasonable, considering the additional performance, while maintaining the car's overall balance and handling abilities.
Tuning really seems to be the word that came up often. There was a lot of emphasis placed on making the power, but keeping the engine responsive and crisp, and tuning the entire RPM range so there wouldn't be any flat spots. When I asked about driveability, I was told to expect the car to behave like stock, only with a wicked exhaust note, and a much bigger appetite for tires. I wanted to know more, but I could tell that I was drooling all over him, so I didn't push.
I know it's going to be a chunk of change, but for double the output, it's going to be worth it! Does anyone have any good info on cost for comparable modifications like these say in the Celica or Hondas?