Lotus Elise 1.8 20v-t

[dazzx10r]

Well I thought it was time for me to share my Elise build with you. The car is a 2002 S2 Elise that started out with a std Rover K-series. After my 1st summer of driving I soon realised that the 118bhp K was'nt going to cut it, so I did a bit of searching through the lotus forums to see what engine transplants where available. The most popular conversion is the Honda Civic type-r conversion, but the engines where just too expensive for me, Then I started looking at the Audi BAM engine conversions and again realised that the Bam engines where a little out of my price range. I was mulling this over with a mate of mine who suggested going for the earlier AGU engine that was fitted to the A3's and Golfs, so I had a look around for a suitable ngine and found one with 76k miles complete with 5sp box, engine loom, driveshafts and clocks all for £500. I knew that I could fit the bigger turbo at a later date and it should be good for 270bhp ish.
So I made a start on removing the limp wristed K-series...

 

[dazzx10r]

with the engine out of the way I could lower the AGU lump into place and mock up my engine mounts.

 

[dazzx10r]

Then with the engine in place I could measure up for my driveshafts and get an idea where all of this wiring loom is going to go

At this stage I realised that the engine did'nt look like it was sitting right so I went and measured the angle that it should be sat at off my mates Leon trackcar and then re-made my mounts

 

[dazzx10r]

I managed to drop on a K04 turbo, manifold, tip and inlet manifold off an S3 all for £425 now I needed to make an exhaust to suit. I plasma cut a flange from some 10mm stainless plate and bought some 3" stainless bends and hey presto I had a downpipe

 

[dazzx10r]

I was put on to a very nice old chap local to me that was making driveshafts for someone racing single seaters, so I gave hime visit and discussed what I wanted, 2 weeks later and I had these

 

[Westy]

I love this, thanks for posting up.

My dream is to one day use the lump from my S3 and plop it into an elise. I was wondering if it would be best to look for a crash damaged Elise as they hold their prices otherwise. Also there aren't ever any non running k series ones about as everyone does a transplant.

If you have any tips, advice, and articles to read then I'd be very grateful. :thumbsup:

 

[dazzx10r]

I've fitted a 255l/h fuel pump, this was more fiddly tah I expected as the fuel pump inspection panel is smaller than the pump! so I modified it a liitle

 

[dazzx10r]

I've just seen an accident damaged 2002 elise sell for 5k, If i'd had the spare cash then i'd have snapped it up myself, they are out there if you keep looking. Another thing to consider is a VX220, it's the same chassis as the S2 elise Also look on Seloc under technical/engine conversions.

 

[Westy]

I've just seen an accident damaged 2002 elise sell for 5k, If i'd had the spare cash then i'd have snapped it up myself, they are out there if you keep looking. Another thing to consider is a VX220, it's the same chassis as the S2 elise Also look on Seloc under technical/engine conversions.

I used to be a member of Seloc when I owned my S1 I might get back on there and have a read.

Are there companies about that make the engine mounts and other parts to make these conversions easier or is it all about fabricating all your own stuff?

 

[dazzx10r]

I used to be a member of Seloc when I owned my S1 I might get back on there and have a read.

Are there companies about that make the engine mounts and other parts to make these conversions easier or is it all about fabricating all your own stuff?

There's a couple of guy's on there making engine mounts, If you are serious about building one then I'll give you any advice that I can. When I initialy looked into doing mine I was looking at paying someone to do it for me untill I had the quotes in! 10k plus vat!!!
I reckon I have spent around £3500 including uprating my brakes to AP 4 pots. If you lived a bit closer to S.Yorks then Id bring it round for you to have a browse and a pax ride

 

[Westy]

There's a couple of guy's on there making engine mounts, If you are serious about building one then I'll give you any advice that I can. When I initialy looked into doing mine I was looking at paying someone to do it for me untill I had the quotes in! 10k plus vat!!!
I reckon I have spent around £3500 including uprating my brakes to AP 4 pots. If you lived a bit closer to S.Yorks then Id bring it round for you to have a browse and a pax ride

That would be bad news as I'd want one right away.

Any more pics of the car complete?

 

[dazzx10r]

here you go...View attachment 21871

 

[shady-ninja]

cogerme