Shoofin's Lotus Exige S Thread [Update - P.11]
03-02-2013, 07:00 PM
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03-02-2013, 07:03 PM
#83
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First mod should be either to get some clear or smoked reflectors to replace the orange ones or smoke the current orange ones to blend with the color of the car.
03-02-2013, 07:25 PM
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I think I am going to be adding some orange accents around the car, so it will all mesh together. I may have the rocker panel wrapped orange, OR just do the mirror cap and side scoop, and put an offset stripe over the car, nothing crazy, like 2 small 1" strips or something. Don't want to go orange overkill, just add some orange to add some color, similar to how I did it on my Mini:
03-02-2013, 10:31 PM
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03-03-2013, 01:30 AM
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Very intrested to see how it turns out...
03-03-2013, 09:13 PM
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She's home! It didn't go without a hitch though...This car hasn't been driven in a while. Like a few years, not driven... When I started her up, the fuel was VERY low and the check engine light was on (It wasn't on the day I first looked at it a few weeks back). I added air to the tires, and had my buddy follow me to the gas station to make sure I make it there, because I had no idea how much gas is in the car. I get to the gas station, where something was either wrong with the pump or the car, because the pump kept stopping every few seconds no matter how much or how little fuel I was adding. After a few minutes, I put about 8 gallons in the 11.5 gallon tank. Turned on the car, and the gauge was a half notch less than full - good enough for me.
I start my way home, and realize two things - first, two of the LED's on one of the tail lamps are out and the signal is blinking fast as a result. The weird thing is, if the headlights are off, when I use the right signal, it blinks fast, while the light that has dead LED's is the outermost light on the driver's side. Weird. Then I turn on the headlights, and no matter which direction you turn, the signal blinks fast left or right - even more weird. I'll have to get the checked out. The other thing I noticed, is the car doesn't pull in alignment, but I am not holding the wheel straight for the car to go straight. Had the same exact problem the day I brought home my yellow Elise almost 2 years ago, and took it straight to my buddy to align. I went to him today when I was back home but he was too busy to do it, so another day, I guess. While driving home though, as I was getting closer, I got stuck behind an accident and was in bumper to bumper. Figured I wasn't moving, so I would plug in my OBD2 reader (I had it in my work bag with me) to see if the CEL is related to the fuel. It was. But oddly, before I could reset it, the light went off by itself right at that moment. Then all of a sudden, the car sputters and dies while I'm sitting in neutral, not moving. I start it right back and it's running fine. Next thing I notice, the fuel gauge is reading less than half a tank...WTF? Minutes later, the traffic cleared up and I was back up to speed. The fuel gauge also bounced back up to about 3/4 tank, and the rest of the ride there were no issues. The car really needs to be driven a bit more since no one has been driving it, and the ECU needs to learn the drive so everything operates normally. I'll try to drive it a bit more this week, but we are expecting some bad weather in the middle of the week, so we'll see how it goes. I put only 30 miles on the car in the ride home. Need. More. Drive.
This is my first time driving an Exige, and I forgot what it was like to drive a supercharged Lotus. Oh Emm Gee. Hearing and feeling the cam switch over is one thing in my Elise, but hearing the supercharger whine and whoosh while pushing me into the seat while the second cam kicks in? OHHHH EMMMM GEEEE!
She needs an exhaust, like STAT. It's too quiet for me...You know it's too quiet when I get home and my wife doesn't hear me pulling into the driveway...
I hope to get the car up on a lift for a once over, and change all the fluids and start the little upgrades to get her ready for the 2013 track season. Anywho, once I got home, I was busy and left for the rest of the day (without the Lotus), so I didn't have the chance to take any more pics. I'll get some more tomorrow if I get the chance. In the meantime, here's a few more outside, so you can see the color a little better!
I start my way home, and realize two things - first, two of the LED's on one of the tail lamps are out and the signal is blinking fast as a result. The weird thing is, if the headlights are off, when I use the right signal, it blinks fast, while the light that has dead LED's is the outermost light on the driver's side. Weird. Then I turn on the headlights, and no matter which direction you turn, the signal blinks fast left or right - even more weird. I'll have to get the checked out. The other thing I noticed, is the car doesn't pull in alignment, but I am not holding the wheel straight for the car to go straight. Had the same exact problem the day I brought home my yellow Elise almost 2 years ago, and took it straight to my buddy to align. I went to him today when I was back home but he was too busy to do it, so another day, I guess. While driving home though, as I was getting closer, I got stuck behind an accident and was in bumper to bumper. Figured I wasn't moving, so I would plug in my OBD2 reader (I had it in my work bag with me) to see if the CEL is related to the fuel. It was. But oddly, before I could reset it, the light went off by itself right at that moment. Then all of a sudden, the car sputters and dies while I'm sitting in neutral, not moving. I start it right back and it's running fine. Next thing I notice, the fuel gauge is reading less than half a tank...WTF? Minutes later, the traffic cleared up and I was back up to speed. The fuel gauge also bounced back up to about 3/4 tank, and the rest of the ride there were no issues. The car really needs to be driven a bit more since no one has been driving it, and the ECU needs to learn the drive so everything operates normally. I'll try to drive it a bit more this week, but we are expecting some bad weather in the middle of the week, so we'll see how it goes. I put only 30 miles on the car in the ride home. Need. More. Drive.
This is my first time driving an Exige, and I forgot what it was like to drive a supercharged Lotus. Oh Emm Gee. Hearing and feeling the cam switch over is one thing in my Elise, but hearing the supercharger whine and whoosh while pushing me into the seat while the second cam kicks in? OHHHH EMMMM GEEEE!
She needs an exhaust, like STAT. It's too quiet for me...You know it's too quiet when I get home and my wife doesn't hear me pulling into the driveway...
I hope to get the car up on a lift for a once over, and change all the fluids and start the little upgrades to get her ready for the 2013 track season. Anywho, once I got home, I was busy and left for the rest of the day (without the Lotus), so I didn't have the chance to take any more pics. I'll get some more tomorrow if I get the chance. In the meantime, here's a few more outside, so you can see the color a little better!
Last edited by Shoofin; 03-03-2013 at 09:17 PM.
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00TL-P3.2 (03-04-2013)
03-03-2013, 09:20 PM
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SO sexy 
How many miles are on it? Weird that it hadn't been driven in so long.
Alpina is hawt too
How many miles are on it? Weird that it hadn't been driven in so long.
Alpina is hawt too
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Sly Raskal (03-03-2013)
03-03-2013, 09:26 PM
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I got a ride in the Alpina before heading home, because there was an SUV blocking the garage door, and my friend forgot the keys home, so we went back to his house to get the keys and back to the shop, about 40 mins round trip. Couldn't open her up though, because there were frikkin cops EVERYWHERE at the time of the morning.
In order counterclockwise, Black RR Ghost, Testarossa, 458 Italia, another Ghost, My Lotus was next to it (too small to be seen), a 'vette up on the lift, and by the gate, the truck that he forgot the keys for it, next to it (hard to see) an S5, then a white Bentley GTC, a White M3 Competition getting a wide body kit, and a fully customized Dodge Dart.
03-03-2013, 09:41 PM
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Almost forgot, the car that's under the Vette was a customer of mine's 370Z. I got it for him back in June 2012, and it's been in the shop getting modded here...And a modded it was!
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
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civicdrivr (03-07-2013)
03-03-2013, 10:04 PM
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A lot of time and money put into the Z but it's overdone. The rear bumper and doors killed it for me.
All of the other cars are-worthy though.
All of the other cars are
-worthy though.
03-04-2013, 12:47 AM
#100
Is it weird that out of all the beautiful cars in that picture, the Dart intrigued me the most? more pics please!
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Sly Raskal (03-10-2013)
03-04-2013, 07:02 AM
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03-04-2013, 10:35 AM
#102
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Nice Lotus dude! Man, what do you do to be able to around such incredible cars?
03-04-2013, 12:05 PM
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An Exige is one of my "will eventually own" cars. And, one of the more realistic ones.
03-04-2013, 08:09 PM
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Thanks guys!
This morning didn't go without a hitch, unfortunately...I started her up, let her warm up for a few minutes, and started to make my way to the highway to go to work. As soon as I got up to speed, the engine temp was jumping up rather quickly, and within 30 seconds, went from cruising temp (183F) to close to 220F (mind you, at 9am where it's 30 degrees outside at this point). Pulled over and shut the car down. Went to the engine to check the coolant, and the reservoir appeared to be dry, I waited a few minutes and delicately drove to my friend's shop, thankfully the temps didn't rise much. Opened up the coolant reservoir, along with a rather loud PSHHHH, and some coolant appeared on the bottom. Opened up the breather valve for some more PSHHH and more coolant appeared, but was still low. Topped off the coolant to where it needed to be, and let the car sit for a few minutes while running to make sure it doesn't run hot again. Got back into the car and headed to work. The temps remained around 183-186, where it should be. Must have been a lot of air in the system, who knows. All I know is I'm going to be taking this car apart soon!
Things I plan to do almost immediately:
Change the exhaust to something with a little more aggressive
Change Brake Fluid with Motul 600, as well as install SS Brake lines
Replace stock plastic radiator (notorious for cracking) with an Aluminum model, as well as system flush as well as new rad hoses
Change Transmission fluid with a combination of Redline MT90 and GM Synchromesh (known to make shifting a bit easier)
Add transmission shifter re-enforcer to brace the shifter to the chassis for better feel
Replace Transmission lines with an upgraded line for further improved shifter feel
Change engine oil and replace oil pan with a deeper sump model to reduce oil starvation
Add Roll bar for 4 point harnesses, install 4 point harnesses
Remove Nitron Coilovers from Elise and put them on Exige
Replace stock Toe Links with something stronger and adjustable
Things I'll do with time:
Lighter flywheel
Clutch replacement - I don't like the way the take-up is on this clutch, it seems like it's pretty worn. But we'll see!
Power Upgrades - eventually.
This morning didn't go without a hitch, unfortunately...I started her up, let her warm up for a few minutes, and started to make my way to the highway to go to work. As soon as I got up to speed, the engine temp was jumping up rather quickly, and within 30 seconds, went from cruising temp (183F) to close to 220F (mind you, at 9am where it's 30 degrees outside at this point). Pulled over and shut the car down. Went to the engine to check the coolant, and the reservoir appeared to be dry, I waited a few minutes and delicately drove to my friend's shop, thankfully the temps didn't rise much. Opened up the coolant reservoir, along with a rather loud PSHHHH, and some coolant appeared on the bottom. Opened up the breather valve for some more PSHHH and more coolant appeared, but was still low. Topped off the coolant to where it needed to be, and let the car sit for a few minutes while running to make sure it doesn't run hot again. Got back into the car and headed to work. The temps remained around 183-186, where it should be. Must have been a lot of air in the system, who knows. All I know is I'm going to be taking this car apart soon!
Things I plan to do almost immediately:
Change the exhaust to something with a little more aggressive
Change Brake Fluid with Motul 600, as well as install SS Brake lines
Replace stock plastic radiator (notorious for cracking) with an Aluminum model, as well as system flush as well as new rad hoses
Change Transmission fluid with a combination of Redline MT90 and GM Synchromesh (known to make shifting a bit easier)
Add transmission shifter re-enforcer to brace the shifter to the chassis for better feel
Replace Transmission lines with an upgraded line for further improved shifter feel
Change engine oil and replace oil pan with a deeper sump model to reduce oil starvation
Add Roll bar for 4 point harnesses, install 4 point harnesses
Remove Nitron Coilovers from Elise and put them on Exige
Replace stock Toe Links with something stronger and adjustable
Things I'll do with time:
Lighter flywheel
Clutch replacement - I don't like the way the take-up is on this clutch, it seems like it's pretty worn. But we'll see!
Power Upgrades - eventually.
03-04-2013, 09:52 PM
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Found this one too:
Last edited by Shoofin; 03-04-2013 at 09:56 PM.
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juniorbean (03-05-2013)
03-05-2013, 11:48 AM
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03-06-2013, 06:33 AM
#112
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Awesome pick up man and I hope you work all the little kinks out of it.
That garage is awesome and while the dart looks cool, it looks like it is touching that double R
That garage is awesome and while the dart looks cool, it looks like it is touching that double R
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Shoofin (03-07-2013)
03-07-2013, 08:47 AM
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Just ordered for the Sexige:
Exhaust: Larini SC Track Exhaust with Oval Tip
Brakes: Girodisc Stainless Steel Brake Lines Color: Silver & Motul Brake Fluid
Cooling/Radiator: proRAD-FP & radHOSES
Better Heel & toe response: DBWpedals
Better Shifter Feel: Shifter re-ENFORCER
transELIXIR (Redline MT-90 & GM Synchromesh Trans Fluid)
Safety: Schroth PROFI II ASM Harness Color: Black Side
river's Side (for now)S111 Harness Hardware - 2 Seat Kit
Already have, and will install as well:
Better Shifter Feel: SSC Gearshift Cable
Lubrication: GPan3 Baffled Oil Pan
It's gonna be a busy few weeks!
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juniorbean (03-07-2013)
03-07-2013, 09:10 AM
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Oh, and I drove the car a few times since the overheating issue, and it seems like all the air is out of the system. The CEL keeps coming on after I reset it, but I'm waiting to run through the tank of gas first, to see how the car responds to a second fill-up, and how much air is left in the tank.
I ran my VIN through a dealer's system to check on it's history, and it looks like there's two recalls that my car needs, one for the oil lines, the other an ECU update. Just not sure if i'll be doing this before or after I do all the mods in the post above this.
The last thing that's really irritating me is the fact that I have a rear view mirror that all you can see through it is the ducting of the intercooler. I'm the kind of driver that's looking ahead while driving, while scanning the mirrors 50 times a minute, including the rear view. I must install some sort of rear view camera system to replace the non existent rear view. I'll remove the mirror and put a monitor there that would be on all the time. The next two challenges would be where to put the camera, and where to find the best monitor for what I want. For the camera, I would rather not drill into the fiberglass, so we concluded that we'll put it in the center of the 3rd brake light. I just hope that when the brakes turn on, the light glare emitted from the third brake light doesn't distort the image to see in the display. The next challenge is trying to find a nice monitor. I don't want one of those mirrors that have a small 3" display on the left side, because I don't need the mirror. I am looking for like a 4-5" wide angle display that would more simulate the width that a mirror would have, without the length. The visibility out front is limited, and having even the standard width mirror hampers visibility, which is why on my Elise I even changed it with a much smaller one that gives me the exact width needed to see behind me and between the 2 seats...
You can see the micro mirror here:
I found 7 and 10" wide angle monitors that would replace the stock mirror, but they are like 4" tall, which I think will occupy too much of my forward view. Have to see....
I ran my VIN through a dealer's system to check on it's history, and it looks like there's two recalls that my car needs, one for the oil lines, the other an ECU update. Just not sure if i'll be doing this before or after I do all the mods in the post above this.
The last thing that's really irritating me is the fact that I have a rear view mirror that all you can see through it is the ducting of the intercooler. I'm the kind of driver that's looking ahead while driving, while scanning the mirrors 50 times a minute, including the rear view. I must install some sort of rear view camera system to replace the non existent rear view. I'll remove the mirror and put a monitor there that would be on all the time. The next two challenges would be where to put the camera, and where to find the best monitor for what I want. For the camera, I would rather not drill into the fiberglass, so we concluded that we'll put it in the center of the 3rd brake light. I just hope that when the brakes turn on, the light glare emitted from the third brake light doesn't distort the image to see in the display. The next challenge is trying to find a nice monitor. I don't want one of those mirrors that have a small 3" display on the left side, because I don't need the mirror. I am looking for like a 4-5" wide angle display that would more simulate the width that a mirror would have, without the length. The visibility out front is limited, and having even the standard width mirror hampers visibility, which is why on my Elise I even changed it with a much smaller one that gives me the exact width needed to see behind me and between the 2 seats...
You can see the micro mirror here:
I found 7 and 10" wide angle monitors that would replace the stock mirror, but they are like 4" tall, which I think will occupy too much of my forward view. Have to see....
03-07-2013, 10:21 AM
#117
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Shoofin check out something like this. It might work out pretty well for you. It is a Garmin GPS that has a video input for a rear view camera. I know it says it is made for trucks as far as I can tell it can you on roads you are allowed by vehicle size but I don't think it has to be used.
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-De...GPS-P2607.aspx
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-De...GPS-P2607.aspx
03-07-2013, 12:01 PM
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Shoofin,
you can get some rear view mirrors with integrated screen for the "back up" camera...
The way I have set something up in my car is, I have replaced the screen on the dash with a 7" monitor and connected to my rear view camera which is ALWAYS on as compared to ON when you pushing in reverse...I usually scan that....If I angle the camera a little bit higher, it servers better purpose that the rear view camera
you can get some rear view mirrors with integrated screen for the "back up" camera...
The way I have set something up in my car is, I have replaced the screen on the dash with a 7" monitor and connected to my rear view camera which is ALWAYS on as compared to ON when you pushing in reverse...I usually scan that....If I angle the camera a little bit higher, it servers better purpose that the rear view camera
03-07-2013, 12:40 PM
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Shoofin check out something like this. It might work out pretty well for you. It is a Garmin GPS that has a video input for a rear view camera. I know it says it is made for trucks as far as I can tell it can you on roads you are allowed by vehicle size but I don't think it has to be used.
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-De...GPS-P2607.aspx
http://www.thegpsstore.com/Garmin-De...GPS-P2607.aspx
Originally Posted by swoosh
Shoofin,
you can get some rear view mirrors with integrated screen for the "back up" camera...
The way I have set something up in my car is, I have replaced the screen on the dash with a 7" monitor and connected to my rear view camera which is ALWAYS on as compared to ON when you pushing in reverse...I usually scan that....If I angle the camera a little bit higher, it servers better purpose that the rear view camera
you can get some rear view mirrors with integrated screen for the "back up" camera...
The way I have set something up in my car is, I have replaced the screen on the dash with a 7" monitor and connected to my rear view camera which is ALWAYS on as compared to ON when you pushing in reverse...I usually scan that....If I angle the camera a little bit higher, it servers better purpose that the rear view camera
I found these, but they are about 4" tall. Would have to take some measurements to see how much it would block my forward view compared to the stock mirror.
This is a 7" and the dimensions are: 9.85" x 4.65" x 1.78"
This is a 10" and the dimensions are: 11.33" x 4.13" x .91"
03-07-2013, 12:59 PM
#120
Just ordered for the Sexige:
Exhaust: Larini SC Track Exhaust with Oval Tip
Brakes: Girodisc Stainless Steel Brake Lines Color: Silver & Motul Brake Fluid
Cooling/Radiator: proRAD-FP & radHOSES
Better Heel & toe response: DBWpedals
Better Shifter Feel: Shifter re-ENFORCER
transELIXIR (Redline MT-90 & GM Synchromesh Trans Fluid)
Safety: Schroth PROFI II ASM Harness Color: Black Side
river's Side (for now)S111 Harness Hardware - 2 Seat Kit
Already have, and will install as well:
Better Shifter Feel: SSC Gearshift Cable
Lubrication: GPan3 Baffled Oil Pan
It's gonna be a busy few weeks!
Awesome. Looking forward to seeing this thing transform.Oh, and I'm with you on the mirror thing too... I'm a scanner myself. That 7" option looks pretty cool...