Engine Tuning
Engine Management -A number of engine management systems are available for the Rover
K series engine of the Elise S1, most popular is the Emerald K3 system, which affords
full remapping capabilities, as well as its own datalogging options through the provided
software. Able to control a number of auxiliary devices, as well as accept input
from 0-5v Analogue output equipped wideband lambda systems, Emerald is a fantastically
simple and effective engine management system that can grow with your cars power
output!
Induction Systems - The Elise S1 is well served for induction kits, with systems
available from Hurricane, ITG and K&N to name a few of the more common. Not limited
to simple airbox designs however, the S1 can also be easily fitted with Jenvey throttle
bodies for the ultimate induction, bringing significant power gains.
Exhaust - Janspeed systems are excellent quality and well priced for application
on the Elise S1, these give mild power gains alone, but coupled with a good induction
system and remappable engine management, significant gains can be made. Also proven
to work well on the Elise S1 is the 2bular backbox setups, which can be purchased
with a range of different tailpipes.
Other Options - Camshafts from mild to wild are available for the Rover K series,
these are required for the ultimate normally-aspirated applications and when well
chosen and specified, and matched to a nicely gas-flowed cylinder head, the Rover
K series can be coaxed to producing around 200hp.
Suspension
Nitron Dampers for Road, Track and Full Race - Nitron Dampers are the optimal solution
for all road and track applications of the Lotus Elise S1, from out and out race
to occasional track use, Nitron dampers can be tailored to suit the needs of both
car and driver.
Nitron supply dampers in three basic configurations. For fast road and track the
Nitron 1-Way is ideal, with a single adjustment control on the damper tube which
controls bump and rebound in equal measure. For a heavier track bias there is the
2-Way, which features a remote reservoir that houses a bump adjustment control, while
the damper tube adjustment controls rebound. For the ultimate track and race applications
there is the 3-Way damper, which again features a remote reservoir with adjustment
of both fast and slow bump, while rebound is again to be found on the damper tube.
Nitron damping curves can be customised to suit any application, thanks to our links
with car limits driver Andrew Walsh. Please contact us with details of any custom
applications.
GAZ Dampers - New to the Essex Autosport suspension lineup are GAZ dampers, a lower-cost
alternative to Nitron dampers. For our main road and light track applications we
recommend 1-Way dampers, with adjustment of bump and rebound handled by one control.
They feature lightweight alloy body construction and precision adjustment on the
damper tube. For more serious use, 2-Way and 3-Way GAZ dampers are available on request
- please contact us for details.
S2 Bilstein Upgrade - A common and cost effective upgrade to the S1 is the fitment
of the S2 Bilstein dampers. This option is a complete kit including dampers, springs
and updated mounting brackets. A very popular upgrade that transforms the handling
of the S1, and elimites most of the knocks and rattles associated with the Elise
S1 suspension.
Brakes
AP Racing 4-Piston Conversion - By far the greatest brake upgrade available for the
Elise S1, is the fitment of AP Racing 4-Piston front calipers, and optionally uprate
the rear calipers, this makes truly the most devastating stopping power, and is used
on our multi-race winning Elise S1 Racecar. This conversion also utilises braided
brake lines all around which offer improved pedal feel and far superior quality of
construction to a standard brake line. The final part of this conversion is an uprated
master cylinder, which moves a greater volume of fluid than the standard master cylinder
and allows for greater clamping load at the brakes, for any given amount of pedal
pressure.
Uprated Pads - A well known choice in the Elise world is are Pagid brake pads, available
in RS42 for road and track use, or the more aggressive RS14 which ideally is a dedicated
track/race brake pad. All Pagids offer superb stopping power, excellent fade resistance
and are non-asbestos.
Castrol SRF - An often overlooked part of the brake system is the brake fluid itself,
for all advanced road and track applications we recommend Castrol SRF, this is an
ultra high performance brake fluid, specifically formulated for competitive track
use. Castrol SRF offers the most consistent braking performance under all temperature
conditions and is used in Formula One and Indy Car, it exceeds all DOT standards
for brake fluids.
