never mind the accusump and the ridculious price of the brace kit.So how many S2 owners actually bother with any of the above or have you all got some or all of it. I know later cars came with some of it as part of the performance package, but as mines an earlier version it didn't, don't know if it has the brace kit but certainly hasn't got the accusump system.
What Lotus say:
Important safety precautions and recommendations for cars used on race tracks or in a competitive
manner.
This information is published in response to the increasing use of Lotus cars on trackdays and similar closed
circuit events. Its purpose is to remind owners of the vehicle warranty conditions, and also to alert them to
the associated parts and servicing issues to be observed if considering using the car in this way.
Vehicle Warranty
The owner's handbook Maintenance Record booklet and Maintenance Schedule include the following
statement:
"The Lotus Elise, Exige, Europa and 2-Eleven, are designed as road going sports cars. It is recognised that
owners may wish to use the car occasionally on closed circuit tracks to experience the car’s full range of
dynamic capabilities. However, use of the car in a competitive manner, including timed runs or laps, is not
endorsed by Lotus. This type of timed, competitive use will invalidate warranty* and require appropriate
levels of expert vehicle preparation and servicing."
(* Owners statutary rights are not affected)
It is important that customers who exploit full vehicle performance on closed circuit tracks take appropriate
action to optimise safety and vehicle durability. The following advice should be observed:
Pre-Track Use Check List, LSL520c
Lotus has produced a Pre-Track Use Check List detailing some important safety checks which should be
undertaken by a properly qualified technician before any use of the car on a track day or similar closed circuit
event.
This document is available on the Lotus Cars website at: http://www.grouplotus.com/cars/lotus_sport.html
Catalytic Converter (for cars with Toyota powertrain)
Track driving activity will tend to subject the exhaust system to increased stresses. In order to enhance the
durability and robustness of the exhaust system in these circumstances, in March 2008 the catalytic
converter/downpipe assembly was upgraded. This change was introduced at approx. '08 M.Y. VIN serial
number 1087.
Only the revised catalytic converter should be used for driving on closed circuit tracks. If the car was
manufactured prior to this introduction and it is intended to use it on track, or to fit a non-Lotus exhaust
muffler, the catalytic converter should first be upgraded.
Failure of the catalytic converter/downpipe assembly, or of any joint in the exhaust system, could cause
overheating of surrounding components or body structure and initiate a vehicle fire.
Exhaust Clamp
The slip joint between the catalytic converter outlet 'U' bend and the exhaust muffler is secured by a strap
clamp and pinch bolt. The clamp is for one use only, and must not be re-used.
Be aware that the security of this joint is essential to ensure the integrity of the exhaust system, in respect of
noise, heat release and safety. For cars used on closed circuits or in similar conditions, the Pre-Track Use
Check List, LSL520c includes an operation to check the exhaust system for sealing and security.
Rear Brace Kit (for cars with Toyota powertrain)
For regular track use, Lotus recommends that all suspension fixings be checked between sessions, and that
on Toyota powertrain cars, the chassis rear brace kit LOTAC05377 is fitted to spread the load distribution
across a wider base and to increase tolerance to abusive driving.
Camber Shim Plates
Shim plates are fitted in the front and rear suspension assemblies in order to facilitate adjustments to
individual wheel camber. For motorsport applications, where suspension loads are substantially increased, a
higher grade shimplate specification is used. These upgraded shimplates were commonised to all cars from
approx. '08 model year V.I.N. serial number 1742.
If camber adjustment is to be undertaken, or if any car is being prepared for track use, it is recommended
that the later, “motorsport” type camber shim plates and securing bolts are fitted.
2
Be aware that any attempt to adjust camber outside of Lotus specification may result in
inappropriate bolt thread engagement, and endanger security.
'Big' Brakes (for cars with Toyota powertrain)
Exige S models with the Performance Pack option, and Cup 260 cars are fitted with 'big brake' kits using 4-
piston front brake callipers in conjunction with larger front discs. These brake kits are now available for retrofitment
to any Toyota powertrain Elise/Exige model and are offered in two versions, Fast Road and Sport.
In general, the Fast Road brakes offer significant benefits over standard brakes where full vehicle
performance is exploited, primarily through reduced brake fade in conditions of repeated or prolonged heavy
application. The Sport brakes, have marginally better front disc cooling via separate alloy mounting bells.
Trade offs for both versions include a greater susceptibility to noise generation, and a more noticeable
change in response between cold and hot brake system temperatures.
Owners of existing cars with 'big brakes', need to be aware when ordering replacement parts, of differences
in callipers, disc bells and wheel bolts which were introduced in June 2008 at approx. '08 model year V.I.N.
serial number 1742. Your dealer will be pleased to advise.
Brake Pad Bedding-in
For cars built with Fast Road brakes, the pad bedding-in procedure detailed in the Owner's Handbook should
be followed. For cars built with Sport brakes, and any car fitted with a 'big brake' retrofit kit using Pagid
RS14B pads, an extended bedding-in procedure is necessary as detailed in form LSL534b, available from
any dealer.
Whichever brake equipment is fitted, it is vital that the brake pad material is matched at all four wheels - do
not mix front and rear pad materials.
Owners who intend to fit a 'big brake' kit, and/or use their cars on track days or similar closed circuit events,
may wish to take advantage of the discount available on upgrade kit combinations, details of which are listed
below, and may be ordered from your Lotus dealer.
Lotus encourages owners to use their cars in whichever manner they most enjoy, but only and always with
safety as the highest priority. For further information, please do not hesitate to contact your favoured Lotus
Dealer who will be pleased to advise.
That's some shopping list of bits that won't make the car feel any better - might be easier to sell it ...
