Exige/V8 question

[jap.slapper]

Genuine question



I know that there are a few Lotus Exige/Elise that compete at various levels of TA and other club motorsports, and I was wondering




hypothetically speaking (at the moment at least) would the 3.5ltr V8 twin turbo lump from this






actually fit in the rear bay of an Exige







I'm just brain storming


cheers guys

[maff]

Doubt it, for a start the Elise's engine is transverse, and for 2's look at the Hennesey Venom, essential an elise with a v8 longatudinaly (sp) mounted and see how much longer it is behind the cabin:

Unless you were going to mount it transverse Miura style, in which case your madder than a wasp sandwich

[Stuart]

in which case your madder than a wasp sandwich

Interesting concept
My first thought is "why use the Lotus V8?" but if you are absolutely set on it then Maffster is spot on, in that it is a load of work.......as in crazy levels of craftmanship. I know they were detuned to 350hp but unless you have some really trick ideas about gearboxes as well, that's as far as you're probably going to go as the stock Renault box was poop.

Having a look on the US, more V8 friendly, forums I think you may be wasting your time. There are a couple of companies that run Siamesed bike engines like Hartley but these appear to be in development only so I guess the prices and times would be open ended.

I have to be honest, as much as I'd love the idea of a big capacity V8 slung into that chassis, I think it would have been done to death if it was even half do-able. There must be a reason why the two most popular swaps are supercharged K20's or the VAG group 20vt.

Sorry to piss on your chips, but unless money is absolutely no object, I think it's a no-no. Steve Gugliemi's Exige was imperious though and the dude who signed up on here a while back (Time Attack Pro competitor) drove a beautifully presented and missile quick version

Good luck with your research

[Stuart]

Doing some more research these guys 'seem' to be the UK's supplier but very limited details

[jap.slapper]

Cheers guys,

that's an interesting read mate, loads of food for thought (and I'm used to piss drenched soggy chips so no change there....)

[Stuart]

Have you got serious intentions of buying an Exige/Elise then? Have you driven an FI version yet or do you just want seamless power and no trace of lag anywhere? The FI Honda K20 is pretty good in these and so much more torquey feeling in something so light compared to the usual Honda bodies that they lug around.

[jap.slapper]

I'm weighing up options to be honest mate, the guys that I've partnered with on a few recent contracts are very much into their Radicals and Porker cups and have asked on a few ocassions if if I'd like to join them. It's been a good year for my company so I'm pre-empting next years sales and identifying what's within the realms of the possible should I opt to commit to undertaking a new project next year

Dropping a TT V8 into an Exige is just me brain storming

[Stuart]

For the same kind of outlay you could probably buy an Ultima which to this day was one of the most impressive things I have ever been in (but then I have no patience for extensive cocking around)

[jap.slapper]

That's a very valid point mate, built not bought is all well and good but it does take a lot out of you (and innevitably takes a lot longer/costs a lot more than anticipated at the start). I know the guys that I reffered to before don't even maintain their own cars let alone build them, but then again they do have a hell of a lot more $ than I do.....or maybe it's just that they've learnt from experience

[Stuart]

http://www.carandclassic.co.uk/car/C329915