[KadeSdad]

Got my car back from Chris Neils on Saturday after having a Lotus super charger fitted. Upped the BHP to 220 from 190 and increased torque throughout the range.

Already a very noticeable difference. 2nd to 3rd to 4th is just awesome with what feels like zero power loss. I don’t seem to be ‘as busy’ driving the car due to the increased torque, now whether that’s a bad thing or not I’ll have to wait and see. Been out on a drying road today and it is simply sublime. Lotus bods are right, the super charger certainly does change the car and makes a real difference!

I have not owned many cars where the scale of power to weight ratio is so un-nerving yet so addictive. It is blisteringly quick, 0 – 60 is now 4.4 and on to 100 under 11.4 (edited) This car now makes you realise that maybe you aren’t the driver you thought you were. It’s going back to basics now with me learning the car, not the car learning how I drive ironing over all the bad points and collecting everything up for you.

My M3 was quick but that was like being on auto pilot , all safe a comfy, this feels like you are in total control, its do or die (here’s not hoping for the later!)

Looking forward to summer!

[M3-FAST]

Sounds great fun marcus - get yourself booked into Donington Park - 13th march with Focused Events - we have got the Scooby there that day. Would love to have a passenger lap in the go-kart tho

[dxb335d]

Glad you got it done, great to see someone doing such a great mod to a great car, What does she weigh? I thought more HP would be accessible than 30HP?!

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by M3-FAST

Sounds great fun marcus - get yourself booked into Donington Park - 13th march with Focused Events - we have got the Scooby there that day. Would love to have a passenger lap in the go-kart tho

Not just yet mate, having some proper Lotus training next month so give me a few weeks of that and then you're on

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Glad you got it done, great to see someone doing such a great mod to a great car, What does she weigh? I thought more HP would be accessible than 30HP?!

Cheers Carl, I know it doesn't seem a lot 30BHP does it. But it does make a HUGE difference to the car. The power is always on tap, its like its left open on full. Car weighs in around 860kg, feels extremely light when pushing anything over 90/100, very un-nerving.

[dxb335d]

I bet mate, also rather impressed it can crack under 10 to the ton. Assume that son a perfect day with a great driver and proper warmed up decent rubber. Any links to that?

I would have guessed more along low 11's!! Thats just a guess.

[Em135eye]

Bet that's fun?!

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

I bet mate, also rather impressed it can crack under 10 to the ton. Assume that son a perfect day with a great driver and proper warmed up decent rubber. Any links to that?

I would have guessed more along low 11's!! Thats just a guess.

Your guess is right Carl, just checked it out and the 4.3 - 4.4 to 60mph is correct. The sub 10 is achieved by the Katana super chargers, mine being the official Lotus kit is showing at about 11.3. I would have opted for the Katana kit but it would have rendered my warranty as useless. At least the official kit keeps my warranty intact.

[dxb335d]

Yeah I thought it would be around what I said. Seem to have a knack for it. Low 11's is still ballistic though really. Must feel super fast!! What's next on the list for the lil' elise?!

[briers]

Really transforms the lower end doesn't it. Was my only complaint on the standard engines. Love the whine but make sure you feed it no less than 97. I believe the ecus used to go into protect mode on anything less. Not sure if this is still the case.

It certainly turned a few heads, hearing the whine then at 5k it just went mental as it hit the power cam.

[JLR1969]

I am sure that its a superb car to drive but +30BHP from a supercharger is terrible IMHO.

There must be more power that the supercharger can release??

If you supercharge the SLK it increases by +180BHP, i appreciate its a 5.4 litre so would have thought that you should see +70BHP?

I guess the cost has an impact its £12,000 for the SLK.

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Yeah I thought it would be around what I said. Seem to have a knack for it. Low 11's is still ballistic though really. Must feel super fast!! What's next on the list for the lil' elise?!

Brakes! need better brakes! Apart from that not much really, but tomorrow is another day stage 2 exhaust maybe....

Originally Posted by briers

Really transforms the lower end doesn't it. Was my only complaint on the standard engines. Love the whine but make sure you feed it no less than 97. I believe the ecus used to go into protect mode on anything less. Not sure if this is still the case.

It certainly turned a few heads, hearing the whine then at 5k it just went mental as it hit the power cam.

That whine is great isn't it, combined with the popping over run on the exhaust they certainly know you are coming!

Originally Posted by JLR1969

I am sure that its a superb car to drive but +30BHP from a supercharger is terrible IMHO.

There must be more power that the supercharger can release??

If you supercharge the SLK it increases by +180BHP, i appreciate its a 5.4 litre so would have thought that you should see +70BHP?

I guess the cost has an impact its £12,000 for the SLK.

I understand what you are saying. its just not about the BHP increase on these cars. Its more of the instant on tap power delivery and the increase in low end torque, remember my car weighs in at around 860kg, power to weight is ratio is what its all about. The Elise nor any other Lotus was ever about top end speed.
The Katana chargers can produce upwards of 300bhp but you'll need lots of extras like oil coolers, up rated rad, brakes etc etc.

[RagingKileak]

Very nice. I suspect the 'bang for buck' is the hardest part of going for the Lotus Charger as opposed to others (warranty aside) but in the end, if you can separate head and heart and just enjoy, why worry?

Matt

[dxb335d]

I see what it is, drive in drive out conversion and does what it says on the tin!

Not designed for massive power but to provide more punch and instant torque throughout the rev range!

Jon 300HP can easily be found but takes major work for major WONGA

[JLR1969]

Wasn't having a go just thought a supercharger would give a bit more power. Can't fault you for having it fitted, did your insurance increase by much?

[spandeli]

Great toy mate!!!

[KadeSdad]

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Very nice. I suspect the 'bang for buck' is the hardest part of going for the Lotus Charger as opposed to others (warranty aside) but in the end, if you can separate head and heart and just enjoy, why worry?

Matt

Matt, correct as usual (well most of the time anyway ). The warranty issue was the counter factor in choosing this charger. The Katana's & Rotex ones can produce some amazing gains but they can also come with massive costs and massive headaches. Plus any aftermarket charger will kill the re sale on these, but better it be an official Lotus one at least I'll have a better chance when it does come to sell.

Originally Posted by JLR1969

Wasn't having a go just thought a supercharger would give a bit more power. Can't fault you for having it fitted, did your insurance increase by much?

No worries. I know you weren't having a go

My insurance is actually cheaper now as my previous insurer wouldn't insure the car with the SC so moved to Henderson Taylor. £100 cheaper plus 6 free track day covers