S1 Elise – Spark Plugs

Time for some new spark plugs. A set of NGK PFR6N-11 Engine cover off Blow out all the filth with the air line. Old plugs coming out. Old ones out with new ones ready to go in. But before that. A quick check of compression in all cylinders. Also a quick check of the plug […]

S1 Elise – Steering Rack Raiser Plates

As with any car, when the ride height is changed the suspension and steering geometry will be effected. I have set the Elise ride height a bit lower than standard and though I’ve done a full alignment including the front camber and toe. This doesn’t do anything to compensate for the hubs having effectively been […]

S1 Elise – Big Diffuser

The Elise already had a longer than standard diffuser but it wasn’t longer enough for me… This is how the one on it looked. And this is the bigger one I got, with 6 fins too. Old and new compared. A layer of some protection applied before fitting. Some stainless and rubber washers. Front edge […]

S1 Elise – Windscreen Sunstrip

The Elise is a summer use car and just occassionally in the UK the sun comes out in the summer. What the Elise lacks is some sun visors. So an option is a sunstrip and I quite like the sort of race look of them so gave one a go. Proper clean of the screen […]

S1 Elise – Corner Weight Adjustment

After completing the suspension refresh the Elise needed a full wheel alignment. I set the toe and camber all round and got the ride height about where I wanted it then drove the Elise a bit before going round and checking/adjusting any alignment settings plus double checking various nuts and bolts. So as I was […]

S1 Elise – Engine Oil and Filter Change

As spring was on it’s way and the Elise would soon be allowed out of the garage again it was time to get some fresh oil in the engine and a new oil filter on. Oil, filter and sump plug washers. I had already removed the filter for better access when replacing the exhaust manifold […]

S1 Elise – Head Outlet Coolant Leak Fix

While I was replacing the exhaust manifold and heat shielding I had a general look around where I was working, particularly those places that are otherwise impossible to see with everything in place. The only thing I found was a possible slight water leak from the gasket between the engine head and the coolant outlet […]

S1 Elise – Final Fit of the Exhaust, and Heat Shields

Having test fitted all the parts I fabricated to be sure I was happy with them (see here, here and here). The exhaust, exhaust heat shield and alternator heat shield could all be fitted for the last time with new gaskets and fixings. Everything ready to fit. New exhaust manifold gasket in place. Engine mount […]

S1 Elise – Making an Alternator Heat Shield

Following on from the previous two posts about making an exhaust heat shield and wrapping the exhaust I wanted to give the alternator some protection too. The exhaust manifold is quite close to the alternator on K-Series engines. This is not a major problem with adequate heat shielding and good airflow to the alternator. The […]

S1 Elise – Making an Exhaust Heat Shield

As I’ve said previously, it got a bit hot in the Elise drivers seat on the hottest summer days and I wanted to do what I could to keep heat from the exhaust at bay. One thing being heat wrapping the exhaust which you can see here and the other being fitting a more effective […]