1987 Lotus Excel SE

[grogee]

14 hours ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

I spent alot of time in the vicinity of the Lotus this weekend.  I say vicinity because I was no more than 4 foot away from it for quite alot of saturday and sunday..............but much of it was spent thinking about the jobs that need to be done rather than actually doing them.

I'm a natural procrastinator (plus an absolute pessimist for most the time) at the best of times but what really hit me this weekend is that my friend, a mechanic (and a really good on at that) isn't going to realistically be able to help me with the car.

He's got too much on his own plate (wife has been v ill, now better, but still isn't and never will be, back to 100%) and he's got his own life you know?  He's got sh*t going on that I won't speak about on here but he'd help if he could.

Trouble is, in my own mind, I'd been falling back on him (he'll sort that, or he'll know what to do there, or he'll have a shortcut/know exactly how to do that job) so I hadn't been putting as much thought into the car as I should have been.

I'm not a mechanic..........and I grew up with a dad that did all the jobs on the car, without wanting me around (slowed him down!). I've always been into cars however..........but practical experience?  None really. I know the theory, and I'm mechanically sympathetic....................but actually doing the complicated stuff?  It takes me ages to work through a job, before actually tackling it. Part of the fear is getting it wrong.  And then having to buy more parts to fix it.  I just can't afford to do that right now.  Once I get a job, the pressure of that element will lessen, and speed will pick up.

It's the realisation that I'm on my own on the job that is the Lotus tbh, that has hit me.  

I've got to get on and fix it and I guess the satisfaction will be immense when I do sort it..................but in all honesty I'd rather have the help and know that the car is sorted (because he's worked on it).

I've got to get on though.

So I spent alot of time working out when I'm going to tackle the various outstanding jobs, and in what order.  

The priority is to make sure the engine works (we know it did 3 years ago) but it's been sat here for that time and............if it doesn't, there's no point tackling the door (frame needs changing) and other interior bits, if the engine doesn't work.

So this weekend I put the tank back in, sorted out the new fuel pump (needed bits transferring over from the old one, which I'd kept, thank god) and making sure I had all the bits for some of the ancillaries on the engine (they'd been taken off by my friend and put safely away.......so safely in fact I'd forgotten where..........found now..........they were in an awkward safe place........not using it again!)

I've just got to hook everything up back there in the boot (I'd not done this bit thinking mechanic friend would be over to tell me if I needed to put some of the white plumbers string (?) around the fuel pipe connectors to help stop leaks etc etc (a small thing, but again it slows things down as I have to think about that, whereas mechanic friend just knows.  It's a minor thing.........but the thinking time adds up to quite an amount as each job I tackle takes up unnecessary thinking time.......) and then I can move on to fitting the waterpump...........and putting the dash back together temporarily and then it should be ready to fire (I'll run the engine for a minute or so - it's not going to overheat) before I put the radiator and fans back in (needs a bit of fettling that - not an easy job at all).  And it's heavy as a package too).

 

Onwards!  (with slight trepidation).

Been thinking about this post all day. 

Yes it's useful to have a skilled mate who can rescue jobs and provide advice on tap. 

But... Learning is failing. Failing is learning. He will have learned from his mistakes and you can, too. God knows I have. 

I worked in a garage aged 14-21 in an apprentice type role, weekends and holidays in between studying. My mentor was incredibly patient and a good teacher. 

Then I moved away and for a long time I was paying Other People to fix my cars. Usually it was expensive and afterwards I'd always find stuff wrong or something that I didn't like. 

In the last ten years or so I've increasingly taken on jobs myself. Usually justified by the cost of the required parts and tools being less than the cost of a garage job. 

Sometimes, I get it wrong and break stuff. Sometimes I have to do it twice. Each time this happens, I learn stuff. 

My point being: don't be afraid to fail. You've got work to do on this Excel, maybe it would be easier to learn on an old Escort but this is the path you've chosen. The Excel will bite you I'm sure, it's old and British and that's just what happens. But almost everything can be sourced and replaced if needed.

Strip a thread - drill it and tap a bigger one. Learn how to tap at the same time. Fixed, and now you aren't scared the next time you strip something. 

Also I'm certain the Excel isn't your daily driver. This is important, because failure doesn't jeopardise your ability to get to work or whatever. Failure would mean a setback but not an unrecoverable disaster. 

All of this to say - more power to your elbow. You can do it! Get stuck in and you have the hive mind here to ask if you get stuck. 

(Cautionary note: don't listen to my advice. I'm changing my Maestro head gasket for the fifth time, so I must be completely incompetent).

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Grogee - thanks chap - appreciate your words............and yes, it's not my daily thank god so the pressure is off in that respect.  You're right.  Just get on, learn on the job, if it breaks, it breaks (it can always be fixed unless I properly stuff it but I can't make that much of a cock-up can i?) 😄

I'm doing it! 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

1 hour ago, egg said:

Yes I can understand that, is he local enough to show him it once back on the road? He may not want to see it - but if he does that's a great incentive for you as well I spose - but you seem v. motivated anyway!

He is - he's no more than 10 mins away.  I'm not sure if he'd want to see it again - not sure whether there's a certain amount of guilt attached to it - it's all wrapped up with what he went through looking after his wife too (that must have been awful).  

It's a bit sentimental I know and I have no allegiance to the PO - he wasn't someone I knew or know now (have his number and i know where he lives of course) but in some ways he's at the back of my mind when working on the car - I do want to get it back on the road, to do the car proud and to give the PO the chance to see it too (and of course I'm being selfish - I want it on the road so I've got it to drive it - I literally can't wait in all honesty).  

It's taken me ages............literally ages, to realise that it's not going to fix it itself/herself and my friend isn't going to do the majority of the work either.  It's all down to me. So.  It's also a fact that there are other needs that take priority (family/house/garden/trying to get a job.............!) so I've got to make the time really count if I get a chance to work on the car.  I can't tell you how obvious that sounds to everyone else but took me a looooooong time to really get my head around (and accept the consequences of that acceptance - that it's down to me, no one else.  I can get help from the kids etc, but it's for me to direct operations etc etc).  

I fixed the mower on saturday and took the starter motor off our Toro (ride on beast, has a daihatsu 3 cylinder diesel engine making 27hp, it's a 523dxi if anyone's interested, v popular in the US, bearing in mind it was made in in chicago in 1999)  that we use a little bit on the small holding.  Also have a renault 106 54 which deserves it's own thread if I'm honest.  French tractor, american engine, brilliant piece of kit, thoroughly recommended.  Bought it in Oxford and had it HGV'd down.  a friend of mine serviced it before it came down - turns out he did his apprenticeship on renaults back in the day - in fact at the same dealership 'my' renault was sold from in 1995.  Small world.

I'd never have touched the mower (or the toro) if it hadn't been for the lotus.  usually I'd just chuck it at my (tractor) man whom works 10 mins away.  But I'm all in on the Lotus so that equally applies to anything else in my possession.  Fixed the mower. Toro not quite - just need the part. 

I've got the space, I've got the car lift, I've got (er, some) tools, I've got the time too (enforced, but still, might as well use it).  Now to act upon it basically.  

 

[2flags]

I have just been reading this thread. Sorry to hear about your employment problems. Hope something comes up for you soon. Great to see the progress you are making on the Lotus. Just break it down into small jobs, tick each one off as you go, and you will make progress. Best of luck with it. 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

2 hours ago, 2flags said:

I have just been reading this thread. Sorry to hear about your employment problems. Hope something comes up for you soon. Great to see the progress you are making on the Lotus. Just break it down into small jobs, tick each one off as you go, and you will make progress. Best of luck with it. 

Thanks 2Flags - appreciate it.  I'm trying to start my own development company (property development) - been working for others for 20 years and thought...........why don't I do it for myself?...................but it's taking a v v long time to put the legals together.  Perhaps too long.  I've found myself (reluctantly) applying for jobs too - i simply can't last a year earning nothing.  

In the meantime I'm trying to work on the lotus - she definitely helps take the stresses away (by creating new ones!!) and allows me to step back.  I'm a firm believer in things happening for a reason.  

I've wanted my own development business for years but things have conspired to stop that (not least, money) but I've thought..........if you don't try now it'll be too late...........and there are opportunities right now; we're going through the greatest transfer of property wealth the world has ever seen as the silent generation and baby boomer generation start to pass away.............as property transfers, the inheritors don't always want to continue (with the businesses handed down or the property associated with those businesses - the types of sites I'm targetting) so there are opportunities.  Enough on that however; tend to bore people rigid when I get going! 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

A bit of help from the autoshite collective please.  I'm wondering if Lotus used the parts bin from another manufacturer for this water valve heater and if so, does anyone recognise it.  

New ones from Lotus suppliers are expensive.............well, sort of, but in my straightened circumstances thought I'd ask before taking the plunge (so boring, talking about money).

Just got a feeling it'll be of a Maxi or Dolomite or something else (a Marina perhaps, don't think it's a Ford or vauxhall part.......but you never know).  I mention Dolomite because the rear door handles can be fettled to fit and use as replacements for the Toyota door handles on the later SE's.  

It's a really difficult part to photograph-  there are fuel pipes (going to the carbs) directly in front of it and it's hard against the bulkhead (and it was dark too when I took them, pushed for time as usual).  

So I've had to get much closer than I'd like to take the photos, apologies in advance.  The scratches are me trying to get the pipes off (and miserably failing so far). Sorry for that too.  Just can't get the leverage/strength without worrying about smashing the bit I'm trying to save and resuscitate on the workbench.

In separate news my attempts at sorting out the gaskets on the water pump.....................well, let's just say that less is most definitely more when using liquid gasket thingy...........took me ages to cut the blessed gaskets out accurately (well, they look like a weak, slightly uncoordinated 4 yr old did them) too!  So.  That's another thing I've got to re-attempt.  But tomorrow's another day.

Be interesting to see if anyone recognises heater valve.  I'm sure I can buy a replacement that looks like it - there's a definite difference in price - £12 as opposed to £35 for the OE thing.

 

Onwards! 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Oh, and I've just spotted that crack in the bulkhead too - I'll get some sealant in there as a first order of play.  See if that helps/sorts it.

[Sigmund Fraud]

Valve looks similar to the Delaney one, as used in the Triumph Vitesse - if so, it's sadly £££ from Triumph suppliers.

[grogee]

43 minutes ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

A bit of help from the autoshite collective please.  I'm wondering if Lotus used the parts bin from another manufacturer for this water valve heater and if so, does anyone recognise it.  

New ones from Lotus suppliers are expensive.............well, sort of, but in my straightened circumstances thought I'd ask before taking the plunge (so boring, talking about money).

Just got a feeling it'll be of a Maxi or Dolomite or something else (a Marina perhaps, don't think it's a Ford or vauxhall part.......but you never know).  I mention Dolomite because the rear door handles can be fettled to fit and use as replacements for the Toyota door handles on the later SE's.  

It's a really difficult part to photograph-  there are fuel pipes (going to the carbs) directly in front of it and it's hard against the bulkhead (and it was dark too when I took them, pushed for time as usual).  

So I've had to get much closer than I'd like to take the photos, apologies in advance.  The scratches are me trying to get the pipes off (and miserably failing so far). Sorry for that too.  Just can't get the leverage/strength without worrying about smashing the bit I'm trying to save and resuscitate on the workbench.

In separate news my attempts at sorting out the gaskets on the water pump.....................well, let's just say that less is most definitely more when using liquid gasket thingy...........took me ages to cut the blessed gaskets out accurately (well, they look like a weak, slightly uncoordinated 4 yr old did them) too!  So.  That's another thing I've got to re-attempt.  But tomorrow's another day.

Be interesting to see if anyone recognises heater valve.  I'm sure I can buy a replacement that looks like it - there's a definite difference in price - £12 as opposed to £35 for the OE thing.

 

Onwards! 

Pipes - rightly or wrongly my technique is to poke something sharp (eg pick or small screwdriver) in between pipe and spigot, then lever it open enough that you can get a WD40 or GT85 aerosol straw in there and squirt some in. Then more wrestling and swearing until it comes off. 

Gaskets - yeah don't worry ours are all the same. For bolt holes I sometimes make a cross 'X' cut rather than cut a proper hole, or do a square, or use a paper hole punch. 

[EyesWeldedShut]

1 hour ago, Sigmund Fraud said:

Valve looks similar to the Delaney one, as used in the Triumph Vitesse - if so, it's sadly £££ from Triumph suppliers.

+1 Herald too
https://www.jamespaddock.co.uk/heater-valve-delaney-galley560612 ???

We had two things you could pull out of the dash on my Dad's - the heater control and the choke. One worked, the other didn't.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Well; perhaps I can help some Triumph Herald (love a herald) owners too - haven't measured mine (in terms of diameter) but saw this and thought it was worth investigating;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/204437405399

The Lotus option isn't much cheaper than that jamespaddock one;

https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and-accessories/A089P8009F.htm

 

I'm going to try and get mine off (using grogee's advice above) and see if I can revive it in the first instance.

 

 

 

[High Jetter]

29 minutes ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

I'm going to try and get mine off (using grogee's advice above) and see if I can revive it in the first instance.

That's a good first step, might be an easy fix. Is it stuck? IIRC I unseized one many years ago using kettle de-scaler, can't remember the car though.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

5 hours ago, High Jetter said:

That's a good first step, might be an easy fix. Is it stuck? IIRC I unseized one many years ago using kettle de-scaler, can't remember the car though.

High Jetter; fraid so - I can't move the silver pin in or out and the blue line that heads inside to the manual lever is completely stuck too...........they're basically connected- I'm confident I can get the blue line moving so that wont need replacing and I'll take your advice and see if I can revive the water valve too.

[High Jetter]

The 'blue line' appears to be the outer cable for the temp control, and is fixed. The inner cable should slide through it, and if you disconnect it from the valve may still slide. If it's seized, you might find you can operate the valve manuall, if the valve isn't stuck solid. Investigation is the only way.

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Thanks for all your help fellas.............we have progress. 

The temperature control cable (blue) won't slide easily at all - I've tried to spray some light oil into both ends (inside the car and at the bulkhead) and will manipulate over the next week or so.  There's a definite problem inside - the slider (that has two cables attached to it actually, one being the blue one) is coming loose from it's pivot.  Problem is the pivot also governs another slider too (they sort of all stick together but the bit on the lower side that keeps everything together, a white plastic bit is fatigued, or missing a part - it all keeps on falling apart so the sliders wont work).  Not worrying about that yet because I can't get the cables to slide so no point putting it all back together until I've got them all working properly. 

I got the heater valve out.  the impeller inside was stuck, now moving........but catching on the outer tube so that needs sorting (does it have to be able to move - it's not mechanically moved - think it just moves when the water circulates.)  It was all stuck however, but now plunges in and out.  

Real battle getting it off.  Tried silicon spray and eventually a small screw driver - the pipes were literally stuck rigid on both copper ends.

Tomorrow I'm moving onto gaskets and the water pump.  Will then start adding the ancillaries that hang off the front of the engine (alternator with various brackets and the power steering pump).  That's with the aim of getting the car started next week (Sunday evening, outside chance).

Every time I go into the car however........it's seriously depressing - the interior needs some proper work.  I want it to be a very nice place to be.........time's against me right now but I'm definitely going to ensure that it's fit for the family (and not bodged) either.  But needs must, priorities lie elsewhere presently.  

Onwards!

 

[Gompo]

The temperature slider on my heater panel is quite stiff. I'd never really thought about trying to amend it, but maybe I do need to lubricate something (everything)  around the cable and heater valve. I wonder if the routing is quite poor and even when new it would have shown reluctance to move. 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Definitely worth a look - there are about 5 cables within the dashboard - 3 are pretty straightforward, the other two convoluted.  I'm going to detach each, one by one, and then try to get some lubrication in them and get them moving properly.  

Currently giving some thought as to how to secure the attachment/gromet for the slider I have that's currently falling off.  Tricky proposition - v tough to stop if falling off, without hindering the action.  keep on coming back to two or three cable ties that will hold a washer below everything, that I've drilled some holes in to put the cable ties through loosely.  keeps it in position but allows movement.  will have to be a wide-ish washer and v v thin cable ties.  Will have a play around.  

I think I could 3d print something...............if I had a 3d printer and the software..........which I dont!    

More tomorrow.  

[grogee]

10 hours ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

 

I think I could 3d print something...............if I had a 3d printer and the software..........which I dont!    

That's a good point. Do we have a shiter willing to 3D print things sketched on a fag packet in exchange for money/hand jobs/old copies of Jalopy? 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

On the car again tonight.  Trying to get it started on Friday.  So went to put the waterpump (quite a job in itself - there are 3 pipes (from memory)) and about 8 screws keeping it attached to the engine. 

It also has the third point of a triangular frame that holds the alternator on and tensions it too so..........that meant digging the ole alternator out.........and realising that that could do with some TLC, so had to do that before offering it up to the car and then looking at pictures on the internet to check I'd got things set up in the right order/orientation etc etc...........

Quit at that point as I knew it wasn't going to happen tonight.  Have prepped all the belts and then I'll have another crack at the engine puzzle tomorrow.

 

Onwards!  To Glory!  (well, er, a cup of tea and perhaps a cheeky piece of toast with salted butter no less!)

[High Jetter]

2 hours ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

with salted butter no less!

Unsalted butter is the work of the devil! 😀

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Test-fitting run tonight in relation to the water pump.  The set-up on the front of a 912 engine is a bit complicated.  The waterpump acts as a third point for a 3-pointed cradle that connects to the alternator and the engine and they are intertwined together with a vernier wheel (but it's not on a cam - just looks like a one) that sits behind everything and to the side of the waterpump.

Only one picture and this is part way through trying to work out if the triangular cradle goes infront of the alternator (nearer to the engine) or where it is in the photo............I didn't take these bits off the engine, so am not able to remember but I've been looking on images in google etc for hints.  There wasn't a Haynes manual printed unfortunately and some of the prices for workshop manuals (understandably tbh - there just weren't that many cars produced) are eye-watering. So.  Trial fits are the way to go.  

There comes a point where I'll have to cut the industrial cable ties keeping everything correctly timed but that's only a last resort.  Really don't want to be disturbing that for the moment.

Other than that I've been paying close attention to the heater/controls/water pipes and how they enter/exit the bulkhead etc etc.  There's a definite issue with one of the large grommets one of the pipes uses.  Looks complicated to sort properly.  might bodge for the moment (time is really against me now; in fact, whisper it but it's not really going to happen for 2nd may).........but at least I've given it a bloody good try.  It could still be done though - just got to keep going!

 

Onwards! (actually, it's cup-of-tea-time).

[grogee]

You deserve that cuppa. 

Are there any cars for sale with pics of the underbonnet that show the triangle frame arrangement? 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

I've been using google images for the most part Grogee............i can choose an esprit 912 or an excel 912, doesn't matter, both the same.  Only difference is if you've got air con and the compressor sits down to the right hand side, tucked underneath the exhaust manifold.  Mine doesn't have A/C so it's irrelevant.  Tomorrow night I'm going to get it to the point it'll be ready to start, subject to my 'man' checking it all over, on Friday.  If he can't come over fri it'll be the weekend to fire her up.  

Then it's parts ordering next week.

Big jobs to do are the passenger door (frame is in the house by the boiler staying dry and out of the way) and then it's lots of finnicky jobs (rear dampers - no big deal but still, time consuming) and seat belt stay (could potentially be a nightmare on one side but will prep with copious amounts of penetration oil etc etc.  

Needs tyres and a wheel refurb (x4 ) but .......might try to do that at home...........we'll see.

I've not pulled the trigger on tyres yet as I'm still not happy with not being able to buy the OE size (215 50 15) because tres cher.  But..........is there an alternative (track day tyres?)..........there are alternatives but I'm just trying to envisage when I'm going to be using the car..........and for the most part I'm going to only drive her in the dry............does that make it possible to go down the track day tyre route (where 215 50 15 is available, if you're lucky).  We'll see.  I'll worry about that once the door is back on.

 

[Gompo]

What's wrong with the current tyres?

As much as I would like to keep the original sizes, the 205/50s still look fine in my opinion. I will go back to 215s if they become a little more economically viable but so many of 'us' are on 205s or alternatives. Assuming the cheapest 215s you've seen are the Direzza track day ones, you've got about £500 extra versus some decent quality 205s. Hard to justify! I'd be very interested to see how you got on with those if you did it though.

When I first went to view and test drive mine, it was on 215s all round. However, once I got up to a decent speed it was clear there was an issue with one of the tyres. I can't remember the exact details but I think it had flat spotted - The tyres are old and the car had covered around 1000 miles in the last 5 years. The seller, who I'd say was a Lotus enthusiast/collector really didn't want to swap out the tyres as he was a very much a stickler or originality. While I totally saw his point, I agreed to buy the car providing the seller changed any of the dodgy tyres; really just to get me home safe. Once he'd got them fitted, he agreed they really didn't look out of place. Admittedly, I think he bought perhaps the cheapest available at the time; but at least it was safe for my drive home.

I now have 205s on the front and 215s on the rear, it helps that they've created a staggered look but I still think the 205s sit on the wheels well. I do have the later wheels to you though. If you'd like I can try and take some comparison photos? 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

It's a fair point gompo...............and you're right; 205 50 15 is the natural tyre I'd choose tbh if I don't go down the OE route.  Current tyres are dated 2008 and are cracked and wont hold air so they're only on there to hold the car up and move it around the shed.  

I'm sure I saw another track day tyre make (zestino) that make track day tyres in 215 50 15.............but perhaps I mis-read that.  Anyhoo............It's starting to get real (the tyre search) and I keep flip flopping with different ideas - part worn 205 50's?  new 205 50's (but not choosing toyo proxes tr1, as everyone has them and I want to be different, try something different.....!), choose 195 55 15 (which i think are closest in equivalent rolling circumference for the speedo but I don't think will fill the arches) or perhaps chose 225 50 15's (tr1's) as they are a gnat's chuff the same width as the pirelli's at longstone at 215 50 15.  

Then I think about what my intention is with the car (business meetings, down the M4 from pembrokeshire to Swindon/Oxford/Brum) and therefore........are track tyres really the right route to choose?  

Mileage-wise - no more than 5,000 a year - hence the idea of part-worns could be viable.........although truth be told I've never actually bought part worns before and although cheap...........is that really the route I'd be comfortable with?  Not really.  But you never know.

The car is not going to be a show queen............it's going to be used.  Locally to start off with but the intention is to use her and use her alot - she's never going to win awards for low mileage and the paint work is a 10 footer.......so there are long term fixes in mind for certain weaknesses (getting rid of the lucas ab14 for a well-known modern fix........that escapes me at the moment), changing the seats for something a bit more modern/lift the interior, try and change the windscreen - little things that will make a big difference - but she's going to be used quite a bit.

I'm already adding in sound deadening (i realise it adds weight, anathema to a Lotus of course but...........I'll take the spare tyre out or something!) and a proper stereo with dab and bluetooth to be fitted (or a parrot) too.  I wouldn't think of doing this if she was a low mileage heritage model, but she isn't so.  I might have an issue with the heater box and fan unit (eye watering price to fix) so my budget for tyres might mean i choose accelera ph1's (can they be that bad?  £40 a tyre and the tread pattern looks interesting)...........we'll see as I progress through the car.

[grogee]

1 minute ago, Oi_Oi_Savaloy said:

It's a fair point gompo...............and you're right; 205 50 15 is the natural tyre I'd choose tbh if I don't go down the OE route.  Current tyres are dated 2008 and are cracked and wont hold air so they're only on there to hold the car up and move it around the shed.  

I'm sure I saw another track day tyre make (zestino) that make track day tyres in 215 50 15.............but perhaps I mis-read that.  Anyhoo............It's starting to get real (the tyre search) and I keep flip flopping with different ideas - part worn 205 50's?  new 205 50's (but not choosing toyo proxes tr1, as everyone has them and I want to be different, try something different.....!), choose 195 55 15 (which i think are closest in equivalent rolling circumference for the speedo but I don't think will fill the arches) or perhaps chose 225 50 15's (tr1's) as they are a gnat's chuff the same width as the pirelli's at longstone at 215 50 15.  

Then I think about what my intention is with the car (business meetings, down the M4 from pembrokeshire to Swindon/Oxford/Brum) and therefore........are track tyres really the right route to choose?  

Mileage-wise - no more than 5,000 a year - hence the idea of part-worns could be viable.........although truth be told I've never actually bought part worns before and although cheap...........is that really the route I'd be comfortable with?  Not really.  But you never know.

The car is not going to be a show queen............it's going to be used.  Locally to start off with but the intention is to use her and use her alot - she's never going to win awards for low mileage and the paint work is a 10 footer.......so there are long term fixes in mind for certain weaknesses (getting rid of the lucas ab14 for a well-known modern fix........that escapes me at the moment), changing the seats for something a bit more modern/lift the interior, try and change the windscreen - little things that will make a big difference - but she's going to be used quite a bit.

I'm already adding in sound deadening (i realise it adds weight, anathema to a Lotus of course but...........I'll take the spare tyre out or something!) and a proper stereo with dab and bluetooth to be fitted (or a parrot) too.  I wouldn't think of doing this if she was a low mileage heritage model, but she isn't so.  I might have an issue with the heater box and fan unit (eye watering price to fix) so my budget for tyres might mean i choose accelera ph1's (can they be that bad?  £40 a tyre and the tread pattern looks interesting)...........we'll see as I progress through the car.

I use part worns a lot. But it depends on having a friendly fitter who won't baulk at fitting part worns for you.

Recently my only local option has been £20-25 per tyre which negates any savings somewhat.

I tend to buy only good brands with plenty of tread and usually in pairs unless I'm trying to match one 'good' tyre on the other side.

Honestly I think you're on a hiding to nothing trying  215/50s track tyres, if you are using the car for business meetings then it's likely you will encounter RAIN and thus need some useful wet grip.

If it were me I think I'd be looking for 205/50s for the front and 225/50s for the rear, depending on what part worns are available or what new tyre deals you can find.

What's the Lucas AB-14? Is it the fuel pump?

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

It's the ignition amplifier Grogee - can be a bit hit and miss (great when it's working however)...........mine looks like it's suffered somewhat.........it might be fine but if not there's a modern alternative (that i simply can't remember it's name).  Jaguar's of the same vintage have them too (XJ's I mean) and there's a work around.  They are fairly simple things in truth.......but I'm not one for mucking about with ziener diodes and the like.  Not worrying about it for now - bigger issues to worry about. 

I hear you on the part-worns front - will investigate.  sadly don't have a friendly tyre bloke........but if push comes to shove I'm sure I can find someone.

 

 

[Gompo]

My rear 215s are old, have not worked out the date yet but perhaps older than your 2008s. I've considered doing 215/45s but there's fewer options and a little more expensive than 205s. I live quite close to Longstone and apparently the owner sometimes comes to the local Lotus meets, but I've not seen him yet. While I've seen him try to convince people the Pirellis on the Excel forum I'd be interested in getting a direct view. And if he does mate's rates!

I know some of the chaps on LotusExcel.net have experimented with different sizes, one might be running 205/60s which look a little odd.

I think the cheapo 205s that were quickly fitted to mine are Accellera Phis.. I'll take a couple of photos later. 

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

Gompo - noticed anything untoward with the acceleras?  Handle ok?  nothing wrong with them in the wet?  

I'd avoid trying to buy 4 tyres usually but the ones on the lotus are cracked, and in an awful state tbh.  I'll be putting the kids in it too and that sways my attitude to them (I'm a bit more blase when it comes to just me).  I'll be changing them.

205/60's will look too tall imo and just look wrong imho;

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

I've heard on the internet (so pinch of salt ok?) that 215/45's (or 205/45) are a bit harder/less forgiving than a 50 profile.  And bearing in mind it's all about the handling.......I've sort of shied away from 45's - but interested to hear opinions.