This is the same as the 2zz elise with a less power full motor.

Turboing the 1zz for $4k will give you close to 250hp. Something to think about when the 2zz less only has 190hp and even less torque.

This elise will not be offered in the US because people will buy it and mod it.

I bet that Lotus stops sells the 2zz elise in the rest of the work and offers the 2zz only the exige.

 

Being a former Celica Gt and Gt-s owner I can tell you that stock and modified, the 2zz is far superior. Theses engines werent built as well as a f20 when it comes to handling boost so I and 99% of the owners out there experienced issues.

 

My current 1zz in my MR2 spyder has been turbo'd for over 20K miles with several thousand track miles in 100* california heat. I have been running 8psi about 220hp with a conservative tune.

But I agree that the 2zz is a more reliable motor due to better internal and lubrication. However it is much more expensive.

I think the reason most people blow up turbo 1zz motors is due to poor tuning, no oil cooling, and simply running more boost than the engine can handle. The 1zz can bend connecting rods at anywhere from 250-300hp.

But looking at the price of 2zz vs 1zz engines. I would rather blow up a 1zz engine. The 1zz is easy to find used for less than $500 therefore I consider it to be a disposable motor.

The 2zz is much more expensive to replace.

I can pretty much guarantee than there will be supercharger/turbo kits available for this elise from lotus or many aftermaket companies.

Also a 2zz swap in the Elise S will cost you $4k parts and labor. That is what the price of the swap in the MR2 costs and I bet the Lotus has the exact same power plant as the MR2, 1zz with 5-speed.

 

That is a good point about the lower compression therefore with boost will be lower than a regular elise with a lot more power... that is a very good point.
Still, after hearing about many MR-S owners experiencing problems with their motors (most in stock form) gets me kind of skeptical about the engine's toughness. But if what silversprint says is right about the cost of the motor, then sounds like a good way to go to me.
Also, the whole power hungry thing about US is true, but for us to complain about a lower power variant is completely valid. Also keep in mind that the people who would like more power still chose an S2000 over a Mustang, some even choosing it over a Vette and such. What's wrong with wanting more power? I understand the logic if you choose power above all else, but if the package is already good, wouldn't a bit more power make it better (assuming the car can handle it, etc)? I mean sure, you coudl squeeze more cornering ability or braking capability, to most that;s like splitting hairs whereas extra power everyone can appreciate and enjoy. Or is that just being power hungry?

 

Don't play semantics, and don't go off topic. The engine still comes from Toyota, regardless of who built it, and it's Toyota's money that got it produced. Yamaha didn't just decide to build this thing and Toyota happened across it.

But that's not even the point we're arguing about. How is referencing the Celica in your thread title supposed to make me think about the Elise?

 

Let me help you out:

900lbs lighter than an S2k

 

 

[QUOTE=Dr. WOT,Jun 9 2006, 07:25 AM] Let me help you out:

900lbs lighter than an S2k

 

If Lotus brings this to the US, I'm buying one.

 

Totally agree, expect that in the case of sports car, these 3 factors you named (braking, direction changes, road feel) are the whole game. Most other cars it is more about power to weight, and then yes you are right, but sports cars are the one case where those are above all, even power.