Positioning:
High-performance lightweight sports car.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Alfa Romeo GTV, TVR Griffith.
Design Philosophy:
Lightweight construction, pure driving experience, mid-engine layout.
Manual Value Proposition:
Enables owners to perform maintenance and repairs, saving money and fostering understanding of the vehicle.
Engine Mechanical:
Yes, comprehensive details on engine disassembly, assembly, and component specifications.
Engine Electrical:
Yes, including wiring diagrams, component testing, and troubleshooting.
Emission Control:
Yes, covering emission control systems and related components.
Fuel System:
Yes, including fuel injection, fuel pump, and fuel lines.
Clutch System:
Yes, with procedures for inspection, adjustment, and replacement.
Manual Transaxle:
Yes, detailed information on manual transmission servicing and repair.
Automatic Transaxle:
Yes, although the 1999 Elise was primarily manual, coverage may exist for potential variants or related systems.
Driveshaft Axle:
Yes, covering drive shafts, CV joints, and axles.
Suspension System:
Yes, including front and rear suspension, shock absorbers, and alignment.
Steering System:
Yes, covering steering rack, column, and power steering (if applicable).
Restraint System:
Yes, focusing on seat belts, airbags (if equipped), and associated systems.
Brake System:
Yes, including brake fluid, pads, rotors, calipers, and ABS (if equipped).
Body Interior Exterior:
Yes, covering body panels, doors, trim, and interior components.
Body Electrical:
Yes, detailing lighting, power windows, locks, and other body electrical functions.
HVAC:
Yes, covering heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Maintenance Procedures:
Yes, step-by-step guides for routine maintenance tasks.
Repair Procedures:
Yes, detailed instructions for component repair and replacement.
Troubleshooting Diagnostics:
Yes, including diagnostic flowcharts and common problem resolutions.
Component Replacement:
Yes, clear instructions for replacing major and minor components.
Wiring Schematics:
Yes, full electrical wiring diagrams are included.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for both novice owners and professional mechanics.
Target Audience:
Owners with basic mechanical skills, independent auto service professionals, authorized dealer service departments.
Engine Type:
Rover K-Series (K18)
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, mid-mounted
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves
Horsepower:
Approximately 118 hp (88 kW) at 5500 rpm (standard spec for many early Elise models, may vary slightly for specific markets).
Torque:
Approximately 124 lb-ft (168 Nm) at 4000 rpm (standard spec).
Induction:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (RON 95/97 recommended)
Engine Mechanical Components
Cylinder Head:
Lotus's Variable Valve Lift and Timing (VVL) system on some later K-series variants, though standard 1999 models may not feature it. Manual will detail standard configuration.
Length:
Approx. 3776 mm (148.7 inches)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 inches)
Height:
Approx. 1145 mm (45.1 inches)
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2300 mm (90.6 inches)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 720 kg (1587 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Not typically specified for lightweight sports cars in the same way as mass-market vehicles.
Oil Change:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Manual will provide precise interval.
Timing Belt Chain:
Rover K-series engines use a timing belt. Interval is critical, often around 60,000 miles or 5 years. Manual is essential for exact procedure and interval.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity (e.g., 10W-40, 15W-50) and API/ACEA specifications. Often a higher quality synthetic is recommended due to engine design.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based, long-life coolant. Manual will specify type and mixture ratio.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 recommended. Manual will specify exact requirement.
Transmission Fluid:
Refer to manual for specific gearbox oil type and grade, typically a GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil.
Head Gasket Failures:
A known potential issue with the Rover K-series engine, particularly in earlier iterations, often related to overheating or coolant issues. The manual will detail proper coolant checks and maintenance to mitigate this.
Clutch Wear:
Due to the lightweight nature and performance focus, clutch wear can be accelerated with aggressive driving. Manual provides wear limit specifications.
Aluminimum Chassis Corrosion:
While durable, improper care or galvanic corrosion between dissimilar metals can occur. Manual provides guidance on cleaning and protection.
