Positioning:
The Lotus Elise 340R was a track-focused, limited-production variant of the Elise, emphasizing lightweight construction and raw driving experience. This manual caters to owners and specialists seeking to maintain and repair this unique vehicle.
Competitors Context:
Competed in a niche segment against other lightweight sports cars and track-day specials, but the 340R was particularly minimalist and purpose-built.
Vehicle Focus:
The 340R is renowned for its extreme lightweight design, open cockpit, and driver-centric approach. Maintenance and repair often require specialized knowledge due to its unique construction.
Value Proposition:
This manual provides the critical technical data, repair procedures, and specifications necessary to keep the Lotus Elise 340R in optimal condition, essential for such a performance-oriented and potentially collectible vehicle.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanicals, fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (manual), clutch, driveshafts, differentials.
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system, braking system, wheel alignment.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting system, starting and charging system, instrumentation, body electricals.
Body And Trim:
Body panels, interior trim, doors, windows, seats, bumpers.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common issues, fault finding charts, symptoms and causes.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembly, assembly, and repair of all major components.
Adjustments:
Carburetor adjustments, ignition timing, brake adjustments, suspension adjustments, clutch adjustments.
Installation:
Procedures for installing new or replacement parts and components.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of specialized tools required for specific repair operations.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic checks to full component rebuilds and complex diagnostics.
Detail Level:
Detailed step-by-step procedures, with pictorial diagrams, exploded views, and photos.
PDF Quality:
High quality, ensuring clear text and images. All pages printable.
Printability:
Yes, all 619 pages are printable.
Binding:
Not applicable (digital PDF format).
Paper Type:
Not applicable (digital PDF format).
Operating Systems:
Windows, Mac, Linux OS.
Software Requirement:
Adobe Reader (or compatible PDF viewer).
Engine Type:
Mid-mounted, transverse, inline-4 cylinder, naturally aspirated.
Engine Code:
Rover K-Series (likely the VHPD - Very High Performance Derivative).
Displacement:
1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Horsepower:
Approximately 190-217 hp (depending on specific VHPD tune).
Torque:
Around 170-180 lb-ft (typical for VHPD K-series).
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI), likely with electronic control unit (ECU).
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition.
Cooling Type:
Liquid-cooled.
Length:
Approx. 3645 mm (143.5 in)
Width:
Approx. 1700 mm (66.9 in)
Height:
Approx. 1130 mm (44.5 in) (without windscreen/canopy)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 530 kg (1168 lbs) - exceptionally light.
Weight Distribution:
Typically close to 50/50 front/rear due to mid-engine layout.
Crash Test Ratings:
Not typically rated by standard safety organizations due to its specialized, low-volume, track-focused nature and open-cockpit design.
Braking System:
Four-wheel disc brakes, often with AP Racing calipers and vented rotors. Manual states specific brake bleeding procedures and fluid types.
Suspension Geometry:
Double wishbone suspension all around, with adjustable dampers and anti-roll bars. Manual covers alignment specifications and adjustment procedures.
Roll Cage:
Integrated roll bar/cage structure as standard for driver protection.
Seat Belts:
Multi-point racing harnesses.
Fire Suppression:
May include provisions for, or be designed to accept, fire suppression systems (common for track cars).
Infotainment System:
Extremely basic, typically a simple radio/cassette player or no audio system at all, reflecting its minimalist, driver-focused design. The manual will cover the basic electrical connections if present.
Driver Assistance:
Virtually non-existent by modern standards. Focus is on mechanical feedback and driver skill. ABS and traction control were generally not fitted to the 340R.
Connectivity Features:
No factory connectivity features like Bluetooth or USB ports.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months, but the manual will specify exact intervals for the specific engine and oil used.
Major Service:
The manual will detail specific mileage/time intervals for major services including cambelt replacement (if applicable to the specific K-series variant), spark plugs, and fluid checks.
Engine Oil:
Typically a high-quality synthetic oil, e.g., 5W-30 or 10W-40, with specific API/ACEA ratings detailed in the manual. The K-series is known to be sensitive to oil quality and level.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with a 50/50 mix with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or higher specification brake fluid. Manual will detail change intervals and bleeding procedures.
Gearbox Oil:
Manual transmission fluid, typically a GL-4 or GL-5 specification, with specific viscosity grades detailed in the manual.
Head Gasket Failures:
The Rover K-Series engine, particularly in high-performance variants like the VHPD, has a historical reputation for head gasket failures. Proper maintenance, coolant levels, and avoiding overheating are critical. The manual will cover specific checks and replacement procedures.
Clutch Wear:
Due to the lightweight nature and spirited driving often associated with the Elise, clutch wear can be accelerated. Manual provides inspection and replacement details.
Suspension Bushings:
High-performance use can lead to wear in suspension bushings. The manual details inspection and replacement of these components.
Heritage:
Lotus Cars has a rich history of producing lightweight, high-performance sports cars focused on handling and driver engagement, dating back to the Lotus Seven and Elan.
Elise Evolution:
The Elise 340R is a unique iteration of the Series 1 Elise, with a minimalist, open-top, single-seater (or 1+1 seating) design, devoid of doors, roof, or many creature comforts, emphasizing pure driving. It was intended as a homologation special for certain racing series and a celebration of lightweight sports car principles.
Production Run:
Limited production run, with only 340 units ever built worldwide.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, England.
