Model Years Covered:
1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004
Chassis Codes:
Series 1 (S1) Elise, Series 1 Exige
Market Position:
Specialist sports car segment, focused on lightweight construction and driver engagement.
Competitors:
Porsche Boxster, Toyota MR2, Honda S2000, Nissan 300ZX (early models), Caterham 7.
Key Features:
Aluminum chassis, composite body panels, mid-engine layout, high-revving naturally aspirated engines, focused driving dynamics.
Target Audience:
Enthusiasts and owners seeking to perform their own maintenance and repairs, save on dealership costs, and gain a deeper understanding of their vehicle.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical, fuel system, ignition system, cooling system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Transmission (gearbox), clutch, final drive, driveshafts, differential.
Chassis & Suspension:
Front and rear suspension, steering system, wheel bearings, alignment specifications.
Braking System:
Brake hydraulics, calipers, discs, pads, parking brake, ABS (where applicable).
Electrical System:
Battery, charging system, starting system, lighting, instrumentation, wiring diagrams, ECUs.
Body & Trim:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, convertible top mechanism, aerodynamics.
Maintenance:
Scheduled servicing, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections, lubrication.
Repair:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical diagnostics and repair.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common faults, symptom-based troubleshooting guides, error code interpretation.
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid types and capacities, electrical component resistance, engine tuning data.
Engine Rebuild:
Detailed steps for engine disassembly, inspection of components (pistons, rings, bearings, valves), cylinder head work, and reassembly.
Suspension Overhaul:
Instructions for replacing wishbones, dampers, springs, anti-roll bars, and steering rack components.
Brake System Overhaul:
Procedures for bleeding the brake system, replacing brake pads and discs, caliper servicing, and checking brake lines.
Electrical Diagnostics:
Comprehensive wiring diagrams, component testing procedures, and troubleshooting guides for common electrical faults.
Body Panel Replacement:
Guidance on removing and refitting body panels, including doors, bonnet, and engine cover.
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-Cylinder, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
Rover K Series (various displacements and iterations)
Displacement:
Typically 1.8 Liters (1796 cc)
Bore X Stroke:
80.0 mm x 89.3 mm (approximate for 1.8L)
Compression Ratio:
10.5:1 to 11.5:1 (model dependent)
Horsepower:
118 hp (Elise Standard), 135 hp (Elise Sport 135), 177 hp (Exige)
Torque:
116 lb-ft (Elise Standard), 120 lb-ft (Elise Sport 135), 155 lb-ft (Exige)
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI)
Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95-98 RON / 91-93 AKI)
ECU Type:
Various ECUs depending on year and engine spec, often Lucas or Magneti Marelli based.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributorless coil-on-plug (COP) on later models or distributor on earlier ones.
Transmission Type:
5-Speed Manual Transaxle
Gearbox Manufacturer:
Lotus (modified Rover PG1 gearbox)
Optional Transmission:
N/A for these model years
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate Clutch
Final Drive Ratio:
Typically 3.944:1 or 4.20:1 (model dependent)
Gearbox Oil Type:
API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil
Gearbox Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.2 Liters (2.3 US Quarts)
Crash Test Ratings:
As a low-volume specialist manufacturer, official NCAP or equivalent ratings are generally not applicable in the same way as mass-market vehicles.
Braking System Type:
Hydraulic, Dual Circuit, Vacuum Assisted
Front Brakes:
Ventilated Discs (e.g., 282mm diameter)
Rear Brakes:
Solid Discs (e.g., 260mm diameter)
ABS:
Optional on some models, standard on later Exige variants. Early Elise models did not feature ABS.
Airbags:
Driver's airbag standard. Passenger airbag optional or absent on early models.
Seat Belts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts.
Chassis Safety Structure:
Integral safety cage within the extruded aluminum chassis.
Infotainment System:
Basic. Typically includes an aftermarket or factory-provided radio/cassette or CD player with basic speaker system. Limited integration by modern standards.
Driver Assistance Features:
Minimal. ABS was optional. Focus is on pure driving mechanics, not electronic aids.
Connectivity Features:
N/A. No Bluetooth, USB, or smartphone integration as standard.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Major Service Interval:
At least every 20,000 miles or 24 months, including spark plugs, filters, and thorough inspections.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG/SH or higher, SAE 10W-40 or 10W-50 Synthetic Engine Oil (check manual for exact spec based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Use a suitable long-life coolant.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine Oil Capacity:
Approximately 4.5 Liters (4.8 US Quarts) with filter change.
Coolant Capacity:
Approximately 6.0 Liters (6.3 US Quarts)
Head Gasket:
The Rover K-Series engine is known for potential head gasket issues, particularly the 'elastomer seal' (HGF). Proper bleeding and coolant levels are critical. The manual will detail procedures for inspection and replacement.
Clutch Slave Cylinder:
The clutch slave cylinder can be prone to leaks or failure. Routine inspection and potential upgrades are covered.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in suspension bushings is common over time, affecting handling. The manual provides replacement procedures.
Electrical Connectors:
Corrosion or poor connections in wiring harnesses can cause intermittent electrical faults. The manual's wiring diagrams are invaluable.
Brand Philosophy:
Colin Chapman's principle of 'Simplify, then add lightness'. Focus on performance through low weight and excellent handling.
Elise Introduction:
Lotus Elise launched in 1996 as a spiritual successor to the Seven, emphasizing purity of driving experience.
Exige Introduction:
Lotus Exige launched in 2000 as a more track-focused version of the Elise, featuring a fixed roof and enhanced aerodynamics.
Engine Development:
Early models used the Rover K-Series engine, which was shared with other British sports cars and sedans. Later developments saw revisions and upgrades to this engine for Lotus.
Manufacturing Location:
Hethel, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Production Period Covered:
1996-2004 (Series 1 Elise and early Series 1 Exige)
