2024 Year End Summary & 2025 Projections!

 Another year has come to a close and I am grateful that we are still kickin' asphalt!  Purchasing a building in Temecula assures that we can continue to support this community for decades to come.  We introduced some new parts, completed several car builds, enhanced our services and either hosted, sponsored or attended dozens of events.  It has been a productive and fun year!

Parts

Tuning advancements were one of our biggest accomplishments in 2024.  We were the first to tune an EvoraGT to 500hp using the stock ECU.  Brent@Xclusive has made significant steps on both Evora and Elise/Exige ECUs.  Our CARB plans were delayed as the building purchase demanded money that we had saved - City Code compliance is an expensive investment!  We are excited to say that this partnership with Xclusive will continue to bear fruit as Brent plans to move out West in 2025!  

Our Nitron 46mm Singles - S111 Spec was a great hit for us.  This suspension has been on our 111RS for a couple of years and has performed well on the dozens of canyon runs, track days and road trips that I have taken.  Our batTRAY product is working out great for clients who want to run full sized batteries.  Our TEMPkit and OILPTkit are two solutions designed to integrate with the AiM MX2E and provide needed info.  

We redesigned and reintroduced the much requested V2subFIX2.  We've redesigned our baffled fuel tank with no moving parts (see above image).  Our 111tank is the right way to fix fuel starvation as it requires no modifications to your existing fuel system.  Our DW65c Fuel Pump is a natural upgrade to install at the same time.

We have also been looking for lower cost solutions.  We introduced a lower cost fix for the factory oil lines with our oilLINEfittings.  Plus we have a new supplier for 1 piece brake rotors that are a great low cost alternative to OE.  Our new 111Rcoil is an excellent value - we've been running it in our 111RS all year long.

Emira parts were added to our offering now that the cars are on the roads.  We have a CAI, Muffler, Decat, Nitrons, Wheels and Springs!  Now that the AMG-engined cars are being delivered, we hope to see even more excitement.

Service
We serviced over 125 cars which is a 25% increase over last year.  Our goal is to become the best performance shop in the Temecula Valley area for driver's cars.  We've added an additional lift and our own AC Machine which allowed us to develop a comprehensive diag service.  Clients from around the country continue to send us their cars.  We're humbled by their willingness to send us their cars.  Every car that comes here gets our TLC - and thankfully we stock so many of the parts needed to upgrade them quickly.  Though if I am honest, servicing old cars can sometimes be a real challenge!

Our new building has been key to our increased abilities and efficiency.  With a fully fenced in yard, with space for a 40ft container, we have the room to add the tools and equipment to properly service our clients cars.

Car Builds

We completed three 111RS builds this year and a Drakan (almost two)!  Refreshing the 111 platform is a key goal of ours.  Giving worn out Lotus a new lease on life is what our 111RS program is accomplishing.  These cars have been amazing and the tribute 111RS (see above) that we built to honor a fallen Navy Seal was especially heart-warming for us.

Drakan #9 was completed and shipped to her new owner in FL.  This was a new color combo that we had not done in the previous 8 cars.  It looked really fantastic in those colors and with the aero kit.  Did I mention it remains one of the most ferocious yet driveable car I've ever driven?  Clearly I am biased!  We plan to build 5 more in 2025 - supply chain headaches be damned!

An Electrogenic EV conversion was also a big accomplishment for our team this year when we completed a '66 Jag XKE.  We have another Series 3 car and a Defender 90 that we will be completing in early 2025.  They introduced a Miata and classic Mini kits that I look forward to installing soon - anyone interested?

Events

This was an EPIC year!  I had the chance to meet and drive with many of you around the country.  The highlight had to be the trip I took from Lotus of Detroit to the Lotus vs the Dragon event in TN.  Wow!  It was one of the best road trips I have EVER taken and will be lodged firmly in my grey matter forever.  I also attended LOG43 and WCLM which were wonderful events.  These events require so much planning and effort - kudos to all who slave away so that we can have so much fun.  

Hanging out with like-minded enthusiasts is something I truly enjoy.  I love the thrill of driving these cars but the comraderie that comes from these events is a close second!  I had the true priviledge of spending time with so many of you this year!

We hosted several events including our Grand Opening and 2econd Saturdays events at our shop this year.  This monthly gathering has been fun as we change up the format each month.

The Tech Seminar with Nitron was a treat for us tech geeks as Guy Evans took us all through the basics (and then some) of suspensions.  We hosted several artist exhibitions at these events in partnership with my other company Brand Assassins.  

Other

I have started many businesses since 2000, many of which launced on the coat tails of an existing business I had.  Sector111 started from Filter Market.  Drakan Cars came from Sector111.  Other companies, including Rev111 or KappaSphere were ultimately sold while others shut down.  Sector111 has been repositioned as a Lotus focused parts brand.  

InoKinetic continues to spawn other companies, including Brand Assassins and my wife's venture, Stacy Sorts.  Stacy has been pivotal to our success and longevity.  She start a professional organizing business a few years ago and it has found it's legs in 2024.  Stacy Sorts grew by 25% and continues to thrive with Stacy more energized than ever before.  She has found her calling and I could not be more proud of her!

We have been fairly active with new Youtube videos, IG and FB posts along with Forums.  Though I prefer to hang out and talk in person, I know that these other methods of interacting are critical.

2025 Projections 

I have a great team that I know will continue to provide premium parts and service to you.  Our Core Values: Integrity, Quality, Communication, Resuts and Persistance drive us to serve all of you.  We have plenty more new parts, car builds and events that we plan to commercialize, host or support in 2025.

Emira is high on our list for some TLC.  I think an AMG-engined Emira will make it's way into our garage for tuning.  It seems to the right choice for track use and Brent has already cracked the AMG engine ECU so we feel we have a good shot at it.  He is already working on the V6 engine car's ECU as well.  This will be first.

Alfa 4C parts and service are high on our list for the new year.  Jorge is one our techs that is Alfa/Maserati/Ferrari/Fiat Dealer trained.  He knows the 4C so we need to promote our capabilities!  

The other car that is going to get some attention is the C8 Vette.  This car impressed after a weekend of driving Nitron's Stingray.  We plan to invest some resources into these cars to provide support to the thousands of cars that are on the roads in SoCal!

The 111 platform will, no doubt, get more love.  We now have the space to scale-up our Lotus Boneyard effort.  These cars remain at our core and always will.  We believe that cars like them will not be seen, new, again.  I'm committed to help keep these cars on the roads/tracks for as long as I am alive.

Your support and enthusiasm keeps us pumped and glad to be working on things we love.  Thanks to all of you.  Never hesitate to reach out with your questions, comments and suggestions!  Have a great New Year!

111RS #3 Build: Finished?

The 111RS was mostly complete!  We got the car ready for a soft unveiling with the Avants club.  We did not get a chance to rack up enough miles to ensure she was properly vetted.  Plus the AC was not yet charged and the stereo wiring was not yet completed.  At least we got her through Smog Test and got the plates up to date. 

I had my Brand Assassins team get to work on the car and add some decals - especially the EVH homage to the roof.  

She looked great!  Initial driving impressions were also excellent so I can't wait to start racking up break-in miles...

We hung out with other enthusiasts at Auto Conduct's facility in Los Angeles

111RS #3 Build: Finishing Details

LEDs in da HOUSEing

There are so many details that need to be taken care of on a complete build like this.  With our unveiling coming up this Saturday, we were under the gun to finish her off for the assembled guests at the Avants Club Master Class. 

Stereo install, raceVIEW mirrors, ReVerie Side Scoops & 5-element Diffuser, LED lights and custom front turn signals, V-Force harnessbar, Schroth PROFI 4pt Harness, powder coated gas cap cover, alignment, seat install, Safecraft Fire Extinguisher, LFTstrap, BBhook2, red Bollock, sillSACK, custom door panels and custom steering wheel.  

Carlos aligning her to our spec

Plus we got Brand Assassins to add some decals to the car.  One key design element looks especially cool and is a tribute to a favorite musician of ours.  Final pix coming soon...

Interior: Rubber Floor mats, Bollock, Fire extinguisher, more

111RS #3 Build: Front Clam Turn Signal Delete

 We've been deleting the front turn signal on some of our cars.  The stock turn signals are known to pop off as they are fixed with plastic clips that fatigue and fail,  Initially I did not like the look sans signals but have warmed up to them.  Form follows function for me - usually!

We plan to run the car without the center grill so have deleted the holes that they clip into.  Plus we've removed the seam that runs under the nose badge and lights.

111RS #3 Build: Rear Tailight Refinish & Interior Upgrades

 The rear taillights can get dull over time but can be refinished.  You can sand and polish or even have them clear coated.  Lee took the lights from our current 111RS build and worked his magic.  He starts with 1500 grit and wet sands the lights.  In some cases he will start with 1000 grit and then follow with 1500.  

Then he used a cutting compound and then a final polish/wax.  The end result is pretty impressive and something that a DIY could tackle.

We've also decided to dress up the interior of this 111RS.  Several clients have added Alcantara (suede) to their dashboard area and it really looks great.  Are we kidding ourselves attempting to make this car a bit more luxurious?  It is hard not to like how much nicer these parts now look and feel!

The driver seat will again be a comfy CF seat.  We're reuphostering a factory Exige seat for the passenger side.  We want to experiment with a lumber bladder upgrade on this seat.  We know many of the stock lumber bladders are failing along with the leather getting worn out.  We think we can offer to restore these worn seats with new leather/material as well as adding a new inflatable lumber bladder.

We even are looking at heated seat elements for those of you in chillier climates...

111RS #3 Build: AC & Stereo Improvements

 

We are attempting to improve the lackluster AC and stereo performance on this build.  We've not attempted much in either of these categories in the past so wanted to make some progress here on this car.

We have had clients ask us to improve AC performance for years.  Next year, we plan to look at new HVAC units but this year we have too many other product developments that are consuming our resources.  So simple ideas are what we are testing here.

Adding insulation to a few key areas is one idea.  We first insulated the inside of the actual HVAC unit.  We had to rebuild it due to the rodent damage so it gave us the opportunity to add some insulation on the inside.  We brainstormed that this may be an more effective method at keeping the cold on the inside.  We have also added it to some of the ducting in the dash.

Inside the HVAC housing

Under dash ducting plenum

The stereo is also getting improved on this 111RS.  I have removed the stereo from my last two Elises as I have not put much thought to sound systems in these noisy cars!  Ironically I love music so a nice sound system seems like something I would have already sorted.  This car will get our first attempt at creating a better system that does not add too much weight or wiring complexity.  The high level plan is to create a subwoofer box that will take the place of the passenger foot rest.  This box will also house an amp and Bluetooth to connect a phone that will stream music.  We will use the stock speaker locations with upgraded speakers.

This car had some messy aftermarket wiring work done.  Carlos reversed it so we can create a plug and play harness adapter for our solution.  One of our good friends also has been experimenting with sound deadening ideas in his Elise.  We are using a product he recommended under the seats.  It is heavy but lets see how effective it is...

We will reinstall the 5lb foam insulator behind the seats.  This was an easy weight reductions we used to employ!  This car will have more power courtesy of the KATANA3 so we can afford to add a bit more weight.  When we are done, I think we will still be lighter than a stock Elise - but the scales will tell all!

Touring Pack came with some insulation

An act of heresy: sacrilegious insulation

111RS #3 Build: DNA Sway/Engine/Gearbox/KATANA3

We're making steady progress on the 111RS.  The rear of the car is coming together.  We are on track to having it finished by early May.

We decided to paint the rear swaybar mount black.  We peeled the DNA sticker off and revealed the silver powdercoat underneath.  You can see it above.  We left the swaybar itself in silver so it would stand out against the black mount and rear subframe.

 The Mountune-built 2ZZGE engine has been dressed and reassembled with an enhanced alternator that we get locally rebuilt.  We also reinstalled the KATANA3 from our last Outlaw.  We intend to run this kit through CARB so need to get this onto one of our cars.  The rebuilt gearbox was also mated to the engine and is getting a new clutch and flywheel.  

111RS #3 Build: Oil Lines, Built Engine, Gearbox

 The factory oil lines had not been updated on this car.  There is a factory recall that requires Lotus Dealers to update the oil lines on cars with new fittings.  But there are cars that have not had this update even though it is over 10 yrs old now.  We had developed our ULTRAliteLINES prior to this recall as we saw that clients were suffering failures.  We engineered our kit to be lighter and be a direct replacement.  We've blogged about the development of the kit here and even posted about our track and lab testing: HERE

111RS #3 gets the new lines and we also have taken the opportunity to delete the passenger side oil cooler.  We have talked about the over cooling issue with these cars and will also help address it with our HOTplate.  Both of these measures are a good step towards getting the oil temp up to prevent cam lobe damage.  

The Mountune built 2ZZGE engine is getting prepped now for install.  She is a thing of beauty but the way she spins is something else!  This engine is stock compression.  We are running our uprated Oil Pump Gear and gPAN3.  We plan to add the KATANA3 onto this car as well.  

The engines really look great as a result of the vapor blasting.  They look like new.  We're trying out the crinkle finish on the valve cover on this build.  It looks great and I think will become a permanent upgrade.

The rebuilt gearbox has arrived and has both the CF Synchros and the OS Giken LSD - which I absolutely believe is one of the best driveline upgrades you can make to these cars.  The ability to put down power sooner is remarkable with this LSD.  I still remember the first time I drove our Elise with this LSD, I had to call up our Ride & Handling Engineer to see if I was dreaming!  They are truly noticeable and something to consider when having your gearbox rebuilt.  Even the Engineers at Lotus prefer these plate type LSD over the gear type.  I'm a big fan.

packing in more plates that any other LSD

111RS #3 Build: Rad/AC/HVAC Reinstall

End caps are grey!

 This 111RS is getting ProAlloy's proRAD Triple Pass as the stock radiator was looking old and grey.  The plastic end caps had changed from black to grey in color.  These end caps are known to crack and then leak.  We change the radiator out on all the 111RS builds as a preventative measure.  This color change is easy to see from the outside of the car so something we suggest should be inspected.

We also installed ProAlloy's AC Condenser.  The AC hard lines to the stock condensers often rip the threads off the fitting upon removal.  It happened to this car so we had the lines repaired and replaced the condenser with a new rad.  Carlos cleaned up the stock fans and remounted each of these parts into their stack.  

The HVAC unit was cleaned up.  We took the opportunity to add some insulation to the inside of the unit to see if we can improve the AC performance.  We've not tried this before so it will be interesting to see the affect.

Lee cleaned up the radiator shroud and crash structure as everything was apart.  It all looks great now and reinstalled.