We had great results on track this past weekend after two days of track testing. Our new baffled fuel tank for the S2 Lotus Elise/Exige now features a ball check valve. ProAlloy have been successfully using this design on their tanks for years. We've installed several of their tanks onto Cup cars and 211s with excellent results.
We ran the car on two days on two different track configurations at SMMR. Mansell C is shown below.
We ran the exact corner where the car fuel starved with half a tank in Dec. See above. This is Pahrump 2 - which is a fast left hand sweeper that starts right after the equivalent right hander. The picture of Nick's Elise is at the spot shown on the track map.
Now it runs perfectly down to about 1.5gallons remaining BEFORE it starts to sputter. We experienced that twice and in both cases, the car took 8.5 gallons of fuel when we went to fill it up. I am happy that this solution will be a good one for most of you running on the street and track. It retains the factory safety and emissions plumbing and fixes the starvation at the source of the problem.
We will go into production on this latest design. It will now be called the 111tank2.
Light, simple, safe.We obsess over those three words. But even the humble parts—like rubber brake hoses—age out. A recent case on a very low-mile ’05 Elise reminded me how quietly time can catch up and change how a car stops. Disaster struck this car when the rear driver side caliper locked up. Fortunately the owner was able to nurse the car home safely and have it towed to us for repair.
Symptoms were odd: only one rear corner dragged; eventually it freed itself. Fluid was old but in OK condition. The car still had its original OEM rubber brake lines. My working theory: internal hose aging created a one-way restriction—easy pressure in, slow/no return—so the caliper stayed applied longer than it should resulting in a smokey brake and a fully locked up corner!
How OEM Rubber Brake Hoses Are Built
An Elise OEM hose looks simple, but it’s a multi-layer composite that works hard every time you hit the middle pedal.
Reinforcement braid: Limits expansion under pressure.
Outer jacket: Protects from heat, ozone, abrasion.
Nothing exotic here—and that’s the point. It’s good, durable, serviceable… but it still ages and why we wrote a previous: BLOG
What Age Does to Brake Hoses
Outer cracking is easy to spot. The sneaky failure is inside the hose—where you can’t see it.
Failure mode
How it develops
Real-world symptoms
Internal collapse / check-valve effect
Inner liner hardens, micro-cracks, or delaminates; a flap or swelling narrows the bore.
One corner drags, brakes feel uneven, wheel runs hot; caliper may “release itself” later.
Reinforcement fatigue
Braid loses stiffness after years of heat cycles and moisture.
Softer pedal, more travel, vague response under repeated stops.
Outer jacket degradation
UV, ozone, road spray, or heat near rotors/exhaust.
Visible cracking, surface bubbling, damaged sections near fittings.
Fluid & moisture interaction
Old DOT 4 absorbs water; moisture + time accelerates internal deterioration.
Lower boiling point, discoloration, more fade when hot.
Yes, even Exiges...
Why only one side? Hoses age unevenly: routing, heat (exhaust proximity), flex cycles, and tiny manufacturing variances mean one line can fail years before its twin. See the picture below of the Elise that failed and note the sourcs of heat.
OEM vs Upgrade Options
Fresh OEM rubber: Restores factory feel; perfectly fine for road cars.
InoKinetic braided / stainless kit: Improved pedal consistency, durability, and peace of mind. Designed specifically for Elise/Exige fitment. Our QWKbleed SS Lines are worth a look - see them: HERE
Elise Brake Hose Refresh: Quick Checklist
Replace all four hoses together. Don’t chase symptoms one corner at a time.
Flush with fresh DOT 4. Bleed thoroughly; check for equal flow at each corner. We like: Motul
Inspect calipers. Verify pistons, seals, and slide pins; address any asymmetry you find.
Route & secure. Ensure full droop/compression clearance, no twist, no chafe.
Road-test & heat-cycle. A/B stops, then re-check for drag or wheel-to-wheel temperature differences
Set an interval. For street cars: consider 10–15 years as a practical horizon; sooner for heavy track use.
Bottom Line
Yes, even new Emiras will eventually succumb...
Rubber brake lines don’t ask for attention—until they do. If your Elise or Exige is still on originals, consider this your nudge. Replace the hoses, flush the fluid, verify the calipers, and get back to what the car was built for: precise, confidence-inspiring braking that lets you carry speed where it counts.
We have sourced a new cold air intake (CAI) from ITG. We had worked with these guys back in 2005 but the intakes flowed too much air! We did not have the tuning ability to deal with the added airflow so our car would get too lean. Now that we have proper tuning ability, they are back on our shelf as I love the better filtration that their filters offer.We have also sourced new headers that offer a decat or sportcat option. These are made here in the US so we can avoid those pesky tariff and exchange rate headaches that are a constant challenge with this business. The quality is great so we are pleased with the prospects. Plus they offer a EPA Certified Catalytic Converter which will allow many of you to stay emissions legal in your state.
We know many clients are looking for solutions beyond a Stage1. Both the CAI and Exhaust solutions will complement our other options. We know that many of you are looking for NA solutions but some of you with SC are also interested in upgrades. We are running the 111RS with the CAI, Header and Decat now with the KATANA3. Much like our previous KATANA265, this new solution essentially features the same types of hardware with our updated tuning ability.
Brent will be in late Aug and we will begin to tune our cars with these various hardware options.
Some of you know that we are working on a simple solution to delete the ABS on the Elise/Exige. The stock ABS comes off a Minivan from the 90s and is not a great performer. 'Black Ice" modeis a common issue for aggressive drivers - especially in bumpy conditions.
We have been working with Girodisc on an idea that would delete the ABS system and replace it with a simple block that would route the fluid to the front and rear circuits via a bias adjuster. This would allow the driver to adjust the bias to his liking.
We received the ABS Delete Block (need a better name!) to install. It is on our ArtCar2 and has seen some quick street testing around our shop. The block originally came with the bias adjuster connected to it but we decided to install a remote bias adjuster so we could place it in the cabin within reach of a driver. The servo remains in the system but you lose the speedo. This car runs the AiM MX2E so we are using the GPS antennae for speed.
The install is slick and I'm looking forward to getting it to the track to test.
We discovered an oil pressure issue on a 2ZZGE-equipped Elise. It turns out, there are two interchangeable sensors on the engine that will allow the car to start and run. In other words, they can be screwed in and plugged into harness in either position! But if they are switched, the car will throw a code when revved into the second cam.
Other than being different colors and having different numbers printed on the sensors, both oil pressure sensors visually display very similar characteristics and use the same style electrical connection.
They are boxed in red above
The black Pressure Switch sensor is supposed to be installed in the head and the gray Sending Unit goes into the oil filter housing.
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!
In the last year, we have seen a few Elise/Exige cars with drain holes that were either not drilled or not fully drilled out. We would encourage you to inspect your car to confirm that the holes were drilled correctly. Your fan blower is in jeopordy of failing if this is not done.
What?
The S2 Elise and Exige should have drain holes drilled into the chassis. This was a Dealer installed Technical Service Bulletin 2007/01 issued by Lotus Cars. The TSB is posted at the end of this Blog post.
Why?
These holes allow water to drain from the HVAC cavity. If water is allowed to collect in this space, the electronics for the blower will begin to corrode and then fail.
How?
At the front of your chassis you can inspect to see if these holes are present. Take a 6mm rod and see if it will go all the way into the cavity. If not, you can drill it yourself with a 6mm drill bit. Note the 10mm limiter suggested by the TSB below.
Our Street Ride Height recommendation has been update to reflect our new thinking for improved clearance on some of our ever deteriorating road conditions. We raised our recommendation by 5mm.
A proper alignment is critical to the performance of your lightweight sports cars. These cars are very sensitive and respond well to changes in the suspension setup. These recommendations are based on experience we've gathered since 2004 with the Lotus 111 platform. Your results may vary so we suggest you start here and tweak as your driving style demands.
Make sure that your car's suspension components are in mechanically sound condition. Check your ball joints, toe links, track ends, etc to ensure that nothing is worn out. See our 60pt Prep Sheet for a great reference. Consider our Suspension Refresh Kit if you discover worn-out parts have a higher mileage car.
Recommended settings for an Elise/Exige street/track car with R-compound tires.
Front Rear Ride height 130 +/- 3mm 135 +/- 3mm Camber -2.2° to -2.5° -2.4° to -2.7°
To set the camber, remove all your stock shims as well as the ABS shim. You may need to install FASTarms or machine your stock steering arms to obtain optimal camber. Remember to use thread locker on the steering arm bolts.
While a lower ride height is possible, we find the suspension works best at these recommended heights and the chance of scraping the bottom of your car is less.
Write Down All of Your Changes! Write down your alignment settings and then note how the car performs. Write down any changes you make and record the results. This is the best way to get the car dialed in exactly how you like it. Use our Alignment/Set-up Sheet to help keep tabs on the changes.
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