Ecotec Transplant is Complete - 325hp Here We Come!

We completed the engine transplant this weekend.  Our motley crew consisted of of Abel and I along with the Steve, Ryan and Dave from Secant.  Ryan led our efforts as he has completed this swap a few times and developed the integration.  We got started at about 9am on Saturday and started up the new engine at 1am on Sunday (see last pic below).  We also had a few visitors who checked out the swap.  

Essentially we removed the old engine, bolted the TVS blower onto the new built engine along with the old transmission and few other bits.  The 'Devil is in the Details' so I will post some details of the mechanicals later.  Needless to say I was impressed with the use of OEM components that result in a factory- looking engine bay. 

We buttoned up the car on Sunday after finding a couple of loose hose clamps.  Steve had already completed a rough engine calibration so the car was safe to drive.   My driving impressions were limited as the engine still needed to be broken in.   We drove around on Sunday keeping the rpms under 4k.  The Exige can be driven around at very low rpms very easily.  It just drives smoothly and idles beautifully.  We put the car into 3rd gear and tooled around at 1500rpm with ease.  Ryan had previously spent a significant amount time getting the shifter sorted so it shifts nicely and easily.  

Steve drove off to San Francisco at about 3pm Sunday.  He will complete the engine calibration and bring it back down for additional track testing in a couple of weeks.  We then plan to take it to LOG29 and show off the Stage II kit.  We are slated to give a Tech Seminar at LOG on Sunday at 3pm so please join us.

New Atom Brakes

Girodisc has been testing out some new brakes for the Atom.  Some of the Atom 2 have weak brakes.  The Alcon equipped cars, like mine, are fine but the Base & Sport brake package cars

suffer from too little rear brake.  These cars  respond very well to improved rear brake.

Secant Stage I Power vs Stock Lotus

Horsepower:

Torque (ft-lbs):

Secant Exige's Engine Bay

325hp+ Powertrain Swap with Secant

One of the products from our partnership with Secant Engineering is a full powertrain swap for the Elise/Exige + power ehancement for the Atom2. The Secant boys have done an exceptionally nice job in integrating the Ecotec powertrain into their Exige. Their OEM-like approach is evident when you see how clean the engine bay looks. The powertrain looks like it belongs in a Lotus (actually a derivative is in the Europa). An interesting fact is that this engine was developed in part by Lotus Engineering. My friend Kiyoshi aptly pointed out, we now have a 'Lotus' engine in a Lotus Elise/Exige.

Secant has already commercialized their Stage 1 kit. It produces 280hp & 241ft-lbs of torque. Learn more here: Secant Stage 1 Specs The power of this kit is impressive BUT so is how docile the car is around town and in day to day use. This powertrain swap is available now - just contact us.

The engine shown above was built for us by GM Racing. We will be plugging it into Secant's Exige. We're undertaking this minor surgery at our shop this weekend. This motor is fully built to withstand the added power that will be generated thx to the new TVS supercharger that we are bolting to it. This is the same blower on the new ZR1. It is very efficient and can move massive amounts of air. We'll also raise the rev limiter to 7,500rpm.

We are shooting for approx 325hp. Our ultimate goal is to offer SAFE and RELIABLE power upgrades. We're confident that our aero, brake & suspension solutions are ready for this level of power. Delivering a balanced solution is high on our list.

Yes, we have another engine being built by GM Racing for my Atom. 8^)

New Affordable Quick Release Steering Hub System

We've just launched a new affordable quick release steering hub for track focused cars.  This new kit, hubQR, is a nicely made product with most of the components built here in the US.  Ralph@V2 has sorted the hub adapter to work on our Federal Lotus.  

I'm very pleased with the quality of this kit.  They are available now: hubQR

Another product that will allow a driver to custom fit themselves into their Lotus is the hub50mm.  This adapter is over twice as thick as the adapter that comes with the hubQR .  It can also be used alone by the driver who does not need the convenience of a quick release system.  It is simpler and lighter than all other options.  

V2arms Are in Stock

The steering arms have arrived.  We've made them available on-line: HERE

V2 Steering Arms are done.

Ralph sent me these pictures of the finished steering arms. He has test fit them on his Exige and given them the green light! Notice how the shims can be installed or removed without pulling off the arms. They pivot in and out. The hard ano finish on the arms is bomber as well. I'm excited to get these!

We expect to have them in stock this week. The complete kit will include 2 steering arms + shims for the front AND rear. They will be affordably priced.