Hi everyone,

I am very close to buying a used 2009 Lotus Exige S. Is there a major difference between the S and the 240S? There is one of those available as well. Also, any difficulties any of you have faced in owning one of these cars?

Thanks and appreciate all the input in advance.

 

Regular Exige S has 220 bhp that was sold alongside the Exige S 240 (240 hp). The 240 package includes upgraded AP racing brakes from the Exige Cup 240 and a larger roof scoop from the Exige Cup 255. Upgraded variable valve timing and lift system. The only transmission is a six-speed close-ratio manual, sending power to the nearby rear wheels. 0-60 mph is trimmed to under 4 seconds with this option. Whereas, the regular Exige S is over 4 seconds.
Depending on your needs, any of the two is great. There is also a price increase so put that to factor. TBH, I had the chance of driving a Lotus Exige S and that was like a go-kart to me.. I can only imagine the 240 S
There is a member here, and he built an amazing gray wide body track beast Lotus- he'd be the guy to talk to. If anyone can help chime in on that, it'd be much appreciated. Brain fart. Lol.

 

The VVT system is exactly the same across all of the 2ZZ engines. The difference in the S240 is primarily in the ECU software. It also has larger injectors, larger fuel pump, larger front brakes, and a slightly stiffer pressure plate, as well as a few cosmetic changes.

You can get 240-260 HP out of a normal S with very little difficulty.

 

Thanks F1-LH! Appreciate you taking the time to provide the info.

I guess what I need at this point is to better understand what the difference between owning one or the other means. I do hear great things about the handling regardless of it being an S model or a 240S. Will have to do more research I guess on that and also if there are any mechanical flaws.

Anyone else care to add to the thread? Please do! Thanks again F1-LH!

 

Ah. Ok.. thanks SImba. Didn't realize the VVTL-I system was the same across.
But yes, the S can get the same HP very easily. That's why when I drove the S, even then I told myself "holy shit.", with a little work it can be done.

No problem El Wehbi, were here to help good luck and happy buying, Mate!

 

Thanks Simba! I know that the Toyota-sourced engine is easy to maintain, but is it easy to squeeze more power from? Also, would you know if that disrupts the balance of the car, especially since Lotus has done such a brilliant job with that to begin with?

 

Cheers buddy! Will let you know which one I end up buying when I eventually sort my life out lol

 

It's relatively easy to get more power out of the supercharged versions. 260ish hp is about the safe limit for the stock supercharger on pump gas. If you go to a larger supercharger or a turbo system, you can pull around 300-320 hp out of it before you start running into reliability issues.

With said issues addressed, 400+ hp is doable with the right supporting modifications.

Anything but. To a point, the more power you put in the car, the better it is. I have a turbocharged Elise making about 320 hp. It's about perfect for a reliable, street driven car on pump gas. I consider 300-350 hp the magic range for the Elise/Exige. More than that, and you start to introduce drivability issues, need a stronger transmission solution, and so on and so forth.

 

I would look at the fuel starvation issue. I had that with mine from time to time and could result in failure of your engine.

BOE make a surge tank to fix the problem. I'm planning to do that mod as soon as I can next year when I have space to take the car apart.

Other than that, it's a great little car and very satisfying to drive. Good luck with your purchase, you will have loads of fun.

Driving simplicity at it's best

 

Generally only an issue if you track it on sticky tires with less than half a tank of fuel, but yes, it's one of the few issues one should address. See also: Toe links, engine mount inserts.