🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Lotus Model: Elise / Exige Generation Model Years Covered: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004 Codes Chassis Codes: Series 1 (S1) Elise, Series 1 Exige 👋 Introduction Market Position Market Position: Specialist sports car segment, focused on lightweight construction and driver engagement. Competitive Analysis Competitors: Porsche Boxster, Toyota MR2, Honda S2000, Nissan 300ZX (early models), Caterham 7. Key Features Key Features: Aluminum chassis, composite body panels, mid-engine layout, high-revving naturally aspirated engines, focused driving dynamics. Target Audience 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. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Complete Workshop Service Repair Manual Page Count Page Count: Undisclosed (Digital Download) Language Language: English Format Format: Digital Downloadable (PDF) Accessibility: Printable, Tablet/Smartphone Compatible 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered 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. Procedures Included 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. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, from basic maintenance to complete engine and drivetrain rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format File Format: PDF Print Quality Print Quality: High quality, designed for clear reproduction of text and images. Printable page by page or in its entirety. Binding Type Binding Type: N/A (Digital - User printable) Paper Type Paper Type: N/A (Digital - User printable) Software Requirements Software Requirements: Adobe Reader (Free download available) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine 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) Performance 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 System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) Fuel Type: Premium Unleaded Gasoline (95-98 RON / 91-93 AKI) Engine Management 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 Standard Transmission Type: 5-Speed Manual Transaxle Gearbox Manufacturer: Lotus (modified Rover PG1 gearbox) Optional Optional Transmission: N/A for these model years Features Clutch Type: Hydraulic, Dry Single Plate Clutch Final Drive Ratio: Typically 3.944:1 or 4.20:1 (model dependent) Fluid Specifications Gearbox Oil Type: API GL-4, SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 Synthetic Gear Oil Fluid Capacities Gearbox Oil Capacity: Approximately 2.2 Liters (2.3 US Quarts) 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length: 3743 mm (147.4 in) Width: 1705 mm (67.1 in) Height: 1130 mm (44.5 in) Wheelbase: 2300 mm (90.6 in) Weights Curb Weight: Approx. 700-850 kg (1543-1874 lbs), depending on model and specification Gross Vehicle Weight Rating: Approx. 900-1000 kg (1984-2205 lbs) Cargo Trunk Capacity: Very limited, typically a small space behind the engine or in the front nose cone. 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings 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. Active Features 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. Passive Features 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. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Infotainment System: Basic. Typically includes an aftermarket or factory-provided radio/cassette or CD player with basic speaker system. Limited...