CA 2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
05-20-2012, 08:51 AM
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2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
2003 Euro Lotus Elise - JDM B18C Type R Powered. CA Smog exempt
98k miles
Yes, this is a CA street legal Elise with a JDM B18c Type R which will never need smog. Build the street/track monster of your dreams.
I am the third owner. This car started life as a 2003 Rover K-Series S2 Elise in England. This is probably the lightest configuration of a street-going Elise available: no AC, no ABS, no power windows or locks, no airbags = 1750 pounds. First owner/builder had the car imported to California in 2004 as a rolling chassis with no engine or trans. Using a using a Sun speed International kit, it was fitted with a 1998 JDM Acura Integra Type-R B18C and Type-R close ratio 5-speed helical LSD transmission. Once sorted and registered, the car was then sold to the second owner who daily drove it for 6+ years (hence, the higher mileage). I purchased the Elise last year and replaced the transmission, clutch, flywheel, exhaust and brakes with brand NEW units from Acura, ACT, Exedy, Larini & StopTech. I replaced the stock computer with a Honda P28 computer mated to a completely tuneable Hondata S300 ecu. After adding the Larini exhaust, the car was tuned on Blacktrax Performance's Dynapac chassis dyno. (Blacktrax is one of the best Honda tuners in the Bay Area).
Because the chassis and engine were joined after importing in 2004, the car is considered a Special Construction Vehicle (SPCNS) which means it is legally street registered in California and never needs to be smogged. Ever. Yes, it is street legal forever no matter what powerplant or mods you throw at it. So as you can imagine, the potential of this car is almost unlimited. (turbo B18, K20, K24, ?).
As it sits, the car runs and handles great. It rips to redline with the unmistakeable Honda VTEC howl. Never tracked under my ownership with the exception of one GG Lotus Club Autox last fall.
It could easily be a great and reliable daily driver as-is or become the platform for the most wild street legal track monster your heart desires.
She's a driver and mechanically sound but does have the scars and imperfections of 9 years of use. There are a few cosmetic issues: a hairline 4 inch clam crack in the rear, minor chips and few rock scars. The stock Elise digital temp gauge does not interface with the Honda computer so I have an analog VDO water temp gauge mounted below the dash. The engine is healthy and pulls strong but does burn a hint of oil at WOT-- nothing major). Other than that, she runs and turns like a champ.
So if you are looking for a pristine low mileage creampuff with all the amenities to cruise the boulevard, this car is not for you. This machine is lightweight, raw and pure, as God and Colin Chapman intended.
With the Euro spec design, longtail soft top, Euro 6-spoke wheels and Acura power, this is arguably one of the most unique S2 Elises in the country.
$25k OBO. No dreamers or joy rides. Serious people only please.
Located in SF Bay Area.
Here are 2 videos:
A full walk around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_fh3...ature=youtu.be
A short driving one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtTKJ2JlA2I
98k miles
Yes, this is a CA street legal Elise with a JDM B18c Type R which will never need smog. Build the street/track monster of your dreams.
I am the third owner. This car started life as a 2003 Rover K-Series S2 Elise in England. This is probably the lightest configuration of a street-going Elise available: no AC, no ABS, no power windows or locks, no airbags = 1750 pounds. First owner/builder had the car imported to California in 2004 as a rolling chassis with no engine or trans. Using a using a Sun speed International kit, it was fitted with a 1998 JDM Acura Integra Type-R B18C and Type-R close ratio 5-speed helical LSD transmission. Once sorted and registered, the car was then sold to the second owner who daily drove it for 6+ years (hence, the higher mileage). I purchased the Elise last year and replaced the transmission, clutch, flywheel, exhaust and brakes with brand NEW units from Acura, ACT, Exedy, Larini & StopTech. I replaced the stock computer with a Honda P28 computer mated to a completely tuneable Hondata S300 ecu. After adding the Larini exhaust, the car was tuned on Blacktrax Performance's Dynapac chassis dyno. (Blacktrax is one of the best Honda tuners in the Bay Area).
Because the chassis and engine were joined after importing in 2004, the car is considered a Special Construction Vehicle (SPCNS) which means it is legally street registered in California and never needs to be smogged. Ever. Yes, it is street legal forever no matter what powerplant or mods you throw at it. So as you can imagine, the potential of this car is almost unlimited. (turbo B18, K20, K24, ?).
As it sits, the car runs and handles great. It rips to redline with the unmistakeable Honda VTEC howl. Never tracked under my ownership with the exception of one GG Lotus Club Autox last fall.
It could easily be a great and reliable daily driver as-is or become the platform for the most wild street legal track monster your heart desires.
She's a driver and mechanically sound but does have the scars and imperfections of 9 years of use. There are a few cosmetic issues: a hairline 4 inch clam crack in the rear, minor chips and few rock scars. The stock Elise digital temp gauge does not interface with the Honda computer so I have an analog VDO water temp gauge mounted below the dash. The engine is healthy and pulls strong but does burn a hint of oil at WOT-- nothing major). Other than that, she runs and turns like a champ.
So if you are looking for a pristine low mileage creampuff with all the amenities to cruise the boulevard, this car is not for you. This machine is lightweight, raw and pure, as God and Colin Chapman intended.
With the Euro spec design, longtail soft top, Euro 6-spoke wheels and Acura power, this is arguably one of the most unique S2 Elises in the country.
$25k OBO. No dreamers or joy rides. Serious people only please.
Located in SF Bay Area.
Here are 2 videos:
A full walk around: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X_fh3...ature=youtu.be
A short driving one: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtTKJ2JlA2I
Last edited by killjoy7; 05-29-2012 at 03:10 PM.
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05-23-2012, 10:23 PM
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Re: 2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
Motor is stock 98 JDM type R. Trans is brand new usdm type R.
Big go kart is the best way to describe this thing. With a turbo or built motor it would be scary fast. As is it sits, it's a sub 5 sec to 60 mph car. Though as you know this is a canyon carving scalpel not a drag car.
Big go kart is the best way to describe this thing. With a turbo or built motor it would be scary fast. As is it sits, it's a sub 5 sec to 60 mph car. Though as you know this is a canyon carving scalpel not a drag car.
05-24-2012, 07:49 PM
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Re: 2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
The rolling chassis was brought from the UK with no engine. The B18c was installed here in California. So it got registered by the dmv as a 'limited production vehicle' otherwise known as a Specialty Construction Vehicle. Cobra kit cars, hot rods and similar cars get this kind of designation too. This makes the car fall into 'kit car' low volume status so it doesn't have to meet the federal or California CARB requirements. You just pay registration every year and go. No smog needed ever. w00t
05-25-2012, 07:17 PM
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Re: 2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
Fair enough motor but not developed like Honda B and K series. Way less aftermarket. The Toyota 6 speed trans is a weak point as well.
05-29-2012, 09:01 AM
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06-08-2012, 12:19 PM
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Re: 2003 Lotus Elise / JDM B18C TR -Smog Exempt
This is for people who have been asking about the smog exemption. Here's the DMV record. California does not issue these exemptions anymore as far as I know.
w00t
w00t