Corolla XRS engine, MR-S layout, gorgeous Lotus look. Lightness and Reliability. what more could a proper car guy ask for?

I recommend that anybody with an Elise/Exige just has to take it to the track at least once. You can't truly appreciate the handling until you've taken it to the track. My problem is, I couldn't do it just once. I'm hooked. I've driven my 06 Elise track pack car to 17 tracks in 9 states. I've driven it on highways in 22 states and toured 10 national parks. Early on, I decided to avoid interstate highways when possible. I've eyeball to hub on the big rigs, and too much traffic. Best lesson the car taught me. See the country: take the back roads.

Yay, sushpants is back.

A lot of the Celica community bags on the 2ZZ and the 7th gen Celica, true that the 2ZZ was late to the party and built to be a Honda B series killer right when the K series came out, it's still a wonderful engine that just always feels so crisp and high strung and ready to rev. It feels as comfortable at 8000 RPM as it does at 3000 RPM, it never feels strained. I've owned a 2000 2ZZ Celica since 2009 and I've only grown more and more fond of it over my years of ownership and modifying it. It's not the fastest (it's pretty slow), it's not the best looking (the paint isn't great condition), but it runs like a top, it's an absolute blast to drive with the suspension and tires I've curated for it, and with the unique foreign market parts and interesting parts and modifications I've found or created I've made it a unique car that's solely mine. I feel like you've done the same with your AE and you'll do the same with this Lotus. I'm sure you've learned this already but the 2ZZ is prone to the camshaft pinning bolts ("lift bolts") wearing. The updated bolts are much more wear resistant but do wear over time, if they have never been changed I advise you to pull the valve cover and pull the bolts to inspect them and change them if they have any notching in them. Also take a good look at the high lift lobes and cam slippers, make sure the oil sprayer nozzles for the camshafts are all clear and working. I run 5W40 M1 Extended performance engine oil at 5K intervals with a quality filter, oil quality is critical on the 2ZZ. If you plan on tracking the car or just generally driving the heck out of it the MWR billet oil pump gears are a must and I highly recommend a deep sump baffled oil pan or a dry sump kit to prevent high G oil starvation. There's a company in Texas called DDPR that specializes in the 2ZZ I highly suggest you look them up and check out their intake manifold and tuning services, they'll put you into the 200+WHP territory with tune and bolt ons, nearer 220-230 with some cams which in a vehicle as light and nimble as the Lotus is a very substantial upgrade in power. Also be sure to check out Frank Profera, his Lotus was absolute insanity. As far as the gearing issue, the Toyota C6x transmissions came with a wide variety of gear ratios across the different models but I believe they can all be swapped and mixed and matched by a good trans shop but I'm fairly certain you have the best set of ratios available. If your issue is falling out lift between gears then for sure hit up DDPR for some goodies and tuning since you can retune with bolt ons for a lower lift engagement point so you can land in lift on each shift and be all smiles. I recall Juba makes some different ratio final drives for the C6x series but that's for some pretty serious racing. Oh hey, I think we're running the same tires. Are those Z3's or Z2's? I had 2's and now 3's, excellent tires. Decent road manners, grip for days.

@DimoS...

2 жыл бұрын

I can not understand the problem with wear cam lobe mate! I know owner 2zz who opened to change lift bolts with 380,000 kilometers and did not have the slightest wear! The engine is like New!!! and I also know another example with 100,000 kilometers and it had wear intake cam ... very strange because they use the same oils (liqui moly molygen 5w40) and they used it properly without having to participate in track days and 5.000-7.500 kilometers oil changes

@huzudra

2 жыл бұрын

@@DimoS... I''m not sure either, I never could track down a definitive reason but it probably came down to bad luck with a batch of improperly surface hardened cams, something as simple as uneven heating or cooling during case hardening could cause some lobes to be softer than others. By this time any engine that was going to flatten lobes should have experienced failure and been fixed so the odds of running into it now are pretty low, still a bad situation but seems it was pretty uncommon. Mine looked virgin at 85,000 miles (136,000 KM) when I replaced lift bolts. Previous owner had all dealer service with on time oil changes. Seems every performance engine has some weak spot that shows up. Hopefully no one experiences flat lobes again but if they do it's a good time to get some more aggressive cams!

@DimoS...

2 жыл бұрын

@@huzudra and me it has 101,000 kilometers and when I changed liftbolts it was like new everything inside! with oil changes per 5,000 kilometers! maybe if it was a faulty batch it already showed the problem, they usually get it within a few kilometers

@justintowers8230

Жыл бұрын

ya because the transaxle ratios do not match the power band of the 2zz engine!

@huzudra

Жыл бұрын

@@justintowers8230 what? Pretty sure it's the same ratio set in the Lotus?? Check Wikipedia on the Toyota C transmission and let me know! 1st to 2nd isn't perfect but you can land it if you're good and have the 8500rpm fuel cut not the later 8000. If you're referring to the U240E well yeah duh it's a 4spd auto 😂 and I know all too well about that sadly.

He’s back! I popped open KZread and clicked on this immediately! The cinematography and the editing was excellent. Plus the subtle humour was a nice touch. 👍🏼 I always wanted to drive a lotus Elise, the cornering speeds look unbelievable and the sound of that 2ZZ is the icing on the cake! Would love to see a short video in the same vein as “the sound of ITBs” video but with the 2ZZ. 👀 Looking forward to seeing more! 😁

I got the opportunity to ride in this car and it’s crazy. 200hp never felt so fast. What’s up Alex!

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Heyo! How's the Evo doing?

@steevenbrunner3261

2 жыл бұрын

You'd be surprised with my S2 Elise K Rover engine 130 hp (and 100kg lighter than this one).

As you probably know, the 2ZZ is Toyota’s replacement for the 4AGE, so the evolution in performance (and willingness to rev) makes perfect sense. Yamaha once again engineered the top end. The variable lifts gives it a “dual personality”, with a similar sound to the 4AGE at higher revs.

As someone who knows nothing about Lotus, this made me appriciate them, especially because of the Toyota engine.

@RD-xh9ss

2 жыл бұрын

I'd buy it because of the Toyota engine. 👍

@LotoroE

2 жыл бұрын

First Elise I drove had the same Toyota 2ZZ and it was brilliantly characterful. In the end I bought a 2016 car with the supercharged 2ZR which has more torque but less character. I've never driven one with a K Series lump but they are supposed to be great, especially in VHPD form

@patrickvanrinsvelt4466

Жыл бұрын

Umm. It's a good reason to buy one but the handling has the pucker factor. Fresh, soft Yoko or Toyo rubber is a must. Scared the crap out of passengers on twisty roads.

OMG!! nice to see you posting again ! love it....

Good to have you back, the vids are always a pleasure!

welcome back king, glad your back o7

Good to have you back man, your videos are great. Was acoincidence, was just yesterday was rewatching a video of yours to help me with my blacktop Ae82 build and now you got a new video from you after a break

OMG YOUR BACK!!!! SO HAPPY RN!

I’m so happy you’re back! Missed you man. Hope everything is all good!

Liked even before I started watching! We need more uploads 🤣

Oh, you're back!

So glad to see you're uploading again! Got here from 4AGE sound video and can't wait to see more!

GReat review, one of my dream cars to own. a friend of mine said he was surprised of how soft the suspension is on the road.

YOU'RE BACK YAAAAAAY

lol ive had a tripod flying around in my reviews too. Glad to see this car get some coverage! Great vid

Super cool video ! Amazing car !

I always loved this car.

Its great to see you again

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

Such a beautiful fun car. I have a Celica so I can really appreciate the 2zz engine.

Glad to see you back and making videos! Hope all is well!

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you!

pretty crazy car. I feel like it's not the best value these days but I still respect it. I ought the ND2 miata or new 86 is almost as fast as an elise.

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

best value is certainly relative. A lot of cars have exploded in price. The Elise does offer a very unique driving experience.

@absolutezero7344

2 жыл бұрын

The best value today, is the Toyota MR-S 80% of a Lotus Elise for half the price especially when it's 2zz swapped.

@dho

2 жыл бұрын

​@@absolutezero7344 that's the first thought I had too.

@kalmmonke5037

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants has anyone done a hypermiling build, like mpg car. maybe a prius drivetrain swap

@kalmmonke5037

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants theres aptera motors but it uses normal batteries and ev stuff doesnt get recyled, not sustinable, so im staying wit used civic basically

Love these cars, it's one of my dreams

ohhh wooow an elise!!! there's itb's for that engine too, and an lsd as well. I'm currently saving money and waiting for itb's to be released for the nd miata, as soon as that is available I would love to make a video with your corolla or your elise 😄

Last actual sports car. Great video thanks.

Nice presentation there. I actually did not know anything about Elise aside from the 2ZZ-GE.

I owned a 2005 Elise and I’m 6’3” with size 14 shoes and never had any issues fitting, though I did try to wear more driver oriented shoes.

my favorite youtube channel is back!!!

Nice to see a unique, clearcut and historically informative video on this car. I'm a Lotus fanboy, can only dream to own. I've watched every video out there. I tell ya, cheap pop music dubs and listening to basically 2 decades worth of reviewers explaining how the low powered motor is all cool, cause the cars so light it's power to weight is up, could induce a brain haemorrhage

Fantastic video!

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you ^.^

Great review

@sushpants

Жыл бұрын

Thanks!

Wow it’s been a while and you get the car I eventually want🤣

2:15 - Sush you got a chuckle outta me here!

Pretty awesome video

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks Anthony!

I have the original Force-fed 2005 Lotus Elise Turbo and love it. 12000 miles in two years and will be putting another 1000 miles on it this weekend. But you're right! I have the original tail lights in a box for when I sell it, but have GRP v3 tail lights on it now... and people loved them at Lotuspalooza in Carmel, Indiana. Mine has about 80k more upgrades than just that though. Love this car!!!

@BoostedR130

11 ай бұрын

I have a BOE rev300 Elise and what a blast it is! Just nothing like it

@SquiggyWigginz

11 ай бұрын

@@BoostedR130 woot!!!!

04:18 - you are going to slow in the corners, the motorcycle can keep up 🤣

congratulations for your choice .. I have been driving a Lotus Elise s220 CR for 3 years, I took it from 220 to 250 hp. for 900 kg in running order, what a fantastic car, beautiful to drive, beautiful the design is a racing car with license plate lights and indicators ..

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

It's hands down the most beautiful car I have ever owned. An Elise s220 CR is awesome!

@framad3446

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants this is my baby .. kzread.info/dash/bejne/ZnqYvJKdl8LJg84.html&ab_channel=FraMad

AWESOME!!! 8D #WhataSURPRISE

You can even see the Yamaha tuning fork logo on the block. The 2ZZ-GE is a fantastic engine. I've had my '05 Elise for 17 years now and it's still going strong, even with the addition of BOE's REV400 supercharger.

@DimoS...

2 жыл бұрын

Great mate! have you ever had a problem with wear intake cam lobe ? it's a weird story some have a problem all the time and some have never had one! with many miles above them.

@tomindenver1331

2 жыл бұрын

@@DimoS... That's absolutely an issue with the 2ZZ-GE. If the tiny oil ports that wash oil onto the cams aren't perfectly cast, an engine can get the dreaded cam wiping. But if you get past that first year of ownership, chances are good you have a solid engine. I waited to start adding parts until year 3, so I'd be sure the engine was solid and I had enough track experience with the 190hp set-up to make me think I could handle more power and a stiffer set-up. The Elise is one of the best platforms for it I've ever seen. The chassis can handle so much more.

This remember me of the PS2 Need for Speed hot pursuit 2

YAY SUSHPANTS UPLOADED

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Yes, it's been a while :D

the first mod I would be doing to that is some long trumped ITBs! The engine (at least over audio) does not sound lively enough for how mental the elise is, I recon the roar of ITBS will take care of that though :P

@huzudra

2 жыл бұрын

ITB's don't play nice on the 2ZZ, it really relies on the intake manifold for proper induction, there's a company out of Texas that makes a better intake manifold with some great gains and GREAT induction noise. A simple air intake tube will multiply the stock induction noise, my air filter is down behind the driver side fog light and intake noise drowns out exhaust entirely in lift, it's raucously loud sounding in the car but pretty mild outside.

Not sure I would have sold it, that car will never exist again.

This car is so unique in so many ways. There will not be another street legal car that weighs 1950 lbs.

Oh the Best Motoring vibes.

The lotus Elise was definitely the car I payed attention to the most when I was younger. And can still appreciate today when I see them at my local cars and coffee... I need a Lotus -.- Also, love the clip at the end of the moto just blowing straight through those corners, he's not even having fun in the turns :'l

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

lol, the guy just straight lined it

It certainly doesn't look "not flashy", in fact it's great looking for a 2006 car. Not to mention I hate racing green but I think it looks great on this car.

Not sure that's a cup holder. I have an 06 and I just put a small set of hex tools on there. Lol Also the 06 has the different pedal box because it's throttle by wire. There's also another dynmat type sticker behind the seats but it isn't visible. "touring"

Similar experience. I had read driving reviews of the car for years saying it was among the best handling cars out there, a true driver focused car the car mag writers would like as their own personal car. I had seen 2 of these in my life ; I never sat on one, let alone drove one because they were so rare in my area. So I bought one sight unseen from an ad in Hemmings and had it shipped ~2300 miles to me in an enclosed truck. Within a few hundred feet of driving the car I understood what the writers had been describing. By far my favorite car I've driven. That includes a friends Turbo 911 which I was afraid I'd love before getting in. We traded cars on a hilly/curvy road for about 10 miles. Sure, the Porsche was a monster and would leave my little Elise in the dust on the long straights between curves and was definitely faster. But, it felt disconnected from the road, too quiet inside and I soon decided I didn't want one. When we traded back cars, while getting out of the Elise my friend was grinning ear to ear and joking that now he was now going to have to get an Elise as it was so much fun. Great cars, my favorite one to date and I may never sell this one.

@maxmeier532

Жыл бұрын

it's scary low, both in terms of crash safety and be seen by others in traffic in the first place. A harsh double wammy. You're more likely to be in a crash cause lots of cars today are so high, drivers wont see you and when you're in a crash you are getting smashed by a soccer mom as if she was driving a monster truck.

@davidroush1224

Жыл бұрын

@@maxmeier532 So what ? Life involves risk. A semi truck will crush ANY car or SUV and do so daily somewhere. Over 40 years ago my dream job requisition became available when a guy was killed by a semi on the interstate on his way home from work. Fate will get you even if you are doing the right things. I used to ride motorcycles - this is a fraction of the risk. I also spent decades riding bicycles tens of thousands of miles. These experiences have taught me to be aware of my surroundings. I accept calculated risks because it makes life richer. When younger, I was a spelunker, scuba diver, hiked hundreds of miles in Grizzly country, enjoyed many free rappells well over 100 ft, and scrambles to mountain peaks in the Rockies. I've had almost a verticle mile of exposure on one, no climbing/safety gear. In my mid-sixties now I still snorkel in the ocean occasionally in high risk areas with sharks and been caught in rip tides in Maui. Have a 3 week trip planned there this Fall just before I turn 66 and will be back in the ocean to enjoy the beauty because the experience far outweighs the risk. Life is short. Every day there are risks. If consumed by fear, one won't live much of a life. To each their own. But whenever fate decides my time is up, I'll have no regrets because I've enjoyed and experienced more than 90% of people ever will.

More videos of the Corolla please

As a aw11 owner. I’m jealous

God this car is beautiful

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. Everywhere you go, all eyes are on you. Even people that know nothing about cars are ogling it.

Best part of this vid, mentioning the corolla is more of a race car and the lotus is a road car! Have you driven a Boxster/Cayman at all?

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

I haven’t had a chance to drive any flavor of Porsche!

@juliank911

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants if you ever find yourself in Kansas City, drop me a line and you can sample my 06 Boxster S

Would buy.

Did Lotus use the wiper and indicator stalks from Opel/Vauxhall ?

Some more track videos with both cars

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

The Elise has left my garage permanently. This was its farewell video before it was gone.

I had a 2006 turbo Elise with around 360hp that thing was a rocket. You could really slam on the gas and with its lightweight and rear motor the wheels just stick to the ground. Then after 3 weeks it bursted into flames....

@bman1668

2 жыл бұрын

Should of k swap it k20 very reliable

hey awesome purchase. FYI you have a reverse light out, the car makes 190 hp not 200, and that wing is not from an Exige, its aftermarket. Still looks good on the car

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes, the light was out when it was first received. While the car makes 190 stock, I had the BOE tune which lowered the light engagement and noticeably increased power. The wing is from the S1 Lotus Exige which is why it fits the car so well.

@MNlotus1

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants nice, still biased get a K24 swap :)

Seeing a 14 year old photo of my red Exige in my garage made me laugh out loud!

@glubux

2 жыл бұрын

1:44

The cup holders dont really hold cups haha!!

Does it have any room in the front? 😍

there pretty sick not my first choice. but there a pure sports car

The lift doesn't sound like it comes on as hard as my 2zz Spyder. But still an awesome car and great motor.....only slightly better looking than the Spyder 😜

Nice video, how tall are you?

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, I'm 6'2

How much do one of these go for? 👀

What you show as the cup holder is called an “oddiments bin” by Lotus. The cup holder was an optional item that was a stick with a strap below which holds the beverages in place - a truly silly piece of equipment.

Where are those consecutive S's and excellent video. edit: 6:48 lol... guy crossed str8 over the double yellow with oncoming traffic. I got in a motorcycle accident and in a middle of a lawsuit with a fucker who crossed into my side on a blind corner. Moto on moto crash. Have all the proofs and police report to win in a counter sue.

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you! The second rider was deep into the oncoming lane. Definitely had me going O.O

How tall are you? I've always wanted to drive one but I never though I would fit since I'm 6'4

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

I'm 6'2 and still had room.

@greenneon7314

2 жыл бұрын

I’m 6’3” and owned one for 5 years, I met a guy at a British car meet that was probably 6’6”-6’8” and probably 300 lbs and he owned and drove an Elise, had to be the tightest fit but he made it work. The challenge is getting two people to fit, the driver and passenger sit close so it helps to not have two larger people at once, myself and my girlfriend though fit good, me and another 200 lb dude, not so much.

They look like mini Hennessy Venoms haha

The Lotus Elise was what the 3rd gen MR2 should've been

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Exactly, they had the engine and the chassis and then fumble hard by sticking the 1zz into it.

@reneneron2971

2 жыл бұрын

An easy swap, but it does not make the MRS transform into an Elise. The MR2 competed against the Miata, and is a sporty car, not a track or race car from the factory. There could have been a licensing or market restriction that prevented Toyota from using the 2ZZ in the MRS. MRS is a convertible with power steering, A/C, a full radio, power mirrors and windows, cup holders, full carpeting, and other creature comforts not found in a sports car like the Elise.

Don't care for the LEDs and especially the fly-by-wire. Loses the 'Anolog' that makes this car even more special.

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

The e throttle does have tiny bit of latency compared to 4age in the Corolla but it’s by far the best e throttle I have ever driven. The biggest part was no rev hang.

is that a JDM FX GT ?

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Do you regret selling it?

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Nope, I had it for 6 years and got to really enjoy it during that time.

Honestly started thinking something had happened to you.

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

Something did happen but it was something good! I got a new home and spent the better part of the last year fixing it up, leaving no time for the channel. Thanks for sticking through the wait!

@shamil808

2 жыл бұрын

Congratulations on your new home. 🎉😊

....'05 has a throttle cable. The '06 and later is fly-by-wire.......

ya fail. lotus didnt address the crap gear ratios of the C60 transaxle. it had been around since 1997 and lotus could of bought a huge batch from C-One motorsports and installed it in their N/A lotus vehicles.

Never such a low bumper again......? How about the Evora? I can fit that under a truck's bumper.........but... because we can out brake almost ANYTHING! Wait 'til you see the Emira........

2zz swap the corolla

@sushpants

2 жыл бұрын

That would be a very awesome swap.

@lmenzol

2 жыл бұрын

@@sushpants people do it on the aw11 with NA SW20 axles. it’ll probably work on an FX16 too😎

the LEDs look like shit compared to the halogens lmao

Why were you walking so slowly through those corners, you should have EATEN those bikes.? Mine does..... as do my son's and daughter's ones. Lotus made it to be DRIVEN!