Rover K engine opinions -

[Jacques]

This is an Elise question but I figure there will be relevant opinions out there that my help me.  I'm driving an 87 Caterham Cosworth 7 but my co-driver seems to want a car with doors.  There's a 2002 Elise for sale out here on the west coast - Rover K engine, RHD.  Blog sites suggest the Rover model is a bit lighter than the Toyota which makes up somewhat for the reduced HP. Market values are lower due to the RHD and the Rover engine.  Has anyone had a few years with the Rover?  Thoughts?

[pethier]

 

 

 

Edited July 30, 2024 by pethier

[Jacques]

Pethier - you make some good points.  This car is approx 10-15K Cdn below  the price of a newer Elise which gives you LHD and the Toyota.  Interestingly, the seller and his family have 3 RHD cars, so little issue with that aspect.

Local repair shops can be a major issue here too.  My world here is more pick-ups, boats and bicycles.  A good friend (Alfa owner) can assist with Weber adjustments but he's a trained GM mechanic. 

The '02 Rover Elise isn't cheap enough to take a flyer on it so I'll check out the few Elises out here, but note they are not selling too quickly.

Thanks for the opinion.

[slowdude]

I was looking at S1 elises for the weight savings vs the Toyota engined ones, plus I like the look.

 

I've got a K series. Rebuilt it due to fried piston rings due to larger injectors running rich due to the value job due to the rover mems 2 not knowing how much fuel to put into the engine. Engine has a list of mods too long for here, and I'm getting deep into adjusting the ECU for it.

 

I've never had it leave me stranded, it sounds incredible with a pair of cams in higher revs, but it's a quirky engine you need to iron some things out on (sump gasket modification etc).

 

I really like mine. It's a bit warmed over and constantly burns a little oil, but it makes up for that in spades with the character.

 

I can understand why people don't like it, but for me it's character makes up for all of it.