To one and all. I mistakenly said clutch life is approximately 20,000 miles. This should be 60,000 miles. 20,000 miles is the average for rear tyres. My apologies for this mistake and I will put this right in the next episode.
Hi Tim, Yes, sorry about that! I thought when I watched it back that that would worry some people. Note to self, must proof read my script and double watch the video! Thanks for watching and keep enjoying that Lotus! Cheers Tony
Thank you Tony. Every Evora owner will be grateful to you for decades to come. I first watched your channel 2 years ago and I suspect will return to it when I have other questions as will other Lotus enthusiasts. Your efforts remain much appreciated by our ragtag assembly for years to come. I 😢
Thank you so much for your fantastic content. As a new Evora 400 owner, I really appreciate for you to share your knowledge about these wonderful cars.
Ur the best. I’ve shared ur Chanel with the Washington DC Lotus club. Please cover coolant flush and other maintenance related issues as we were abandoned here with no lotus dealers. Thank you
Fantastic series, Tony. I kept replaying sections to make sure I understood what you were talking about. I owned a 2010 Evora NA, one of the early cars, and had lots of. minor niggles and one major one which was the transmission which failed around 36k miles. I replaced it at my own cost, along with the clutch (which was fine but since everything was apart it seems prudent). A couple of years later I traded it for a Evora 400 which is absolutely fabulous, especially the shifting. Keep these videos coming!
Thank you very much for this very informative next issue about the Evora. I learned a lot again about the background of the car I am so in love with. Best wishes and regards from Ruud from the Netherlands !
@@lotuscarguru3656 I thank you. My GT410 Sport IPS enjoys exactly what you told us is important - automatic mode and learning phase :-) Thanks - minimal manual mode and if then easy driving only for the first few thousand km.
Thanks Tony very useful. I have a 410 and I am very conscious that the transmission is probably the weak point - now I understand why! It doesn't seem to take much slipping of the clutch for it to quickly smell hot
Hello Tony, thanks for the latest film. On my 2014 Evora S I thought all the early manual transmission issues would have been sorted, but not so. The clutch was heavy, the gear change - whilst better than early cars was still inconsistent . I 'think' this was partly due to drivetrain movement . It had X3 plastic clutch MC replaced, clam off every time until I got fed up & put an aftermarket metal Titan one on. I 'think' it was because the clutch line was bunched with the coolant lines (LHD car) . Finally, use the car hard in the heat of UAE & the gear change got worse & worse. I 'think' the gear oil was getting too hot. After 5 years in production it felt like my car's transmission was at prototype stage. By contrast, I've driven a few manual Evora / Exige 4** & its like night & day. Different drivetrain mounts, gear linkages, clutch & flywheel, added oil cooler etc I was told by B&C the E4** manual transmissions were internally changed too but you didn't mention this.... why did it take Lotus so long to get to E4** transmission improvements when earlier cars had known issues - not just my experience in the Middle East but also the UK motoring press ?
Hi Sean, Yes, as I said not a bad box but not perfect! I think a lot of the problems were lack of funds to develop or make major improvements. The cars do suffer problems in hot climates that they do not in temperate climates. The improvements made for the 400 made it so much better and as you point out most of this is down to mountings, clutch and linkage. The internals are basically the same but I do know that Lotus switched suppliers for some of the internals. Ratios are all the same. Like I said in one of my early videos, I know a lot but don't claim to know everything. 😉 Thanks for watching.
Great Video! One question on the evoras/exiges (V6) with the transmission cooler system, where is the fill hole since the usual fill hole is now connected to the input of the oil pump?
What is the repair needed if 2014 Evora IPS is sticking in a gear? It sometimes gets stuck in 3rd gear, but it can be any gear between 2-5 so far. Shutting the car off and locking then unlocking the car resets the transmission and it works fine for a while after that until is locks into a gear again. Also, is this a dealer only fix?
Hi Brian, This may be a problem with the TCU/connection or a solenoid issue in the gearbox. It is advisable to take into a Lotus dealer for a diagnostic check to see if there are any fault codes stored. Good luck. Cheers Tony
Thank you!! Being a 2011 Evora owner, I really enjoyed this video most of all. Your explanation answered a lot of questions I had regarding Lotus' decision of manual transmission (seemed odd), if my car had the sport ratio box (it does), and most importantly, loud noises culminating from the transmission. My Evora close ratio box has all the noises you mention, a rattle when idling in neutral, and a sound that can be described as a coffee can full of rocks when driving in first and second gear. My car is a June 2010 production date with 22k miles. Do you think I am destined for a trans replacement or the noise is just an NVH thing and I should stop worrying?
Hi RJ, If the noise is the same as you had from when you first got the car I would carry on enjoying the car but keep an eye or should I say an ear on the box. If it starts getting worse then start worrying!
@@lotuscarguru3656 appreciate the response. I've refilled the box, added a magnetic drain plug, and used some Redline 75w140NS mixed with 75w90NS. A little quieter when warmed up now but it's still there for me to keep an eye on.
What do you know about the early sport gear box 4th/5th gear failures? I've heard some of the boxes have gears that are not properly hardened and could fail. Was it a batch of bad gears or are all boxes made before a certain date affected? I own a '11 S and it's a little like driving a Porsche with the IMS bearing that could grenade at any moment.
I know all about it: first time happened at around 50 kkm. 6th gear (together with 3 and 4) on centre shaft sheared the splined interference fit. New shaft and old gears pressed on it again by Jubu in Austria. at around 75 kkm same happened again. Also 3rd and 4th was already starting to detach. Got a whole new gearbox. Still have the old one (wanna have...?). My S is a MY2011. It is a common issue on early edition short ratio gearboxes. I have the serial number that separates the bad from the good. Happens to 3 and 4 when tracked a lot, my 6th went because I enjoy German Autobahn at long duration 250+ kmh. Contact me if you want me to dig out that serial number...
@@azurblueS1 I, too, experienced the transmission failure (3rd/4th) in my 2010 NA. It occurred at about 36k miles, after car was out of warranty, so very expensive. I mostly drove it spiritedly on mountain roadsand the occasional track day. It failed during a Rallye after a spirited section of high speeds for close to an hour. I now have a 400 and am hoping for fewer unpleasant surprises.
@@azurblueS1 hi, I have an evora which I would like to make gearbox upgrade on. do you still have your box? I am interested in buying it. I spoke to my mechanic and they would prefer to redo the transmission on the table, without the car having to be in pieces. So when clam goes off they just bolt the rebuilt one in. So it can all be quicker. let me know!
Very interesting about the IPS learning period. If the ECU and TCU are constantly learning, is that lost when you replace the battery? Does it start over with something like the Komotec ECU tune?
Hi dogtag114, In answer to your question, replacing the battery should not affect the learn memory nor should a retune as this would be like a calibration update from the factory. Only a TCU reset will wipe the memory and require a green learn. Both control units, TCU and ECU are separate components and each have their own memory. If the ECU is reset it will not affect the TCU learns. Hope this clarifies that. Cheers Tony
@@lotuscarguru3656 super helpful info. You motivated me to change my IPS fluid at 10k miles as it has seen a few track days. Can an independent shop do this or do I need to go to the dealer? (I am in my last year of warranty)
@@dogtag114 I would go to a dealer. The oil must be checked at a very precise temperature which is monitored using the Lotus diagnostic tool and especially as it is still in warranty.
@@lotuscarguru3656 them manual has quite a range (7,500km to 58,000km) for this fluid change. If tracked once a month in season, after how many track days should one change the fluid?
@@dogtag114 The service schedule says if the car is used on a circuit occasionally then change at 4500 miles/7500 Km or every six months. I suppose it all depends on the circuit and the length of time for each session, ambient temperature etc. The car will throw up a TCU warning light and go into limp home mode if the oil exceeds the recommended temperature. If it was me after 3 sessions I'd just take a look at the oil colour. If it is black and smells a bit burnt it means it's worked hard and I'd change it again. Just be aware that the box is only a normal auto and was not designed for prolonged track use. Hope this help's. Cheers Tony
Wait 20,000 miles for clutch life? I think thats way too short, I understand that clutch master cylinder issue and owners riding clutch had created some issues but from what I'm seeing most users are okay up to 50~70k miles like normal car.
@@lotuscarguru3656 nearing 90k on a stock clutch (2012 Evora S) that has spent its whole life as a commuter in stop in go LA traffic on the weekdays and hard canyon driving / light track use on the weekends.
To one and all. I mistakenly said clutch life is approximately 20,000 miles. This should be 60,000 miles. 20,000 miles is the average for rear tyres. My apologies for this mistake and I will put this right in the next episode.
Is that 20,000 for the sport cup 2s that are oem on the gt here in North America? Because my wallet would love that lol.
Hi Rick, The Pirelli’s used to! Unfortunately if it’s grippy, it wears out quicker. 😕
Thank heavens you cleared that up. When I heard 20,000 I was regretting my purchase.
Hi Tim,
Yes, sorry about that! I thought when I watched it back that that would worry some people. Note to self, must proof read my script and double watch the video!
Thanks for watching and keep enjoying that Lotus!
Cheers
Tony
@@lotuscarguru3656 In 20,000 miles I wore out 3 sets of Pirellis.......
Thank you Tony. Every Evora owner will be grateful to you for decades to come. I first watched your channel 2 years ago and I suspect will return to it when I have other questions as will other Lotus enthusiasts. Your efforts remain much appreciated by our ragtag assembly for years to come. I 😢
Thank you so much for your fantastic content. As a new Evora 400 owner, I really appreciate for you to share your knowledge about these wonderful cars.
Thank you, it’s my pleasure! 👍😊
@@lotuscarguru3656 already subscribed to your Patreon as well. Amazing work!!! 😀
@@mogadicio Thank you very much, it’s appreciated! 👍😊
Ur the best. I’ve shared ur Chanel with the Washington DC Lotus club. Please cover coolant flush and other maintenance related issues as we were abandoned here with no lotus dealers. Thank you
Another great video! Thanks so much for doing these, I am fascinated with the details and insight you give!
Fantastic series, Tony. I kept replaying sections to make sure I understood what you were talking about. I owned a 2010 Evora NA, one of the early cars, and had lots of. minor niggles and one major one which was the transmission which failed around 36k miles. I replaced it at my own cost, along with the clutch (which was fine but since everything was apart it seems prudent). A couple of years later I traded it for a Evora 400 which is absolutely fabulous, especially the shifting. Keep these videos coming!
Hi Peter,
Thanks for the comment and keep on enjoying that Evora!
Cheers
Tony
Thank you very much for this very informative next issue about the Evora.
I learned a lot again about the background of the car I am so in love with.
Best wishes and regards from Ruud from the Netherlands !
Thanks Ruud!
Great video! Very detailed and informative
Thank you!
For an EVORA owner, this is great summary series. Thanks
Thanks for watching Tom!
@@lotuscarguru3656 I thank you. My GT410 Sport IPS enjoys exactly what you told us is important - automatic mode and learning phase :-) Thanks - minimal manual mode and if then easy driving only for the first few thousand km.
@@ghostridertom Glad I could help 👍😊
Really cool!
Great video. Really informative. Thank you!
Thanks for watching! 👍
Very informative series, look forward to the next one
Thanks Tony very useful. I have a 410 and I am very conscious that the transmission is probably the weak point - now I understand why! It doesn't seem to take much slipping of the clutch for it to quickly smell hot
Hi Darren, Yes, handle with care!
Fantastic series! Thank You
Hello Tony, thanks for the latest film. On my 2014 Evora S I thought all the early manual transmission issues would have been sorted, but not so. The clutch was heavy, the gear change - whilst better than early cars was still inconsistent . I 'think' this was partly due to drivetrain movement . It had X3 plastic clutch MC replaced, clam off every time until I got fed up & put an aftermarket metal Titan one on. I 'think' it was because the clutch line was bunched with the coolant lines (LHD car) . Finally, use the car hard in the heat of UAE & the gear change got worse & worse. I 'think' the gear oil was getting too hot. After 5 years in production it felt like my car's transmission was at prototype stage. By contrast, I've driven a few manual Evora / Exige 4** & its like night & day. Different drivetrain mounts, gear linkages, clutch & flywheel, added oil cooler etc I was told by B&C the E4** manual transmissions were internally changed too but you didn't mention this.... why did it take Lotus so long to get to E4** transmission improvements when earlier cars had known issues - not just my experience in the Middle East but also the UK motoring press ?
Hi Sean, Yes, as I said not a bad box but not perfect! I think a lot of the problems were lack of funds to develop or make major improvements. The cars do suffer problems in hot climates that they do not in temperate climates. The improvements made for the 400 made it so much better and as you point out most of this is down to mountings, clutch and linkage. The internals are basically the same but I do know that Lotus switched suppliers for some of the internals. Ratios are all the same. Like I said in one of my early videos, I know a lot but don't claim to know everything. 😉 Thanks for watching.
@@lotuscarguru3656 Thanks for the reply Tony. Looking forward to your next film :-)
Great Video! One question on the evoras/exiges (V6) with the transmission cooler system, where is the fill hole since the usual fill hole is now connected to the input of the oil pump?
Where the pipe return goes through the blanked speedo hole. Email me for more detail 👍
What is the repair needed if 2014 Evora IPS is sticking in a gear? It sometimes gets stuck in 3rd gear, but it can be any gear between 2-5 so far. Shutting the car off and locking then unlocking the car resets the transmission and it works fine for a while after that until is locks into a gear again. Also, is this a dealer only fix?
Hi Brian,
This may be a problem with the TCU/connection or a solenoid issue in the gearbox.
It is advisable to take into a Lotus dealer for a diagnostic check to see if there are any fault codes stored.
Good luck.
Cheers
Tony
Thank you!! Being a 2011 Evora owner, I really enjoyed this video most of all. Your explanation answered a lot of questions I had regarding Lotus' decision of manual transmission (seemed odd), if my car had the sport ratio box (it does), and most importantly, loud noises culminating from the transmission. My Evora close ratio box has all the noises you mention, a rattle when idling in neutral, and a sound that can be described as a coffee can full of rocks when driving in first and second gear. My car is a June 2010 production date with 22k miles. Do you think I am destined for a trans replacement or the noise is just an NVH thing and I should stop worrying?
Hi RJ, If the noise is the same as you had from when you first got the car I would carry on enjoying the car but keep an eye or should I say an ear on the box. If it starts getting worse then start worrying!
@@lotuscarguru3656 appreciate the response. I've refilled the box, added a magnetic drain plug, and used some Redline 75w140NS mixed with 75w90NS. A little quieter when warmed up now but it's still there for me to keep an eye on.
What do you know about the early sport gear box 4th/5th gear failures? I've heard some of the boxes have gears that are not properly hardened and could fail. Was it a batch of bad gears or are all boxes made before a certain date affected? I own a '11 S and it's a little like driving a Porsche with the IMS bearing that could grenade at any moment.
Send me an email and I’ll tell you what I know! 😉
I know all about it: first time happened at around 50 kkm. 6th gear (together with 3 and 4) on centre shaft sheared the splined interference fit. New shaft and old gears pressed on it again by Jubu in Austria. at around 75 kkm same happened again. Also 3rd and 4th was already starting to detach. Got a whole new gearbox. Still have the old one (wanna have...?). My S is a MY2011. It is a common issue on early edition short ratio gearboxes. I have the serial number that separates the bad from the good. Happens to 3 and 4 when tracked a lot, my 6th went because I enjoy German Autobahn at long duration 250+ kmh. Contact me if you want me to dig out that serial number...
@@azurblueS1 I, too, experienced the transmission failure (3rd/4th) in my 2010 NA. It occurred at about 36k miles, after car was out of warranty, so very expensive. I mostly drove it spiritedly on mountain roadsand the occasional track day. It failed during a Rallye after a spirited section of high speeds for close to an hour. I now have a 400 and am hoping for fewer unpleasant surprises.
@@azurblueS1 hi, I have an evora which I would like to make gearbox upgrade on. do you still have your box? I am interested in buying it. I spoke to my mechanic and they would prefer to redo the transmission on the table, without the car having to be in pieces. So when clam goes off they just bolt the rebuilt one in. So it can all be quicker. let me know!
Very interesting about the IPS learning period. If the ECU and TCU are constantly learning, is that lost when you replace the battery? Does it start over with something like the Komotec ECU tune?
Hi dogtag114, In answer to your question, replacing the battery should not affect the learn memory nor should a retune as this would be like a calibration update from the factory.
Only a TCU reset will wipe the memory and require a green learn. Both control units, TCU and ECU are separate components and each have their own memory. If the ECU is reset it will not affect the TCU learns.
Hope this clarifies that.
Cheers
Tony
@@lotuscarguru3656 super helpful info. You motivated me to change my IPS fluid at 10k miles as it has seen a few track days. Can an independent shop do this or do I need to go to the dealer? (I am in my last year of warranty)
@@dogtag114 I would go to a dealer. The oil must be checked at a very precise temperature which is monitored using the Lotus diagnostic tool and especially as it is still in warranty.
@@lotuscarguru3656 them manual has quite a range (7,500km to 58,000km) for this fluid change. If tracked once a month in season, after how many track days should one change the fluid?
@@dogtag114 The service schedule says if the car is used on a circuit occasionally then change at 4500 miles/7500 Km or every six months. I suppose it all depends on the circuit and the length of time for each session, ambient temperature etc. The car will throw up a TCU warning light and go into limp home mode if the oil exceeds the recommended temperature. If it was me after 3 sessions I'd just take a look at the oil colour. If it is black and smells a bit burnt it means it's worked hard and I'd change it again. Just be aware that the box is only a normal auto and was not designed for prolonged track use. Hope this help's.
Cheers
Tony
Is it possible to apply the 400 series manual shifting improvements to the earlier evora models?
Hi Romulox,
No, not without a lot of modifications.
Great info, Tony. Is the 1-2 gear noise normal even on the new cars? My 2020 seems to have this.
Yep, pretty much standard on all.
@@lotuscarguru3656 Thanks, Tony. Really appreciate the content!
Wait 20,000 miles for clutch life? I think thats way too short, I understand that clutch master cylinder issue and owners riding clutch had created some issues but from what I'm seeing most users are okay up to 50~70k miles like normal car.
Thank you for pointing out my mistake, I will address this in the next part!
@@lotuscarguru3656 nearing 90k on a stock clutch (2012 Evora S) that has spent its whole life as a commuter in stop in go LA traffic on the weekdays and hard canyon driving / light track use on the weekends.
James, Well done on that, you must have good clutch control!
your lucky to get 3000 miles out of back tyres
20k miles on a clutch isn't normal for any car. My daily driven GTI has double stock hp & tq and my clutches last 100k+
Mr Buddha, yes you are correct. I did correct my blooper! 👍😊