The Break-In Period No One Talks About (V6 Manual, Sports Suspension, Cup 2)

[sbproducer]

My car: Emira V6 Manual, Sports Suspension, Cup 2 tires, I Break-in and daily in Track Mode. I really don't care what the manual says. Sorry.
(Previous car: FL5 Civic Type R, Pilot Sport 4S tires, track mode, Stage 1 Tune)
Method of Break-in: "Gradually use the entire rev range" method. Not the wimpy "stay under 4000 rpm all the way to 1000 miles" method. I tried the the wimpy method with a couple of cars and I always felt like it held the engine back and you had to break it in a second time by pushing the car to its limits.

Anyway, after the initial 1000 mile break-in period. I spent some time between GA and NC pushing the car hard on the twisties while it was still completely stock. I wanted to know how it compared to the FL5 which I took to these same roads many times. FYI, the last time I took my FL5, I had a former commercial airline pilot in the passenger seat. When it was over, he called me a closet maniac but said I was an amazing driver. I hit the corners hard man. The G meter was bouncing around like a ping pong ball edge to edge. The FL5 felt amazing on the twisties. I truly felt one with the car. And, even though I hated the bright red seats, damn they hugged me just right. Best car seats I've ever sat in for twisty-work.

Initial impressions of the Emira:

I was underwhelmed and frankly disappointed. I kind of regretted the purchase. I didn't understand why it felt so underpowered. I started thinking the car was over-hyped. It felt heavy, the gearbox was a downgrade, the seats not as good, and the Cup 2s were so damn grippy that I couldn't judge the point at which you lose control. Even though communication through the seats and the steering wheel was good, it didn't feel like that much of an upgrade from the FL5 communication. And, something about the way the Cup 2s felt mid-turn felt awkward to me, like pushing a grocery cart where the front wheels wouldn't straighten out. The sound of the supercharger was unique and kinda cool but it wasn't enough to sway me to feel any better. And, I started missing the turbocharger in the FL5. Yes, its not as linear and yes there is lag but once it kicks in... it feels nice. And you can always finish out the lag right before you take off on someone.

Back to the Emira... At about 1300 miles, I had 3 mods done. Eventuri intake, GRP short shifter, GRP 3rd Cat Delete(no miltek controller, just not a fan). As soon as I left the shop, the gearbox felt better, throttle response felt better, sound a tad better. Even though I wasn't one with the car yet... it was definitely getting closer.

I'm currently at 1600 miles, the car feels different man. But, it's not just the mods because cornering feels different. Then it hit me. The break-in period is not just about the engine. You gotta break-in the suspension and the tires. Things have to settle in and for my Emira it took about 1500 miles. Or, maybe its just in my head.

I'm currently waiting on the BMS JB4 ecu upgrade and I'm really starting to feel like .. things are gonna get good.. REAL GOOD!

 

[geoffbland]

Perhaps you also have to break-in yourself to get used to the car, how it feels and what it can do?

Edit: Just re-reading this and realised it could be taken the wrong way. I'm not disparaging anyone's driving skills here. I mean Lotus' are quite different to many other cars and it can take a while to get used to how the car feels and get to trust it. Even coming from the Elise which is similar in many ways it took me a while to get used to how it feels on the road.

 

[Black Ice]

Perhaps you also have to break-in yourself to get used to the car, how it feels and what it can do?

Coming from a long line of hot/hyper hatches I completely agree. The Emira is a whole different experience!

 

[MiamiBlue]

I'm not sure if there's any significant change to the handling, suspension and tyres after a few thousand miles. You might be getting used to the car more, and comparing it less with your previous car. Comparing to a 718S (only 350hp) I was initially disappointed about how slow the 400hp Emira felt in comparison. But now I think it was really just the turbo torque, and the push you in the seat feeling from flooring it in the midrange. The Emira has to gradually build up the power and I think that hides the performance. I'm now enjoying it much more. It's about maintaining the flow through bends rather than point and squirt performance.

 

[Nova]

This feel like the same recommendation for speakers: give it some time for you to become familiar with it. This is why you hear people talk about speakers "opening up" after a few hundred hours of listening. A lot of times we equate difference with inferior, because some of the characteristics we've become familiar with have gone missing, and in their place are some new peculiarities that you find annoying initially. Eventually, you discover and become accustomed to the characteristics of this new car and find ways to work around the things you don't like.

I don't like to admit it, but for the first 500 miles of driving or so, there were times I was asking myself "what have you gotten us into?" I could have scratched the sports car itch in a variety of other ways. But all of that is way behind me now.

 

[chirowolf]

I came from a 2011 Evora NA and my expectations were for a refined more powerful version of the Evora. I believe that was exactly what I received.
The Evora was a bit underpowered in the lower ranges and only really started to come alive at 3500 to 4500 rev range.
The steering was excellent but twitchy at slower speed
Interior was more high-end kit car that production car
Infotainment was nonexistent until I installed my own system
The seats were great.
The Emira fit and finish is magnitudes better
smoother steering with a bit of compromise on feedback
Ride is perfect for me. I opted for the Touring suspension. Not planning to track this one
Shifter is slightly better. may have to investigate the short shifter
I like the KEF system but then again, I do not have an audiophile's ear
Power delivery is so much better than my Evora NA. I'm still extremely interested in the JB4. Who does not want more power? I will sit out the initial install to see if any issues arise from the JB4.

I guess I was looking for a GT with an edge and great styling. And so far, that is exactly what I received. Thank You Lotus

 

[Lotus64]

The Emira doesn't have the massive power or electronic assistance required to mask bad driving habits. It requires a certain amount of finesse, precision, experience and desire to extract the most out of it. Driving it is an art form.

 

[Rcktmn]

Reading this just makes me want to get a FL5 in addition to my Emira

 

[NorCalEmira]

The Emira is an amazing car on so many levels but the learning curve will vary with what you're accustomed to. I've owned faster and more powerful cars and have missed some elements of those experiences but also appreciated the driving experience since I purchased the Emira. I've come to value the balance of speed and handling that is available when driven in it's zone. The original poster was accustomed to a front drive turbocharged car which is a massively different driving experience from a mid engined rear drive supercharged car. The limits of the Emira are high and the driving experience unique. The V6 is happiest when spinning fast and there are options to make it significantly more powerful at a modest cost if desired but it's one hell of a car.

 

[Rayjoedef]

Reading this just makes me want to get a FL5 in addition to my Emira

I think I'm going to do just that......problem is there fetching 10-15k over, my ego won't allow it!

 

[David s]

My car: Emira V6 Manual, Sports Suspension, Cup 2 tires, I Break-in and daily in Track Mode. I really don't care what the manual says. Sorry.
(Previous car: FL5 Civic Type R, Pilot Sport 4S tires, track mode)
Method of Break-in: "Gradually use the entire rev range" method. Not the wimpy "stay under 4000 rpm all the way to 1000 miles" method. I tried the the wimpy method with a couple of cars and I always felt like it held the engine back and you had to break it in a second time by pushing the car to its limits.

Anyway, after the initial 1000 mile break-in period. I spent some time between GA and NC pushing the car hard on the twisties while it was still completely stock. I wanted to know how it compared to the FL5 which I took to these same roads many times. FYI, the last time I took my FL5, I had a former commercial airline pilot in the passenger seat. When it was over, he called me a closet maniac but said I was an amazing driver. I hit the corners hard man. The G meter was bouncing around like a ping pong ball edge to edge. The FL5 felt amazing on the twisties. I truly felt one with the car. And, even though I hated the bright red seats, damn they hugged me just right. Best car seats I've ever sat in for twisty-work.

Initial impressions of the Emira:

I was underwhelmed and frankly disappointed. I kind of regretted the purchase. I didn't understand why it felt so underpowered. I started thinking the car was over-hyped. It felt heavy, the gearbox was a downgrade, the seats not as good, and the Cup 2s were so damn grippy that I couldn't judge the point at which you lose control. Even though communication through the seats and the steering wheel was good, it didn't feel like that much of an upgrade from the FL5 communication. And, something about the way the Cup 2s felt mid-turn felt awkward to me, like pushing a grocery cart where the front wheels wouldn't straighten out. The sound of the supercharger was unique and kinda cool but it wasn't enough to sway me to feel any better. And, I started missing the turbocharger in the FL5. Yes, its not as linear and yes there is lag but once it kicks in... it feels nice. And you can always finish out the lag right before you take off on someone.

Back to the Emira... At about 1300 miles, I had 3 mods done. Eventuri intake, GRP short shifter, GRP 3rd Cat Delete(no miltek controller, just not a fan). As soon as I left the shop, the gearbox felt better, throttle response felt better, sound a tad better. Even though I wasn't one with the car yet... it was definitely getting closer.

I'm currently at 1600 miles, the car feels different man. But, it's not just the mods because cornering feels different. Then it hit me. The break-in period is not just about the engine. You gotta break-in the suspension and the tires. Things have to settle in and for my Emira it took about 1500 miles. Or, maybe its just in my head.

I'm currently waiting on the BMS JB4 ecu upgrade and I'm really starting to feel like .. things are gonna get good.. REAL GOOD!

The FL5 is a front crawler. The Emira is a Lotus. The lotus handles on its balance. The FL handles via its front wheels and understeer is its main protection.
The reason F1 cars are rear drive and not front is because rear drive is what’s required to design a chassis that uses the cars balance to get through the corners and curves.

 

[sbproducer]

Alright guys.. so....

I got the itch today. It was Sunday and my employees had the restaurant covered. I headed to the climate-controlled storage unit. Pulled out the Emira. It was looking mighty fine.. I'll snap a few pics next time and share. It's magma red, lower blackpack with stealth ppf and silver wheels. The ultimate spec... you can't convince with otherwise. I got a 30 ft x 10 ft storage unit so I could put my truck in after pulling out the Emira. Yea... I'm spoiled...not really I'm a pretty humble guy .. I just didn't want to show off my car to family or employees... No one knows except me. Yea I'm that kinda guy.. *pats self on back*

I had to test my thesis.. so I went back up to Six gap and Suches. I was genuinely feeling "one with the car" simply driving the way there. The car is definitely more responsive and quick .. it may be the ECU slowly adjusting to the intake and 3rd cat delete... also.. the gearbox.. omg.. yes it has a little play but I was feeling it man. I was actually liking the gearbox alot. I'm loving this short shifter and the notchiness is similar to the FL5 but slightly less soft which I think is perfect. 1 to 2, 2 to 3, 3 to 2.. nice and breezy man. I did a couple of 5 to 6 when I meant to 5 to 4 on the freeway.. but who cares right? Not a big deal. Nothing to be embarrassed about.

When you hit Six gap and suches coming from the south, you hit this little stretch of twisties for about 5 to 10 minutes before hitting a big open roundabout which leads to the main course. Just the way the car was driving on the way there, I knew.. I mean I knew I was about to hit driving nirvana. Dudes..... I was ready.

This car spoke to me for the first time. She talked to me guys and.. I responded.. I drove hard. Real hard.

I know alot of you opted for the Goodyears and .. I don't blame you. I felt the same way. But.. the Cup 2s are ridiculous. I'm literally feeling the tires gripping the road hard AF through the steering wheel and the seats. It was glorious man. However, I will say that I think the Cup 2s are really for track work. Because I actually think they are extremely dangerous for the public roads and canyon work. They are so grippy that I see them causing over confidence and public roads can have unexpected hazards. Be careful out there. All 4 of my tires actually left the ground for a split second mid-corner.. when I landed the tires just gripped with some slight body roll and the car planted and I just finished the corner like it never happened.. I think I was lucky.

I'll finish with this. My disappointments are gone. I'm not even sure I need the ECU upgrade.. although I'm gonna do it ofcourse. The Emira is glorious man!

Edit: Just to add a couple of things I noticed. I spent some time cornering up there with the windows slightly rolled down cause I was breaking a sweat. The 3rd cat delete without milltek controller is perfect for me. You don't really hear a difference until your high up in the rev range and because I was pushing the car hard... I really got to hear the Emira like it was for the first time. It sounded great guys. I mean I really enjoyed the sound.

Also, for those interested in the FL5.. just want to make a few points. And fyi, it had a stage 1 tune from Two Step Performance that added 55hp and 60 torque. I loved that car but I sold it for the following reasons.

1. I couldn't get over the bright red seats. They would have looked so much better if they were a darker red. That being said, I already mentioned how great the seats were functionally. Not only did they hug you during cornering but just day-to-day they were so damn comfortable. I would have literally pulled them out and used them for lounge seats in the house. They were the most comfortable car seats I've ever owned by far.

2. From a stopped position, the FL5 had trouble putting the power down. Lots of wheel spin in a bad way. Even though the FL5 and Emira are not meant for drag racing.. the Emira definitely gets off the line faster and smoother.

3. I loved the way the FL5 looked from the front, back and corners.. but the straight-on side profile was unacceptable to me. It looked like an egg. Had a lot to the with the 4 doors.. When I saw the Emira.. I knew I had to make the switch.