Jedifar

Sorry I meant Exige 430 cup, since I've never seen one. That one is my top priority... pretty much the biggest reason I got an evora and converted it as that's the closest we'd get here. 430 cup final edition is actually legal in the US through an import exception, I'd hope to own one one day so this would be a taste. But gt430 drive/ ride is still on the list...Exige 430, 3 eleven, then gt430 is the list for now.

Thanks for the feedback, I am planning to notify all the sites well in advance of my visit so I can plan accordingly and know what to expect. My real big question is, is there any realistic chance I have of driving a 430 cup either from a generous owner or a dealer?

I'm aware, I've driven on at least 3 separate trips, mostly southern country side and multiple trips to and from London to Wales and a tour of Ireland (from Dublin down the country to the ring of Kerry and up north to the cliffs of moher and back) so I'm familiar with what to expect. That and being on vacation touring Lotus sites should give me more patience than a local commuting would. I've always loved the UK and don't take any time spent there for granted.

Wedding is in Wales/near Cardiff. Will be staying with family there but planning to do my own 'excursion' to do the above in the days leading to the wedding. Its an ambitious plan but has been in the works for a few years. Relatively speaking, England is as big as a few of the states here so the distances don't really seem to bother me.

US native with a 400 converted to GT430 spec coming to the UK in August for a family wedding. This would be my first 'pilgrimage' to the 'homeland' since owning the Evora and feeling awestruck. Nothing confirmed but most likely only got 2 weeks including the days for the wedding and have so much I'd like to do. I've been to the UK many times and planning to drive. For now, planning to do the following: - Hethel factory tour - Lotus driving academy - Visit South West Lotus (they supplied most of my parts for the 430 conversion) - Visit Allon White Sports cars (they custom made my carbon seats) - Visit Bell & Colvill and if possible, another large Lotus dealer (thinking Lotus of Silverstone) - Visit 1-2 Lotus buddies if possible/available - Any Lotus owner gatherings if schedules align. Would like to emphasize, it is my absolute goal to see an Exige 410, 420 or 430 and a 3 eleven, and would be a dream to get the chance to drive one (if someone would be gracious enough to lend one or most likely thinking a test drive at a dealer). Would be awesome to rent any if possible. I know it sounds like a jam packed itinerary but I've been waiting for a while for an opportunity like this...realistically probably too ambitious. That being said, wanted to get some feedback from the locals as to if I'm missing something or if there's something you'd highly recommend from the list above. I'm not very familiar with the classic cars so might have to hold off on the classic heritage tours/items just due to time.

Yes the undertray is very different, you'll need that as well. I'm not sure where you're getting 3k from unless you're getting used parts, you'll need the bumper, the 3 radiator ducts + grilles, sealing foam, carbon bumper ducts, DRL harnesses, and the undertray + hardware. Here is a list below provided by B&C...it is nearly 8-9k new:

Yeah looks as a regular 410/430 bumper would, although I would study the diagrams alot closer for the S conversion...I'm not sure if the cooling/radiators are in the same exact positions as the S2 400+ models, this might cause fitment issues as I've heard the placement isn't the exact same because folks have tried swapping aftermarket bumpers onto the S1 models but I may be wrong (may require a ton of headache with trimming and refitting parts and more money). I'd also recommend doing the rear end as well as it'll complete the look. Had to remove the clamshell as well to replace the eggcrate grilles. Unfortunately for me, i may have not trimmed enough because the center mesh grille almost makes contact with the trimmed ducting behind, a giant rock just ripped a hole in the grille so I'll need a new one (my theory is it might have survived if it wasn't contacting the duct), but it was a used grille and fairly brittle to the touch...I might consider getting the duct for while Im replacing the grille.

As a US owner, I've done the 410/430 bumper swap on my 400 but fortunately found a bumper that had all the carbon pieces and most of the grilles as we don't have any 410/430s here. I did purchase the remaining ducts, it was pricey but my buddy did the swap on his and bought all his parts new, it cost him near 8k GBP or so, so it is fairly pricey. In my opinion, the aftermarket options, while acceptable imitations and look fine to the unaware, just look awkward to me personally but they are a great option. The only thing I did not swap was the carbon fibre center duct, which is over 2k for just a duct which is absurd in my opinion for just a duct vs just keeping it plastic. I physically trimmed my 400 duct to make the bumper fit (which you would have to do as well to fit on an S I'd imagine. I was wondering if anyone is aware of a plastic/alternate duct for the 410/430 that would work.

I've had them for 2+ years with multiple track days, they're great.

Hethelsport sells them https://hethelsport.com/wheels/black-wheel-bolts/

Most of mine were used, whatever I could find, the rest I got new (a few ducts, grilles etc). It'll be challenging to find all of them used so def plan on getting new parts

Here's a list of the parts, I can't recall its comprehensive but the majority is there to complete the swap:

@NorCalGT greetings from the other side of the pond forum! I'm assuming you want the front bumper since you have a GT? You can also get a 410 bumper as they're essentially the same. I got mine from SouthWest Lotus Centre and they ship. Was fortunate enough to get a whole set with grilles and carbon bits. Please ask for Mike and tell him I sent you, he's an amazing lad to work with, really couldn't have done it without him. It took me about 6+ months of coordination with them to get the parts sorted. The issue isn't the bumper itself...its everything you need to make it work. You'll need the bottom undertray, the side ducts, the mesh radiator grilles for the side ducts and the front clam vents, and all the fixings for the bumper itself which includes the carbon side ducts, the DRL assemblies with the DRL holders (the DRLs can be transferred from your current bumper), the center grille mesh, the foam for the center duct, and last but not least, the most important part, the carbon center duct which is alone nearly 3k gbp. So the conversion is pretty costly and time consuming, I know someone that purchased everything new and ran well over $10k. So unless you're able to find the parts used or in a package deal, its a little more complex and cost prohibitive than just a bumper swap on any other car.

I was about to reference this, Doc Pitt has been the best source for 430 content on youtube and my inspiration for my fed 430 conversion. That being said, I find it heartbreaking that he is considering selling his 430 given the finances tied to it which is understandable. But the sentiment for all the garage 'queens' attitude specifically pertaining to the 430 is something I don't understand. The 430 is such an incredibly rare car, you could consider it an exotic of an exotic. With only 60 of them worldwide, I can't imagine ever losing money on the car, in any circumstance other than complete neglect. Given its discontinued, best iteration of the fastest car Lotus has ever made status, I can't imagine that any 430 with any mileage would not appreciate a large amount in the years to come (the further out, the more it'll appreciate). So personally, I'm not able to understand this whole attitude and anxiety preventing people from enjoying these cars. Maybe its the jealous and oblivious side of me across the pond but I think you all should be rest assured. I don't think the few grand you might lose on such a rare gem of a car are worth missing out on thrashing it on track and racking up the miles

I understand, thanks for the feedback, the color is Azure blue, there are only 2 of these 400s in this color and a 410 in the UK (probably one or 2 more worldwide) The rear wing is from hethelsport, I was unable to get the oem one, it's fixed at that angle but I might get the oem one later on if possible. I can see why others might think the badging is not appropriate but given all the original 430 parts on the car, and the biggest argument being that the 430 was never offered in the US, I'd say an exception should be allowed, it would be better than going badgeless as the 400 wouldn't work as you say. I plan on getting the embroidery changed on the seats if I'm able to get the original 430 template but it's not crucial for me. As for the vents, I know Elise shop sells the cut out vents, that might be an option, and Oliver from tops racing is making a full 430 carbon front end... but again unsure of what to do. I've got the ohlins set up to the exact 430 alignment specs provided by Lotus so theoretically, it should feel the same (aside from the few pounds of weight I still need to shed). It's those small few things that'll pretty much make it an exact replica. But again, I can totally understand some folk not acknowledging this for what I'm trying to make it, but given our circumstances here, it's the best we can do. Ever since i saw the 430, i just had this itch that I needed to scratch.