I have a window motor upgrade kit for all S3/S4 Elans. This kit uses modern window motors that are smaller, lighter, faster and gentler than the stock Lotus (old GM windshield) motors. The kit consists of all the required hardware to mount the new motors to the stock window frame, no drilling or mechanical modifications required. The motors are from a US Chevy Sonic, both Genuine GM or aftermarket Dorman are available at places like RockAuto.com or your favorite local auto parts store. The cost of the kit is $220 plus shipping. I typically use US Post Priority as the price is good and delivery in the US is typically 2-3 days.
For those not in the USA and having issues finding the motors, I can supply motors as well. Motor cost per the current online pricing plus shipping.
I installed these in my S4 and it is very easy to do as Mike says. The Dorman motors are so much smaller and lighter, and much faster than the origionals. My origionals are in great shape, and they will stay that way boxed on the shelf. I highly recomend these with no qualifications.
I’ve updated the instructions to include a screen shot of a properly crimped terminal pin and the part number for the extraction tool to remove the terminal pins from the plastic connector housing in case someone needs to repair or swap pins.
I also installed the kit, which was easy with Michael’s instructions and items included in the kit, and the results are amazing! Highly recommend anyone with an S3/S4 consider installing these upgraded motors using Michael’s kit. You, and your passenger will not be disappointed.
I bought one of the window motor kits from Mike but have not installed them as yet. One of the many things on my to do list. Looks like a quality piece of kit.
One question, maybe silly, with the original window motors it was recommended to put a polythene bag around the motor with one corner of the bag cut to drain condensation, and the bag held in place with rubber bands. This was to prevent water ingress and corrosion in the original motors.
I did not install the polythene bags on mine but sure sounds like a good idea. I may go back and do the mod. Thanks for including the link of the factory mod.
that sounds a bit surprising as rubber bands do oxidize rather quickly and are likely to stop performing their assign function within a few months or years…
Relative to the plastic bag comments, these modern window motors shouldn’t require any additional protection as they are designed to sit inside a door where even with modern cars there is some moisture. Add them if you wish but I don’t feel they are required
I can’t send a pm because elan.net says I haven’t been a member long enough or I haven’t interacted enough on forums to have that ability.
Ae_mike, I don’t know if you can send me a pm or not. If not, please text me at 336-404-9141 with contact info to purchase a window lift kit. Thanks.
yes the forum takes a bit to make sure your not a bot but after that things happen in near real time. I tried to send you a PM and it didn’t go thru either. I’ll text you my email. Kits are in stock, payment is via paypal. In the US without motors, the kit cost is $230.54 which includes shipping via USPS Priority mail. There is a post in this thread that has the installation instructions which has the motor information. Currently I get mine via Rockauto.com and I recommend the Genuine GM motors as they are made by Bosch. Slightly smaller and lighter than the Dorman units.
Thanks for the interest,
Michael
