LocostUSA.com

Learning how to build Lotus Seven replicas...together!
It is currently March 29, 2024, 8:19 am

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]




Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 237 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
Author Message
PostPosted: January 29, 2022, 5:51 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
Now about the motor ?

Build a block and have the head rebuilt or just go to the newer motor like you are using ?

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 29, 2022, 8:52 pm 
Offline

Joined: December 29, 2007, 10:41 pm
Posts: 1004
Location: Vancouver, BC
If there's only the head then you will have to find all the unique tc bits (timing cover, back plate, etc) which will get pricey. If originality isn't important, the zetec is definitely a good option. You would need to sort out engine mounts, starter, ignition and fuel systems, exhaust etc. No one sells a kit to do it but it is doable.


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 30, 2022, 9:09 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
Just think. But what about the 2.5 Duratec ?

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 30, 2022, 9:56 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: November 11, 2013, 4:47 am
Posts: 1617
Location: No. Nevada
Need to keep torque limits of the Renault transaxle in mind.
Axles are a suspension link.
For maximum value the car needs to remain original or at least "In period".
All sorts of swaps have been done, from "Gordini TS" Renault as mine has, to Mazzzzda rotary, to SBC V8! :ack:
Going down the radical engine/trans swap path has resulted in more than a few Europa's becoming abandoned projects and eventual parts cars.
The Europa is a drivers car, often compared to driving a Formula car on the street.
Overpowering it means a lot of mod$ to handle that power, and the original fine balance is lost.
711M engine blocks and cranks are still available brand new.
You can even get an aluminum block.

There is very little space at the front of the engine for conventional accessory drive.
The TC engine uses a modified head so that accessories may be mounted to the rear and driven from a camshaft.

_________________
If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 30, 2022, 10:24 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
All good points.

I was thinking about the weight ?

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 31, 2022, 3:53 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: November 11, 2013, 4:47 am
Posts: 1617
Location: No. Nevada
I have about $6,500 into my S2 Renault "Gordini" engined car.
Tricked out with all the bits I could want, Webers, high compression pistons, worked over head, headers, radical cam, adjustable rear lower links, etc.
But still a project due to sitting for several years.
I wince to realize it has been over a year and I've made little actual progress beyond obtaining some missing trim pieces and pulling the head to see why #4 was low on compression.
I could have had a stock Twin-Cam for the same money but actually prefer the Renault engine.
My hot Renault engine will make at least as much HP as the Ford TC but has a longer service interval while weighing less.
I also prefer the original body lines.

You need to decide if you want an investment or a toy.
The Toy can be fun, a proper restoration is a better investment than a CD in the bank.
Mine is something of both since it is all "Period correct" with minimal body mods.
But only if I finish re$toring it.

I would be perfectly happy if they stopped appreciating so rapidly, I want to play with my toy and not worry that I am being stupid to risk the investment side.

For a TC the compromise might be to put in a Zetec while gathering parts to eventually restore it to TC power if it can be done without cutting.
There is a very long thread on one of the Lotus forums documenting a Zetec conversion.
Also a Mazzzda conversion adapter fairly cheap.
Your car so your choice.

_________________
If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: January 31, 2022, 3:01 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
Thats a good idea . General repair of the body and chassis a get a good roller and maybe the zetec for general running and work on the TC parts ?
I need to put things on paper.
Thanks.

Closed the deal on the car and it will be here Feb 10.
I'm into to it about $2600 including shipping 3 books.
The books are priccy.

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: February 1, 2022, 12:27 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: November 11, 2013, 4:47 am
Posts: 1617
Location: No. Nevada
The book info is available for free on the Web.

Here is the forum you now need to join, http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php

_________________
If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: February 3, 2022, 11:10 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: November 11, 2013, 4:47 am
Posts: 1617
Location: No. Nevada
B85 wrote:
Now about the motor ?

Build a block and have the head rebuilt or just go to the newer motor like you are using ?


Sent you an email link to an original Europa TC engine at a good price.
Getting it would probably double the value of your car instantly.

_________________
If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: February 4, 2022, 1:29 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
It will go to spam but I will find it ! Nothing yet.

Thanks.

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: February 4, 2022, 2:35 am 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: November 11, 2013, 4:47 am
Posts: 1617
Location: No. Nevada
PM sent, Lotus Europa TC engine.

_________________
If I must be a one-man PC free zone, so be it!


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
PostPosted: February 4, 2022, 5:08 pm 
Offline
User avatar

Joined: January 13, 2008, 9:07 pm
Posts: 1390
Location: Glendale AZ
Thanks very much.
I will get with him.

_________________
American 7 5.0 T5
Lotus 15 ish?
914/H6


Top
 Profile  
Reply with quote  
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  [ 237 posts ]  Go to page Previous  1 ... 12, 13, 14, 15, 16

All times are UTC - 5 hours [ DST ]


Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 7 guests


You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot post attachments in this forum

Jump to:  
POWERED_BY