Lotus; where to start
Discussion
Is it really as simple as portrayed here. Usually considering an engine swap from another car would normally mean Exhaust fabrication, wiring loom modification, new ECU, compatibility issues with ECU, engine mounts, gearbox bell housing matching...
If heavier it could also induce handling and braking issues.
Is the 160 Trophy lump much heavier and are there any links to the conversion?
Does a converted car lose value or are they more sort after; I haven't noticed any for sale?
If heavier it could also induce handling and braking issues.
Is the 160 Trophy lump much heavier and are there any links to the conversion?
Does a converted car lose value or are they more sort after; I haven't noticed any for sale?
fridaypassion said:
The 160 is basically the same engine so it fits straight in. Same gearbox and everything from the manifold onwards on the exhaust is the same. Dan Jude from sps automotive did mine. Roadboy on seloc. It's been faultless. Highly recommended.
Many thanks for this info FP, good to hear it is a straight swap. Are these engines easy enough to come by and are they generally considered reliable? Good to hear that you are happy with yours and that you've had no dramas 
Is the ECU also a straight swap using existing loom?The VVC has exactly the same issues as the 120bhp version (ie head gasket and not a great deal else), plus a small risk of the VVC unit itself failing but that's very rare. The VVC until can be quite noisy (a faintly dieselish rattle at idle and a fast clicking at higher revs) if that bothers you.
I think the EU2 VVC (143bhp as used in the S1 111S) is a straight swap with the 118bhp engine using the Rover ECU from the donor. However, the later 156hp EU3 VVC engine used a proprietary Lotus ECU which is I think is not a straight electrical swap into the S1. I don't know enough to know how much work it is to fit, though.
I think the EU2 VVC (143bhp as used in the S1 111S) is a straight swap with the 118bhp engine using the Rover ECU from the donor. However, the later 156hp EU3 VVC engine used a proprietary Lotus ECU which is I think is not a straight electrical swap into the S1. I don't know enough to know how much work it is to fit, though.
Edited by kambites on Thursday 15th January 08:43
Very true the VVC engine is not the last word in smooth quiet running and it does indeed sound like an 80s bedford ice cram van on idle.
My setup has the ECU from the 160 and an adapted loom but retains the original ECU to run the speedo and temp display for the dash. Dan has done loads of these and buys 160 MG's regularly so engines are always available.
They are slightly less prone to HGF as they run a remote stat so the temp is a bit more stable. It will go eventually though of course!
My setup has the ECU from the 160 and an adapted loom but retains the original ECU to run the speedo and temp display for the dash. Dan has done loads of these and buys 160 MG's regularly so engines are always available.
They are slightly less prone to HGF as they run a remote stat so the temp is a bit more stable. It will go eventually though of course!
andy_s said:
kambites said:
I can't help but feel it might be easier just to buy an S2 111S in the first place though. 
It's the sweet spot I think...especially an early one without the elastictrickery windows. The one thing I wanted to avoid was AC because that IS heavy and prone to failure.
kambites said:
andy_s said:
kambites said:
I can't help but feel it might be easier just to buy an S2 111S in the first place though.
It's the sweet spot I think...especially an early one without the elastictrickery windows. The one thing I wanted to avoid was AC because that IS heavy and prone to failure.
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