Will a K series run safely at an angle?

[drive2tractors]

Thinking about fitting an alternative engine to my 1979 Lotus Elite whilst I rebuild the original engine. If I found a suitable K series would I be able to run it cranked over at an angle safely subject to sensible sump and oil pump mods?
I know its a random thought but I think the engine might suit the car?
d2t

[drive2tractors]

DVandrews said:

You may have an issue with drainage from the exhaust side of the head, oil will pool around the top of the guides and leach down them. This can be an issue on the Caterham with a lot less extreme installation angle, there are some modifications you can make to improve the drainage at those points on the head but they are not easy to do.

You may also have some pooling of oil in the cam cover above the gasket on the exhaust side, some judiciously placed extra holes should mitigate the problem.g

You will also experience pooling behind the rear crankcase seal where an extra drain hole will be required to prevent leakage from the lip of the seal when the pools oil reaches above the seals lip line.

Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Saturday 28th November 19:36

Hmm sounds like it may not be ideal. I can't think of any modern (common) engine that runs normally at a slant off the top of my head, that would have all these issues designed out. I need to be able to fit it in the low bonnet line.

[drive2tractors]

Berw said:

Having had a few 900 Lotus engines, are you sure the K series would even need to be tilted? it's a lot shorter than a 900.
For the price I'd but a second 900 and rebuild that keeping the old engine in the car while I did so, and no problems matching to the gear box.

Having given it some thought over the weekend I've decided to work with the original engine. I have a problem with cylinder 4. Compression is 160 on 1 2 and 3 but only just 150 on 4. There is always unburnt oil on the plug and low idle speed is impossible to achieve smoothly.
I think I'll pop the head off and have a look in the first instance.
I think you're right: by the time I've engineered a different motor into the car I probably could have fixed the original.
d2t

[drive2tractors]

Berw said:

If you are rebuilding a 900, look at going for the JP Pistons, as an option, and sort out the oil return.
I used to race a 900, had all the recommended mods, S4 block and crank Jp Pistons, Steel Liners, Long Cams, Improved Oil return, early manual belt tensions on the round tooth belt, etc and restricted oil feed to the head. Made huge power but couldn't stop stretched rods and pistons touching the head, the head is just so much better than the bottom end on these engines they will rev until the bottom lets go.
Mate of mine just put a 2.2 Vitec into an early Elite, stunning conversion.
I eventually sold my engine and went SR20. I have loads of info in PDF on the 900 if you are interested PM me and I'll sort out some files. The best source of info on these engines in The Jensen Healy Club in LA, they sell parts much cheaper than any one else even with the postage. (Pistons, Belts, Gaskets, bearings, etc)

Great info, thanks. PM sent.
d2t