Market Research V8 Conversions

[hotrod1000]

Having just melted two of the two inlet valves on my 84 turbo it set me thinking again about a different solution to sorting out the engine.

I'm sure this will be a very emotive question with differening views and responses but would the G cars benefit from a modern V8 or other engine upgrade.

My proposal would be to fit a modern crate type V8 with all the benefits rather than the Lotus V8 which could replace one set of reliability problems with another, fit a suitable gearbox from the limited choice of tansaxles available that the kit car industry use. The idea would be then to develop a kit from this for sale.

Would anyone want to fit a V8 or other engine in the G cars?

Has it already been done successfully or otherwise?

What engine would improve the car and the breed?

All comments and views are welcomed. I think that a lean running carb barrel on the 2.2 caused the valves to melt but any other views are welcomed on this too.

Steve

[unity1]

It sure has even have one around my area but never got to speak to the owner. I have pics on my site, I'll see if I've got a hires copy and post later.

www.unity1.co.uk/Lotus/Events/CCS03/030713-CCS-02.jpg

www.unity1.co.uk/Lotus/Events/CCS03/030713-CCS-03.jpg

[unity1]

That didnt take long. Already had the pic posted just not linked. It looked better in the flesh but have to say if it was me I'd have finished it off better. Does prove it can be done.

www.unity1.co.uk/Lotus/Events/CCS03/030713-CCS-03-Large.jpg

>> Edited by unity1 on Thursday 22 July 10:18

[lotusguy]

Hi,

One of the biggest issues will be preserving the handling qualities of the car once you change the CM and CG with the addition of a much heavier powerplant.

Almost incredibly, the 9XX engine weighs a mere 275lbs. (minus ancillaries). It will be pretty tough to find an 8 cyl. of any make which even approaches this.

Also, cooling can/will be a problem. Not just engine cooling, but the amount of heat build-up a V8 will produce in the enclosed engine bay will definitely shorten the service life of a variety of components including cooling hoses, electrical wiring, and even suspension bushes and motor mounts.

It can be done, but quite a bit of care/planning is necessary to convert it properly and even then there will be trade-offs to make. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE

[unity1]

That was why its a shame I've not managed to speak to the owner of this. It may have more straight line grunt but will it go around a corner.

[techspy]

There is an 83 Turbo near where I live that has a Taurus SHO engine in it with a Porsche trans. He bought it from the guy who performed the mod and is making some changes to make it a better install. He has tracked it several times and siad that it is really amazing. On his last track trip he broke one of the rear half shafts and has it apart for that repair. I hope to take a ride in it at some point.

John
94 S4
http://hometown.aol.com/oneshotcop/myhomepage/profile.html

[wedg1e]

An accepted conversion in the UK has been the Rover (ex-Buick) V8. It requires an adapter plate to mate up with the gearbox.... and that's just the start!
The RV8 is a fairly light engine for its size, and that's a 40-year-old design, so I think you may be surprised how light some of the modern V8s are.
Just avoid an iron block and you'll be halfway there.

Ian

[paul c]

If you missed this?,it's on the PH Esprit homepage

www.projectm71.com/M71.html

[hotrod1000]

Thanks for all your comments, there are some points I hadnt considered. I was surprised no one commented on whether it was right to actually consider a non-lotus engine. The time is not ideal for this project but later in the year I may have the space to buy a spare chassis and start work.
Steve

[joey Licata]

Steve,
Looks like a fun project. I was down at PBC (Lotus By Claudius) here in Los Angeles a month or so ago and was checking out a V-8 conversion that they had just completed. I don't know how much work was required, but it looked VERY CLEAN! I would definately give those guys a call. Here is a link to their site - Good Luck!

www.lotuspbc.com

Joey

[rlearp]

This is no different that what we do with our GT40 replicas. Ask the question over in the drivetrains portion of www.gt40s.com, a site I run, and you'll get lots of help.

This project would not be that hard. Using an all-aluminum Ford SB, I mean ALL aluminum - block, heads, intake, water pump, etc., it is possible to get down to a weight of around 355-375lbs (I'll check exacts, there is one less if I remember right). Using modern stroker combinations it is possible to make a displacement of 7.4 L (using a Dart SB, Ford's all aluminum SB will only do around 6.8L). Power outputs can be in excess of 625hp - dyno proven and there are a number of 40s at that level. Even using a 5.3L combination you can make more than 375-400hp relatively easily.

Transaxles can be addressed too. Using a Chevy or Ford V8 allows you to use the Renault that is in the car since adapter plates exist for that transmission. Also, plates exist for the Porsche G50, G50/50 and the mighty ZF 5 speed a la original GT40 and lots of other race cars. We also use the Audi/Getrag boxes as well, all behind the V8s. Kennedy Engineering as well as the GT40 replica companies can help here with adapters etc.

Transaxles can be beefed up as well. No problem. Plently of upgrades for Renault, etc. if you want to stay standard with minimal work.

You can make it work, not much different from what we do with the 40s and they handle better than Esprits although they have a better suspension geometry to start with. Give it a go!!!!

[Squelch]

Have you considered building up your current engine then converting it to the later Delco electronic injection ? Using the factory manifold/throttle bodies/snesors.

Better realiblity, excellent performance, and still "somewhat" stock.

Just a thought....