Discussion
I saw (on eBay) one with a GM V6 in it. Kylie mentioned hearing of one in Oz with a Lexus V8, and I think I have heard of some small block Chevy's or Fords in some.
There used to be some 910 motors in South America from a failed car project that were going for about three large, complete with everything including harness and ECM. Might not be that much more than putting a different motor in by the time you deal with a clutch, bell housing, etc.
Dr.Hess
There used to be some 910 motors in South America from a failed car project that were going for about three large, complete with everything including harness and ECM. Might not be that much more than putting a different motor in by the time you deal with a clutch, bell housing, etc.
Dr.Hess
sydneyse was going to do it www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=21407&f=17&h=0&hw=Lexus+v8
Also some guy posted a while ago saying they know of someone racing an Esprit in OZ using a lexus v8. Its not a direct drop fit, but I guess anything will fit if you make it
Also some guy posted a while ago saying they know of someone racing an Esprit in OZ using a lexus v8. Its not a direct drop fit, but I guess anything will fit if you make it
If you were going for an engine swap you might consider something like a Mitsubishi 4G63. I don't know specific weights, but the 4G63 is a 2.0 liter engine that is used to turbocharging (in the turbo Eclipses and the Evolutions.) Parts (and engines) are readily available. As the "stock" setup make 210HP (same as the stock Lotus 2.2,) however can be built to well beyond 400HP (there are cars running high 7 sec 1/4 mile times with these engines.)
It would probably fit a lot easier than a larger normally aspirated 6 or 8 cylinder car.
It would probably fit a lot easier than a larger normally aspirated 6 or 8 cylinder car.
The guy that ported/polished AZ88TURBO's engine last year tried talking him into dropping a Chevy 350 in it...they guy was sure he could do it.
It might help to really talk to someone that's done this to find out the costs, troubles, etc. If only you could find a V8TT, that would beeee....how do the Brits say it..."The dog's bollucks"?
Bill
95 S4S
It might help to really talk to someone that's done this to find out the costs, troubles, etc. If only you could find a V8TT, that would beeee....how do the Brits say it..."The dog's bollucks"?
Bill
95 S4S
The ones I have seen put in the Ford SHO Taurus engine and a G50 tranny, some had other types of tranny. A lot of people refered to them as a Shotus. The engines that is floating around the USA is a SE motor that was from South America car project that was supposed to be fitted in front engine sedan. It does include many parts including the turbo, ECU, etc. I think they were going for about 4-5K USD. Although it is not original it is still a Lotus engine. I suppose getting a Esprit back on the road with something stuffed back in the Engine compartmentis better than just rotting away sitting, but still I favor a Lotus engine if you could somehow manage it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=2474779770&category=33615
I don't know about 3K but maybe give him an offer off auction.
I don't know about 3K but maybe give him an offer off auction.
You might want to check out the many GT40 web sites. I am told that our Renault transaxle is used behind the SB Ford in many of those kit cars. Here is one site that offers some tech data.
www.gt40club.clara.net/technics.htm
Regards...Walt
www.gt40club.clara.net/technics.htm
Regards...Walt
The Renault is used a lot in GT40s, but they don't live all that long without care. We've got a lot of tech info, just search our forum at www.gt40s.com, especially in the Engines and Transaxles subforum.
You'd be surpised how light aluminum block and headed 5.5-7.0 L V8s are - very reasonable in the mid 400s dressed out making 425-600 hp - no kidding. It's good for a 40, good for a Lotus! If they are turbocharged, well, there are a couple of 40s like that and insane power levels are reached. Not with Renaults though, these are RBTs and ZFs at a minimum to handle power. ;-)
R
You'd be surpised how light aluminum block and headed 5.5-7.0 L V8s are - very reasonable in the mid 400s dressed out making 425-600 hp - no kidding. It's good for a 40, good for a Lotus! If they are turbocharged, well, there are a couple of 40s like that and insane power levels are reached. Not with Renaults though, these are RBTs and ZFs at a minimum to handle power. ;-)
R
It is worth considering the weight of the doner engine. The 910 is scarcely 275lbs, and a 350 chevy is closer to take much to 500lbs. A 500 lb converrsion is bound to adversely effect handling and balance.
Personally, my choice (if cash were no object)would be a detuned (or not) Cosworth DFV.. now that would be a worthy conversion in the true spirit of Lotus.
This resource may be helpful:
www.241computers.com/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html
Jan
Personally, my choice (if cash were no object)would be a detuned (or not) Cosworth DFV.. now that would be a worthy conversion in the true spirit of Lotus.
This resource may be helpful:
www.241computers.com/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html
Jan
We've reviewed that list before, previous varitions of it, and found it incorrect for built Fords at least. We're able to build Ford SBs (which can go to 427 inches, or 7.0L) using aluminum heads, dressed with accessories (AC/alternator/H2O pump), right at 400lbs. This is a great weight for an engine with such horsepower but requires careful selection of intake, block, and heads.
Not knocking the list, just saying that don't be afraid of domestic V8 power, it is fairly light, durable, and provides a lot of bang for the buck.
Not knocking the list, just saying that don't be afraid of domestic V8 power, it is fairly light, durable, and provides a lot of bang for the buck.
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