Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Posted: **Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:28 pm**

I've read most of the posts regarding fitting overdrive or 5-speed
transmissions to the Elan. Alternatively, has anyone changed their
final drive ratio in order to drop RPM at crusing speed? Is this a
reasonable compromise versus cost and complexity?

Posted: **Mon Nov 29, 2004 1:57 pm**

Hi djt76 (Are you related to R2D2 :-)

)

I replaced my as found 3.9 diff in my Plus Two with a 3.55. Big improvement on motorways, but a curse on alpine hairpins when combined with the highfirst gear of the original 4 speed.

Now I have the 3.9 with a T9 Sierra 5 speed, which is a great combination, but now I'm thinking of going back to the 3.55 for the Autobahns.

Sean Murray
----- Original Message -----
From: djt76
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Monday, November 29, 2004 1:28 PM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Final Drive Ratio

I've read most of the posts regarding fitting overdrive or 5-speed
transmissions to the Elan. Alternatively, has anyone changed their
final drive ratio in order to drop RPM at crusing speed? Is this a
reasonable compromise versus cost and complexity?

Posted: **Mon Nov 29, 2004 5:05 pm**

djt76 <***@***.***> wrote:

I've read most of the posts regarding fitting overdrive or 5-speed
transmissions to the Elan. Alternatively, has anyone changed their
final drive ratio in order to drop RPM at crusing speed? Is this a
reasonable compromise versus cost and complexity?

I don't think you can beat the five speed set-up,(am fitting one to my plus2 this winter if all goes well),as it gives better acceleration in 1st and the luxury of being able to cruise the motorways at a decent rate with less revs in 5th

Unless someone knows better??????????

John

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2004 5:28 am**

Sean
How much did the Sierra conversion set you back?

I have the torque in my BDR that the tall first is not a problem if I just
change the diff. Problem is finding a 3.55 diff. Any leads?
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2004 6:44 am**

Ken
Try ebay 4506320878 ends in 11hrs,plenty more where that came from

John

lotus <***@***.***> wrote:

Sean
How much did the Sierra conversion set you back?

I have the torque in my BDR that the tall first is not a problem if I just
change the diff. Problem is finding a 3.55 diff. Any leads?
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2004 7:07 am**

Also 4507618432

John

JOHN CLEGG <***@***.***> wrote:

Ken
Try ebay 4506320878 ends in 11hrs,plenty more where that came from

John

I have the torque in my BDR that the tall first is not a problem if I just
change the diff. Problem is finding a 3.55 diff. Any leads?
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2004 9:58 am**

Gidday Ken,
You apparently have a problem finding 3.55 diff centers. They are availablehere in Australia second hand out of MK2 2 Litre Escorts.
If you are prepared to take the chance with a used unit I can check it out for you regarding a price and freight. At the worst they need bearings which any basic Diff Shop can do. Also as of today the Australian Dollars is worth 80 US cents, good for you blokes.
Leave it with you.
Les.
----- Original Message -----
From: lotus
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 3:20 PM
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] Final Drive Ratio

Sean
How much did the Sierra conversion set you back?

I have the torque in my BDR that the tall first is not a problem if I just
change the diff. Problem is finding a 3.55 diff. Any leads?
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

Posted: **Wed Dec 01, 2004 11:44 am**

Ken,

Sierra 5 speed conversion, including concentric clutch release and gearboxmount costs GB?1,500 +VAT from Alan Voigts.
I did the protoype installation in the Spyder Plus Two chassis and supplieddetailed drawings of mods required to central web, which can be done with4" grinder, no welding required.

I got the 3.55 diff from Graham Boulton in Norfolk, but there are plenty sources on the Ford Cortina lists.

Alan Voigts Gearboxes

4 Toronto St

Wallasey Merseyside

CH44 6PR

England

0151 630 3575

----- Original Message -----
From: lotus
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 5:20 AM
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] Final Drive Ratio

Sean
How much did the Sierra conversion set you back?

I have the torque in my BDR that the tall first is not a problem if I just
change the diff. Problem is finding a 3.55 diff. Any leads?
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR