US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130

[elanplus2s130]

I having been looking for a Plus 2 S130 for a restoration project. I
was leaning toward the 130 because of the additional horsepower
created by the big valve engine. My second choice was a Plus 2 S. I
have read that the S model is a little more luxurious (relatively
speaking) than the non-S version. And if I found a S, I could always
convert the engine to a big valve version when I rebuilt it.

However, I have come across a 1969 Plus 2. It meets all my other
requirements (body condition, frame condition, needs a lot of work
but all parts assembled to the car, price range, etc) but it isn't a
S130.

Is there really much difference between the models? Is the big value
engine noticable or just a marketing ploy? Any advice is greatly
appreciated.

[s2lola]

Who cares. Build the engine to whatever spec you want.
IMHO (as opposed to my dishonest opinion), the "big valve" was a great
marketing gimmick. If you look at the specs on the valves (big valve vs.
non), there's not enough difference to really matter that much.

Just my 2 cents,
Bill Tebbutt

-----Original Message-----
From: prasanthajayakody [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 2004/12/01 17:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130




I having been looking for a Plus 2 S130 for a restoration project. I
was leaning toward the 130 because of the additional horsepower
created by the big valve engine. My second choice was a Plus 2 S. I
have read that the S model is a little more luxurious (relatively
speaking) than the non-S version. And if I found a S, I could always
convert the engine to a big valve version when I rebuilt it.

However, I have come across a 1969 Plus 2. It meets all my other
requirements (body condition, frame condition, needs a lot of work
but all parts assembled to the car, price range, etc) but it isn't a
S130.

Is there really much difference between the models? Is the big value
engine noticable or just a marketing ploy? Any advice is greatly
appreciated.























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[daves56]

I agree. Find a Plus Two that you can "live with". Forget the big valve
propaganda and get a good set of cams and set up the carbs correctly.
The only "real" improvement was the addition of the 5 speed. Besides,
69' was a great year for cars.

Dave S.

69' +2

77' Esprit S1 V8





-----Original Message-----
From: Bill Tebbutt [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: Wednesday, December 01, 2004 4:17 PM
To: '***@***.***'
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130



Who cares. Build the engine to whatever spec you want.
IMHO (as opposed to my dishonest opinion), the "big valve" was a great
marketing gimmick. If you look at the specs on the valves (big valve
vs.
non), there's not enough difference to really matter that much.

Just my 2 cents,
Bill Tebbutt

-----Original Message-----
From: prasanthajayakody [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 2004/12/01 17:05
To: ***@***.***
Subject: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130




I having been looking for a Plus 2 S130 for a restoration project. I
was leaning toward the 130 because of the additional horsepower
created by the big valve engine. My second choice was a Plus 2 S. I
have read that the S model is a little more luxurious (relatively
speaking) than the non-S version. And if I found a S, I could always
convert the engine to a big valve version when I rebuilt it.

However, I have come across a 1969 Plus 2. It meets all my other
requirements (body condition, frame condition, needs a lot of work
but all parts assembled to the car, price range, etc) but it isn't a
S130.

Is there really much difference between the models? Is the big value
engine noticable or just a marketing ploy? Any advice is greatly
appreciated.

[lotuselan2]

You wanted more power. Throw the TC away and put in a BDR. You will have
better power to weight than a baby Elan.
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

[lotuselanman]

Gidday,
In my most humble opinion the 130 was a great con job. If you plan to rebuild the engine you can do a lot more than 130HP and still maintain tractabilty but have a pocket rocket. Our +2 ran 145 HP with no problem.
Les, Australia.
----- Original Message -----
From: prasanthajayakody
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 8:04 AM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130



I having been looking for a Plus 2 S130 for a restoration project. I
was leaning toward the 130 because of the additional horsepower
created by the big valve engine. My second choice was a Plus 2 S. I
have read that the S model is a little more luxurious (relatively
speaking) than the non-S version. And if I found a S, I could always
convert the engine to a big valve version when I rebuilt it.

However, I have come across a 1969 Plus 2. It meets all my other
requirements (body condition, frame condition, needs a lot of work
but all parts assembled to the car, price range, etc) but it isn't a
S130.

Is there really much difference between the models? Is the big value
engine noticable or just a marketing ploy? Any advice is greatly
appreciated.

[triumphelan]

What`s a BDR,.
Regards John 1969S4 DHC
----- Original Message -----
From: lotus
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 3:00 AM
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130


You wanted more power. Throw the TC away and put in a BDR. You will have
better power to weight than a baby Elan.
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

[davidallen]

If you are going to replace the TC, you may as well fit a 2L Zetec, which
will develop similar power but is much cheaper and easier to find etc.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: lotus [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 02 December 2004 03:00
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130



You wanted more power. Throw the TC away and put in a BDR. You will have
better power to weight than a baby Elan.
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

[type36lotus]

As it is your car, just decide what you want in the end as you go
down the path of improving things. "Reliability via modern parts" or
a "Collectable". My opinion; Original cars are more collectable,
therefore will appreciate. The more non-original, the less
collectable. I have never heard anyone say "Wow, nice highly un-
original car you have there"

Mike Geiger... obviously on the originality side of the fence.

[pamitchell]

What about the Honda S2000 engine and 6 speed box as a replacement
for the TC? 240 HP with 8500 red line. Considering the S2000 is 3200
lb. car the Elan would fly down the road and you would never have
to open the hood except to check the oil!
Phil Mitchell
69 S4 FHC -San Jose CA.

--- In ***@***.***, "ALLEN, David" <david.allen@e...>
wrote:

[Briggs1]

I've been looking at this exact same thought.

Without actually getting a measuring tape out I think the problems are in
total engine length and the width of the Honda transmission, not to mention
the shifter location (which I do think could be resolved).

I like the idea.

I won't be trying it though. I've decided to stay stock (for the first time
in my life).

Briggs Pletcher

-----Original Message-----
From: Phil Mitchell [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 1:56 PM
To: ***@***.***
Subject: Re: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130



What about the Honda S2000 engine and 6 speed box as a replacement
for the TC? 240 HP with 8500 red line. Considering the S2000 is 3200
lb. car the Elan would fly down the road and you would never have
to open the hood except to check the oil!
Phil Mitchell
69 S4 FHC -San Jose CA.

--- In ***@***.***, "ALLEN, David" <david.allen@e...>
wrote:

[nebogipfel]

Hi

The "S" models 130 or otherwise are more desirable mainly for the
much nicer interiors. You can always modernise however by fitting
stuff from later cars. Quite a few +2's seem to be broken for spares.

I wouldn't get too hung up on the state of tune of the car, lets
face it if you want something quick there are lots of cars which
will eat an Elan nowadays.

I'm with Mike on originality (to a reasonable extent). If you want
to do big mods and really customise why spoil a Lotus? There are so
many other cars to base a project on. The supply of +2's is finite
and diminishing after all

Good Luck
John

[poiuyt]

Why not just buy an S2000, then?

My GTI VR6 is fast, handles great, gets close to 30 MPG and, after
183,000 miles and no mechanical problems (including an original
clutch), I can attest that it needs precious little maintenance.

But I prefer a quick ride down a twisty road in my 1969 S4 DHC, with
all of the maintenance problems, any day.

Steve B


--- In ***@***.***, "Phil Mitchell"
<spyder550phil@y...> wrote:

[elansprint71]

There's lots of this Zetec stuff in the archives, if you can find it.
Octane magazine (UK) is advertising that in it's next issue (February, published December 30th!!) there will be a back to back comparison between "modern engined" Elan and Sprite Frog/Bug eye. Might be worth a look.
Cheers,
Pete
----- Original Message -----
From: ALLEN, David
To: ***@***.***
Sent: Thursday, December 02, 2004 1:43 PM
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130


If you are going to replace the TC, you may as well fit a 2L Zetec, which
will develop similar power but is much cheaper and easier to find etc.

David

-----Original Message-----
From: lotus [mailto:***@***.***
Sent: 02 December 2004 03:00
To: ***@***.***
Subject: RE: [LotusElan.net] US Plus 2 vs Plus 2 S130



You wanted more power. Throw the TC away and put in a BDR. You will have
better power to weight than a baby Elan.
Ken
'69 +2 with BDR

[lotuselan2]

My point about the BDR is that:
1. It is a "period" motor
2. It is based on the same concept as the TC, an twin cam upgrade of an
Ford motor
3. Having 40 or 45 mm Delortto's hanging on the side looks right.
4. Maintenance is less than a TC and parts remain available, even heads
and cam carriers. Try to find a new TC Weber head!
5. Saying your car has a Cosworth motor sounds better than a Honda or
Ford.

Ken

[lotuselan2]

Pete
I think there are more mods to fitting the Zetec. A BDR is nearly a drop
in, just needs a new hump in the engine cover and slotting the motor mounts.
Ken