Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Does any one know where the Diff was from on a 1969 S4 Elan thinking of getting an exchange

The differential is from Ford, called the 'English' differential, and was fitted to the Anglia, Classic, Cortina, Corsair, Escort and Capri. So only a few million were made!

Make sure you get the ratio you want. 3.77 :1 was the common fitting on the Elan and Plus 2, with 3.55 used on many of the S/E models, which gave slightly reduced revs for 'cruising'. Many of the smaller model Fords used a higher (numerical) ratio, with 3.9:1 being quite common. 3.54: 1 was fitted to many of the 'sporting' Escorts and are also quite easy to get hold of, and as quite a few Plus 2 cars have been broken for spares, there are quite a few 3.77 diffs around.

These guys know their stuff if you want one re-built, or ask Sue Miller / Paul Matty if they do an exchange service.

http://www.arrowautoengineering.co.uk/page4.htm

Mark Kempson

Would anyone know if the English Ford diff made it into any of the cars sold in the U.S. and, if so, what ratio's?


Kurt
26/3754

Kurt,

I'm a junk yard scrounger (and owner of many Lotus). The only U.S. delivered donors for the diff are Ford Cortina and Anglia's, which used 3.9, 4.125, 4.44. I have Hollander interchange manuals and can provide specifics as to which model had which ratio, if needed. Ford Capri's in the U.S., even the 1600 had a different axle. Pinto 1600 was also different. If you're looking for something beyond a Ford/Lotus housing, I can provide advice of what can be made to fit (without fiberglass modifications).

Vic

Vic, I'm a junk yard scrounger myself though there aren't many left with the good old stuff that I like in these part's! I have some friends in Colorado [several] and might be bothering you for a visit later this summer. Won't be driving my Elan though.

Kurt
26/3754