identifcation of series 2 SE

[wolfchen]

I am the new owner of 26/4139 , the car has had pin drive/ knockoffs from new, seems to have CR gearbox
and now sprint cams, How can I know i this was an original SE version ( there is no SE badge?) ,would it appear in data plate ? other distinguishing external features ?

Also is there any source in USA for stock size [performance tires 145SR13 ?


Jeffrey Vogel

[gjz30075]

An anodized or stainless sill strip and a day/night rear view mirror are other features of an SE.
S2 experts will chime in soon.

[types26/36]

I dont think the SE models were introduced until 26/5282.

[Mazzini]

No expert but off the top of my head - carpets instead of rubber mats, leather rim wheel, Teleflex seat belts, Lucas dipping mirror, LOTUS across the back of the car, Carello repeaters. sill strip and KO's. S/E cams, different distributor, servo, 200e box and 3.5 diff. I posted a Lotus factory spec sheet awhile ago, but typically I can't find it now.

[wolfchen]

I think while it has some of those features, it' doesn't have enough of them, it more likely just a S2 with some extra
options
thanks JV

idea for tires in 145SR13 ?

[Mazzini]

The close ratio box is better than the semi close or wide ratio.

Go 155, they fit fine.

[wolfchen]

any idea where to find 155 series performance tires in USA ?

[lotocone]

The tire selection isn't too good for 13" diameter. I've seen these tires on Elans and think most people would like them.

https://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.js ... =58TR3TA11

[bill308]

A few other distinguishing features of the S2 SE:

green cam cover,
one groove cams
155R13 tires

Coker Tire, Longstone Tire, and perhaps others can provide Michelin XAS FF in 155HR13 or if you have wider alloy wheels, perhaps 165SR13 sizes. They feature modern sticky rubber but in a classic profile, but expensive.

Bill

[types26/36]

I posted a Lotus factory spec sheet awhile ago, but typically I can't find it now.

That would be this.
download/file.php?id=41746

[knockoffnut]

I have a question for those here who know... Did the "Lotus" lettering first appear across the rear decklid (boot) on the S2SE Elans as stated below? This would imply that the pre-S2SE cars (the S1 and the earlier S2 cars) had no such lettering across the rear as they came from the factory. hunting through my pictures it looks like early S2 cars haad a "Lotus Elan" script badge on the right side. Is this correct?

[Mazzini]

The S2 S/E had LOTUS written like this -

[Quart Meg Miles]

...and the earlier cars had "Lotus Elan 1600" and "Lotus Elan S2" respectively on the RH side behind the boot lid. The S2 also had "Elan S2" in front of each door.

The S2 SE was also the first model to fit repeat flashers on the front wings, Lucas 734 (edit from 539), and I soon fitted a pair to my very un-SE.

[wolfchen]

mine at rear,

[Mazzini]

A standard S2, but does it matter? It looks superb.