Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi does anyone know if its possible to change a elan s4 from LHD to RHD and if so apart from a steering rack and dash are any more parts needed ?
Milk

Probably headlights & mph speedometer, maybe a RH wheelhammer

pedal assembly

Dashboard wiring harness and if it came from US rear lights will need changing.

lotusfan wrote:Dashboard wiring harness and if it came from US rear lights will need changing.

I don't think the wiring harnesses are handed, they built slack in there to fit either side...

New brake lines and clutch line needed, unless you can modify your lhd ones. Throttle cable different
length, too.

Handbrake pull handle.

I think it's just Triumph Spitfire Steering Rack, new Dashboard, shorten Throttle Cable, maybe adjust Pedals.
Brake Pipes maybe you will just need to shorten the one from Brake Master Cylinder to multiway block.
Clutch line made longer like original or fit flexible Aero equipe type hose.
Wiring Harness is OK on baby Elan, it only needs changing of some wire lengths on a +2 Elan.
If you need parts try contact with Club Lotus France as many have done the opposite to you. They may have the parts you need kicking around. Serge Audiger the secretary of the Club speaks English no problem
bon chance
Alan

LHD and RHD pedal boxes are very different. New RHD boxes are available for a reasonable price.

Thanks i didn't know on the baby Elan they are different.
So i suggest you contact Club Lotus France. I know several baby and +2 Elans have been converted here in France. One of the members who has converted several cars from rhd to lhd lives in Normany not that far from the Ferry Port of Le Havre. He speaks very good English also.
Alan

Thanks vary much for all your reply's guys
Very informative and most helpful
Mike

Are RHD Elans that rare?

Dashboard
Pedal box
Steering rack

Lengthen wiring harnesses
Move clutch &brake cylinders
New clutch hose
Move handbrake cable and handbrake lever To opposite side
Open up new holes for steering column an clutch and brake cylinders- close existing holes on opposite side.

Gino

You might need to swap / modify your ignition key lock too. I converted from RHD to LHD and modified the outer steering column. Maybe also the mounting bracket between steering column and dashboard.
I used the same hand brake handle mechanism from the RHD, but it turns in the wrong direction to release.
The RHD pedal assembly was re-used and modified for LHD. You might consider to make them further apart depending on your shoe size ...

Several other more obscure ideas...

Battery location (perhaps not with a S4)
HL vacuum switch / kit
Headlamp lenses
Fog lamp side

Personally I would leave it LHD as the resale market and places to drive it on the left are bigger...