Value of a rebuilt 1971 Elan Motor

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Does anyone know how much a rebuilt motor from a 1971 Lotus Elan is worth? it has a Big Valve Weber cylinder head. Motor has less than 500 miles on it.

[jcocking]

What are the specifications of the rebuild? Who rebuilt it?

[mbell]

When was it rebuilt? Where is it?

[Billmack]

Please post more info . Value is all over the place with variation in details

[[email protected]]

The cylinder head was rebuilt by Nick Stagg Engineering of Bristol GB. Have receipt. Done in 2009.Block reconditioned by Kenson Automotive of Fairfax, VA in 2002. Appears the engine was not reassembled until after Sep 2012.
Car was not ever really driven after that. Prior owner worked for 20 years to develop a one of a kind electronic fuel injection system for the engine. Never could get it working well enough to really drive.

I am interested in selling the engine because (forgive me) I am converting this car into an EV.

Engine is located in Western PA.

[mbell]

Was it done to sprint spec or further uprated from there? Can you show it running? etc. There lot of variables here so hard to give any kind of accurate number and really depends on how good a job you can do proving the engine is good as they aren't cheap to rebuild. So what someone is prepared to pay is more about what risk they think they are taking on buying it, more risk is lower price.

If i had to throw out a number I'd say 5k$ but that would be +/- 2.5k$ depending on how well you can prove its a good engine.

I am interested in selling the engine because (forgive me) I am converting this car into an EV.

Hmmm I've nothing really against EV conversion but I think it is a big shame to take a car with working and possibly original engine etc and convert it. Especially selling the parts so it can't be returned. Now if the engine was missing or seriously broken etc etc it would be much easier to be supportive.

Of course this is just my personal opinion and its you car to do what you want with and I am sure there are people who think the opposite to me!

[USA64]

With all do respect to holywood3645: Yet another guy wants to re-engineer a Lotus. Did Gordon Murray re-engineer his (2) Lotus? No! Did Jay Leno re-engineer his (2) Lotus? Yes, one and regretted it (gearbox)! Would you put a body-kit on a series one E-Type, a low-rider kit on a Rolls Royce, traction-bars on a Ferrari? No! Why not just buy the Tesla you seem to want and sell the Lotus to someone who wants one. It's your car and welcome to it; just my two cents.

[2cams70]

Yes agree. If being green is your objective the best bang for buck is to trade in your daily use vehicle that accumulates far more mileage than your barely used toy car for an EV. Once it has an electric motor it has lost it's essential character and historical significance.

[john.p.clegg]

I am interested in selling the engine because (forgive me) I am converting this car into an EV.

Hmmm I've nothing really against EV conversion but I think it is a big shame to take a car with working and possibly original engine etc and convert it. Especially selling the parts so it can't be returned. Now if the engine was missing or seriously broken etc etc it would be much easier to be supportive.

Of course this is just my personal opinion and its you car to do what you want with and I am sure there are people who think the opposite to me![/quote]

So much for Colins mantra " adding lightness ".

John

[h20hamelan]

might building a 7 with Swindon drive unit, or Ford Emulator d/u not suffice?
Nice thing, both those motors fit in the rear. As does the Nissan Leaf 2013-18.

[Bitsilly]

If I were you I would check the weight before and after, and the distribution of it.
EV conversions can be excellent, esp torque wise, but can also just create a totally different car.
Why is your Elan special? Many would say the light weight, ride, and gear change.
So it depends on what sort of conversion you are planning.
Though I would say if you retain the weight as before, the batteries will not have much range.

[Bitsilly]

ps If Nick Stag sorted the head then it will be better than standard already.

[elaninfuture]

PM sent on motor, if you decide to sell.

[Roland]

I would be interested in the Nick Stagg head but I don't think you are UK based.

EV conversion is of course your choice. However these Lotus's are essentially historic articles, you essentially own an antique. Many antiques have been ruined and devalued through modification.

Just been to a Tesla open day and drove one. They are quite impressive and I doubt the EV Elan would get anywhere near it.

[HCA]

Does anyone know how much a rebuilt motor from a 1971 Lotus Elan is worth? it has a Big Valve Weber cylinder head. Motor has less than 500 miles on it.

Welcome to the forum! I am interested in your question as I hope to be selling a complete power unit later this year as well.

You have by now learnt something early on - ask the question, but do not quantify why you asked it! As you have seen, just one reply to your question and a myriad of ramblings against your project!

I am pretty sure that none of the negativity has come from anyone who has actually made an EV of the Elan. And as for weight, antiquity value and Chapman turning in his grave is all nonsense. My take is to go for it! Have loads of fun doing it and keep us posted!

You might want to check out the Lotus Elon on this forum -created by an enthusiastic engineer, lighter than an original Elan and arguably enjoyed more by its creator than half the Elans here residing in the back of a garage waiting for owners to find the exact shade of black to paint the engine bay! Check out some of the videos of the Elon doing hooligan things in a car park....