Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

What recommendations do you have for parts suppliers in the US?

I will be looking soon for a Kent block, crank, rods and pistons. As the UK decided to float itself away from Europe, of course free trade ceased. As blocks are cast in the States, I think it worthwhile exploring the option of sourcing direct!

I’d be interested in where to go - I know of RD, Dave Bean and Tony Ingram. Are there others?

Thanks for any comments - particularly relating to price!

In theory you can get them direct from Ford.
https://performanceparts.ford.com/part/M-6010-16L

I've had great service from Dave Bean for what I can't get in the UK.

However, even though import taxes to Ireland (EU ) result in around 33% extra cost, I still get most parts from the UK.

I got a new large bore block from QED a few years ago, I don't see it listed now.

Here's the QED cylinder block.

https://qedmotorsport.co.uk/product/701 ... der-block/

Doing some research, I pop into Pegasus Racing and see they charge $2399 for a Kent block.

My question - are there any Federal taxes included in this price that would be taken off for an export sale, or is this the base price that Pegasus sells at, to everyone inside and outside the US?

HCA wrote:My question - are there any Federal taxes included in this price that would be taken off for an export sale

There are no federal sales taxes, the equivalent of VAT. This is the base price...

HCA wrote:or is this the base price that Pegasus sells at, to everyone inside and outside the US?

Most States have a sales tax which is added on to the listed price, but as the part would be exported no sales tax would be due. Technically if Pegasus sold me something here in New York State they should add on NY sales tax if they have a physical presence in this state & pay the tax to NY state. Everything I buy now on eBay I get charged sales tax on.

HCA wrote:My question - are there any Federal taxes included in this price that would be taken off for an export sale, or is this the base price that Pegasus sells at, to everyone inside and outside the US?

Price in the US are almost always quoted pre-tax. Tax is added in the basket at the end before purchase. The tax amount vary depending on locations as sales tax vary between states. So it is likely the price on the site is what you would pay if exporting, along with shipping costs and import duty via the shipper.

HCA wrote:Thanks for any comments - particularly relating to price!

My general experience is that the US specialist supplier are more expensive than UK ones. Even with international shipping to the UK it is often cheaper to buy from UK if your getting more than a few items.

If you look at that block it is 1,850 GBP v 2,399 USD, 1,850 GBP currently is ~ 2150 USD. So there is a $250 premium before the likely extra and slower shipping. I'd assume that both should be subject to the same import duties on import in to Europe.

So likely to spend quite a bit more time and money to get it from the US, only reason I can think of to prefer teh US supplier is the UK supplier in ablity to do teh correct paperwork etc.

For US I tend to find Summit Racing is better priced than Pegasus, but is less race car focused. They do list the blocks at a better price but currently out of stock:
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/fms- ... /make/ford

Thanks Phil and Mbell, I thought this is how it works.

I appreciate the uncertainties of exchange rates play a part, but generally the price for a Kent block (the block you refer to is not a Kent...) is the same in the US and UK less VAT. I will still have to pay 3% duty then 20%VAT whichever I choose, which leaves shipping and admin costs - again, similar charges both from US and UK.

Everyone is showing nil stock except for Burton who seem to have two in stock. Co-incidentally Tony Ingram says he has a Kent in stock and getting me a price. There is a shipment sitting on the docks somewhere in the UK, but uncertain what the price will be when released.

The replacement blocks shown in the Ford Motorsports catalog were advocated by Jay Ivey, of Ivey Engines in Portland OR, USA. He did much of the design work to upgrade the new blocks to better survive as race engines, particularly the thrust washer arrangement, skirt reinforcement at the mounts and oiling the mains. Jay builds some of the most robust and reliable Formula Ford and Lotus Twincam race engines around. He build my most recent engine FF engine for my Crossle 25F.

Ivey sells both the 711 Kent blocks and the 701 Twincam blocks. He usually has some in stock. Please tell him Dan Wise sent you.

https://iveyengines.com/

Hi,

I have a Twin Cam Kit I have not yet built. It consists of a brand-new Block from Pegasus, a new Ford Crossflow Crank (makes 1710cc I think), new Carillo Rods and CP Pistons. I also have a variety of other parts. I would be willing to part with these as I have immediate use. I see shipping being the 'interesting' part of this enterprise!! I'm in Southern California, so not the closest location in the US from you!!

I do have a very hot head, cams etc, but I'd probably hang on to it for some future project, but we can talk if your interested. I also have oil pan and Cam cover. I think basically everything but the front cover, I may even have that.

If you have some interest, please email me at [email protected]

Thank you,

Ian

Hi Ian

Thanks!

I am interested! Please give me first refusal? I too have a head, so we dovetail well!

Are the pistons 040” o/s? Is the block bored to suit?

Maybe I shall rethink parts from Stateside and stick with Blighty!

A set of ARP head bolts, eight cam followers and ten top hat shims from Tony Ingram - postage, 48 bucks, and wait for it..,.

DHL $151

Postage has become really expensive recently. Not much you can do but shop around. I use Pirate Ship who give great discounts on USPS, UPS and FedEx, maybe DHL too.

Check them out!

Ian

For some reason it's always more expensive to ship from the USA to Europe/UK than the other way round!

Ianashdown wrote:Postage has become really expensive recently. Not much you can do but shop around. I use Pirate Ship who give great discounts on USPS, UPS and FedEx, maybe DHL too.

Check them out!

Ian

I have used the USPS International service at reasonable cost. Priority mail express in flat rate boxes.

https://www.usps.com/international/mail ... rvices.htm

Do they have an engine sized flat rate box?