Elan back in production?

[Ianashdown]

You can build a new Twincam from all new parts except for the sump ( dry sump alloy pans are available) and one day someone will start casting an alloy wet sump.

cheers
Rohan[/quote]

That’s easy enough a part to design and manufacture. There may be an argument for a hydro formed steel part however.

Ian

[elancoupe]

Unless someone also builds new twin cams the reproduction cars will not be Elans without the Twink. There is also another? can it be a Lotus Elan if it isn't built by Lotus?

You can build a new Twincam from all new parts except for the sump ( dry sump alloy pans are available) and one day someone will start casting an alloy wet sump.

cheers
Rohan

https://iveyengines.com/parts/

[2cams70]

The biggest hurdle with anything like this is the regulatory one. Regulations vary from country to country of course but these would likely be considered new vehicles. Ok to use on a race track but nigh on impossible for the road unless there are special considerations for low volume vehicles that exist in other countries that I don’t know about. I know about the MST Escort and I’d be interested to know how they got that one through! - I doubt it could be registered in Australia.

[rgh0]

Hi Mike
I was no aware that Ivey were make front bowl wet sumps, Looks like you can build a complete Twincam including the sump

Any idea what the sump costs ?

cheers
Rohan

[elancoupe]

They are about 900 USD, not cheap for sure.

I have one on the shelf, for future use

Slightly OT, I did see that Kelvedon is selling 4 bolt sumps converted to 6 bolt. They are saying that new repro 6 bolt sumps will be available soon.

[Ianashdown]

The biggest hurdle with anything like this is the regulatory one. Regulations vary from country to country of course but these would likely be considered new vehicles. Ok to use on a race track but nigh on impossible for the road unless there are special considerations for low volume vehicles that exist in other countries that I don’t know about. I know about the MST Escort and I’d be interested to know how they got that one through! - I doubt it could be registered in Australia.

That will indeed be a issue. The US has a system for it now and I believe there are ways in the UK. Australia has had very strict rules for a long time. If there is a way to register a kit car then it should be possible. But every country will have its own challenges.

Ian

[HCA]

They are about 900 USD, not cheap for sure.

I have one on the shelf, for future use

Slightly OT, I did see that Kelvedon is selling 4 bolt sumps converted to 6 bolt. They are saying that new repro 6 bolt sumps will be available soon.

I shall be pretty peed off if said sumps go on the shelf for less than £400....

[Slowtus]

Elan back in production?

It came back into production in 1989 as the Elan 'Lite'

[Ianashdown]

Elan Pale maybe.

Ian

[lance54]

In 30 years it always starts and never leaks. Plus it's got AC.....

[bitsobrits]

I owned an S1 Elan and a then new Miata concurrently in '90-94. The first time I flung the Miata into a known favorite corner at Lotus speed I nearly wet myself. Dug a little grass/dirt from the uncurbed road shoulder with the oversteer, but kept it pointing forward. That extra 6-700 pounds is apparent when cornering.

The Miata is a fine and very balanced sportscar, but it's certainly not an Elan by any measure.

I still have the Elan.

[Slowtus]

I owned an S1 Elan and a then new Miata concurrently in '90-94. The first time I flung the Miata into a known favorite corner at Lotus speed I nearly wet myself. Dug a little grass/dirt from the uncurbed road shoulder with the oversteer, but kept it pointing forward. That extra 6-700 pounds is apparent when cornering.

The Miata is a fine and very balanced sportscar, but it's certainly not an Elan by any measure.

I still have the Elan.

I hear you, bought an NA Miata (for the wife!!!!:D ) and the first time I flung it into a corner, typically easily handled by my Lotus it misbehaved badly. Was it me or was it the car?

Revisited again in a Lotus and all was fine.

Miatas remind me too much of early Spitfires and similar

[alan.barker]

If you want something more modern then go for a Honda S2000.
Alan

[Slowtus]

If you want something more modern then go for a Honda S2000.
Alan

I found the S2000 to be less well balanced than the Elans (both the classic and the FWD M100)

Do love that engine/box though, I just wish they had made it smaller so it would fit in the classic Elan (yes, I have seen that Plus 2 with the S2000 drivetrain, not all that tasty for me).

[The Veg]

I find it interesting that I (6'4"/270 lbs) fit better in an Elan than in an MX-5 despite the Elan being smaller. In fact the current generation of the Mazda is the only one in which my legs really fit under the steering wheel.

I have the same problem with the Lotus Elise but that's a different discussion.