zetec engine in lotus chassis on 2+2

[tablets32]

Hi Graham.

If you go to Duncan Neale's Facebook page, then click on where he works Chester sportscars there are some good photos of the installation on there.

Sorry for the delay in replying.

Keith

[tablets32]

Hi Bud,

How is the rebuild going? I had the car taken back to the guys who fitted my engine for them to finish off. New headlining and glass going in this week. They will then finish off the wiring. And have rolling roaded and have the MOT done. It's taken longer than I thought it would mainly because of other commitments. But I can see the end in sight.
I will restore the interior over time, when I can afford it basically. Hope you are well.

Keith

[Bud English]

Keith- Yeah, it's been awhile since I updated this thread. The car is coming along. Everything seems to take me three times as long as I think it should. My mind thinks my body is still 30.

The rolling chassis is done. I still need to source a starter that will work with the Lotus bell housing and the 135 tooth flywheel I used. Brise say they can supply one but I'm still trying to find one closer. The freight from the UK is almost as much as the starter, but that may be my only source in the end.

I'm about finished with the body prep work and the interior goes to the upholstery shop at the end of the month. My new windshield arrived awhile back so I'm all set for the glass installation when that time comes. The megasquirt computer (fuel and spark) is built and programmed up to the "start the motor and get it to idle" point. I just went through the fuel tank cleanup and paint and everything there is in remarkable shape. Apparently leaving an almost full gas tank to evaporate over thirty plus years coated the inside with enough varnish to keep it rust free.

My to do list still seems huge; headers to build, wiring to install, dash to veneer, blah, blah, blah. The list goes on, but there's light at the end of the tunnel and it's no longer an on coming train.

Your car is looking great, by the way!

[tablets32]

Bud,

All sounds good. Are you having a full restoration of the interior? Mine is a bit tired so when funds allow it I will be looking to renew. How many teeth are on the starter you need ? I have a new one I picked up but didn't use. The car has had it's headlining fitted now, and the guys are free to crack on next week. I will be getting another motor for the headlights on Friday for them to fit. They have loaned me Ford Fiesta while my car is in the shop. Their business is fitting Zetec, and ST170 engines into lots of different cars ,mainly fords, but they can put them in just about anything. They fit their own ECU and motorbike carbs, they have the cars mapped for optimum performance. The Fiesta I am driving has a 1.8 zetec and knocks out 165 bhp. So as you can imagine it's an interesting drive. Regards. Keith

[Bud English]

I have a 135 tooth flywheel with module 2.115 gear pitch. I need a starter with a 10T pinion gear ( mod. 2.115 25mm OD)". US manufacturers and re-builders say they can't build me one with that pinion (or can't be bothered). If I could get the gear reduction starter that fits the Lotus, with that pinion, I could make a spacer to move it forward to the correct position. Tim, at Brise, says that their no. A891410AXG should do the job. That goes for ?295, plus air freight, so you can see why I'm still looking.

Yes, I'll end up with a complete interior renew. There are no splits or cuts, but the foam and vinyl are dead after forty four years. I'll have to wait until the end of the month. The upholstery shop in town has to finish the 1951 Hudson Hornet street rod he doing now. I think you could fit an elan into the Hudson interior. There is one, one man, shop in town. The good news is that he does excellent work and I'm next on the waiting list.

It sounds like you've got the right shop working on your car. Should be a great drive once you're done.

[tablets32]

Bud.

I will check the number of teeth on the one I have. Went to see the car yesterday, I did some little jobs to help move it on a bit. Yes I am so glad I found these fellas they are good at what they do, and don't mind me working on the car. They are modifying a lovely Mk 1 cortina at the moment, they have fitted Capri 2.8 rear suspension which lowers the car considerably. They will fit one of their ST 170 engines with their own ECU which utilises the VVT of the engine. The car looks stunning, and will have real performance. Some lucky person will have a real head turner.

Will post later about the starter.

Keith

[tablets32]

Bud,

Sorry for the late reply. The starter I have has 10 teeth.
, see photo.

[Bud English]

No problem Kieth. I'm in the middle of another dozen things to do. One of the problems I have is that, unlike the UK Ford starters like yours, I haven't found a US starter that has the two opposed bolt tabs. The US starters have the tabs offset.

[tablets32]

Hi Bud.

Just spoken to the guy who fitted my starter, he reckons the one I have will fit a zetec fly wheel. But not of it fitting anything else.

Keith

[tablets32]

Hi,

The car is back on the road! It passed the MOT this morning with no advisories. So after after 5 years of my ownership and 29 years off the road (it was last taxed in 1986)
As you can imagine I have been driving it most of the day.

This is the first Lotus I have restored, having done a Herald for my son and rebuilding the engine on my Scimitar I was prepared for what had to be done.

Having said that previous owners had spent time and money but never quite finished the car.

It came to me with a clapped out 1500 crossflow engine, the cost of fitting a twink was eye watering so I opted for a Zetec. I managed to find a formula ford engine that was originally to be used for racing westfields, but was surplus to requirements. It had been run on a Dyno but never put into a car.

We have an outfit, Chester sports cars, not far away and they fabricated new engine mounts and fitted the engine in the Lotus. They also did some rewiring and helped out with advice and encouragement.

Trying to sort out a rolling road now. The car runs on a Megajolt ECU and Mikuni bike carbs. It pulls really well and has good torque,

Still have a few rattles and niggles to sort out but I am well pleased.

Thanks all you guys who have helped with advice and knowledge.

Keith

[elan66]

Hi Keith
Great news,must be a great feeling.What sort of power do the guys at Chester think your engine should be putting out
regards
Paul
ps any pics?

[tablets32]

Hi Paul.

They reckon it should reach 160 BHP. There are some pics on here in the "Zetec in a lotus chassis" thread.

Ther are some more on my Facebook page Keith Jones Chester.

Thanks for your comments,

Keith

[tablets32]

Some pics

[elan66]

Hi Keith,
looks superb.I spoke to Graham at Chester cars today and after speaking to him i have hatched a plan and have decided to join the "dark side"and go zetec.All i have to do now is sell the twin cam to finance it.The main reason is bang for buck, and wanting to do a few track days etc. the zetec makes sense(head rules heart)as i cannot afford to do a track orientated twin cam engine once let alone twice.The engine i have is very good but i want a track orientated car and cannot afford steel crank,rods etc etc,
many thanks regards
Paul

[pauljones]

Hi all,

May I please join in on this thread.??

I want to put in my 1800 silvertop and take out the twincam lotus. It will use the 4 speed box. I already have a 3.54 diff and Sue Miller drive shafts.

I have previously fitted Emerald fuel injection so just need a manifold to suit.

I need loads of help, mainly for the welding on front cross member and making of engine mounts. I have no kit and honestly cant weld for toffee.

I can make a damm good bbq and a mean bacon n egg sardine tho. Beers in fridge.

Paul