Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

There is a guy who posts on turbosport.co.uk forum who makes an adapter for the Miata/MX5/RX8 gearbox to the Elan style block. His name is Freddy and he posts in the technical section. Last price I saw was 110 BP. On that forum, they seem to prefer the RX8 over the MX5. Compared to here in the US, the gearboxes are dirt cheap across the pond.

Interesting. How much machine-work is required to use the Mazda box?

It?s not just a Mazda box it?s a specific model the Mk2.5. As I understand it the tail has to be cut off, there?s a projection with some sort of return spring that also has to be cut off (or it fouls the chassis), and the gearstick exit relocated.

Being a bit of a rebel, if I were going for a non standard gearbox, I might go for an Elite 6 speed sequential. I have seen them - they are really small units. You can change ratios and drop gears with these boxes (but only when they are out of the car so a bit of a job) but once they are set up, you could have an ideal set of ratios.
The 1st gear on my MT75 is pretty pointless in the Elan but the overdrive cruise is very good.

Just thought I'd stir the pot a little

Gavin

The Elite 6-Speed sequential looks reasonably priced for a sequential gearbox, at ?3,600. Has anyone fitted one to an Elan ?

Reading up on sequential gearboxes, they seem to have some disadvantages on a road car.

Andy Widnall at Spyder tells me the Mazda 6-Speed project has been postponed indefinitely due to high work orders.

So I would be interested to hear any feedback on the Elite gearbox.

I had an Elite 5-speed H pattern in my last race car. It had straight cut gears, which could use Hewland Mk5 or Mk9 gears. On the H pattern, the shift rod exits the case on the right side and does not align with the centerline of the car. Had to rotate the gearbox to get a centerline configuration and construct my own shifter, using parts from a Datsun 110/Sunny/1200. Lots of custom machining was needed for my application.

The Elite sequential boxes have a central shift lever and I reckon that if you tell them where you want it, they will engineer it for you (possibly within the price).
They have made my drive shafts and reconditioned my ZF S1-18 box and I have been really impressed with their knowledge and experience.
Gavin

I had an Elite IL200 in a kit car, it was an older version, sequential and worked fine on my 200bhp car, but not good for road use, strictly a Competition gearbox being straight cut.
As for stick location, just put it where you want it! The box is small, and the stick is on a remote linkage which would easily be adapted to Elan installation.

Paul
That's interesting.
What characteristics made it less friendly on the road?
Thanks
Gavin

Just re-read your post - presumably it was the whine that wasnt great

Excessive noise, and general resonating of the car, which seemed to eminate from the gearbox