Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I bought mine a few years ago when they were more common and quite cheap but it's just cost me a bit to get it refurbished recently before fitting it.

The concentric clutch is an issue, I spent a lot at Spyder to get the parts having foolishly thrown away the old slave cylinder rather than refurbishing it. I've spent some time trying to ascertain what torque settings to use for various fittings, I have a (new Focus black top engine, Escort Zetec sump and oil pick up, Silver top windage tray and the box is from a Scorpio. The dipstick and tube took some finding and the next challenge is to see whether I need spacers between the main bearing caps and the windage tray. I plan to use the Clutch and flywheel that came with the engine, heavy but they are new and free.

I'm thinking of using a Wosp starter motor as they are compact and they have a model designed for the job.

I wonder whether we should start a new thread????

Mike

Hello to you all.

Perhaps I can contribute a little to this thread even if my car is no +2.

I wanted to create a fast and reliable road car for myself.
My project came with an unusable and rotten twin cam engine.

First I wanted to go the Spyder way what looked very well engineered to me but in the end I decided to keep it little more “lotus style” and took a 26r style frame.
I bought a new 1800 cc Zetec,on 45 Webers but with programmable ignition mated to a rebuilt 4 speed box with semi helical kit for strength.
I had to make changes on the frame to get space for the front pulley and I changed the left engine mount for being bolted to get space for getting the engine in and out together with the gearbox.
It is a very tight fit but it works fine in the end.
I think the pictures show the details.

I am very pleased with the result.
The car is very quick and reliable now but it still has the “original feeling”
I still have the possibility to re convert to original engine but don´t intend to do so.

I hope this helps some guys thinking of converting.

Cheers, Christian

Looks magnificent, congratulations.

Hi Alan

Thanks for setting up this thread of like minded souls, Spyder fans, and those who have yet to convert !

I’ve had my full Spyder Zetec for nearly 18 years now, it’s one of their early conversions - about 6th or 7th according to Sean at the time.
It was an easy choice for me to go the whole hog with Spyder, my car was just a body shell plus most of the interior - the complete running gear had been stripped out and sold years before i got the car - so having a new chassis and full running gear from Spyder actually brought the car back to life rather than ‘destroying its originality’ as some others may describe the conversion. New headlining, carpets, rewiring and a new dashboard completed the interior, but still using as much as possible of the original.
Its not perfect, its been back to Sean and Wiggy a few times for various upgrades, i still have plenty of excuses to keep me busy under the bonnet when i need to escape the house, but it still gives me a grin factor like nothing else to drive.
I’ve had to make changes to the Spyder exhaust over time to get through various track noise tests, along with various other minor tweaks over the years.

Yes, its not original, its built with parts borrowed from other cars, but after all - isn’t that what makes it a true Lotus ?
I’m sure Colin would approve.

I’ll keep my eye on this thread now that i’ve found it.

Darren

I am interested in purchasing an Elan Plus 2 that has been converted.
RHD does not bother me.
I would have to have it exported to the states.

Where are the best sites for finding a converted car?

Cheers,
Glenn
Maryland, USA

Hi Glenn,

I’d start with a phone call or email to Sean at Spyder.
They have shipped cars around the world before, and often know if any owners have cars up for sale, sometimes they also have cars for sale directly.

Let us know if you need any contact details,

Darren

well i have taken a slightly different route . Saturn twin cam with factory fuel injection, convertible conversion, 5 speed trans, tr-3 A rear, new half shafts . also converted to a ford escort gt brake master cylinder and booster. trying to have a reliable ride and mainly having fun with it ! you guys do nice work.......keith

Keith,
Would love to hear more about your build, sounds interesting.
Any fitment issues?
Engine and transmission from a Saturn Sky?

I sent an email to Spyder over a week ago with no reply as of today.

Fascinating to read this thread as I’m looking for a Spyder / Zetec converted Plus 2. If anyone is thinking of selling or knows of one for sale I’d be grateful. Thanks, Frazer

I found a Zetec-engined Plus 2 and couldn't be happier with it. Photos attached.

Congratulations Frazer, she looks a fine example. How are you finding driving in these high UK summer temperatures?

Hi Nick, hot to say the least, isn't it...

This topic needs a bump, it’s nearly Christmas and it’s this time of year that I like using my +2 the most. The weather in my part of the UK is surprisingly mild and settled just now with 10+ degrees celcius daytime temperatures.

I don’t have a modern car at the moment, my 2014 VW Golf GT 2:0Tdi was picked up by a dealer on Friday and the new one doesn’t arrive until late this week. It’s hardly a hardship to drive my +2 for a few days.

I get 40+ Mpg when driving normally, totally reliable since 2008. People used to say that converting the car to Zetec spec would devalue it, I don’t see any evidence of that happening.

Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all.

Thought we Zetec'ers needed a bump....so bump

Let’s share a list of where we are. I’ve seen 2 or 3 drive by in my part of the world, but never seen another in detail apart from mine.

Cardiff (1971 Zetec Spyder)