Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Dear all.

Just thinking out loud again , if the Plus2 doesn't sell , the plan could be to Zetec it....I know I've been there before , years ago , and decided to EFI it instead , but after I've done the Morris Minor Zetec Sleeper , and if I like it , maybe the next project will be a Blacktop transplant...

So, the question is , will the Blacktop "lump" , ie engine , starter and most importantly the original plenum fit within the Plus2 engine compartment , without getting the hacksaw to the fibreglass ?

Thanks in advance.

John

The only place that needed modification was the area behind where the water rail bolts to the cylinder head on my car. I removed the lip and a bit of the lower bulge in the firewall, re-glassing where needed. I cannot say this would have been needed if I had purchased one of the existing water rails, but I chose to construct my own, in order to relocate the rail away from the cylinder head and directly above the exhaust.

However, I did do another modification to the right inner fender well, because of the expanded airbox, and the rubber isolators replacing the original "O" ring seals between the Webers and the intake manifold. This may not have been needed if I had chosen a different intake manifold. My choice was one from Dunnell Engineering, which seems to have the carburetors positioned lower than they would have been with the TC. If you choose injection or a different intake, this may not be a problem. Another thing with this manifold, is the carburetors are .300" closer together than as on the TC. This required modifications to the original airbox back plate, moving the front carb intake holes and mounting studs towards the rear by the above amount.

I also chose the Dunnell Engineering exhaust flange when constructing my exhaust.

Rob
Thanks but I think I may have worded it wrong , what I would like to do is fit the Zetec blacktop engine with the standard Zetec blacktop inlet manifold / throttle...

John

Sorry about the long reply. My engine is a US version and though I still have the original intake, currently the new intake system is off the engine, I can offer it up what I have to see if it will fit, though it may not do you any good.

John, I know for sure that the original intake system on the blacktop crate engine I bought will not come close to fitting. It is configured for the US Focus and the intake comes quite a way down the side of the engine. It,s also made from plastic and doesn't look like it would be much fun to try to modify. Throttle bodies would be the way to go.

Bud is correct. The only way one would fit is if you only had a one pedal foot box.

Thanks all
If it won't fit with the original plenum , I may still Zetec it with the throttle bodies I have , or the single throttle body I've been working on , all worth considering...and there's still the last option " for Sale ".

John

did this not require a notch cut in the original chassis cross member......
just something I thought I remembered.......lotus chassis compared to spyder that is

this is what I thought I remembered
elan-mods-f31/zetec-engine-lotus-chassis-t24502-15.html

John.

I posted years back now about the fitment of a blacktop zetec-r with the 5 speed lotus box. The general consensus was the box was not strong enougth with the torque.

elan-mods-f31/zetec-and-speed-lotus-box-t24324.html

In the end i sold the box

Paul

Yes,thanks,it's now the last option,as I can't use the standard Zetec inlet manifold,I'll stick with Zetec'ing the Morris Minor and have stripped the EFI off the plus2 , and am now using it for pleasure while it lingers "up for sale".

John

John.

My zetec silvertop has a plenum designed to use the original throttle body. Can you have a similar version made?

I can post pics if required

Paul

Paul
What I am after is bottom end torque,which is due to the long inlet tracts...hence wanting to keep the standard inlet manifold...I take it your plenum has short runners?

Thanks
John

but post a piccie anyway...