S3/S4 Window Motor Upgrade Kit
17 posts
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I have a window motor upgrade kit for all S3/S4 Elans. This kit uses modern window motors that are smaller, lighter, faster and gentler than the stock Lotus (old GM windshield) motors. The kit consists of all the required hardware to mount the new motors to the stock window frame, no drilling or mechanical modifications required. The motors are from a US Chevy Sonic, both Genuine GM or aftermarket Dorman are available at places like RockAuto.com or your favorite local auto parts store. The cost of the kit is $220 plus shipping. I typically use US Post Priority as the price is good and delivery in the US is typically 2-3 days.
For those not in the USA and having issues finding the motors, I can supply motors as well. Motor cost per the current online pricing plus shipping.
Over 25 kits have been installed since 2021 and no issues have been reported. Installation instructions which include the motor information are attached.
For those not in the USA and having issues finding the motors, I can supply motors as well. Motor cost per the current online pricing plus shipping.
Over 25 kits have been installed since 2021 and no issues have been reported. Installation instructions which include the motor information are attached.
- Attachments
-
- Lotus_Elan_Modern_Window_Motor_Installation_Instructions.pdf
- (1.1 MiB) Downloaded 482 times
Michael Allison
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
- ae_mike
- First Gear
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 31 Dec 2020
- Location: Vancouver WA USA
I installed these in my S4 and it is very easy to do as Mike says. The Dorman motors are so much smaller and lighter, and much faster than the origionals. My origionals are in great shape, and they will stay that way boxed on the shelf. I highly recomend these with no qualifications.
- webbslinger
- Second Gear
- Posts: 207
- Joined: 23 Jun 2012
- Location: Friday Harbor, WA USA
I've updated the instructions to include a screen shot of a properly crimped terminal pin and the part number for the extraction tool to remove the terminal pins from the plastic connector housing in case someone needs to repair or swap pins.
FYI, the part numbers for the motors are in the instructions.
FYI, the part numbers for the motors are in the instructions.
- Attachments
-
- Lotus_Elan_Modern_Window_Motor_Installation_Instructions.pdf
- (1.14 MiB) Downloaded 385 times
Michael Allison
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
- ae_mike
- First Gear
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 31 Dec 2020
- Location: Vancouver WA USA
bump
Michael Allison
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
- ae_mike
- First Gear
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 31 Dec 2020
- Location: Vancouver WA USA
Hello Michael,
I have sent you a PM.
Malcolm
I have sent you a PM.
Malcolm
1966 Elan S3 Coupe
1994 Caterham 7
1994 Caterham 7
- englishmaninwales
- Fourth Gear
- Posts: 706
- Joined: 26 Jul 2013
- Location: Ruthin North Wales
Hi Mike, I am interested in one of your window motor kits. Can you tell me how to order one?
Thanks, Bill
Thanks, Bill
- Bill'sS4
- New-tral
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 21 Jul 2021
- Location: US
I also installed the kit, which was easy with Michael's instructions and items included in the kit, and the results are amazing! Highly recommend anyone with an S3/S4 consider installing these upgraded motors using Michael's kit. You, and your passenger will not be disappointed.
- Bill'sS4
- New-tral
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 21 Jul 2021
- Location: US
And, I might add, besides the motor used is much lighter than the OEM, it is much easier
to remove and replace, for whatever reason needed.
to remove and replace, for whatever reason needed.
Greg Z
45/0243K Sprint
45/7286 S3 SE DHC
45/0243K Sprint
45/7286 S3 SE DHC
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gjz30075 - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 3037
- Joined: 12 Sep 2003
- Location: Roswell, Georgia, USA
Hi all,
I bought one of the window motor kits from Mike but have not installed them as yet. One of the many things on my to do list. Looks like a quality piece of kit.
One question, maybe silly, with the original window motors it was recommended to put a polythene bag around the motor with one corner of the bag cut to drain condensation, and the bag held in place with rubber bands. This was to prevent water ingress and corrosion in the original motors.
https://lotuselan.net/wiki/Door_Window_Motor
Will this "factory modification" be necessary with the upgrade motors?
Thanks
I bought one of the window motor kits from Mike but have not installed them as yet. One of the many things on my to do list. Looks like a quality piece of kit.
One question, maybe silly, with the original window motors it was recommended to put a polythene bag around the motor with one corner of the bag cut to drain condensation, and the bag held in place with rubber bands. This was to prevent water ingress and corrosion in the original motors.
https://lotuselan.net/wiki/Door_Window_Motor
Will this "factory modification" be necessary with the upgrade motors?
Thanks
Skittle. 1967 Elan S3 DHC
- skelteanema
- Third Gear
- Posts: 246
- Joined: 11 Dec 2003
- Location: New Zealand
I did not install the polythene bags on mine but sure sounds like a good idea. I may go back and do the mod. Thanks for including the link of the factory mod.
- Bill'sS4
- New-tral
- Posts: 3
- Joined: 21 Jul 2021
- Location: US
skelteanema wrote:...
the bag held in place with rubber bands.
...
that sounds a bit surprising as rubber bands do oxidize rather quickly and are likely to stop performing their assign function within a few months or years...
S4SE 36/8198
-
nmauduit - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 2015
- Joined: 02 Sep 2013
- Location: France
nmauduit wrote:skelteanema wrote:...
the bag held in place with rubber bands.
...
that sounds a bit surprising as rubber bands do oxidize rather quickly and are likely to stop performing their assign function within a few months or years...
I agree, maybe rubber bands in the 1960's were a better quality
I would think cable ties would be a better solution.
Skittle. 1967 Elan S3 DHC
- skelteanema
- Third Gear
- Posts: 246
- Joined: 11 Dec 2003
- Location: New Zealand
Relative to the plastic bag comments, these modern window motors shouldn't require any additional protection as they are designed to sit inside a door where even with modern cars there is some moisture. Add them if you wish but I don't feel they are required
Michael Allison
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
- ae_mike
- First Gear
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 31 Dec 2020
- Location: Vancouver WA USA
bump
just sold the 45th kit, who knew there were so many Elans in need of window motors. so far all happy customers.
just sold the 45th kit, who knew there were so many Elans in need of window motors. so far all happy customers.
Michael Allison
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
1967 Elan S3 FHC being converted to modern electric drive
- ae_mike
- First Gear
- Posts: 22
- Joined: 31 Dec 2020
- Location: Vancouver WA USA
ae_mike wrote:bump
just sold the 45th kit, who knew there were so many Elans in need of window motors. so far all happy customers.
Thats because it really is a good modification....
cheers
Mark
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mark030358 - Coveted Fifth Gear
- Posts: 1183
- Joined: 29 May 2004
- Location: Willaston, Wirral
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