Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Does anyone have a measurement of the installed height of the throw-out bearing from the mounting face of the gearbox for an Elan S3 using a standard clutch and throw-out bearing? Am adapting an annular clutch cylinder from old stock and will need to machine the adaptor. Or, does anyone know the thickness of the adaptor and brand of annular cylinder?

Thanks,

I can take measurements for you sometime over the next couple of days if you don't get a quick response. You could also just buy a kit from Kelvedon or perhaps others:
http://www.kelsport.net/parts/product_d ... ctionID=27
I do appreciate the satisfaction derived from making your own kit though.

Thanks for the tip. Not satisfaction - I simply have a unit off another car that is the same cylinder as being sold in the colonies (for a lot less, by the way) so I only need the thickness of the adaptor or the installed height of the contact face of the throw out bearing using a standard bearing and clutch. I see no need for a fancy-pants racing clutch for street driving.

Charlie

I make it 104mm from the block to the face of the thrustplate...

John

John,

Thanks. To make sure - you are referring to from the engine block to the fingers of the clutch or to the rearmost part of the clutch cover?

Charlie
From the engine block to the platen ( thrust plate ) embedded in the clutch cover on which the bearing presses.

John

Thanks

Charlie
Just taking up from last year ,assuming that is that you have a pressure plate with a platen and that the bearing doesn't act direct on the fingers,and don't forget to make allowances for the 1mm sandwich plate.

John

Perfect. Thanks.

I just took some measurements from the bell housing face (plus sandwich plate) to the throwout bearing face. This is with the throwout bearing fully retracted away from the clutch. All parts are new and standard and for my Elan +2S which should be identical to an S3 Elan in this respect. I got good agreement with John's measurements from the rear block face to the platen on the clutch cover. I measured in a few places and got 4.295 inches average (109 mm). John's measurement at 104 mm suggests the throughout bearing moves about 0.2 inches (5 mm) from fully retracted to first contact with the platen on the clutch disc. I measured both the original sandwich plate and a new one and both are 0.062 inches (1.6 mm) thick.

Excellent. Thanks Russ.

Interesting block plate, Russ.

Greg,
It is a reproduction item from Ray at RD Enterprises. He supplies the lower plate as well. They are both very nicely made, either CNC laser or plasma cut from sheet stock.