Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I need to source a replacement bellhousing for my 4 speed box. I think there is a suitable one on Fleabay. But just so as I don?t buy the wrong one, can someone confirm which Ford vehicles would have had the same box/bellhousing.

Thanks

Anglia 105e is where the bellhousing originated.

Thanks, the ad on eBay suggests that 105e would be the same as mk1&2 Cortina, classic Capri and Consul is that correct? Simple reason for asking is if I can?t get the one on eBay I will still need to keep looking.

Just make sure it has the strengthening ribs, the bellhousing with no ribs is smaller internally and the Lotus clutch catches inside.
I believe you want one from a later Anglia, a 1500 MkI Cortina or a Mk1 Escort and maybe a couple of other Fords of the time.

types26/36 wrote:Just make sure it has the strengthening ribs, the bellhousing with no ribs is smaller internally and the Lotus clutch catches inside.
I believe you want one from a later Anglia, a 1500 MkI Cortina or a Mk1 Escort and maybe a couple of other Fords of the time.

Thanks Brian, so I?m guessing the eBay one will not work, no ribs!

I presume the one in your photo is not surplus to requirement?

NYK wrote:Thanks, the ad on eBay suggests that 105e would be the same as mk1&2 Cortina, classic Capri and Consul is that correct? Simple reason for asking is if I can?t get the one on eBay I will still need to keep looking.

All of those cars use a different bellhousing to each other - where they are similar is that they have the same bolt pattern for the bellhousing to the engine block, and they also have the same bolt pattern for the bellhousing to main gear case of the gearbox. Otherwise, there are a few variables and none other than a 105e bellhousing will fit a STD Elan.

A 105e bellhousing has 105e cast into the bellhousing on the rear face around the clutch fork aperture. This bellhousing is used as it is big enough to clear the large clutch of the lotus twincam.

EDIT - the bellhousing on Ebay is not the one you need - it won't accommodate the large clutch.

promotor wrote:

NYK wrote:Thanks, the ad on eBay suggests that 105e would be the same as mk1&2 Cortina, classic Capri and Consul is that correct? Simple reason for asking is if I can?t get the one on eBay I will still need to keep looking.

All of those cars use a different bellhousing to each other - where they are similar is that they have the same bolt pattern for the bellhousing to the engine block, and they also have the same bolt pattern for the bellhousing to main gear case of the gearbox. Otherwise, there are a few variables and none other than a 105e bellhousing will fit an Elan.

A 105e bellhousing has 105e cast into the bellhousing on the rear face around the clutch fork aperture. This bellhousing is used as it is big enough to clear the large clutch of the lotus twincam.

EDIT - the bellhousing on Ebay is not the one you need - it won't accommodate the large clutch.

I just knew this was not going to be simple. So the eBay one is no good but I?m getting a bit confused now. Are you saying that the only bellhousing suitable will be a 105e which can be from any year. That it must have 105e cast into it and that it will have ribs. Or to put it another way ...... if I find a 105e bellhousing it will definitely fit?

Just in case it?s not clear to any casual reader of this thread.... I NEED A BELLHOUSING if anyone has one

A 105e one from any year will fit - I believe the 105e's only ever had one type fitted.
The bellhousing in Brian's photo is a 105e bellhousing and all 105e bellhousing I have ever seen look like that (ie with the ribs). There is no other gearbox bellhousing that looks similar to that bellhousing so if you buy one with those exact ribs it is the correct one.

I may have one in my stock - will have a look.

promotor wrote:A 105e one from any year will fit - I believe the 105e's only ever had one type fitted.
The bellhousing in Brian's photo is a 105e bellhousing and all 105e bellhousing I have ever seen look like that (ie with the ribs). There is no other gearbox bellhousing that looks similar to that bellhousing so if you buy one with those exact ribs it is the correct one.

I may have one in my stock - will have a look.

Thanks, the muddy water is clearing. It would be great if you do have one

promotor wrote:A 105e one from any year will fit - I believe the 105e's only ever had one type fitted.
The bellhousing in Brian's photo is a 105e bellhousing and all 105e bellhousing I have ever seen look like that (ie with the ribs). .

Al are you sure about that, I was under the impression that 997 Anglia had the smaller bellhousing (no ribs) and the 1200 had the larger ribbed type.
There is a picture on the 105E site that shows the 997 smooth bellhousing.
https://105eoc.com/technical/technical- ... -a-change/
Edit: the picture on that site actually says that box is a 1200

One has appeared on Fleabay very shortly after your original post, 105e with the ribs, Item No: 233180542028

Thats the one you want .......good price too!

I?ve just bought it, hope the damned thing is not cracked like my one is! Tried to ring the guy but there was no answer and since there were a few watchers did not want to risk losing it.

Thanks for everyone?s help with this

Nic

types26/36 wrote:

promotor wrote:A 105e one from any year will fit - I believe the 105e's only ever had one type fitted.
The bellhousing in Brian's photo is a 105e bellhousing and all 105e bellhousing I have ever seen look like that (ie with the ribs). .

Al are you sure about that, I was under the impression that 997 Anglia had the smaller bellhousing (no ribs) and the 1200 had the larger ribbed type.
There is a picture on the 105E site that shows the 997 smooth bellhousing.
https://105eoc.com/technical/technical- ... -a-change/
Edit: the picture on that site actually says that box is a 1200

I've never seen any other type fitted to either 997 or 1200 gearboxes that I've bought that were from 105e's!

marklowe wrote:One has appeared on Fleabay very shortly after your original post, 105e with the ribs, Item No: 233180542028

Great price that with all of the bits - and the starter pinion cover looks like an elan one as it's been "massaged" to clear the elan chassis.

You certainly got a bargain there- even comes with a clutch slave cylinder.

As they say,better lucky than good!