Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Another 5 Spd question...

When did the synchro ring angles change, and can you mix and match them. Plus did the headsets undergo any changes?

thanks

Mark

mark030358 wrote:Just a thread bump here...

Was speaking to the owner of a Sprint fitted with a 5 speed box, he told me that the bite point of the clutch fitted to his car had was very low and literally on the floor. He wasn't certain if this was a worn clutch. So can any other 5 speed users confirm this low bite point?

Also I need the pivot pin/bolt assembly and a spigot carrier that fits in the flywheel, anyone have these for sale? Alternatively and machinists on here who would be willing to make me the bush, will gladly pay obviously.

thanks

Mark

Hi Mark, I have a +2 130/5 (Bought Feb this year) and it also has a very low bite point. I've done the basic checks (bleeding/adjustment) and its still the same. Its going to need a deeper investigation as I suspect a worn fulcrum pin or worn/bent clutch fork. I'm going to live with it until the winter time, then I'll pull the gearbox out and take a look. Regards, Jonathan

Anybody know what these markings mean. These are on an Elite 5 speed box?
thanks

Can anyone confirm if the angled speedo drive for the four speed box will fit on a five speed Lotus box.

cheers
Mark

Well a bump on this thread.

Well its been a while since I decided to put a five speed into the Elan, around the 8th May 2020 to be exact. Albeit on a whim for doing a European tour. In fact the idea was to do the tour then revert the car back to a four speed.

So after a fair few threads on here, some support and some detailed information the engine and box were finally (for the second time) fitted in August, and the car driven maybe 600 yards, not much distance to judge really.

Anyway, back from work this week and I took the car for its first proper drive. Firstly, the box feels nothing like the 4 speed, it just doesn't. However, the feel is pretty good and all gear engage solidly my only issue is getting used to the spacing, especially finding 3rd but thats a practice thing.

On the road dropping into 5th is really easy, as is coming out of 5th, no real massive pull required, however the first time I did it I got lost and didnt find 4th, just neutral again I guess thats practice. 70mph comes up at around 3000 rpm and I reckon I can sit on an autobahn at 80 for hours.

The biggest disappointment, a new old stock FKC release bearing that I fitted is already noiser than I would like, but it did feel good prior to fitting and was still all sealed up in its original bag.

So all done, time to get some miles on the box and engine .....

cheers and thanks for all the help.

Mark

Hi Mark,

Good to hear the 5 speed is working and you are pleased with it. 5th is certainly great for cruising on a faster road, much better than direct 4th. The gap between gears is extremely close and careful positioning is a bit of a knack, I'm sure you'll get used to it. I also find that I have to select 5th before selecting reverse most of the time, otherwise reverse can graunch quite badly!

My box has been getting progressively worse and 3rd/4th synchro is now really bad and I have bearing whine, therefore a winter rebuild is looking like a definite. I did buy an Elite gearbox earlier this year for £250 as a spare parts unit and something to practice on. I have priced up all the bearings and have started gathering new old-stock spares, I have a 3rd gear synchro already and hopefully a 2nd and 4th in the near future. However, the earlier comment about different synchro angles is worrying me, did you find out any more about that? I need to check that what I have bought is OK for my box!

Regards, Jonathan

Later boxes is all I found out. If you have an Elite workshop manual you can tell when the parts were changed.. i.e. part numbers. I also bought a late Elite box which I had rebuilt as a spare and that 100% has the later syncros. If you look at the gears there is a cut out in them.

cheers
Mark

Just sitting on my sofa and smiling at all this!! The 3:1 CWP solves it all !! D

Inside here lies the secret to happy high speed motoring and easy gear selection!

You have mentioned this once or twice before David and it does seem like an excellent solution, but I think the tall block motor you built and fitted is 50% of the solution.

Now a tall block and a 5 speed box, that would be something

Mazzers - I had the 3:1 CWP with my previous engine, a big valve running QED 420 cams and it was no problem at all in all driving conditions. I even had to demonstrate reversing and starting up very steep slopes to convince some un believers!! No problem with gear selection either............and think of the money one saves.........D

Hi Mark,

Really pleased to hear the 5-speed worked out well !

Enjoy !

Sean Murray

Just sitting on my sofa and thinking …. “What a tosser”

Hi Mark,

Thanks for the reply - By 'cut out' do you mean the machined groove right on the centre line of the gears? If so, I'll check out the box I have and then check part numbers. The guy I bought the synchro's from was quoting a part number that matched with my +2 parts book so I'm hoping they're OK.

Thanks again, Jonathan

Yes, the groove in the gears …

Cheers
Mark

mark030358 wrote:Yes, the groove in the gears …

Cheers
Mark

Thanks Mark!!