Engine Block Numbers & SE Questions

[FritzPasadena]

More questions I'm afraid!!!

My left-hand drive '65 S2 has engine LP 2545 LBA which is still currently fitted.

I have a copy of the Brian Buckland folder which is great but am a little confused. As far as I can tell, the LP stands for 'Lotus Power' and '2545' is the engine number. Right so far???

Am I correct in thinking the final three letters (in this case LBA) relate to the cylinder wall casting thickness? If so, Brian Buckland states either LAA, LA or LB designations were used, LAA being thickest down to LB being thinnest. Mine has LBA though. Can anyone shed any light on what this means (thick/thin) or am I competely on the wrong track here?

Additionally, my car was invoiced to the supplying dealer on February 2nd 1965 which, as far as I'm aware, was well before the Special Equipment version became available. However, the engine has got the BMC green finished rocker cover (which obviously could have simply been painted that colour). The car was delivered new for racing to a customer that had previously purchased various competition Lotus cars. Is there any way a simpleton like me can check on whether the car has a genuine SE spec engine without having to remove any major (or minor!) components?

Thanks in advance and as always, any input greatly appreciated.

[rgh0]

The LAA, LA, LB designations for block wall thickness grading were stamped on the front face of the block under the front cover.

I always thought LP was "Lotus Part"

Not sure what your LBA designation next to the engine number means.

cheers
Rohan

[garyeanderson]

A quick look at some info on my computer reveals that this is the same Elan that Ian Fitz-Simon was selling a while back.

4143 LP2545 2-Dec-65 nassau speedweek 65,66?

LP Lotus Production

2545 sequence

LBA Don't Know but it not likely the wall thickness as its on most engines

As for your SE questions check the camshaft flange for a single annular groove around the end of the mating flange to the sprocket. Also check the jetting of the Webers. While the engine may be to early to be produced as a SE that doesn't mean that it wasn't brought up to that spec later (possibly even the last owner). I take it the the Elan also has tubular headers?

[FritzPasadena]

Thanks. Am I right in thinking that what you're saying is that LBA appears on most engines after the engine sequence number?

Regarding the possible SE upgrade, I don't think it was done recently (i.e. last 10-15 years) as the BMC green paint looks considerably older. Will have to check the camshaft flange and carb jets. Unfortunately I'm a chequebook mechanic though!!! It's not a big issue whether the car was done up to SE spec as I'm going to have the motor rebuilt to 140bhp-ish anyway.

You're on the right track regarding the ID, I bought the car from Ian and imported it into the UK. I'm trying to track down all the correct bits and pieces before starting a restoration (steering wheel, instruments etc. etc.). The car raced in the Bahamas throughout 1965 and '66 winning quite a few races. Here's a photo from '66 with the flared rear arches and JAP wheels - this is how it'll look all finished.

[garyeanderson]

You may not agree with this but some day your car is going to have a lot of value, You have the original engine so put it away and go and find and engine to build, if you put a hole in the side of the block of the non original engine for some reason, ouch, but not that big of a deal. Once you hole the original, well it just diminishes the investment. There are a lot of Elites that can't say "original engine" anymore because they have been considered disposable in there early years of racing. Your Elan has made it this far, don't let it suffer the same fate.

Gary

[Bill]

Gary and all

In mid 1964 Lotus provided for a short time a 'stage 2 kit' (or upgrade option) to the current or potential owners. The "kit" comprised of reprofilled cams and weber carb jetting mods. If it was added as a factory option the cam cover was painted green.

This upped the factory stated HP rating from 105 to 115 HP.

As a factory purchaser of 26/0538 in 1963 I was notified of the upgrade option in 1964, I puchased and installed it at the time along with other engine mods/ performance tuning.

After 40 plus years - still goes good.

I also painted my cam cover green to comply with the factory specs.

The first edition of the factory type 26 service manual addresses the factory approved Stage 2 modification.

I still have the 1964 factory invoice for my purchase of the "stage 2 kit"

I suspect it became the Sprint" series/ option.

Keep your stick on the ice Gary

Bill

PS - All is orogional

[robcall]

You may not agree with this but some day your car is going to have a lot of value
Gary

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/672404.htm