Sensible Engine Upgrades

[adigra]

Good evening,

This is at the moment purely speculation as I've been browsing the web for Elan parts, but some of it I will start considering seriously if it makes sense. My car is now nearly complete (I've been saying that for months!) and the only real unknown is the engine. It runs well without issues, but has had various work done to it in the late 80's (new pistons the main one) before being taken off the road for over a decade, so I'd quite like to have it rebuilt and sensibly upgraded over the winter. What is the general opinion, or suggestions, as to what I should think about having done, considering that the block and the head are in good condition, and/or if they are not? My engine is an entirely standard SE in a 1967 S3. Basically what would be the ideal fast road specification? Overall I am not on a budget, but I also don't want to spend silly money.

And another question, if I may: Would you guys recommend solid driveshafts over the doughnuts? I know there have been many threads about this, but I'd quite like to get an overall opinion of the current posters.

Thanks in advance!

Adi

[rgh0]

The Dave Bean Catalog gives an overview of the various stages of development and the work involved. I personally believe that something like the Dave Bean Stage 3 engine is a great design. Up to around 150 hp out of a 1600 cc ( 83.5 mm bore) standard bottom end and a big fat torque curve. This brings an Elan up to the performance of the best modern sports cars (egsomething like an Elise) if combined with sensible suspension upgrades to effectively use modern sticky tyres.


Key features of the DB stage 3 engine or equivalent
1-highlift short duration cam eg greater than 0.41 lift and duration less than 290 degrees seat toseat
2-valve stem length, buckets and springs to suit the cam lift
3-1.625 inch inlet / 1.4 inch exhaust valve head diameter and road porting to suit
4-10.3 to 10.5 sprint level compression ratio
5 -4/2/1 fabricated exhaust header ( bigger ID than orginal Lotus sprint style one) and larger diameter tail pipe

other sensible mods at the same time more for reliability than power

6 - baffled sump
7 - cartridge water pump
8- preengage starter
9- electronic ignition
10- electric cooling fan and 3 row radiator

If going to race or track day it a lot some more things butthese generally not needed for road use.

As for Cv's yes fit them

regards
Rohan

[adigra]

Hi Rohan,

Thank you very much! That is very helpful. It actually sound very close to what my father-in-law's Sprint has had done (Stage 3 QED from when they still did engine work themselves). Overall it seems pretty straight forward and, by my rough calculations, financially acceptable.

Best,
Adi

[Ross Robbins]

Hi Adi,
That is roughly the spec of my engine and I enjoy its combination of power and tractability. It is a very usable road spec. As for the CV question, I just recently fitted them to my S2 and I love the precision. I would have done it sooner if I had known how much better the car feels with CV's.

[adigra]

Thanks Ross, great to hear another vote for this direction (on both accounts).

A very helpful PM also informed me that that spec is equivalent to the QED420 version, which corresponds to the engine in my FIL's Sprint. I've sent a message to Exon to get the ball rolling. This is a very exciting winter project in the making (with someone else doing the work this time around!).

I've also placed an order for a set of CVs. I move fast!

I think all of this is purely due to the lack of progress on the various jobs due to the parts ordered being late. I trimmed most of the interior but I am still missing the rear bulkhead and the parcel shelf (which are a couple of months late due to a lost order), so I've been kind of twiddling my thumbs and extending the job list. But you guys should see the freshly powdercoated and retrimmed seats! They are soooo beautiful (and don't smell like damp and mould any more!) .

Again, thanks guys, much appreciated.

Adi

[Galwaylotus]

But you guys should see the freshly powdercoated and retrimmed seats!

So where are the photos?!

[mark030358]

BAck up every thing Rohan said...

But cassette water pump first... dont do what I did, spend a fortune on the ebgine and not the water pump. Now my engine is out and i'm fitting a cassette unit.

cheers

Mark

[pauljones]

Hi,

Have a look at cnc cylinder heads at ricwood.com. I have spoke to him about these heads,looks like a cnc head and cams for almost 2k is a bit on the high side,but you get what you pay for,ive booked my head in for new year.Also he will rebuild the bottom end too,using suplied parts ect.This im still looking into.

Price wise I know its alot,but reliabilty is my main concern,have a look at the site.

Paul

[adigra]

Thanks everyone!

I must take some photos of the seats. I spent most of the day today fitting the carpets so the seats stayed at the back of the garage. I cannot wait to fit them! Although they are incorrectly trimmed for my car, being basketweave, but it was a personal preference...

Mark, 100%, the waterpump is on the list.

Paul, I had a look at the website but I can't see any Twink info. Maybe I'm looking in the wrong place?

I got a reply from Paul Exon (which in itself was confidence inspiring) and he reckons he'd need three weeks to do the engine to this spec. His rough estimate was also to my liking so I will give him a call tomorrow and discuss the process.

I've now completely made my mind up about it and will go through with it as well as everything Rohan suggested (except for the rad as I've already done it). Hopefully I'll get to use the car for a few events an a holiday first though.

Thank you all for the responses. This is exciting!

Oh, had a look at my FIL's QED invoices from '94 and it is a Q420 engine. The whole thing cost a little over ?3000 back then.

Adi

[mark030358]

Funny enough Paul Exon is doing my head for me. He also did my Sprint engine while at qed and did my Stromberg engine too

cheers

Mark

[mark030358]

Forgot to add he is a top guy and nothing appears too much trouble...

cheers

[adigra]

Mark, that's great, it gives me even more confidence. I was impressed with his quick response (which seems unusual in this field...). I tried calling him today but didn't realise they closed early on Fridays. I'll do it on Monday then.

I have a question about the logistics of this. Do you deliver just the engine to him, or the whole car?

And, importantly, any suggestions as to where to go for the exhaust?

I might sound like a broken record, but I really appreciate the help guys. This is my first full rebuild of a car and I am both stabbing in the dark a bit but also want to do it right and end up with something awesome. It's not an investment for me, it's a very serious hobby and the intent is to never part with it. I just want it to be the best I can make it, or afford to...

Adi

[mark030358]

Hi there,
Paul is on hoiliday at the moment, thats why I'm going Monday morning to drop my head off. You need to take the engine out and drop it off. If you want it dyno tested the carbs, dizzy etc.

As for exhaust another lister helped me with my manifold and box but the usual suspect have them...

cheers

MArk

[adigra]

Thanks Mark,

I believe the same other lister has helped me out with some info as well. Helpful chap!

All the best,
Adi

[adigra]

I spoke to the engine builder today, who seems like a really nice guy, which has made my mind up about going with him. But one surprising bit is that he was not supportive of the cartridge water pump. He said he's happy to fit one if I want, but seemed very positive that a regular pump, if not overtightened, would be entirely reliable with the benefit of maintaining the original look of the engine. It is still, obviously, up to me, and this way it would be cheaper (at least for now) but I'm not quite sure what to do yet... Any thoughts?

So it is looking like I'll be removing the engine soon. It will give me the opportunity to tidy up the engine bay where I couldn't reach before.

Any thoughts on the gearbox? It's completely fine at the moment, but would it be wise to have it checked over while the engine is out?

All the best,
Adi