1500 Engine?????

[nomad]

Seems I read somewhere that Lotus replaced all the 1500 engines in Elans with 1600 engines. Is my memory playing tricks on me?

I've been relaying this and may be a liar. Experts???

Kurt

[types26/36]

From the now defunct Type 26 Register.

[nomad]

Thanks, I miss that spot.....

Kurt

[bitsobrits]

Same basic block for both, IIRC.

[h20hamelan]

& a 1700 is taller?

[nmauduit]

& a 1700 is taller?

the well known article sumarizes the most common situations

http://www.lotus-cortina.com/library/block/blocks.htm

in first approximation "1500" blocks are of original Lotus dimensions (bored to 1600cc for later models), while "1600" blocks (crossflow etc.) are taller by about 0.4" (when overbored can offer 1700cc)

[2cams70]

That often quoted Lotus Cortina link about Ford blocks is somewhat right but it’s also somewhat wrong too!

[rgh0]

The blocks used in the first few very early Elans were the 5 bearing 116E blocks introduced in 1962. 1500 cc with 81.0mm standard bores. Replaced with the same block with 82.55 mm bore to make 1557cc and the Elan 1600.

cheers
Rohan

[nomad]

Thanks guys. I would not imagine Chapman replacing the 1500 engines if it were going to cost him real money!
The 1500's were likely just traded to the machinist or Ford or where ever he sourced the engines. Would have been out very little and probably gained good will.

Kurt

[trw99]

Although Tim Mees says 8 1500 Elans had their engines replaced, 2 of the development Elans also had the 1500 engine when they were first sold on.

3 early Elans also had engines with both a Lotus Engine No as well as a Cosworth Engine No. These cars were bought by club racers, as indeed were many of the very earliest Elans.

Of passing interests is that the good looking Frua Elan was also fitted with one of the 1500 engines, though of course it was more for show than go!

Tim

[nomad]

Thanks, Tim.

Kurt
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