Engine Number and Build Date Questions

[Hegg]

I know I've been gone for awhile since my car s'ploded (http://www.lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1560), but I think I'm getting ready to do the whole engine up now.

However, I was just looking on the SportsCarWorld site with all of the new serial number information they've posted recently and noticed that my car seems a little out of order and I believe has an SE engine number:

http://www.sportscarworld-lotus.com/T%20REG%20LOTUS%20ELAN%20+2.pdf

I have #2036 and engine number I20375. Looking at the list, my car is nearly a year out of order from the ones around it. I've also read that the "I" prefix on the engine indicates an "SE" version of the twink. (http://www.geocities.com/trevorsparrow/elanplus2/Federalcars.htm)

So, what exactly did the SE version have on the "early" Plus 2 cars? And is there something I can verify that indicates if it is an SE? The number plate and engine both have the I20375 stamped on them (as well as the chassis has 50 2036 stamped on it), so I know they're original components anyway.

All in all, thanks for the insight in advance, and I hope to get mine back on the road soon! Almost another summer gone away and still no +2 running!

[bill308]

Hi Hegg,

I have a 1966 S2 SE. The big things the SE had were special cams, different jetting for the Webers, knock-offs, and trim IIRC. There may me other items too.

Bill

[rgh0]

My understanding was all the plus 2's from the first had the 118hp SE engine as standard until they changed to the big valve engine as standard in the Plus 2S 130 models.

Not sure how this translated to US cars and their emission regulations

Rohan

[thor]

My engine block (bottom end) has been swapped in the past I believe to, where on the block is the number?

[types26/36]

Just above the carb side engine mounting.

[Jonty5speed]

Thor,

My engine number is situated on the exhaust side just in front of the clutch.

Jon

[types26/36]

Jon,
That is the block casting type number (701M which is correct for a late Lotus engine)
The actual number that Lotus put on that is used for registration should be above the carb side engine mounting.

[Jonty5speed]

Thanks Brian, once again I stand corrected!

As there is nothing on the carb side of my engine I presume the engine number would originally have been on a plate which has disappeared in the mists of time. Given that I have no documentary evidence I suppose it's hard to tell whether this is the original engine or not, I've always assumed it isn't - would I be correct in my assumption?

Jon

[types26/36]

Jon,
As far as I am aware Lotus stamped the number on the block (well thats the case with every one I have seen) the only ones that had a plate were the engines built by the specialist tuning companys, Ford had some sort of exchange engine program back then and if your engine has no number I suspect it came from this source, I dont think the engines came with a number and who ever supplied/fitted it should have stamped the original number on it.
As I said your engine is correct for a late car (701M) and it should have "L" cast into it behind the carb side engine mounting, another clue that it has been worked on/changed is the colour which should be gray, Ford used a blue paint and if it did come in the exchange program this could account for it.