Plus 2 and sprint components in common.

[David tye]

I bought a couple of plus 2, run down cars for spares for an Elan sprint that I was restoring. I've sold a few spare parts but ultimately the thought is to sell the whole lot off as a project while keeping as much as I can that is in common with the sprint. I originally thought that the suspension components would be in common. I realize now that this is not the case. The radiator seems to be similar. The door window lifting mechanisms and motor are different. The door handles seem to be the same. Some gauges are the same.
The rims don't fit under the guards.
Are there any suspension components that can be used? Are the plus 2 brakes transferable.
The steering rack is common.
Steering wheel is interchangeable.
Any comments would be appreciated.
Thank,
David

[trw99]

David

The engine and components will be the same as a Sprint, provided the donor Plus 2s are fitted with Big Valve engines.

I'm not too sure about the steering racks being the same, best to double check that. I also thought the guages were different to the Elans.

Plus 2 wheels were bigger than Sprints.

The Plus 2 front brakes are a recognised replacement for the Sprint items.

I'm also not sure that any of the Plus 2 suspension parts fit an Elan, but someone else will know.

Though the Plus 2 steering wheel will fit the Triumph derived steering column, the Sprint steering wheel is smaller in diameter and to a different design. Search Chapman signed steering wheel in the archives!

Tim

[stugilmour]

David, I believe you are correct that the rack is the same, although the Plus 2 uses two threaded tie rod extensions to account for the wider front track.

I think the Plus 2 front brakes are larger than the Sprint, but can be used as an upgrade. Think this is what Tim means as a recognized replacement. Tim, are the rear brakes & hand brake mechanism the same? Think it is just differences in the actuating rod lengths.

Thinking the gauges are generally different; maybe the tach and fuel gauge are the same, although not sure of details on the fuel gauge sender resistance range? The Plus 2 speedo has a low fuel light that I don`t think the Sprint got? Are you missing the Sprint gauges to be able to compare side by side?

Sure others can add more clarification.

[Quart Meg Miles]

Download the Paul Matty Sportscars parts list from http://www.paulmattysportscars.co.uk/ which gives their part numbers for the different Elans including Plus. It may eliminate several areas. Probably other supplier lists are similar.

[stugilmour]

Good point Meg. The Paul Matty listing is a great idea as it shows which bits are common in a nice table.

Thought after I posted above that the Plus 2 parts book also shows most of the common parts with Lotus part numbers 26/xxxx or 36/xxxx rather than 50/xxxx. David, you can see the Plus 2 parts with the Lotus part numbers at rdent.com or I can mail you a pdf of the Plus 2 book if you don't have it.

HTH

[Elanintheforest]

I think that the common bits are:

Engine and all ancillaries, including exhaust manifold
Gearbox (but not the gearlever)
Differential
Rear Suspension legs (but not the hubs)
Front uprights (but not the hubs)
Steering Rack (stops may need adjusting)
Rear Callipers
Handbrake tree (different length rods)
Handbrake (depending on Plus 2 model)
Radiator and fan (depending on Plus 2 model)
Headlamp pods (rods are different length)(depending on model)
Air Filter canister in nose
Air-Horns (where fitted!)
Dash switches (depending on Plus 2 model)
Dash top demister grills
Plenum chamber and rear roof pillar grills
Door handles ? Internal and external (depending on Plus 2 model)
Steering wheel hub including hornpush (depending on Plus 2 model)
Rear Lights
Headlamps
L.O.T.U.S. badges
Boot hinges
Boot prop
Nose badge
Wheels (they are wider but do fit an S4 / Sprint)
Knock-on Spinners

And that's about all I can think of!

Mark

[David tye]

Great feedback.Thanks again.
Merry Christmas
David

[CBUEB1771]

Lotus part numbers 26/xxxx or 36/xxxx rather than 50/xxxx.

The part number prefixes indicate first use. Some "50" prefix numbers were used on later Elans. I think front uprights and rear hub carriers may be examples. You really can't make sense of this without Service Parts Lists for both the Elan and +2. (Ooops, just checked, not the front uprights but some of the associated hardware.)

[gjz30075]

I think that the common bits are:

Rear Suspension legs (but not the hubs)

Mark

Mark, aren't these longer for the +2, much like the front arms?

Greg Z

[Elanintheforest]

Hi Greg....I've probably used the wrong terminology. The 'Chapman Strut / McPherson Strut 'and hub carrier are the same, but the wishbones and driveshafts are longer to give the wider track of the Plus 2. The chassis top mounts for the strut are also wider apart, otherwise there would be a lot of negative camber on the rear wheels!

Mark

[gjz30075]

I understand now Mark. Thanks,

Greg Z