Newbie +2

[68Lanny+2]

Hi All,
I'm new on here, and here's my late 1968 Elan Plus 2 at a show last Sunday. It's a recent purchase and my first Lotus, so I'm still getting to grips with it. Also working on final jetting and tuning the webers on the twin cam, but it is fun! Hoping to gleam some help and knowledge as I progress, Regards, Colin

[ovalwin]

Hi, great looking car.
I've just bought a +2 as well (see other post!) be good to hear how you get on.

Matt.

[68Lanny+2]

Hi Matt,
Thanks for the kind comments, your car looks great!
I'll let you know how I get on jetting the webers

[wotsisname]

Welcome, A nice looking example. I'd be interested on how you get on with your carb tuning and what the current issues are. I've just returned mine to the road (after many years) and I think my carbs need setting up as it tends to slowly lose power on a steady throttle and it can be a bit of a jerky drive until the engine is warmed up completely.

[68Lanny+2]

Hi Wotsisname,
Thanks for the good comment. My car is the super SE spec with the twin webers and the previous owner had fitted 45f11 idle jets with 115 mains and the engine started and seemed to run ok without load, but when driving, it stuttered badly on progression off idle and just wasn't on song at higher revs. I've did all the usual checks on the engine, ignition etc and the initial setting of the carbs which is all good, so I had a set of 50f11 idle jets and fitted them. This really helped the progression but still a bit lean, so I've ordered 50f8 idle jets and also 120 and even 125 mains to try out. Even petrol nowadays isn't what it was like back then. This should take it nearer to the standard settings, but bear in mind, I'm no expert, just maintained my own cars and also built a few kit cars so I'll just have to try them and see what I get. At least I can start to enjoy driving her now. The previous owner only did 2550 miles in 12 years which isn't surprising if that is how the engine ran, what is your engine set-up? If it was running ok and you haven't changed anything if may just be the carb balance that needs tweaking?, regards

[wotsisname]

Hi Colin,
My engine was rebuilt some years ago, but the rebuild stalled so I've just got it all running again.
It is an early +2 on DCOE40s, - now on sprint cams and valves and a +60 rebore. I am on points following a failure of an Aldon system (age + possibly damaged during the electrical testing period - I should have disconnected the coil I think when getting the electrics sorted). I don't have the info on jets to hand currently. I'm considering getting it onto a rolling road as my knowledge of webers is limited. I did set up the idle (youTube videos) and balance with a synchrometer which helped a bit.
regards
Adrian

[berni29]

Hi Guys

Congratulations on either buying or getting your cars back on the road. I am looking for a useable +2 having had a few in the past. Prices seem to be all over the place, and mostly quite optimistic from the sellers point of view. Or so it seems to me. But there again I sold my last one over 10 years ago.

All the best

Berni

[68Lanny+2]

Hi Wotisisname,
Yes, it sounds like with the sprint cams, valves and re-bore you will have to re-jet to get the best out of the engine and a rolling road sounds good, as long as the guys can deal with the "old school" carbs Lol.

[68Lanny+2]

Here's the best view! Although it's sitting in the garage just now Lol

[The Veg]

Welcome Colin!

[68Lanny+2]

Hi,
When I got my car it didn't have any panels or carpet etc in the boot (trunk), so I used thin plywood, 4mm I think, cut to shape and I then covered them with a off cut of short weave black carpet using spray glue. Total cost for all this was £22 and time wise about four hours, turned out great. One piece fuel tank panel and floor panels are in two pieces to allow access to jack/tools and spare wheel, cheers

[berni29]

Hi

That looks like excellent work. I will be doing something similar I am sure when the time comes. Most less than perfect cars seem to have very rough boots, or no raised floor at all.

All the best

Berni

[68Lanny+2]

Hi Berni,
Thanks, it was quite an easy job, and I've also finished tuning the webers, she now pulls like a train and no hesitation. Unfortunately, there is always something else that happens and I'm losing my garage space in two months, so I'll have to find storage or wrap her up outside for the winter. She's not perfect in any way so it shouldn't do any harm, I hope! Cheers