Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hello,

I've just been quoted $10,500 to fully rebuild my Lotus twin cam engine. I'd appreciate some comments on whether this is in the correct ballpark? Frankly I was expecting about half that price. Am I unrealistic? I'm located in Maryland. Also, if anyone can suggest a builder in Maryland or the surrounding states I would appreciate it.

Thanks,

Mike

If that includes a fully reconditioned cylinder head (new guides, cam followers, surfaced, etc) and new pistons, that seems highish to me, but not out of line. A fully ported, modded for high lift/short duration cams head with high compression pistons etc can easily run $20-25k for a pro build. The cylinder head is where the money goes. The bottom end is pretty basic Ford after all.

There is Quicksilver Racing in Frederick,MD. and Union Jack (?) Motors also in Maryland. Message me if you want my opinion on these builders. Regards, Chris

Hi Chris,

Yes, please I'd value your opinion.

Mike

The cost of any engine rebuild is driven by the extent of parts replacement, extent of specialist machining required and hourly cost of labor to strip, inspect and reassemble.

Engine "rebuilds" for a engine can be under a thousand US dollars for me with no labour cost and just bearings and seals and gaskets and timing chain and water pump requiring replacement. At the other end of the scale building a new engine from scratch can be US $15000 and up depending if all new components are purchased and you pay someone to build it.

You need to get a list of what they are proposing to do for $10,500 to assess if that is reasonable.

cheers
Rohan