Rohan, I just found this thread and thought I would contribute the following as information. My engine is now running properly after a visit for a rolling road tune at Trevor Simken's in Shepparton on the recommendation of Elan Trik Bits (well worth a visit as the changes were very noticeable).
My engine is +30 thou, has standard valves but good valve springs, has steel crank and rods and QED pistons giving a CR of 10.5. The ports had previously had some work done and were not touched. It runs a standard flywheel.
My cams are Waggott 156 grind with 0.385 lift and 49/94 timing (interestingly when I asked Clive about this profile he said it should perform to around 8,000 rpm), the ignition is Lumenition, the carbs are standard (except for jetting) and it has the standard S4 airbox. The exhaust is a 4,2,1of not very generous proportions.
The "power" run (in fourth gear) with the airbox on yielded : max power was 76.6 kw at 5830rpm with a very gradual drop to 72.7 kw at 7420 rpm. Torque was essentially flat from 234 nm @ 2670 - 259 nm @ 5440 where it peaked. The torque values seem high relative to the power but the shape of the curve is more relevant to me and reflects how it drives.
On Sunday's EMR, our host who has Plus 2 with the full Spyder Zetec conversion and who followed us early, came up and "that car really goes, really goes!" I told him the above numbers and he said "well they are genuine horsepower".
Interestingly given earlier posts, we also did a run without the airbox and there was an increase in peak power (around the same revs!) of 3.5kw and an improvement throughout the range.
So once the Trik Bits sump/pick up are on (your sump will be home shortly
) I will for look a chance to run on a track without the airbox.
How much is enough? I would be very comfortable with my car as it is now with 170 - 180bhp. Resisting the urge to put my BDR into the Elan (for how long I can't say),the next steps with the TC will be a diff, bigger exhaust manifold, Jenvey weber throttle bodies and an oversize airbox.
I will see you soon.
Peter