Spyder chassis question?

[cella_door]

Hi Everyone,

We are looking to perform a Spyder Zetec conversion on an old +2 but was wondering what were the differences between the different space frame chassis Spyder produce. From what I understand the standard space frame cannot house the sierra diff but could it still house a Zetec engine? If so what would the potential issues be with this set up? Could a standard space frame chassis be modified for use with a Zetec?

I intend to Spyder a buzz but thought I would throw this question on here first to tap peoples experiences/knowledge.

Many thanks
Jon

[gerrym]

Jon, the biggest mod needed to the chassis is the half-moon cut-out for the Zetec front belt-pulley/harmonic damper.

What gearbox do you intend to use? With the greater torque of the Zetec there is an even more compelling case for a higher top gear for road/motorway use. Check with Spyder as to the age of your Spyder chassis and suitability for various transmissions. They will offer the MT75 5 speed box.

If you use the MT75 box and the starter motor from the Scorpio, you also need to modify a diagonal brace to clear the starter motor.

Regards

Gerry

[pauljones]

Jon,

I have a spyder chassis too,I Email'd Spyder with the number and was told that it was an early version and would not take a zetec and 5sp mt75. But it would take a Lotus 5sp box and zetec "possibly",with some mods to the chassis.As for the diff,It was sugested that with a bracket the Ford unit would fit,so I got a rebuilt 3.54 ratio from Leslie,512bb,on this site.

As for chopping up a chassis just to fit the zetec, Ill just stink to the twink.Sounds too good to loose,but each to their own on that one.

Hope that helps

Paul

[stugilmour]

Jon, welcome to the list.

Just to clarify what you have. Are you planning to purchase a new current frame from Spyder or is your Plus 2 already equipped with one now and you want to install Zetec in it? The frames have apparently changed considerably in several details over time, which causes confusion on what will fit in which frame series/number. Appears the only way is to check your serial number with Spyder, and you might have to follow up with a few photo's if they are not sure what you may have

To add a bit to Paul & Gerry's excellent posts, I have a relatively recent Spyder Plus 2 frame (about 1 1/2 years old) with the body just installed. Using the Lotus Twin Cam with the Spyder supplied MT75 5 speed and the stock Lotus diff.

It is my understanding that the current production Plus 2 frames are now the same for Zetec or Twin Cam application. You can clarify this for sure with Sean at Spyder. My frame is even equipped with the additional pick-up points for the dual wishbone rear suspension, which I think is a common option on the Zetec builds.

For the MT75 installation if you opt for it, Gerry is quite correct regarding modification of one of the frame members to fit the starter. I also had to make this modification on mine. However, Sean mentioned in one of his emails that they routinely modify the diagonal brace at time of frame manufacture if you specify; on mine he admitted it was an oversight on their part as I ordered the gearbox with the frame and they should have automatically done the brace mod. So this is an important detail you will want to nail down if ordering a new frame.

For the fitting of a different diff, I am not sure. My Spyder frame does have more clearance than the stock Lotus chassis, which makes getting the diff in way easier. I assume this also accommodates their Zetec diff mod, but again an important detail to check.

My frame also has a flat cut-out from the cylindrical front cross member/vacuum tank. This easily accommodates the Twin Cam front plate/sump. Not sure if this is the same as used on a Zetec specific frame like Gerry is mentioning, so another detail to check.

My frame also has provision for the dual fuel lines and differerent brake line mounting tabs, so again thinking it will be same for Zetec or TC.

Last detail area I have seen confusion on is a top cross brace in sort of a half circle that sits around the bell housing. My frame does not have this piece at all. Assume they have modified the frame design details to allow it to be removed? I understand Gerry has this piece on his frame. Again, this MAY be a Zetec specific thing, so should be checked with Spyder. Looks like engine/transmission removal would be way easier without this piece in the way.

I think you can clear up all details with Spyder pretty easily if you are purchasing the frame new, but hopefully this list will help you with a few details to ask. Probably a lot easier if you are in GB to sort out face to face, as I had a lot of emails to get details straight before shipment to Canada, and still had a couple of things to sort later that I was just not aware of.

Let us know if you need photo's of any of the detail areas.

Also, you will want to consider choices on a few other items like wheel size, steering rack, shocks, rear spring diameter & adjustable spring perches, but I don't think these relate to frame selection details and can be left for later.

HTH

[gerrym]

Stu, good post on the various details.

I guess the main thing as you say is for Jon to confirm whether he has an existing Spyder chassis or will purchase a new chassis.

If going for brand new, Spyder are very helful and accomodating and it's a matter of letting them know what you are building.

Re the arched brace that sits above the transmission, I retro-fitted this to my chassis with Spyder providing the parts. It add tremendous stiffness to probably what was the weakest part of the chassis. All good considering big increase in torque/performance of the Zetec compared to the LTC.

However my objective was to be able to remove engine/transmission unit without first removing body. Hence the mod to the gear shift lever we have talked about before. However the arched brace fasteners cannot be accessed with the body in place (I've not quite given up on this yet).

Regards

Gerry

[cella_door]

Hi Everyone,

Many thanks for all the great responses!

To answer the question posed, we have project car (in the UK) with an old chassis and have been looking at second hand options as well as buying new from Spyder. The obvious issue with second hand is that it is difficult to know exactly what you are letting yourself in for! We were looking to fit a MT75 and Sierra LSD to the chassis (although we do have a spare MX5 diff which Im pretty sure is unlikely to fit . Modifications to cross members dont worry me too much. However modifications, if needed, to the rear in order to fit the larger diff is a different matter.

Stu, pictures would very much be welcome but I am in no hurry at the moment so only if you have them handy

Its nice to come across an knowledgeable and friendly forum!!

Cheers
Jon

[pauljones]

Jon,

If you want to fit a zetec then thats a good option,but a well and properly built twin cam is still a good option too,plus if you add fuel injection its a dream.Oh and the sound is INTOXICATING.

My early spyder chassis has the option of twin wishbone suspension,but i think ill be sticking with the standard lotus stuff,plus off course uprated drive shafts.

In my humble opinion,by all means change the chassis,but keep the heart and soul that makes it a lotus.

Regards,Paul