Clutch replacement

[arthur67]

Hi I have a +2s130/5 in need of a new clutch it has a Spyder chassis not sure how old probably an early one.My question is this can I take the gearbox out without taken the engine out.It looks like it is possible just about enough room.
Also where is the best IE cheapest place to buy one thanks for any info and advice.
Arthur

[RichardHawkins]

Arthur,

I don't know, but I expect Spyder Engineering could answer your question.

Richard Hawkins

[rgh0]

Hi Arthur
It certainly does not look possible on my 73 Plus 2S 130 /5 with a late 80's spyder space frame chassis but I have never really tried to see if it could be done, you certainly cant pull the box back very far without disconnecting the bell housing, tail shaft and gear lever . Pulling the engine is not as hard as doing all that even if its possible and you probably should take off the flywheel and have it skimmed and rebalanced with the clutch cover at the same time and also replace the clutch release bearing and all of this is easy with the engine out.

cheers
Rohan.

[stugilmour]

Hi Arthur. Welcome to the forum.

I have a later Spyder space frame chassis and the Spyder supplied MT75 five speed. My very experienced mechanic tried to do the clutch without removing the engine and it did not work. YMMV, but based on other posts here I agree with Rohan that the engine and transmission out as a unit is the way to go. Particularly with the modified Spyder engine mounts and removable cross brace it is not that bad.

One thing to consider and check while you have it out. If you are seeing oil leakage, check out the crank seal area. Mine was repaired with a Speedi Sleeve and is much better now.

Here is a pretty lengthy engine pull writeup I prepared while it was fresh in my mind first time I did it with the body on. Yours will be a bit different for the Lotus five speed. Not sure if I mentioned it in the writeup, but I did the job on the driveway outside the garage. The assembly has to tilt quite a bit to clear the body, so having ceiling clearance for the engine crane is critical.

lotus-twincam-f39/pulling-the-engine-transmission-spyder-frame-t25077.html

HTH Let us know how it goes.

Stu

[arthur67]

Thanks for the help and advice.Iwill keep you informed on my progress.It will be a while before I get around to this job as the car has not been on the road for 16 years and there is a lot of other jobs to fill my time.
This is my fourth Lotus I sold my last one 27 years ago . I am amazed how much I can remember after 27 years.
Thanks again Arthur67