5 Speed Box or 3:55 diff

[Verve]

Hi Mark ,

I`ve driven both scenarios to France without a problem ... and a sweet engine with either box , with a 3.55 diff` is a delight .. : )

The 4 speed is simple , durable & great ... but a "good" 5 speed box is much better than what is written about it ... & would give sharper lower gears , with the bonus of that wonderful 5th Gear 80% Overdrive for high speed cruising !

However , to answer your questions .... my S4 4 speed Club Car with 3.55 diff` , using 165/80 modern "rear tyres" (gives more correct original higher gearing ) .... with a nicely set-up sprint spec` engine , using 30mm chokes ( for more low down grunt ) ... will pull a trailer let alone destroy any rice pudding .... cruises lovely ... & will cope as good as any Elan on the Mountain Passes : )

Sounds like a fantastic trip !

Cheers ,

Paul .

[mark030358]

Well I'm a happy camper, won't say why just just yet. although I'm going to post a non Lotus picture here for a chap on this thread.

cheers
Mark

[TBG]

Have you guys had a peek at the differential ratios thread?:wink:

[mark030358]

Well, just an update. Done the deed and bought a 5 speed box from Sean (Foxie) hope to have it next week. It has most of the stuff but is missing the original 5 speed gear knob. Anyone who has one and is willing to sell please PM me.

Also, please don't flame me if I ask stupid questions re the box (fitting etc) but I guess there is a wealth of experience on here and I guess that's what a forum is for.

cheers
Mark

[gjz30075]

5 speed knob:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Original-Lotus ... 1438.l2649

[mark030358]

Cheers Greg!!

[mark030358]

Ok, first question...

Can anyone give me a length the +2 prop shaft needs to be cut down to so it fits the baby Elan?

cheers
Mark

[Mazzini]

Will measure it in the morning...said the actress to the bishop

And its not a 'baby'!!!!

[StressCraxx]

If one needs a tail housing, or most any other piece, if it can be modeled or scanned, it can be produced.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKkcBoSeUOg

[Mazzini]

Ok, first question...

Can anyone give me a length the +2 prop shaft needs to be cut down to so it fits the baby Elan?

cheers
Mark

Flange face to flange face 29 inches compressed and 31.5 inches extended.

[mark030358]

Thanks for the prop shaft length information, most appreciated

cheers
Mark

[mark030358]

I read up on a long thread involving Alex Black, Brian Clark, John Clegg (along with many contributions from others) re Alex's install of a 5 speed gearbox into his on his Elan. This has proved very informative and answers a lot of the questions I had. But I still have a few, so the next one is..

What are the dimensions of the spigot that sits in the flywheel (outside diameter and depth? I guess the ID is 15mm), unfortunately I don't have a spare flywheel to measure. And being its a press fit will no doubt be larger than the measured dimension.

thanks again
Mark

[1owner69Elan]

I read up on a long thread involving Alex Black, Brian Clark, John Clegg (along with many contributions from others) re Alex's install of a 5 speed gearbox into his on his Elan. This has proved very informative and answers a lot of the questions I had. But I still have a few, so the next one is..

What are the dimensions of the spigot that sits in the flywheel (outside diameter and depth? I guess the ID is 15mm), unfortunately I don't have a spare flywheel to measure. And being its a press fit will no doubt be larger than the measured dimension.

thanks again
Mark

Just to point out that the spigot bearing fits in the end of the crankshaft (not flywheel). There are different sizes for early and late twincams. Here is the later 15mm version: https://www.burtonpower.com/crank-spigo ... fp347.html

[Mazzini]

I think that's true on four speed boxes, but the shaft on the five speed is different and involves a much bigger bearing. I'm not 100% sure where it sits, but I'm sure that can be found in Alex Black's excellent thread.

[vxah]

On the 5 speed Lotus box the spigot bush is fitted into the flywheel that’s why it’s much bigger! I think as standard they used a bush rather than a bearing but I made a reducer and fitted a bearing there.
Not really sure why they did that? I think the box was primarily designed for the coming Elite but could they not have made the clutch housing shorter? Could it have been a “cock up”?