question...

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Thu Nov 08, 2007 18:24

anyone thought about putting one of these in an excel?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... mot_widget

Oz

Dr_G · Post by **Dr_G** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 11:08

Engine transplants always cause a lot of fuss/controversy with Lotus cars in general, and of course with many other classic cars.

Personally, I think having a 400bhp supercharged engine would be fantastic in the Excel. The problem is you can take a HC 912 to over 250bhp with the right parts well tuned, but, at a relatively high cost. I love my Lotus engine, but truly see the attraction in some swaps, particularly the Lexus/Toyota V8 which has been done and you can buy the parts to fit it to the stock W58 gearbox.

I suppose other options would be a 1.8T VAG engine (easy 300bhp), YB Ford Cosworth (though a bit heavy), Rover V8 (expensive to get over 300bhp), Ford or Chevy V8 (easily tuneable and inexpensive), Ford Zetec, Toyota V6 Turbo (or TT, but would be harder to fit).

Many will argue that your car wouldn't be a 'Real Lotus' if you did this, but as far as I'm concerned you should do what makes you happy. I wouldn't buy that specific engine though as it is not being sold with all ancillaries, loom, ECU etc.

Redlotus · Post by **Redlotus** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 15:32

I am not sure but i think Jaguar had a lot of issues with the early, pre 2000 engines which may have also have had nicosil liners. I think they changed to steel from around 2000.

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 15:34

just keep playing with ideas...

what about an S2000 honda lump with supercharger like the elises?

the S2000 im mounted longditudinally? anyway... so would be similar 4 cylinder, but N/A is 260bhp, and supercharged easily 320bhp...

could be fun?

i personally really like the idea of an S2000 engine... honda reliabilty, and screaming revs...

anyone know the weight?
Oz.

Wingnut · Post by **Wingnut** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 16:27

The S2000 engine is rather tall (hence the reason it won't fit in a Caterham

). That may also make it to tall for an Excel without resorting to a fancy sump arrangement.

Ozzy_UK · Post by **Ozzy_UK** » Fri Nov 09, 2007 16:34

could i not just stick the head out the bonnet?

bash · Post by **bash** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 10:50

This may be stuff of legends, in other words I probably dont know what Im talking about, but, I think the Honda engine spins in the opposite direction to most conventional engines so you would need the diff as well. Or, 130mph in 5th gear going backwards could be quite exciting. Somebody tell me Im wrong !!

Bash

Lotus-e-Clan · Post by **Lotus-e-Clan** » Sat Nov 10, 2007 11:04

bash wrote:This may be stuff of legends, in other words I probably dont know what Im talking about, but, I think the Honda engine spins in the opposite direction to most conventional engines so you would need the diff as well. Or, 130mph in 5th gear going backwards could be quite exciting. Somebody tell me Im wrong !!

Bash

Bash you numpty.......you're thinking of the engines Honda developed for southern hemisphere countries.