I see the topic of getting lower revs at higher speeds has been discussed on this forum at great length, with no real resolution. I must admit, with modern roads, there's great appeal in having an overdrive. I don't own an Elan but was wondering if it's possible to get a Gear Vendors over/under drive to fit inside the chassis (baby Elan). I'm sure some mods would be required, but is the prospect totally out of the question?
Unit dimensions are given on their website.
I own a Porsche 356 and I find it can be quite tiring on main roads cruising at around 4000 RPM just to keep up with traffic. And there's no way to fit an O/D.
Peter

......ohhhhhhh, so you own a baby Porsche.

Peter

Try not to use the word "baby" some people are easily upset...

John

Hi Peter, sorry, couldn't resist the baby joke.
You've jarred something loose in my mind, an easy thing to do. I'm wondering if the inner chassis dimensions are the same for the Elan and the Elan +2 when it comes to the area in the transmission tunnel. I'm thinking they're the same.
Your idea would make for an interesting project, has anyone out there tried this in a similar situation, ie; non Lotus but old sportscar upgrade?
Eric

Peter, the overdrive gear was resolved by Lotus in the 70s when they fitted the 5 speed box to the Plus 2, and a few Sprints. The use of the Sierra box and now the Mazda 6 speed gives a couple more options, without the extra weight of an overdrive unit. I used to enjoy the gear-switch on the old Healey, Jags and Triumphs, but always thought of it as a bit of an afterthought...albeit a very clever one!

The Plus 2 and 2 seat Elan chassis are identical, with the Plus 2 just having a few extra inches in the spine.

Mark

Mark

So what you're saying is that the "baby" elan is also spineless???

John

Sorry guys. Didn't mean to put a slight on things with the incorrect terminology. Yes, it would add about 40 lbs. Definitely not in keeping with the Lotus philosophy of "adding lightness".
Peter

Peter -

The resolution for the elan is the same as the 356 - you go with a 5 speed.

For your Porsche , surly you must know there is a way to fit a 901 gearbox to the 356 engine , they came that way in the 902/912 car ( aka 356D) - check any of the one-line hang outs of the outlaw community and I am sure you will find a document on how to make your 356 accept the new transaxle.

G

PS the way is not clear for the elan because the support for the marque/model rests on the shoulders of too few with too little resources.

PSS know anybody with a nice set of 2.2S Magnesium MFI stacks for sale ?

Mark,
I don't want to hijack this thread but there are more differences between the Elan and Elan +2 chassis than length of the spine section. The +2 chassis is about five inches wider at the rear where the Lotocones attach. The front however is the same and more importantly you are correct that the cross-sectional dimensions of the spine are the same for the two. How is your Elite project?

Ooops, you’re absolutely right of course, Russ.

All the missing parts for the Elite have now been found…dynamo, original steering wheel, front bumpers and a new set of door handles, and the front and rear suspension re-built. Just have to fettle the front bumpers to fit (they are very close, surprisingly!) then the shell is off to be painted in Spring hopefully. So I’m still in love!!

Mark

Hey, will you two please stop talking Elites it's just not fair, not fair at all

Yours enviously
John

Mark

Which model of Elite are you restoring?

It's the pink one, Rich...and I thought I had the only one

Mark

Relax Mark, it is well known that two of Frank Costin's long-nose LeMans Elites were moulded. I did not however realize that both were pink. As Mr. Pelly is fond of saying "I'll be getting my coat now". On a more serious note, the red one is Carl Whitney's 1399 with the owner standing behind. I recall that you spoke to Carl while vetting your Elite.
Russ