Ford Block from an Elan?

[Certified Lotus]

I bought this short block that was supposedly from an Elan, but after a bit of investigation see that it doesn't have the Lotus stamped numbers on the block, just the Ford cast numbers. Did all the Ford blocks that were installed in Elan's have the Lotus stamped numbers?

[rgh0]

What is the reason for the question?

There is no practical difference between a "normal" ford block and a "Lotus" ford block apart from the price you pay.
In general terms these days the "normal" Ford blocks are superior if you can find one as most of the identical and more expensive "Lotus" blocks that are even harder to find are even more stuffed.

What exactly is a "Lotus" ford block. i.e. a block supplied by Ford for building into a Twin Cam by Lotus is in itself an interesting question subject to significant debate

cheers
Rohan

[Certified Lotus]

You correct in your comments Rohan. I was just wondering if Lotus ever stopped stamping the blocks they used in the Elans. I totally understand there is no difference except the Lotus stamping of a serial number.

[rgh0]

The key photos needed to have an opinion on the history of the block are the bottom left hand corner showing the full casting number location for the block. Various Lotus versions had various grinding done on these numbers to remove part or all of them and some ( mainly Lotus Cortina blocks I believe ) had additional numbers stamped there over the ground off casting number.

The next key area is the top of the inlet side inlet engine mount to see if the stamped number there is present and looks original as this is where the Lotus built Twin Cam numbers were stamped.

The next key area is the front LH or RH side of the block where I have seen most Ford engine number stamped (at least for Australian built engines) to see whats there and whether anything has been ground off.

The final area to check is the front of the block to see whether it is stamped with the thickness check code used by Ford for blocks sent to Lotus for boring out to the twin cam bore

There may be some other clues that people know about but with everything Lotus they are clues not a definite indication.

cheers
Rohan

[rgh0]

There are a more variations on what I said above that get into the pedantic level:) around what you find when you look in the places mentioned and you find inconsistent information

e.g

701M blocks made specifically for Lotus in the early 70's i don't think were thickness checked by Ford and did not have the thickness code stamped on the front of the block.

There are some exceptions to the rule about "Lotus" blocks not being special and Ford did appear to cast some special "L" blocks with the "L" in different locations on the casting early on in the production of twin cams. These may have been special blocks for Cosworth or BRM race engines as they don't appear to have been generally installed in Elans

cheers
Rohan

[rgh0]

I dont think Lotus ever stopped putting Lotus engine numbers on the top of the inlet side engine mount on engines they built at the factory. For blocks Lotus supplied for rebuilds anything is possible

cheers
Rohan

[Certified Lotus]

Forgot to include the most important photo. Block # LP7003LBA

[rgh0]

Looks like an original Lotus number. Potentially those with access to the various magic secret databases, can find it belonging to a Lotus and that that Lotus no longer has that engine ( for those interested in matching number )

cheers
Rohan

[nmauduit]

Forgot to include the most important photo. Block # LP7003LBA

IMG_0361.JPG

would be off elan #6465 sold on Oct. 3rd 1967

(initial typo in car number - corrected thank's to Brian types26/36)

[1963 S1]

I'm always impressed by Rohan's depth of information. And, of course, that of many others in this forum. Thank you all.

[Certified Lotus]

Nmauduit, thanks for the detail regarding which car this engine came from (amazing that you have the raw historical data). Rowan, you always have great insights and perspective. Much appreciated.

Now I have a spare short block and Weber head. Will combine for a complete engine one of these days.

[types26/36]

Forgot to include the most important photo. Block # LP7003LBA

The attachment IMG_0361.JPG is no longer available

would be off elan #6564 sold on Oct. 3rd 1967

I get a different serial # for engine 7003 although the date is the same.....possibly a typo?

[el-saturn]

for whatever its worth: my 701 block DOES have a stamped LB (med thickness, as far as i remember) at the front left and upper corner - plus it has the casted L sandy - had a new facet in for a day (hoping MORE gas a bit more hp), but the left carb flooded: apparenty a weber will take a max of 0,35 bar

[nmauduit]

Forgot to include the most important photo. Block # LP7003LBA

IMG_0361.JPG

would be off elan #6465 sold on Oct. 3rd 1967

I get a different serial # for engine 7003 although the date is the same.....possibly a typo?

yes, I posted for the date, added the number a bit carelessly I guess ... I'll correct the post, thank you.