Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The current ref number according to Paul Matty's spares list is X036T0327J, I have found a second hand copy with a ref number of X036T0327Z. Does anyone know the significance of J or Z at the end? Would if be safe to buy the Z version?

Lotusfan

Lotusfan,
I have a manual part no. X036T0327ZE (I beleive supplied new with Oct 72 Sprint)
It covers S1/2/3/4 inc Sprint and seems reasonable (but not as detailed FOR S1/2 as my original S1/2 manual)
I dont know what the "J" means but think "Z or J" it will be O.K. for S3/4/Sprint but if you have a S1/2 you should find look for early manual.
Regards Brian.
64 Elan/72Sprint/J.P.S.Europa

Sure, go ahead. There's not much in the manual anyway!

I have the .......327 J Manual- at least that's what it says on the binder, on the front page it says Part Number 36 T 327 March 1970. Whilst this does occasionally refer to the Sprint, it does not cover the big-valve engine!

Presumably they updated pages whenever they felt like it, or not!

Parts book X036T0325J is very useful.

Pete

I agree that the Workshop Manual is not as useful as the Parts Manual, but it does contain some good information. For instance, the frame specifications are quite valuable for chassis repair/checking. But you still have to be a competent mechanic and have other information resources: the Workshop Manual will not walk a novice through serious repair procedures (like Muir's VW idiots guide will).

I would guess that the newest version would contain the most complete information. If you have a big valve, you need (not want) a newer manual, but would not spend a lot of time worrying about variations - I doubt that the changes between editions are substantive.

I have the Oct 1972 version of the manual: part number X036T0327Z. This is a common version (readily available) and contains Sprint and Big Valve data. It is a mosaic of previous versions and updates. Some of the pages have these footnotes: 870, 0471, 1171, and 1072. Obviously dates and probably indicating updates that were still in effect when the manual was printed (1072). I would also guess that pages without footnotes (the vast majority) are from the original manual version - or at least the transition from S1/S2 to S3/S4 (a major Elan change).

Rich Boyd

Thanks for the information guys. I bought the manual and it is as described by richboyd. Now I'll hunt for a bargain parts list.

End of topic?

lotusfan