Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

large version of the above picture
http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/wp-cont ... udio-1.jpg

Some info on the KMV4 engine - compared with a BMW 1645cc flat 6
http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2010/ ... all-block/



http://www.google.com/search?q=kmv4&btn ... =&aql=&oq=




So small light and compact, gearbox may be an issue but it seems that folks are used to that fact here. The engine design is such that the engine can be enlarged. This might be a different kind noise in an Elan. Besides Crossram pipes just look cool!

More specs and dimensions Motus.
http://www.motusmotorcycles.com/kmv4.html

Engine type
1645cc (100ci) liquid-cooled 90? V4; dual OHV; pushrod; chain-driven single cam; hydraulic lifters

Transmission
Motus 6-speed sequential gearbox; unit construction; wet multiplate clutch

Bore x Stroke
86.5mm (3.41in) x 70.0mm (2.75in)

Compression
11.5:1

Valves
Intake ?44.5mm (1.75in); Exhaust ?36.8mm (1.45in); stainless steel

Dimensions
610mm (24in) L x 492mm (19in) W x 508mm (20in) H

Performance
Minimum 161bhp @ 7800rpm; 165Nm (122lb-ft) @ 4500rpm; 8000rpm redline

Materials
356-T6 cast aluminum block and heads; forged steel crank, cam, rods; forged aluminum pistons

Firing order
1 - 4 - 3 - 2

Ignition Sequence
TDC - 345? - 435? - 630?

Crankpin Offset
75?

Minimum Octane
87

More at Hot Rod
http://www.hotrod.com/techarticles/engi ... le_engine/
Looks pretty trick!

Gary,

Looks like a great candidate if it doesn't cost too much. I listened to the sound track on the video and really a neat sound.
I guess someone can just buy the motorcycle and take it apart. Your right, I love the look!

Any rain your way?? Looks to be a mess in lots of areas.

Mark

There are some other modern engines that will fit the Elan. Most of them are small and lightweight, and if needed they can be turbocharged.



http://www.weber-motor.com/en/products/ ... index.html

How 'bout a 'Busa?
I drive my 7 every day and my Elan? Well, I seem to work on it every day. The twincam is expensive, heavy and needy whereas the Suzuki revs to 11,000 in 6 gears, puts out 160hp at the wheels, weighs 150lbs including the gearbox and clutch, never needs a tune up and never burns any oil. Plus there is a constant supply of nearly new engines turning up at the breakers every day.
I still like my Elan but it's an abusive relationship.

That 7 sounds tremendous - does it drive as well as it sounds as though it should? I wonder why Caterham or somebody doesn't produce a car like that? Some disadvantage or other?
Gordon

>I wonder why Caterham or somebody doesn't produce a car like that? Some disadvantage or other?

The problem is that it is a motorcycle engine which for sure does not comply present (new passenger) car emissions levels, which are much restrictive than on motorcyclesn. And as far as i know, you have a less restrive type approval only, if you build (or import) less than 50 (or 500 ?) cars a year of a particular car.
I dont know how much cars manufactures Caterham, but I hope more than 500 !
Swaping engines on a individual cars is subject to national (MOT/T?V/...) regulations and restrictions.

http://www.h1v8.com/H2.html


This would make a nice swap too. At around 130 pounds they are light and an adapter is available to some sort of T9 gearbox (I think). Its a sweet unit but begs for the turbo or blower and even more money. If the KVM4 is already 1645 cc then it just seems like a bonus. If they become available, someone will play whether a seven kit/clone or other dune buggy thing. Hey MFAST what about the Myers Manx, forget those Corvair things? My TVR Grantura mk2a would be good candidate for either the KMV4 or the Busa/H2.

how about this:

http://www.mountune.com/Racing/Engines/RST-V8

jono wrote:how about this:

http://www.mountune.com/Racing/Engines/RST-V8

Jon,

I like your style - the cost of 1 engine = all of your +2s (when finished).

Brian,

A very good friend of mine was building a Caterham from scratch with one of Savory's V6 engines in it. It was going to be a very wild, and a very expensive, machine. It's an amazingly light and compact lump.

Sadly he died very suddenly just before Christmas 2009 at the age of only 53, having always been a picture of total health. I saw the car part built and his widow was going to complete the car in Richard's memory but I am not sure if she ever did.

It's a superb engine by all accounts and, yes, very expensive!

It's this sort of experience which make me never think twice about spending cash on restoration projects which make no economic sense!

Jon