Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Just this instant joined your Forum; read the rules but failed at the first hurdle, couldn't find the "User Control Panel" to click onto in order to fully introduce myself so hope this will suffice.

Historically in searching the web for information, I have found myself reading comments from this forum a few times and have always been impressed with not only the content, but the manner upon which the data is presented and thought to myself, "I could do with some of that" - "I want to play on their team". (There is so much information out there on other forums (too much really) but your info I have found focused and to the point.)

Brief personal introduction, I am retired, ex engineer, British, live in Shrewsbury, own a T120, T160 and a Harley, and worked abroad most of my life.

I am just starting to rebuild a Europa Twin Cam, (please don't panic!! - I did read the rules of the forum and I also own a 1965 S2 Elan, which I found in Zambia, (Northern Rhodesia) and brought back home. (Chassis No. 26-5029 and Eng No LP-4275/1241)

It is my intention to rebuild the "non-Elan" first and obviously the engine, other than having a modified inlet camshaft in order to facilitate drive to the alternator it is basically the same as the the big valve engines used in the later Elans.

I am presently in the very early stages of rebuilding this engine and am amazed at the differing opinions I have heard from "engine specialists" and "automotive machine shops" Talking to one engine machinist I saw a sign saying, "The amount of bull s**t flying around here this place should be a f***ing Airport" How very true.

So initially my questions will be engine focused to the Big Valve Twin Cam and I promise not mention which body it is going in - is that OK?

Later I will progress (hopefully) to the dark art of glass fiber - if I don't get lost in the airports that have been built concerning that subject ......

So - can I come and play with you all?

Of course! You?ll be welcome particularly if you post some photos!

Welcome! Zambia! I'd love to hear the story behind that! Photos please!

There are several members on the forum who own both an Elan and a Europa. There are two good sources of Europa info; the Europa email list on Yahoo and the Lotus Europa Community (http://www.lotuseuropa.org/LotusForum/index.php). The Yahoo email list has a search engine at Lotus Europa Central (http://www.lotus-europa.com/). Lots of helpful people at both places.

The people here are very knowledgeable and also nice.

Bob

Dilkris.

Welcome to Elan.net. I am also a retired mech eng, and also worked in Zambia.

I was there in the mid 1970's working for NCCM Chingola division. Perhaps we know each other, I worked underground, open pit, leach plant and tailings leach plant.

Richard Hawkins

Welcome,
I lived and worked in S.Africa for 30 years and brought back my 64 S2, 72 Sprint and a JPS Europa with me, I no longer have the Europa but the others are still living with me.
Ps never got to Zambia but went to Southern Rodesia pre Zimbabwe, Namibia and used to rally in Mozambique, Swaziland and S.Africa.

,

You think, therefore you are - Welcome. Half the threads are about the engine and you probably have Triumph front steering bits on the Europa too. As well as your S2, which I look forward to hearing about.

It's a pity the Elans didn't have the distributor on the camshaft as half the idling jitter is due to the play in its drive.

Quart Meg Miles wrote:It's a pity the Elans didn't have the distributor on the camshaft as half the idling jitter is due to the play in its drive.

huh?,,, Isn't just the alternator driven off the end of the Camshaft on twink engined Europas? Thought they had distributors driven off the jack shaft just like the Elan?

pharriso wrote:[quote huh?,,, Isn't just the alternator driven off the end of the Camshaft on twink engined Europas? Thought they had distributors driven off the jack shaft just like the Elan?

That?s correct.

Welcome from USA!

Definitely looking forward to your pics and stories!

Dilkris wrote:
Brief personal introduction, I am retired, ex engineer, British, live in Shrewsbury, own a T120, T160 and a Harley,

A bike enthusiast! Definitely welcome here.

Those three plus the Europa and the Elan sound like a job for life.

Thank you for all your comments. To reply to all in one sentence but not wishing to clog up the forum:- I was in Kitwe Zambia, yes I am aware of all of the non-Elan forums, (still rate this forum though), many many common challenges between a non-Elan and an Elan, inlet camshaft drives alternator NOT distributor, (jack shaft does this), "yep" a bike enthusiast, especially the Harley which is an 1130, (Porsche designed engine).

pharriso wrote:

Quart Meg Miles wrote:It's a pity the Elans didn't have the distributor on the camshaft as half the idling jitter is due to the play in its drive.

huh?,,, Isn't just the alternator driven off the end of the Camshaft on twink engined Europas? Thought they had distributors driven off the jack shaft just like the Elan?

Oh, must have been wishful thinking! Sorry chaps and especially our new member.

Welcome Dilkris.

Welcome. There is a chap less than 20 miles away (Church Stretton) who is doing a Europa and has an Elan who is a genius on glassfibre (he is doing two bodies for me) who I can introduce you to.