Lotus Eclat rebuild engine - best people to do with in UK?

[Jimbo90]

Hi folks,

has anyone had experience with rebuilding an Eclat engine and know which of the best people to go with in the UK are, for quality, preserving original engine value, and price are?

thanks!

[Drawfiler]

I would go for Lotusbits, they use their own engines in their own cars in competition. I built my own but Mike Taylor offered lots of advice and pointed out the alternative mods, they have a dedicated clean area with a specialist doing the builds. Just my 2p worth.

[jep]

LotusBits for certain. They know their onions...and those engines.

Justin 

[mikeeech]

I used t&l engineering in Bedford. I've used them for years (30 odd) to rebuild engines heads etc. My dad used them before that with no issues

[Jimbo90]

Excellent thanks guys!

Also, any advice on what is really important to keep the value of the car, with regards to using parts etc? Is it a mistake to upgrade the engine as Lotsubits offer?

many thanks indeed

 

[jep]

I doubt you will get your money back on any 'upgrades'.  You should spend the money you want to spend for the upgrades you want. The basic engine is really quite good. Lightened flywheel and a good clutch are a nice upgrade that will show real benefits on the road. I also think a bespoke exhaust is worth the spend, as it really helps the engine breath. The LotusBits one for the Excel is expensive but it really improves the car, however it may be too noisy for some. I love it.

You can gas flow the head and start messing with lightened and balanced parts; but that is starting to get quite serious both in terms of money and sophistication. Unless you really like to thrash your motors, it is not worth it, unless money is no object. Some of had fuel injection by LotusBits which I am told is fab but not cheap. Personally, I think it rather spoils the point of having an '80s Lotus with twin carb charm...…...

Justin

[mikeeech]

Personally I would keep the engine standard. The longer stroke of the 2.2 produces more torque but you can do  a lot with a 3d map with a modern ECU which will improve the original designs efficiency. You don't need throttle bodies to do this, but throttle bodies will improve things further and can be done over time.

[USAndretti42]

Upping the performance of the engine puts more stress on the gearbox which is not known for its strength.

[Drawfiler]

The raise to 2.2l is worth considering, you will need a crank, pistons and other bits. You will have to buy (or your rebuilder will) all the other parts irrespective of capacity, the 2litre carbs work ok on 2.2 engines. 

You could consider buying a used 2.2l from Lotusbits and rebuild that so saving you original for posterity and the slight extra cost of the used engine is only a small percentage of the total cost.. the 2.2 had some developments that Lotus incorporated over time so you benefit from those.

[Dunc]

On 05/12/2019 at 21:59, USAndretti42 said:

Upping the performance of the engine puts more stress on the gearbox which is not known for its strength.

Absolutely this....

Unless it is a 520 4 speed, or an automatic, dont tune the engine for more power, just build it back to stock. Electronic ignition is worthwhile if its an early car on points due to the location of the 'strib making servicing hard. Other than this - keep it stock.

[Drawfiler]

If you want to go for keeping to 2l, I have a lot of bits that you might need including a good crank etc.

peter