Elite engine in S1?

[yamaha_rd500v4]

I've bought a low mileage 1975 Elite 907 engine from accident damaged car (rear end) I`ve had it running and is perfect, it has come with all ancilliaries, carbs etc. My original Esprit engine pours smoke out and has had 15 previous non careful owners. Obviously I should be retaining the original engine for my S1 (number 24) however the Elite engine has cost me pocket money so I want to drop it in and not worry about rebuilding the original.

I rang up SJ Sportscars to order a belt and tensioner and asked about what i would need to change on the Elite 907 and he told me it wouldn't fit and was a sh*t idea (his words!) and would end up with all sorts of problems

So can anyone tell me if it will or won't fit? The Elite engine is non aircon, my Esprit engine is the original one.

My idea was to have them side by side and swap over waht was obvioulsy different. If possible I want to retain the Elite engines carb setup and distributor as mine never ran right and have both been bodged by backstreet mechanics in the past. My Esprit exhaust manifold is in good condition so will obvioulsy swap that over.

Thanks

[matk]

Interesting question.

I have no idea if it fits, but are the carbs the same? I think maybe not.

In which case IF it fits, and you decide to proceed, retain your original carbs. They are not expensive (relatively) to get refurbed properly.

[Tony K]

It should fit straight in with almost no changes at all.

Depending on the specification of the Elite and Esprit, here are some things you may have to change:

- V-belt pulley, 2-channel or 3-channel

- alternator and mount bracket, possibly

- the Esprit should have a cooling hose coming off of the rear of the cylinder head.

- on U.S. spec cars, I'm pretty sure the manifolds are the same; I would not expect it to be different on U.K. cars.

- water pump may be different

- intake and carburetors should not ultimately matter; if the carbs on the engine are running good with that engine, then use those.

- no timing belt cover for Esprit

- Don't mix the engine sumps and dip sticks; keep what is with each engine now (originally) the way it is.

- There are two different styles of lower timing belt snubbers -- I think it's just a matter of one being aluminum and the other steel, but check if they are functionally different at all;

- Pay close attention to the spacing and orientation of washers, brackets, etc., at the front of the engine (by alternator, t-belt tensioner, snubber, etc.), and set up the "new" engine to be the same as how the "old" engine was.

I'm sure there is more that I am not thinking of, but for the most part, it's all straightforward and simple. Your thought to put them side by side and swap what's different is spot-on. Good luck!

- Tony

[Paul Coleman]

I think Matt Watts did this on his S1? Ask him...

Paul.

Edited May 20, 2010 by Paul Coleman