Engine Swap - 907

[Shenton79]

Hi all, 

I am new to the group and to Lotus cars in general.  Yesterday I purchased a 1978 S2 with a disassembled motor, perhaps the least of my problems I assume...

Nevertheless, I would like to know you thoughts on buying a good motor and doing a swap rather than doing a complete engine rebuild on the existing motor.  I found a 907 from a 1973 Jensen Healey which has a beautiful Delorto carb set-up on it.  It was gone through 5 years ago and has new rings, a valve job, checked all tolerances, main bearings, gaskets, fixed an oil pick-up / sump issue, good compression, etc.  The engine was never installed back into the Jensen because the body and frame of the car became too much of a project for the young man.  Its been turned a couple of times a year and kept inside a dry garage.  

Questions:

1.  Will it fit?
2.  Should I buy it?
3.  Is there a thread on here or another site about this exact swap out?
4.  Anyone in CT, USA here?

Thanks all!

Shenton King

Edited March 31, 2016 by Shenton79

[ramjet]

It'll need to lose the fan on the front obviously and I think the top water pipe may need to change as well. Other guys with more knowledge than I have will be along Shenton.

[Choppa]

I have a couple of friends who are very active in the UK Jensen Healey communities and they all seem to spend their time swapping out the original  engine which was good for about 130bhp for a 910HC. It will make them smile to hear of someone planning to use an original Healey engine in an S2 Esprit, but if it will help you get it back on the road why not.  

People on this forum will recommend that you replace the timing belt regardless as it's 5 years old, and in addition to the plumbing and fittings around the water pump that Michael has mentioned, you'll need to swap around the saddle cam covers because you'll have difficulty getting at the filler cap  if you fit it the way it is at the moment!

[Shenton79]

I completely understand on the HP issue, but yes...to get it on the road again and for only $450...shouldn't I just do it? 

[Barrykearley]

Yes yes and yes !!

good luck with it

[mdw]

19 hours ago, Choppa said:

, you'll need to swap around the saddle cam covers because you'll have difficulty getting at the filler cap  if you fit it the way it is at the moment!

Is that even the right place on a Jensen for the filler cap?

[Barrykearley]

Looks in the wrong place to me

[Choppa]

You're right, here is the engine on my mate's JH

 

[silverfrost]

6 hours ago, Shenton79 said:

I completely understand on the HP issue, but yes...to get it on the road again and for only $450...shouldn't I just do it? 

it is only 30bhp or so less than the s2 motor, so yes i would pop it in for now and get the car running,  then look at rebuilding the old engine when funds pemit, better to a running car with less bhp than no running car at all in my eyes.  

[Shenton79]

Nice...thanks guys.  Signed the paperwork today.  Should be here next week or so!

[Mesprit87]

Keep us posted, everybody here gets excited (with reason) when another one hits the road

[Tocus]

Hi Shenton,

 

Great that you bought a S2 esprit (i also own one!)

i really thinks it will fit but you must look after this:

 

(right is Lotus and Left is Jensen Healey)  (i thought, its a long time ago, i did the same thing)