QUESTION
Can you tell more about stroking a Lotus twin cam engine - it would make an earlier Lotus Elan plus 2 more attractive if that were an option.
What are the downsides?
R.F. - Tasmania
ANSWER
Under normal circumstances stroking a twin cam engine is only a recommended option if you were faced with a full engine rebuild.
This is a cost effective option as the component costs a very similar to rebuilding a standard engine.
Its an attractive option as its possible reduce the compression ratio to cope with unleaded fuel and not be fearful of detonation problems (even if you unknowingly fill up with a bad batch of fuel).
Its straight forward exercise to increase the engine capacity from 1558cc to 1700cc or slightly more.
With the right camshafts the engine can make significantly more torque at low rpm.
A Lotus twin cam big valve engine should make a maximum of 113 ft/lbs torque at 5,500
With a standard cylinder head and a stroked engine should make 115ft/lbs of torque at 3,500rpm with lots more in reserve.
The reality of driving any road going vehicle is it spends most of it time between 2000rpm and 4000rpm.
So why not make all the torque at this rpm and have a much smoother engine to drive around the streets.
Lotus Marques has conservative approach to engine building and at look at ways of making these engines last (and deliver value for money).
Any one can build a hand-grenade that makes lots of horse power but having to rev the engine hard reduces reliability and life expectancy.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
Can you tell more about stroking a Lotus twin cam engine - it would make an earlier Lotus Elan plus 2 more attractive if that were an option.
What are the downsides?
R.F. - Tasmania
ANSWER
Under normal circumstances stroking a twin cam engine is only a recommended option if you were faced with a full engine rebuild.
This is a cost effective option as the component costs a very similar to rebuilding a standard engine.
Its an attractive option as its possible reduce the compression ratio to cope with unleaded fuel and not be fearful of detonation problems (even if you unknowingly fill up with a bad batch of fuel).
Its straight forward exercise to increase the engine capacity from 1558cc to 1700cc or slightly more.
With the right camshafts the engine can make significantly more torque at low rpm.
A Lotus twin cam big valve engine should make a maximum of 113 ft/lbs torque at 5,500
With a standard cylinder head and a stroked engine should make 115ft/lbs of torque at 3,500rpm with lots more in reserve.
The reality of driving any road going vehicle is it spends most of it time between 2000rpm and 4000rpm.
So why not make all the torque at this rpm and have a much smoother engine to drive around the streets.
Lotus Marques has conservative approach to engine building and at look at ways of making these engines last (and deliver value for money).
Any one can build a hand-grenade that makes lots of horse power but having to rev the engine hard reduces reliability and life expectancy.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques