QUESTION
I am in the final process of registering my Lotus Elan S4 now that it is roadworthy.
Just need to provide an engine number which I think is Lxxxxx - does that sound like the right number in terms of length etc?
I also have a compliance plate which looks old and original but only has one number 45/xxxx and no other details re date of manufacture etc.
Is this normal and how do I determine year of manufacture?
I'm also not sure if it should have a chassis number and if so, where would I likely find this?
Sorry about all the questions but again any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I.W. - Melbourne
ANSWER
The engine number does not appear to be correct, so the engine may have been changed in its previous life.
Usually the number is stamped into the cylinder block platform that is located immediately above the drivers side engine mount.
You should also check you have the correct cylinder block installed in your Lotus Elan.
This number is located on the passenger side, lower part of the block, behind the extractor manifold where it disappears under the gearbox.
The plate would appear to be the original component with type 45 as a prefix number that indicates its an Elan DHC built between 1966 and 1973.
You will have to research and check various records to determine an approximate manufactured date based on the production unit number xxxx.
A good reference would be to look at the detailed production information published in the book "Lotus Elan" written by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross.
If you wish to purchase one of these books, the ISBN is 0-947981-32-2
The chassis number should be stamped on the upper part of the passenger-side chassis rail (near the engine mount bracket).
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I am in the final process of registering my Lotus Elan S4 now that it is roadworthy.
Just need to provide an engine number which I think is Lxxxxx - does that sound like the right number in terms of length etc?
I also have a compliance plate which looks old and original but only has one number 45/xxxx and no other details re date of manufacture etc.
Is this normal and how do I determine year of manufacture?
I'm also not sure if it should have a chassis number and if so, where would I likely find this?
Sorry about all the questions but again any advice would be greatly appreciated.
I.W. - Melbourne
ANSWER
The engine number does not appear to be correct, so the engine may have been changed in its previous life.
Usually the number is stamped into the cylinder block platform that is located immediately above the drivers side engine mount.
You should also check you have the correct cylinder block installed in your Lotus Elan.
This number is located on the passenger side, lower part of the block, behind the extractor manifold where it disappears under the gearbox.
The plate would appear to be the original component with type 45 as a prefix number that indicates its an Elan DHC built between 1966 and 1973.
You will have to research and check various records to determine an approximate manufactured date based on the production unit number xxxx.
A good reference would be to look at the detailed production information published in the book "Lotus Elan" written by Paul Robinshaw and Christopher Ross.
If you wish to purchase one of these books, the ISBN is 0-947981-32-2
The chassis number should be stamped on the upper part of the passenger-side chassis rail (near the engine mount bracket).
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
