If you own a Lotus Elan or an Elan 2 + 2 with a four speed gearbox, then from experience there is a wish that that the Ford 2000E gearbox had an overdrive or fifth gear.
Whilst the ford 2000E gearbox was manufactured in a variety ratio’s it has short-comings when used for long distances on the motor-way (free-way).
A popular modification is to change out the differential with a different ratio to reduce the engine rpm at high speed.
This has a draw-back where the effective vehicle acceleration is reduced and this is quite noticeable at the “traffic-light grand-Prix”.
The simplest solution is to install a Lotus five speed gearbox as these where originally installed in the Elan 2+2 S130/5 and some the last the Elan Sprint’s that were produced.
At the time, this gearbox was a revolutionary step for the Lotus Factory to install in a road going vehicle as four speed gearboxes were the norm.
This gearbox is unusual as the internal components were sourced from a Leyland Austin Maxi vehicle with a 1750cc transverse engine.
Lotus produced their own aluminium gearbox case and re-engineered the gearbox internal shift mechanism so it ran down the side of the gearbox.
Unfortunately this arrangement does not produce the slick/positive gear change experienced with the Ford 2000E gearbox.
However it does result in a useful fifth gear (over-drive) and provides a significant drop in engine rpm at high speed.
These gearboxes still appear as second-hand units and can be successfully refurbished but spare parts are becoming scarce.
Installing one of these gearboxes requires the original bell-housing, unique clutch pressure plate and friction plate, clutch lever, release bearing assembly, unique prop-shaft and custom cross-member.
Too often the cross-member becomes damaged or lost over the passage of time.
However, this is a simple component that can be re-manufactured by laser-cutting, bending and welding.
The gearbox cross-member for the five speed gearbox is distinctly different when compared to the four speed gearbox cross-member.
Both cross-members share the same rubber mounting part number 116E-6068B.
However the mounting position and fastener holes located in the chassis are different.
Manufacturing high quality components starts with being able to measure and draw in CAD software such as Solidworks 3D.
This software allows the component to be drawn up as the solid final part.
The gearbox cross-member comprises of three components which are accurately located by integral tabs and slots.
These parts start life from a flat sheet of steel, they are then laser cut, bent where required, slotted together and then carefully welded to minimise distortion.
The new gearbox cross-member has a corrosive protective coating and is ready to be painted in the final colour of choice.
All the relevant fasteners and rubber mount may be supplied at additional cost if required.
Cost of the new cross-member is $150.00 excluding GST.
Pricing information is correct as of 21/9/2025 but may alter with time and currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Contact Lotus Marques This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about new replacement parts for your Lotus vehicle project.
Copyright © 2025 Lotus Marques
Whilst the ford 2000E gearbox was manufactured in a variety ratio’s it has short-comings when used for long distances on the motor-way (free-way).
A popular modification is to change out the differential with a different ratio to reduce the engine rpm at high speed.
This has a draw-back where the effective vehicle acceleration is reduced and this is quite noticeable at the “traffic-light grand-Prix”.
The simplest solution is to install a Lotus five speed gearbox as these where originally installed in the Elan 2+2 S130/5 and some the last the Elan Sprint’s that were produced.
At the time, this gearbox was a revolutionary step for the Lotus Factory to install in a road going vehicle as four speed gearboxes were the norm.
This gearbox is unusual as the internal components were sourced from a Leyland Austin Maxi vehicle with a 1750cc transverse engine.
Lotus produced their own aluminium gearbox case and re-engineered the gearbox internal shift mechanism so it ran down the side of the gearbox.
Unfortunately this arrangement does not produce the slick/positive gear change experienced with the Ford 2000E gearbox.
However it does result in a useful fifth gear (over-drive) and provides a significant drop in engine rpm at high speed.
These gearboxes still appear as second-hand units and can be successfully refurbished but spare parts are becoming scarce.
Installing one of these gearboxes requires the original bell-housing, unique clutch pressure plate and friction plate, clutch lever, release bearing assembly, unique prop-shaft and custom cross-member.
Too often the cross-member becomes damaged or lost over the passage of time.
However, this is a simple component that can be re-manufactured by laser-cutting, bending and welding.
The gearbox cross-member for the five speed gearbox is distinctly different when compared to the four speed gearbox cross-member.
Both cross-members share the same rubber mounting part number 116E-6068B.
However the mounting position and fastener holes located in the chassis are different.
Manufacturing high quality components starts with being able to measure and draw in CAD software such as Solidworks 3D.
This software allows the component to be drawn up as the solid final part.
The gearbox cross-member comprises of three components which are accurately located by integral tabs and slots.
These parts start life from a flat sheet of steel, they are then laser cut, bent where required, slotted together and then carefully welded to minimise distortion.
The new gearbox cross-member has a corrosive protective coating and is ready to be painted in the final colour of choice.
All the relevant fasteners and rubber mount may be supplied at additional cost if required.
Cost of the new cross-member is $150.00 excluding GST.
Pricing information is correct as of 21/9/2025 but may alter with time and currency exchange rate fluctuations.
Contact Lotus Marques This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information about new replacement parts for your Lotus vehicle project.
Copyright © 2025 Lotus Marques
