Importing a Lotus Cortina from New Zealand after carrying out all the necessary checks does not guarantee a flawless vehicle.
With supporting paperwork that suggested the Lotus twin cam engine had only been rebuilt 4000kms previously, you might expect a trouble free experience.
Additional paperwork also implied that quality parts had been sourced from the UK and installed in the engine.
A routine checked revealed that the engine needed to be fully dismantled and inspected.
The first routine check carried out on the steel crankshaft showed it was cracked and needed replacing.
As this engine was going to be for a road going Lotus Cortina then an economical rebuild using just a few components was possible.
The simple solution was to fit a 711M crankshaft and short compression height pistons to provide an increase in capacity and torque.
Lotus Marques recommends HPC special coatings to extend piston and engine life
Check crankshaft is going to clear at the bottom of the cylinders
This 711M crankshaft needed modifications (red marks) and excess material has to be ground off to obtain clearance.
Front timing chest top gasket being glued into position prior to the cylinder head being installed
Correct clutch lever, flat faced release bearing and carrier but incorrect clutch pressure plate assembly (pressure pad missing)
Completed engine installed on engine stretcher and ready to be transported to the customer in Albury, New South Wales
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
With supporting paperwork that suggested the Lotus twin cam engine had only been rebuilt 4000kms previously, you might expect a trouble free experience.
Additional paperwork also implied that quality parts had been sourced from the UK and installed in the engine.
A routine checked revealed that the engine needed to be fully dismantled and inspected.
The first routine check carried out on the steel crankshaft showed it was cracked and needed replacing.
As this engine was going to be for a road going Lotus Cortina then an economical rebuild using just a few components was possible.
The simple solution was to fit a 711M crankshaft and short compression height pistons to provide an increase in capacity and torque.
Lotus Marques recommends HPC special coatings to extend piston and engine life
Check crankshaft is going to clear at the bottom of the cylinders
This 711M crankshaft needed modifications (red marks) and excess material has to be ground off to obtain clearance.
Front timing chest top gasket being glued into position prior to the cylinder head being installed
Correct clutch lever, flat faced release bearing and carrier but incorrect clutch pressure plate assembly (pressure pad missing)
Completed engine installed on engine stretcher and ready to be transported to the customer in Albury, New South Wales
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques