Tell me about the Elan +2
Discussion
Just wondered what the deal is with these, they seem rather cheap considering the age, badge and looks
Any idea what they are like to drive, power,handling etc
Is the lotus twin cam is an unreliable beast?
I guess the main thing on these will be panel damaged, rotten chassis and electrical issues
All info would be appreciated
Any idea what they are like to drive, power,handling etc
Is the lotus twin cam is an unreliable beast?
I guess the main thing on these will be panel damaged, rotten chassis and electrical issues
All info would be appreciated
By no means an expert, but a lot will have the chassis replaced at some point (it was non-galvanised originally) either with a galvanised chassis from Lotus or by a Spyder Engineering one - http://www.spydercars.com/
The twin-cam engine can be expensive if it needs a rebuild, some cars end up fitted with Spyder Engineering's Zetec conversion as it can be more reliable/cost effective than the twin-cam for regularly used cars, but will have a negative effect on the long term value.
The driveshafts use rubber 'donuts' which perish and breakdown over time, there are CV joint kits available to replace these.
Think as with many Lotus's moisture getting in to the fibreglass and causing paint blisters can be a problem as well.
Wheeler Dealer did a show where they fixed up an Elan in one of the earlier series which might be worth a look as well. I think it's on YouTube. It's by no means comprehensive, but shows some of the common issues.
The twin-cam engine can be expensive if it needs a rebuild, some cars end up fitted with Spyder Engineering's Zetec conversion as it can be more reliable/cost effective than the twin-cam for regularly used cars, but will have a negative effect on the long term value.
The driveshafts use rubber 'donuts' which perish and breakdown over time, there are CV joint kits available to replace these.
Think as with many Lotus's moisture getting in to the fibreglass and causing paint blisters can be a problem as well.
Wheeler Dealer did a show where they fixed up an Elan in one of the earlier series which might be worth a look as well. I think it's on YouTube. It's by no means comprehensive, but shows some of the common issues.
In my unbiased view (as a long term owner of a +2 S130/5 ;-)) they are very under-rated. They do need looking after and don't like being left parked for long periods of time. The handling is fantastic, as are the brakes (aside from the handbrake). Still reasonably quick especially on A roads - although the 5 speed ones are also good on motorways (will readily keep up with modern traffic). They do get crazing and micro blisters in the bodywork but it's fibreglass - unlike rusty steel you can fix it at your leisure. Cars with original chassis are rare now but you still need to make sure the chassis is in good nick even if it's been replaced as mentioned in previous posts. They also have a steel insert in the sills that incorporates the jacking points and the lower seat belt mounts - also very worth checking.
The twink is a good engine but it will normally leak oil and you may well see puffs of oil smoke from the exhaust at start up. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because, unless someone has modified the engine, they don't have valve stem seals - lots and lots of smoke isn't a good thing though. Check the compressions and the amount of adjustment left on the cam chain tensioner. Water pumps can be an issue if the fan belt has been done up too tight - check for play in the bearings and leaks from the tell tale hole in the front of the timing chest. Parts availability is pretty good and you can do much of the work yourself - workshop manual a must.
Check out lotuselan.net - very good and helpful user forum.
The twink is a good engine but it will normally leak oil and you may well see puffs of oil smoke from the exhaust at start up. This isn't necessarily a bad thing because, unless someone has modified the engine, they don't have valve stem seals - lots and lots of smoke isn't a good thing though. Check the compressions and the amount of adjustment left on the cam chain tensioner. Water pumps can be an issue if the fan belt has been done up too tight - check for play in the bearings and leaks from the tell tale hole in the front of the timing chest. Parts availability is pretty good and you can do much of the work yourself - workshop manual a must.
Check out lotuselan.net - very good and helpful user forum.
I've had mine out of the garage over the weekend as its MOT time on Thursday. Was stopped three times at various stages throughout Saturday by people saying how much they loved it and that they didnt know they even did a plus 2 Elan.
Really is a pretty thing, especially the front end. Cheeky instagram pic below:
Really is a pretty thing, especially the front end. Cheeky instagram pic below:
The Lotus/Ford 1.6 twin cam engine is quite reliable, but it may, depending on usage, need a top end rebuild every 70,000 miles or so. The water pump is an important thing to check. The gearboxes are pretty robust. The rotoflexes in the drivetrain need renewing every so often. Check also the vacuum system for the headlamps, to be sure that the front crossmember is not leaking due to rust.
One of my favourite cars, loved mine and really regret selling. Check all the electrics and switches work (has electric windows too!) as the dashboard is a pain to remove and has one million wires attached to it.
As above sill insert rusts (ss versions available) droopy headlights at idle can be a pain to resolve, and check windscreen is not delaminating as they are expensive.
Get one.
Ps mine was a +2S 130 4 , great gear change and sounded amazing on the red line.
As above sill insert rusts (ss versions available) droopy headlights at idle can be a pain to resolve, and check windscreen is not delaminating as they are expensive.
Get one.
Ps mine was a +2S 130 4 , great gear change and sounded amazing on the red line.
a good one, how does such car drive...it is light but is it also sharp or good as say the feeling you get when driving a good Lotus Elise?
in what way you can compare this car with...
Prices are still "good" when you think of the rarity and brand.
also are there kits to change those pop up headlights into "normal" fixed lights?
I know I know its not original, but not a fan of those lights.
in what way you can compare this car with...
Prices are still "good" when you think of the rarity and brand.
also are there kits to change those pop up headlights into "normal" fixed lights?
I know I know its not original, but not a fan of those lights.
GTRene said:
a good one, how does such car drive...it is light but is it also sharp or good as say the feeling you get when driving a good Lotus Elise?
in what way you can compare this car with...
Prices are still "good" when you think of the rarity and brand.
also are there kits to change those pop up headlights into "normal" fixed lights?
I know I know its not original, but not a fan of those lights.
The car has very sharp handling, and some say that it is even better than a baby Elan, because it has a wider track. An Elise is better, but that is because it is mid engined, and so more comparable to a classic Europa in terms of grip and handliness. An Elan Plus Two is a very practical touring car for two adults and one or two children plus luggage, and a 130 S is fast enough to cruise on a long journey with modern traffic. The four speed box has a legendary sporty gearchange, but the five speed is not bad at all, and better for the motorway. in what way you can compare this car with...
Prices are still "good" when you think of the rarity and brand.
also are there kits to change those pop up headlights into "normal" fixed lights?
I know I know its not original, but not a fan of those lights.
The headlamps will tend to pop up by themselves if you park the car for a while. You could disable the vacuum system to have them up all the time, at the cost of some drag.
I would avoid a series 2 Europa. I would strongly recommend a Europa Twin Cam or a Special (as pictured above in JPS trim). The Series 2 has a weak Renault engine and unattractive high sides. The Twin Cams and Specials have the Lotus/Ford 1.6 twin cam unit, the latter with the big valve head, and are fast, quite reliable if cared for, and better looking than the earlier cars. Their steering, grip, handling and braking are astonishingly good. The long gear linkages are the weak point. Expect to pay 15 for a good Twin Cam, and 25 plus for a good Special.
Probably a re-post but speaking of size, here's mine next to a white merc... 
The size difference just makes me chuckle - especially since there's two more seats (ok they are pretty small) in the +2...
Oh and there're pretty rare now (apparently) the howmanyleft website reckons there's 377 +2s on the road in the UK (only 41 of which are the 5 speed version) assuming my mental arithmetic still works OK. Mind you there's probably a lot left in garages awaiting resurrection.
The size difference just makes me chuckle - especially since there's two more seats (ok they are pretty small) in the +2...
Oh and there're pretty rare now (apparently) the howmanyleft website reckons there's 377 +2s on the road in the UK (only 41 of which are the 5 speed version) assuming my mental arithmetic still works OK. Mind you there's probably a lot left in garages awaiting resurrection.
Edited by Lotus 50 on Thursday 5th July 19:42
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