twin cam help needed
Discussion
Hi
I am searching for help in finding articles and peoples basic knowledge of the lotus twin cam engine from the lotus elan. I am a mature student studying mechanical engineering. Having had an Elan +2 in the past which met with a sad end when the engine externally combusted! I have decided to write a paper on this legendary engine, its origins, flawrs, ways the engine layout could have been changed in the design period and what can be done now to rectify the (the twin weber over distributor) problems.
Any help will be gratefully received
Thanks
Kevin
ps.i can either be contacted here on via e-mail: lovenskatekev@hotmail.com
I am searching for help in finding articles and peoples basic knowledge of the lotus twin cam engine from the lotus elan. I am a mature student studying mechanical engineering. Having had an Elan +2 in the past which met with a sad end when the engine externally combusted! I have decided to write a paper on this legendary engine, its origins, flawrs, ways the engine layout could have been changed in the design period and what can be done now to rectify the (the twin weber over distributor) problems.
Any help will be gratefully received
Thanks
Kevin
ps.i can either be contacted here on via e-mail: lovenskatekev@hotmail.com
>I am searching for help in finding articles and peoples basic knowledge of the lotus twin cam engine from the lotus elan.
For a start you could read the book on the twin cam by Miles Wilkins and the one by Dave Vizard
>ways the engine layout could have been changed in the design period
Not a lot, it was basically a standard off the shelf bottom end. But changes to the counterbalance weights on the crank would have helped the engine stay together at higher revs.
Oil drainage in the head is a bit suspect
A rubber gasket fitted in a groove would help cam cover sealing, replacing the rubber half moons with silicone sealed aluminium ones would help longevity.
The front cover water pump could be replaced with one with a capsule type so to aid easy replacement (or to eliminate the problem completely have a combined water and pump driven off the existing oil pump drive)
>and what can be done now to rectify the (the twin weber over distributor) problems.
It's not really a problem if you mount the carbs correctly on new O ring plates.
Or alternatively
1) replace the distributor with a blanking plate and fit a crankshaft sensor picking up off the back of the flywheel (driled) or off a timing disc (missing teeth) on the front pulley. Then add distributorless ignition with the HT routed well away from the carbs.
2) Remove the carbs and replace with fuel injection throttle bodies, maybe add a distributorless ignition
For a start you could read the book on the twin cam by Miles Wilkins and the one by Dave Vizard
>ways the engine layout could have been changed in the design period
Not a lot, it was basically a standard off the shelf bottom end. But changes to the counterbalance weights on the crank would have helped the engine stay together at higher revs.
Oil drainage in the head is a bit suspect
A rubber gasket fitted in a groove would help cam cover sealing, replacing the rubber half moons with silicone sealed aluminium ones would help longevity.
The front cover water pump could be replaced with one with a capsule type so to aid easy replacement (or to eliminate the problem completely have a combined water and pump driven off the existing oil pump drive)
>and what can be done now to rectify the (the twin weber over distributor) problems.
It's not really a problem if you mount the carbs correctly on new O ring plates.
Or alternatively
1) replace the distributor with a blanking plate and fit a crankshaft sensor picking up off the back of the flywheel (driled) or off a timing disc (missing teeth) on the front pulley. Then add distributorless ignition with the HT routed well away from the carbs.
2) Remove the carbs and replace with fuel injection throttle bodies, maybe add a distributorless ignition
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