Spyder Elan 2+2

[stigproducts]

I am thinking about a zetec engined Elan 2+2
Can anyone give me some advice?
My thoughts are that the Spyder conversion is effectively a new car- new engine, chassis, suspension, interior, electrics.
Classic looks, modern technology.
I was thinking this would be 10-15K. Although I am not too keen on doing too much of the work myself and haven't got a rough 2+2 to start with. The Spyder web site suggests that there is a shortage of rough 2+2's.
Anyone know the story for someone in my position?

[M100]

Probably best to visit the main elan mailing list. A few owners on there who have done the work themselves.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/lotuselan/


Also these places are worth a visit

www.lotuselan.net

and

www.lotuselan.net/forums

(the forums there are down for the next couple of days)

[peter450]

i read an article in a lotus mag regarding these conversions, it will not be worth as much as a all original car in similiar condition but thats the same for any modded car that significantly changes the factory specs but as far as driving is concerned they gave it the big thumbs up an the performance is very inpressive as the ford unit in the test car pumped out about 170bhp, i'd imagine all the engine options would put out at least as much as the old big valve so your looking at good speed the number for spyder who do the conversion is 01733 203 986 website www.spydercars.com

[travelsveryrapid]

I used to have a plus 2 Elan. Sold it after 11 years, and not because I wanted too. I still miss it now. I would imagine the Zetec would be an improvement over the original.

Steve.

[aqua]

if you get stuck i have a complete 1969 +2 sitting here , its had a new galv chassis and a rebuilt engine but it has since sat for the last 8 years waiting for me to get round to restoring the rest, just got an elise so am unlikely to get near it till the weather changes,or is that what i said last year and the year before that and the year before that etc etc if you want a natter about it you can get me on 07887795910

[Mutant Rat]

peter450 said:

i read an article in a lotus mag regarding these conversions, it will not be worth as much as a all original car in similiar condition...

I'm not sure that this holds true for the Spyder +2.

Owners of classic Lotus' have never been too precious about originality, if it improves the car's reliability. I think it is recognised that the expense of properly maintaining/rebuilding a Lotus Twin Cam is now out of all proportion to the overall value of a Plus 2. This, plus the substantial increase in performance, drivability and reliability, along with a decent, reliable 5-speed box, is generally recognised, so the values of Spyder Zetec +2's are pretty good.

You won't recoup your investment but, properly maintained, it ought to retain a healthy premium over a standard car.

I've owned a couple of Plus 2's - they are great cars and a lot of fun, but the Lotus Twin Cam and standard gearbox are not their best features - the engine is fragile and not especially powerful by modern standards and the gearboxes are either unsuitable for modern high-speed cruising (4 speed) or are fragile and have a lousy gearchange (5 speed).

[gerrym]

You sure about your facts Rat?

[B16 RFF]

In my experience, the Twin Cam is one of the most reliable parts of the car if properly looked after. Certainly not fragile. It did struggle a bit in the +2 though, even the Big Valve.

Paul.

[Mutant Rat]

gerrym said:

You sure about your facts Rat?

Hello, Gerry!

Yep, I'm fairly familiar with the Elan/Plus 2 market.

I've owned 3, two of which had Spyder chassis fitted (though not the Zetec engine conversion). One of the cars had a standard Lotus chassis fitted when I bought it and I fitted the Spyder spaceframe myseself, so I have direct knowledge of how the value was effected by the purchase and sale prices. I've been keeping an eye on prices of Zetec converted cars, too, 'cos I'm toying with the idea of a Spyder/Zetec 'baby' Elan.

The Lotus Twin Cam is a fine engine for it's time, and not prone to major tantrums if properly maintained, but it does have some limitations on its longevity. Apart from oil leaks and the well known water pump issue (which can be overcome), the biggie is valve guide wear. It won't generally let you down if it's properly maintained, but you should budget for a full rebuild every 70K miles, due to general wear and tear, and a head rebuild maybe every 35-40K miles to keep it in top form. Not a criticism of the engine - back in the '60's manufacturing tolerances weren't as good and no one expected 200K miles out of a motor!

The Zetec will produce more power, is more tractable (though the TC is very impressive when set up properly, unless you use hot cams), and is pretty much 'fit and forget' apart from oil and filter changes.

The optimum solution, of course, is to buy a car with a good body and engine but a poor chassis. Convert it to the Zetec angin and chassis, sell the old Twin Cam engine, gearbox and diff, and you can recoup a fair chunk of the money anyway. Not that it's easy to come by such cars, unfortunately, because everyone has cottoned on to the idea.