Woody wrote: Nice score! I always thought a Miata engine and transmission would be a natural choice for an Elan.
+1 for building a MI-LAN
Woody wrote: Nice score! I always thought a Miata engine and transmission would be a natural choice for an Elan.
+1 for building a MI-LAN
Great score! And, yes, boxes of parts are standard. Optional is to have them all piled in the interior for you. Lots of cool motors will fit in that engine bay. Keep us posted.
I have seen one with a zetec in it before (at a couple of autocrosses), it seems like the perfect engine for one of those.
I suppose the LSx would be a first.
Might need a hood bulge.
I love the Elan. I can't do bodywork but for a free one I'd certainly try.
Start a build thread, will ya?
I just watched the Wheeler Dealers where they did an S4, man they look so cool.
I would love to have one, congrats and yes please start a build thread.
That free Lotus looks like a great way to spend $7000. 
I'd vote for a Zetec too. Great score.
My vote will be for a LSJ s/c ecotec bolted to a solstice 5 or 6sp manual
Nice score. And, What's more expensive than a Cheap Jaguar? A free Lotus.
4ag + T50. Or 2zz + something strong with adapter plates. Although, if you have the 4 speed for that already, I think some of the modern Ford 4 cyls will bolt up with minimal effort.
The old ford 4 cylinder bellhousing pattern is really quite close to the zetec. A couple things: all but the earliest USDM Zetecs have a starter in place of one of the bellhousing bolt 'tabs' on the engine (IIRC), the pilot bearing will have to be honed smooth (but it is present), and the locating dowels could be a different size depending on what the transmission came attached to. Either enlarge the holes or machine some stepped dowels.
The flywheel, clutch disc, pressure plate and starter would all come from the transmission side of the Ford OEM parts bin. I have a 4 speed (Type E/Rocket) from a 2.0 equiped pinto and all the bolt holes present on the zetec block have a hole to bolt to on the bellhousing. The 'upgrade' to a 5 speed would be a mostly bolt on affair with the T-9 from a XR4Ti and would use the same bell and clutch stuff from the 4 speed.
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