1970 Lotus Elan+2 – High Quality Engine Rebuild – 150 HP

Vehicle Description

PLEASE NOTE:

A full set of images and driving video are available at:

https://forestmotorcollective.com/1970-lotus-elan2-high-quality-performance-engine-rebuild-exceptional-interior/

Rebuild Work (2005 – Veloce Motors West)

In 2005, the engine was fully disassembled, inspected, machined, and rebuilt with both performance and reliability in mind. Less than 2000 miles have been driven on the car since the rebuild.

Cylinder Head Work

Pressure checked (confirmed no cracks/damage).
New valve guides installed and bores cleaned.
Valve seats enlarged, combustion chambers blended, and bigger valves fitted.
Precision valve job performed.
Head resurfaced, lap cut, and new studs fitted.
Stainless exhaust valves, upgraded valve springs, bronze guides, and new camshafts installed.
Helicoil inserts used for durability.

Bottom End & Block

Crankshaft heat treated, magnaflux checked, and polished.
Rods resized and magnaflux checked.
Block line-honed and surfaced.
Pistons machined for clearance with bigger valves.
Cosworth pistons and rings installed, with all new bearings (main, rod, thrust, pilot).
ARP hardware throughout (rod bolts, head studs, main cap bolts).
New jackshaft, timing chain, and tensioner system.

Induction & Ancillaries

Weber head and carburetors (sourced from Italy).
New carburetor rubbers, cups, and fittings.
New oil pump, water pump, and cooling system gaskets.
Aluminum flywheel installed for reduced rotational mass.
Racing clutch and bearing fitted, along with new disc, pressure plate, and related hardware.

Final Assembly

Entire engine rebuilt professionally with all new seals, gaskets, plugs, distributor components, and ignition upgrades.
Dyno tested after break-in, confirming strong performance.

Beyond the rebuild, the engine benefits from DB Stage 3 camshafts, Cosworth pistons, Weber head and carbs, aluminum flywheel, and a racing clutch setup—bringing the build well beyond stock specification while maintaining drivability.

Dyno Test Results (November 2005)

The fresh rebuild was tested on a dyno at Veloce Motors West:
• Peak Power: 149.9 HP at 7,500 RPM
• Peak Torque: ~122 lb-ft at 5,300 RPM

◦ 115+ lb-ft torque from 5,000–6,000 RPM
◦ Over 140 HP from ~6,200 to 7,400 RPM

This output represents a significant performance increase compared to a stock Lotus Twin Cam engine, which was originally rated at ~118 HP (Big Valve spec). The aluminum flywheel, bigger valves, porting, and balanced bottom end contributed to both responsiveness and top-end power.

Overview

Owned by the same gentleman in Sonoma, California for the past 55 years, this Lotus Elan +2 has been exceptionally well cared for and loved throughout its long-term ownership.

Mechanical

The car runs and drives, though the carburetors are currently out of tune and leak slightly. A proper cleaning and adjustment will allow the engine to deliver its full performance. At present, there is occasional hesitation in fuel delivery at higher RPMs, though it remains usable and street derivable (see video). Recently, both front shocks were replaced with high-quality adjustable units from Dave Bean Engineering, improving ride and handling. The inatke and exhaust valves were recently adjusted by the specialists at Alfa Italia in Burbank, CA.

Interior

The cabin is a highlight of this car. Finished in Deep Blue Connolly hide with Wilton wool carpeting. The interior is exceptional – among the finest we’ve seen in any Elan. The seats, panels, carpets, and headliner remain pristine, while the African wood dashboard—restored at a cost of $2,000 some 20 years ago—still presents beautifully today. All gauges and lights inside and out are fully operational.

Exterior

The body panels are straight and in excellent condition, with no accident history. The Old English White lacquer paint was applied approximately 40 years ago. While the finish remains presentable from 10 feet, there are numerous cosmetic flaws consistent with age, including chips, scratches, cracking, and general wear. For a driver-quality car, the paint remains serviceable.

Undercarriage

The underside is exceptionally solid, rust free, and shows no signs of accident damage.

This vehicle is sold with a clean and clear title.

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