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Old 09-21-2009, 08:59 PM   #1 (permalink)
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New to the Forum, just got a 70 Europa

aHey there, I am new to the forum.

I just traded my 1977 Triumph TR7 which was a restoration project for this car.

It's a major project but as you all know, it's rare.

It is a 1970 Lotus Europa. It had been sitting in this guys garage since 1987. Yesterday was the first day it's been outside in over 20 years.

This car's body is in pretty good shape overall, I am however missing, and will be needing a lot of parts.

As you can see, most of the paint is gone, and all the brown you see, is the fiberglass showing.

The most important missing part is the R16 engine. If anyone has one sitting around let me know. Otherwise, if any of you guys who have one of these who did a motor swap would like to share with me what you used, and let me pick your brains, I would really appreciate it.

I know I will be having questions as I know NOTHING about these cars at this point, other than it is worth more than my Triumph was.





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Old 09-21-2009, 09:08 PM   #2 (permalink)
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That was one big bird that aimed and dropped right behind the driver's door, huh .

I'm not sure what kind of condition your Triumph was in so I'm not sure who was on the winning end of that deal . "Worth more" in that condition than your Triumph... hmmm. I'd have to see the Triumph.

Either your a glutton for punishment or you really enjoy restoring cars. Hopefully the latter.

Document everything with pictures and post your progress here.

Good luck and welcome.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:09 PM   #3 (permalink)
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well, that should keep you off the roads for a day or two. And giggling for much longer when you get it done.

Good luck, and thanks for saving another Lotus!
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:10 PM   #4 (permalink)
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is that the model that the side windows don't roll down?
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:12 PM   #5 (permalink)
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...kestrel74 has done a zetec swap on his europa special...
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:16 PM   #6 (permalink)
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That is a type 65 Europa (Federal S2). The windows started rolling down in early 1968 with the type 54 (S2).
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:20 PM   #7 (permalink)
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If you are planning to keep/drive the car, I would suggest taking a ride in/driving someone else's.

Unless you like restoring cars and selling them.

Some ppl like Europas, some don't. (I'm in latter group, no matter)

Some like the twin cam engined, the Renault is less desirable.

Any Lotus is better than none....
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:20 PM   #8 (permalink)
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The engine that you will be looking for, if you want to stay true to the original, will be a 1565cc Renault, not the 1470cc version.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:21 PM   #9 (permalink)
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Quote:
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is that the model that the side windows don't roll down?
...that's a type 65, the federal variant of the type 54 series 2 europa, which added electrically-actuated operable windows...

edit: ...roaddad beat me to it!..
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:21 PM   #10 (permalink)
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Gil,

If he's going to put in a twin-cam, he might as well go with a zetec.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:24 PM   #11 (permalink)
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Yes, but I meant the car series, not just the engine.

Me, if Zs were expensive, I'd stick a Xflow Ford in it.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:25 PM   #12 (permalink)
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Justin,

You can find a wealth of info here: Lotus Europa Central -- Home Page

Parts for sale, manuals online, etc.

Also call up Dave Bean Engineering, Inc. The Official Vintage Lotus Car Parts Distributor and r.d. enterprises ltd. Home Page for parts and whatnots.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:25 PM   #13 (permalink)
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You've got a long row to hoe...
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:28 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Yes, but I meant the car series, not just the engine.

Me, if Zs were expensive, I'd stick a Xflow Ford in it.
You are correct that many enjoy the TC engined (later year) cars more than the earlier years.

How 'bout a Hemi?


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Old 09-21-2009, 09:33 PM   #15 (permalink)
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...my favorite europa resource is Lotus Europa Home Page...
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:34 PM   #16 (permalink)
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This is my first real endeavor with a mid engine car, so I have heard of people doing the Zetec, it seems like a pretty reliable and cost efficient option, I guess my question is, since that engine comes from a FWD Front engine car, what all would I need for transmission and transaxle to make the car function?

An you're right it is a mess right now. It's a shame how people let cars deteriorate like this.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:35 PM   #17 (permalink)
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Also has anyone heard of anyone doing a swap out of something like a Fiat X19? It's the same kind of set up.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:37 PM   #18 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin51982 View Post
This is my first real endeavor with a mid engine car, so I have heard of people doing the Zetec, it seems like a pretty reliable and cost efficient option, I guess my question is, since that engine comes from a FWD Front engine car, what all would I need for transmission and transaxle to make the car function?
kestrel74 can give you the skinny on the swap. Just know that if you don't put in an original you have just decreased your buyer market for resale/trade/etc.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Justin51982 View Post
It's a shame how people let cars deteriorate like this.
I knew I liked you.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:41 PM   #19 (permalink)
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[quote=RoadDad;1360239]kestrel74 can give you the skinny on the swap. Just know that if you don't put in an original you have just decreased your buyer market for resale/trade/etc.QUOTE]


I'd prefer to use an original engine, especially since I have most of the other parts. I have called around almost every source I can find. I just can't seen to track one down.
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Old 09-21-2009, 09:42 PM   #20 (permalink)
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Here are a few of the known, or at least purported, engine swaps: Europa engine swap?

Join this also: lotuseuropa : A Mailing List Lotus Europa Enthusiasts

If you want to stick with original, you are going to have to be VERY patient .
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