New to the Forum, just got a 70 Europa - LotusTalk

Justin51982 · 09-21-2009, 08:59 PM

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.

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:08 PM

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.

doug_porsche · 09-21-2009, 09:09 PM

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!

doug_porsche · 09-21-2009, 09:10 PM

is that the model that the side windows don't roll down?

...m... · 09-21-2009, 09:12 PM

...kestrel74 has done a zetec swap on his europa special...

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:16 PM

That is a type 65 Europa (Federal S2). The windows started rolling down in early 1968 with the type 54 (S2).

glb · 09-21-2009, 09:20 PM

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....

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:20 PM

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.

...m... · 09-21-2009, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug_porsche

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!..

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:21 PM

Gil,

If he's going to put in a twin-cam, he might as well go with a zetec.

glb · 09-21-2009, 09:24 PM

Yes, but I meant the car series, not just the engine.

Me, if Zs were expensive, I'd stick a Xflow Ford in it.

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:25 PM

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.

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:25 PM

You've got a long row to hoe...

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glb

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?

...m... · 09-21-2009, 09:33 PM

...my favorite europa resource is Lotus Europa Home Page...

Justin51982 · 09-21-2009, 09:34 PM

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.

Justin51982 · 09-21-2009, 09:35 PM

Also has anyone heard of anyone doing a swap out of something like a Fiat X19? It's the same kind of set up.

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Justin51982

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

It's a shame how people let cars deteriorate like this.

I knew I liked you.

Justin51982 · 09-21-2009, 09:41 PM

[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.

RoadDad · 09-21-2009, 09:42 PM

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

.

09-21-2009, 08:59 PM	#1 (permalink)
Justin51982 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 7	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.

09-21-2009, 09:08 PM	#2 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	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. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
doug_porsche Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 381	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! __________________ "They swap ends at remarkable speed" - David Hobbs Japanese Grand Prix Practice 2009

09-21-2009, 09:10 PM	#4 (permalink)
doug_porsche Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 381	is that the model that the side windows don't roll down? __________________ "They swap ends at remarkable speed" - David Hobbs Japanese Grand Prix Practice 2009

09-21-2009, 09:12 PM	#5 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...kestrel74 has done a zetec swap on his europa special... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

09-21-2009, 09:16 PM	#6 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	That is a type 65 Europa (Federal S2). The windows started rolling down in early 1968 with the type 54 (S2). __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:20 PM	#7 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,514	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.... __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

09-21-2009, 09:20 PM	#8 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	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. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:21 PM	#10 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	Gil, If he's going to put in a twin-cam, he might as well go with a zetec. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
glb Unattractive Nuisance Join Date: May 2005 Location: Chester, NJ Posts: 4,514	Yes, but I meant the car series, not just the engine. Me, if Zs were expensive, I'd stick a Xflow Ford in it. __________________ 05 elise (PES chip, SSRs, shift tower mods, Multivex; HID low beams); 05 Corolla XRS; 72 Elan Sprint, 170 hp (Sold) "Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable." G. Orwell. 6. "A bore is a man who deprives you of solitude without providing you with company." - Gian Vincenzo Gravina

09-21-2009, 09:25 PM	#12 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	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. __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:25 PM	#13 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	You've got a long row to hoe... __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy

09-21-2009, 09:33 PM	#15 (permalink)
...m... Denuo Volatilis Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 2,715	...my favorite europa resource is Lotus Europa Home Page... __________________ 2005 Federal Elise \| Touring \| Storm Titanium ...73,000 miles and aging beautifully... 2000 New Beetle \| Turbo \| Reflex Silver ...107,000 miles of steadfast service...

09-21-2009, 09:34 PM	#16 (permalink)
Justin51982 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 7	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.

09-21-2009, 09:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
Justin51982 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 7	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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09-21-2009, 09:41 PM	#19 (permalink)
Justin51982 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Posts: 7	[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.

09-21-2009, 09:42 PM	#20 (permalink)
RoadDad perfututum futūtor Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 6,019	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 . __________________ "Really, you want to maintain a semblance of professionalism since you represent Lotus. Me... I don't need to. Bite me." -Randy