Elan S1 rear end

[Turbineheli]

Hello,

I have a 4.44:1 gear in my Elan diff. It had been used on the track but will now return to the street. I am searching for the appropriate speedo gear to use with this rear end.
Any chance one of you could point me in the right direction?

Thanks,

AMA
Hamilton, MA.
USA

[zog]

Hi, A 4.44 is pretty tall for the street. You can climb trees real quick but run out of rpm going to the grocery store. You may want to go back to a 3.9.

As to the speedo gear, I don't have the book in front of me. There are colors that will tell you what gear will get you close. You can check and buy from Ray at RD or Dave Bean.

[stevebroad]

Agree. Drove 200 miles many years ago with a 4.44 and it was hell. Only used it for the strip after that and fitted a 3.77 for road use.

[whitt1]

The rear ratio you want will depends on which transmission your car has, if it has a close ratio gearbox[common in S1 cars] anything under a 3.90 rear gear will make the car difficult to drive in traffic.With a close box and 3.77s you would have nearly 50mph in first gear.I'm running 3.77s with a semi close box which was the setup most late model sprints run. My car came with 3.90s and a close box. The semi close box is much better for street use.

[tvacc]

You should really go on to LotusElan.net: Your Complete Lotus Elan Information Source. and post there. Those are the Elan guys that really know their Elans.