re: LSx into a Lotus
There was a thread here about someone trying an LS3 into an Exige.
GM put a V8 into front-wheel drive Impala, so there was a transverse box for it. Also GM F40 manual transverse box (used in Saab's and G6) is good for 400NM or 300ft.lbs. i.e. it can be used with a very mild LS motor.
Transverse V8 would fit. The question is why? Transverse gearboxes are the limiting factor to power. Look at MB CLA 45 AMG, 350ft.lbs. torque curve flat 2000 to 6000 RPM, tuned DOWN so the Getrag DCT hoilds up i.e. this is the tranny's rating.
Therefore, Elige and Evora is limited to 300ft.lbs. before you get into some really $$$ and interesting hardware.
Supercharged and turbocharged Honda swaps yield good power, fit and are inexpensive. There are Audi/VW swaps
I thinbk a Subaru swap would be interesting. It is a longtitudinal transaxle. It can hold the power. 400hp is easy and 500 is not hard to get. It should fit into an Elige very well.....
Porsche transaxles will hold up to LSx V8's when properly modifed and there is an aftermarket.
Swapping an LS7 + T56 into a BMW or a Datsun 240 is easy. It is smaller, lighter, more powerful and more reliable than the original.
Swapping an LXx into Evora or Elise would require a transaxle and extending the wheel-base i.e. Hennesy Venom. That is all it is.
Elise has about 22" from firewall to axle centerline.
LSx is about 26" from pulleys to bell-housing. Need 8 to 10" from bell-housing to axle shafts, depending on transaxle. Therefore, need 12 to 14" extra wheel-base on an Elise... may almost fit into an Evora....
Good LS7 is $6k + headers + cam = $10k for 600hp+
Transaxle + adapter + clutch is at least $12k. Porshe transaxle flipped upside-down is the cheapest option.... Otherwise, the price rapidly climbs past $20k. For example Ford GT drive-train would fit, also.. $40k!
At this point, you might as well buy a kit (car) from Fran at SLR!!! or Factory Five GTM!
Anton
Anton