Positioning:
Essential technical guide for owners and mechanics of the iconic Lotus Elan, enabling specialist maintenance.
Competitors:
Direct competitor to other specialist sports car workshop manuals of the era; sets the standard for factory documentation.
Features:
Factory-sourced information, detailed diagrams, and procedures specific to Elan variants, including Europa.
Value:
Provides the authoritative knowledge needed for authentic restoration and ongoing maintenance, crucial for preserving the Elan's value and performance.
Engine:
Engine overhaul, assembly, tuning, troubleshooting for Lotus-Ford Twin Cam engines.
Transmission:
Gearbox repair, clutch, final drive, propeller shaft maintenance and overhaul.
Chassis:
Complete chassis repair, maintenance, and specifications.
Suspension:
Front and rear suspension diagnosis, repair, alignment, and component replacement.
Brakes:
Brake system servicing, hydraulic components, disc brake overhaul, and adjustments.
Steering:
Steering rack, linkage, and column repair and adjustment.
Body:
Bodywork repair, panel replacement, trim, and structural integrity.
Electrical:
Complete electrical system diagnostics, wiring diagrams, component testing, and repair.
Cooling System:
Radiator, hoses, water pump, and thermostat servicing.
Fuel System:
Carburetor tuning (Weber DCOE, Stromberg), fuel pump, lines, and tank maintenance.
Lubrication:
Lubrication points, fluid types, capacities, and recommended service intervals.
Heating Ventilation:
Heating and ventilation system operation and repair.
Wheels Tyres:
Hubs, wheel bearing service, and tire specifications.
Maintenance:
Regular servicing, lubrication, fluid changes, filter replacements.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for common and uncommon faults across all systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major and minor mechanical and electrical components.
Overhaul Rebuild:
Detailed instructions for complete engine, gearbox, and differential rebuilds.
Tuning:
Engine tuning, carburetor adjustment, ignition timing.
Specifications:
Torque settings, clearances, tolerances, and alignment data.
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic routine maintenance to full engine and chassis rebuilds.
Quality:
High-resolution factory original scans or meticulously recreated content.
Quality:
Professional printing on durable paper suitable for workshop environments.
Binding:
Sturdy binding (e.g., comb, spiral, or sewn) to lay flat for easy use.
Paper:
Durable, possibly laminated or heavier stock paper to withstand grease and shop use.
Engine Type:
Lotus-Ford Twin Cam (various displacements, commonly 1.6L)
Engine Code Examples:
Lotus Type 95; Ford Kent variants
Horsepower Range:
105-126 bhp (depending on specific Elan model and tune)
Torque Range:
105-115 lb-ft (depending on specific Elan model and tune)
Carburetors:
Typically twin Weber 40 DCOE or Stromberg CD150/175, depending on model and market
Ignition Type:
Distributor-based, coil ignition.
Valve Train:
Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 8 valves
Gearbox:
5-speed manual (Ford Type 9 or earlier variants like the Type 20/22)
Gearbox Options:
Early models may have used 4-speed gearboxes; specific variants might have had different gear ratios.
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic, single dry plate clutch.
Gearbox Oil:
Likely API GL-4, SAE 90 gear oil (specific part numbers would be in the manual).
Wheelbase:
Elan: 85 inches (2159 mm); Elan +2: 96 inches (2438 mm); Europa: 92 inches (2337 mm)
Length:
Elan: approx. 153 inches (3886 mm); Elan +2: approx. 164 inches (4166 mm); Europa: approx. 154 inches (3912 mm)
Curb Weight:
Elan: approx. 1300-1500 lbs (590-680 kg); Elan +2: approx. 1600-1800 lbs (725-816 kg); Europa: approx. 1450-1650 lbs (658-748 kg)
Wheel Size:
Typically 13-inch wheels
Tyre Sizes Examples:
165-13, 175/70-13 (specifics vary by model and market)
Bolt Pattern:
4x100 mm (common for Elan)
Crash Safety:
N/A (Modern crash safety ratings not applicable to vehicles of this era; focus is on structural integrity and basic occupant protection)
Brakes:
Four-wheel disc brakes (a significant safety feature for its time).
Seatbelts:
Provision for seat belts, though often not standard equipment in early models.
Chassis Design:
Lotus backbone chassis providing rigidity.
Oil Change:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or annually (specifics in manual).
Tune Up:
Recommended at intervals of 10,000-15,000 miles, including ignition and carburetor adjustments.
Valve Clearance Check:
Crucial for Twin Cam; recommended every 6,000-10,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
API SG/SF or equivalent, SAE 20W-50 or 10W-40 depending on climate. (Refer to manual for precise specification).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze mixture (50/50) with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Chassis Corrosion:
Fiberglass body mounting points and steel backbone chassis are susceptible to rust and corrosion if not properly maintained.
Engine Twin Cam:
Valve gear wear, potential for camshaft and follower wear if lubrication is neglected. Oil leaks common.
Electrical System:
Aging wiring harnesses and components can lead to electrical gremlins. Lucas components can be temperamental.
Suspension Bushings:
Wear in rubber bushings can lead to handling issues and premature tire wear.
Brake Overhaul:
Regular inspection and possible caliper rebuilds due to age.
Carburetor Rebuild:
Cleaning, rebuilding, and re-jetting Weber or Stromberg carburetors.
Fuel Filter:
Specific part numbers for filters (oil, fuel, air) and gaskets would be detailed within the manual.
Spark Plugs:
Champion N5C or equivalent (examples, manual will have definitive specs).
Philosophy:
Lightweight, Lotus 'Add lightness' philosophy
Development:
The Elan evolved from the Series 1 (S1) to the Series 4 (S4) and Sprint, with the +2 being a longer-wheelbase variant. The Europa was a separate model sharing some design ethos.
Manufacturing Location:
Lotus Cars, Cheshunt, England
Total Production:
Elan: approx. 9,000 units; Elan +2: approx. 1,000 units; Europa: approx. 6,000 units (combined figures, exact breakdown varies).
