Paul Henning

Thanks Richard. I’ve emailed a couple of times without luck. Will take your advice and call them. Cheers. Paul.

Looking for a couple of original S1 wheels. I have 3 ! My Eclat has aftermarket wheels but the spare is original. I have sourced an additional pair. Looking for another 2 to complete. I’m in Canada and will pay for shipping. Thanks in advance.

Too true. I learned the hard way. It’s subtle but significant.

I’ve been contemplating the same switch but I have a series 1 not the 2.2. The folks at Octagon motor group think it’s doable. Key is the right gear box however A couple of questions that we couldn’t find answers to, is the gear shift in the same spot or close enough to avoid modifying the consul Do we fit a full peddle box or add just a peddle and the cable / pully mount that inevatably snap the cable of not sorted properly so in short term decided to have the auto rebuilt so far and it’s a short period I’m much happier after the rebuild while not as engaging

Well. It’s back together shifting great. Better than ever. Quite a saga to get the box in and out. Slid engine forward. Off mounts. Removed prop shade and drives. Seems the process has messed the the speedo and rev counter along with the dash dials. I’m thinking the latter is an earth fault as the fuses are fine. This weekend will try and get the rev counter and speedo drives figured out. Ah the joys.

Thanks Dunc. It’s in pieces in the shop. Visiting tomorrow and will post photos. Fingers crossed. They are trawling through their parts bins as we speak. Paul. Quick update. Pictures say it all. Lots of pieces. Shop had a donor. Nothing terminal I’m told. Looked it to me!! Some BMW internals going in lots of wear and some ingenious juggling and we should be back together later this week. Couple of parts from SJS on the way and good as new.

Thanks Dunc. It’s in pieces in the shop. Visiting tomorrow and will post photos. Fingers crossed. They are trawling through their parts bins as we speak. Paul.

Well. Had the 524 for 10 years. Always thought the auto box was a t35. Turns out it's a t65. No clue if that's good or bad. saga to date the Eclat has been of the road for about a year, head was damaged due to over heating and damaged between the middle cylinders. Short version, engine rebuilt at Octagon motor group, Vancouver , sorted and tidied wiring at the same time. New servo couldn't be found so original rebuilt and returned with life time warrany. Not sure if that's based on my life time, the servo, or the car....regardless I will take it. Shout out to Octagon

Good exchange and post. I have an Eclat 524 with auto and I agree the box saps the power. Just doesn’t seem to match the engine. Seemed a good idea at the time I bought it... I’ve just had the engine rebuilt and now starting on what to do with the gearbox. As I’m in North America I’m hoping I have an easy alternative. Heading to transmission specialist to see what they can offer The box has been used in many applications. Jags, MG, so I can handle the power but not the torque band of he 907. My view anyway. I’m hoping they have a box of tricks Will keep you posted.

Agreed. S1 Eclat. Still have mine.

Cheers Kieran i google Aberdeen craigslist and in the search window type lotus lots of big valve motors listed. This particular engine comes and goes, as soon as I ask questions on detail he gets very adgitated. Assuming it's a scam if u can pop and check it out I will pay full price. Assuming u don't buy it lol regards paul Lotus Excel SE 2.2L HC engine, also used in the late naturally aspirated Esprits. This engine has been rebuilt with many new parts - liners, pistons, rings, bearings, gaskets,

cheers seemed to good to be true!!

Noticed this engine listed again on Aberdeen craiglist. Scouring for a new engine for my Eclat. This one was posted last year and I'd assumed sold. Popped up again łast week. When I started to dig a little the owner got tetchy. I'm in Canada and had heard of the scam running last year. Anyone else checked out the listing. Cheers. Paul

Richard. Much appreciated. I've been "googling" with little luck on this side of the pond. Good links. Much appreciated. Paul

Dave. Sounds very interesting. Could you send a couple of photo's. What's included, carbs., exhaust manifold etc. Also what age was the elite is it a 1973cc or the 2.2. Many thanks for taking the time to reply. Ps your site / shop has some interesting machines. All the best. Paul.