EXCEL V8

I can't quite see from the video - are both leading edges chamfered? Is the little "H" - shaped piece in there? Pete

Is the back plate completely flat where the brake shoes sit? Mine had worn a ridge that needed grinding off to provide a flat surface again. ISTR there were 3 flat slightly raised areas for each shoe. How flexible is the brake pipe connected to the cylinder - is it copper (or steel etc..) or flexible hose? Pete

You need to look at relatively short gearboxes. The "chassis" narrows very quickly behind the engine. The original Lotus 5-speed fits, of course, but is renowned for being a bit weak. With a series 2 chassis the original gearbox was a 5-speed Getrag - good gearbox but expensive now. I'm going the opposite way and fitting a 4-speed ZF auto to my Elite. I've moved the engine forward by about 1" to make it fit a little easier (the Excel has the engine slightly further forward), but before I fit it I'm going to see how much room there is for a Toyota W58 (original Excel gearbox) just in case I don't like the auto! The W58 is a lovely gearbox. Welcome to the forum, by the way!! 🙂 Pete

I've also just bought a Clavis meter - second hand from fleabay - a type 13SR. Not used yet but a lovely bit of kit. Pete

I don't ever recall seeing a separate mounting boss either - you could use one of the engine mounting bolts. There may be a drier bracket that is not obvious - it is a flat plate welded to the chassis just below the top edge and a few inches behind the offside suspension "tower" and engine mounting plate. There are two captive nuts for a drier if fitted. Pete

Here's a photo of one of mine (1974 Elite). They are the same R+L. It is 10" long. You can see that the distribution "flaps" change angle from the centre to the outside. Let me know if you need any other shots/measurements. Pete

Mine are in a box somewhere at the moment. I'll try and dig them out this afternoon! Pete

Thanks very much guys - I will look into all of these! Pete

What equipment are you guys using for this - the Clavis gauge is so expensive! Thanks Pete

Try that on a piece you don't intend to re-use. I couldn't get it to work. Had the anodic layer removed professionally on my parts - didn't cost much. Pete

I'm doing that at the moment - it's really hard getting a flat/smoot finish 😕. You can't just re-anodise either - it has to be bright anodising - much more difficult to get done. Pete

I'll be coming to you for tips on fitting the screen Dave! It will be next year now 🙁 Pete

M8 bolts (all the aux housing bolts are M8) are usually E10 size socket. That Torx head bolt is not standard. I prefer Torco MPZ engine building lubes to graphogen and Permabond A136 for cam housings and sump. Pete

I'm building a jig to assess the pressure at which the oil pressure release valve opens. Think this would be handy to know before fitting to the engine. Gives an opportunity to shim the spring if needs be. Pete

Interesting to know - I'd assumed they were all the same. Do you know how they differ Dave? Pete