The inevitable happened...motor blew

[gmendoza]

Thanks guys. Actually it was almost 4 months from the time it blew to the time I fired it up again. It was alot if time waiting for parts, machining, checking etc. As for the assembly itself, that did take about a week on my spare time.

Gunter, the block was actually used purchased from JAE. The belts, studs, rods and misc parts were also JAE. Liners and pistons were actually one of sets purchased directly from the manufacturer. If some one was interested in either the pistons and liners, I get you the info needed.

Edited September 18, 2012 by gmendoza

[gmendoza]

I second what John said about best pictures since Mike S.

Real quality engineering Gonzalo - Oh for half your ability!!

I do not know the full background to your car at all and make no mistake I love my V8, but thinking aloud, I was wondering what made you pick on the Lotus V8 to get loads of power out of as is it not fair to say that it could be considered a little fragile for much development?

I know the failure was caused by an external component of course but would love to know if you think it would have happened to a different motor. (say Audi V8 or perhaps Nissan Skyline engine).

That may miss the point of it all i guess and I dont wish to be hung out to dry for these comments - just wondering!!

Mark

Sorry I didn't see this earlier. You are right Mark. There are much better cars to get huge power. A 996tt, Supra, even a Corvette come to mind. I never picked the Lotus because I wanted to make huge power, it just happened. I decided I wanted an Esprit because I wanted something turbocharged and unique.

My car was already slightly modded by the previous owner as project for Modified Luxury & Exotics magazine. I thought it was perfect. Being a guy that can't leave well enough alone, I started playng with the car in a attempt to make it slightly better.

Well one thing led to another and slightly better became more than the car could handle. And that's what led to this thread, and the Holloway thread.

As for my failure on another car, I think it would have still resulted in some engine damage. Maybe not as bad, but some damage would have still been possible.

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Gunter for your post creating page 2 of the thread. As much as I enjoyed the Gonzalo V8 "family album" pics, each time I returned to page 1 the download time was causing the house lights to dim, and threatened a global shutdown of the internet.

Just kidding, Gonz...keep 'em coming

Sorry about that. lol. It was alot of pics.

Edited September 20, 2012 by gmendoza

[Günter]

Thanks guys. Actually it was almost 4 months from the time it blew to the time I fired it up again. It was alot if time waiting for parts, machining, checking etc. As for the assembly itself, that did take about a week on my spare time.

ah, see ..this sounds familiar for me & more realistic if it is all there and waiting for installation

Gunter, the block was actually used purchased from JAE. The belts, studs, rods and misc parts were also JAE. Liners and pistons were actually one of sets purchased directly from the manufacturer. If some one was interested in either the pistons and liners, I get you the info needed.

..do so, as far as I can remember Mike only mentioned the different Gates number for the stronger belts, but no other references ..so just add it as an workchart/ list of optional numbers into the V8 *reference* section here -please (as we will never know how it comes with availability of the ordinary stock parts for our engines in future -maybe the 'upgrade' versions will be in production a little longer if we buy them regular) Edited September 22, 2012 by Günter

[BobG]

Frightening damage but fantastic rebuild and thanks from me personally, for the effort of sticking them all up on the site- very educational for a relatively new owner of one of these beasties!

Cheers

[lotsobitz]

yea was a real mess your engine, seen a few like that over the years, great pics of your rebuild to, going back to you talking about the piston and liners you used, do you have the info for these as looking into upgrading piston and liners on my engine too.

[FSReric]

I think I've looked over this thread 100 times between here and LotusTalk. I will def be picking your brain (or coaxing you with drinks/bbq) when i finally get to putting mine back together. I think I may go aftermarket pistons and rods while I'm in there as well.

on a side note, id vote for the Supra if your only interested in big power... on a stock motor. I cant think of another stock motor you can dyno 730+ rwhp reliably. (on a 62mm?!)

[Rgardner01]

Gonzalo

I would be interested in your source for pistons / liners.  It appears I have burnt or tweaked a valve so my engine is on its way out.  I figure while I am there it would be wasted effort to at least not  to update the pistons, add head studs and pin the front cambelt sprocket. I commend you on your rebuild...outstanding work. Did you use stock bearings or aftermarket?  I know Audi ones where mentioned once before.  Any information or warnings your could offer would be appreciated. 

 

Thanks

 

Ray

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