As a matter of interest, have the big end bearings/through bolts shown signs of needing replacement whenever you’ve stripped the engine down? Did Dave build it in 2006 then, rather than 2007 (tempus fugit!)? …
A brief history of my engine Rob. It started as a very tired 1800 that had been in the car since 2000 - No idea of the full extent of the use it had, but it had done British GT etc and a fair few 4 hour races too between 2000 and 2003. I then used it in the MESC in 2004 - I remember at Donington when Russ drove Mike Lane’s Audi car I missed 2nd and buzzed it badly, seeing north of 14k revs! It still didn’t break.
I had it rebuilt as a ‘not quite 1900’ at the end of 2004 and carried over the Crank, standard rods and (against DVA’s advice) the complete (very soft and also decked) head for cost reasons.
Never found a reason to have needed to replace the bearings when it’s since been rebuilt, the bolts have never been stretched beyond spec, but like you say by then it’s stripped anyway and I replace them regardless. The one cause for concern stemmed from when it coughed back some fuel mix in early '05 (Snetterton MESC-remote stat jammed shut and a borderline overheat being the possible cause) and made enough of a mess of the air filter to let some dust/grit in and subsequently made a mess of the bores. It’s been like that ever since (again against DVA’s advice to replace the liners/block) and still hasn’t caused any issues.
I really do think it’s different mentality with a racer though and I’ll happily take up DVA’s advice over the winter to guard against any possible failure before they ever have chance to materialize. Again, this doesn’t necessarily and automatically make it unreliable, you’re just constantly trying to keep the percentages on your side as the consequences of not doing are something that no-one can control.
I know what you mean, but if the car could retain the K series lump rebuilt to an improved standard I’d still consider the car original, as compared to a Honda/Audi/Duratec unit being fitted
Saw Uldis lurking recently . . it would be nice to hear from him. Met him only once but was a really nice bloke and his engine sounded the sweetest of the lot . . round Donington, I think.
Frankly guys. The K is a bag of nails but it sounds nice and has good performance once mapped well for a 1.8L. I have more issues with the gearbox to be honest. Its way to high geard and ruins the engine performance IMO. The UCR gearbox would be a better match but how can you find one?
I was leaning towards a honda conversion but I might have other plans now.
I have more issues with the gearbox to be honest. Its way to high geard and ruins the engine performance IMO. The UCR gearbox would be a better match but how can you find one?
I raised this very issue with the Lotus Sport guys when I had my S1. We never got so far as to discuss costs, but they sounded very keen on my idea of fitting the UCR box PLUS an additional 6th gear (the standard 5th speed).
I’ve no idea what engineering issues would have to be overcome & i’m sure it would be v.expensive.
If you contact Russell Gibbons i’d be surprised if the UCR gear sets aren’t still available.
I have more issues with the gearbox to be honest. Its way to high geard and ruins the engine performance IMO. The UCR gearbox would be a better match but how can you find one?
I raised this very issue with the Lotus Sport guys when I had my S1. We never got so far as to discuss costs, but they sounded very keen on my idea of fitting the UCR box PLUS an additional 6th gear (the standard 5th speed).
I’ve no idea what engineering issues would have to be overcome & i’m sure it would be v.expensive.
If you contact Russell Gibbons i’d be surprised if the UCR gear sets aren’t still available.
Thanks. I will do when im checking my K for wear. To be honest i dont really need a 6th at all. There is not much use of it here. The 5speed UCR would do fine.
One more question, are the gears straight cut or not? I dont know if I could live with staright cut gears on the road.
One Exiger (Bernard?) on here had the UCR on his road only S1. This car is now owned by someone else who also posts here. Can’t remember his name though, sorry.
One Exiger (Bernard?) on here had the UCR on his road only S1. This car is now owned by someone else who also posts here. Can’t remember his name though, sorry.
Yellow car with UCR was originally Brendan’s, now owned by Steve & Fiona Jones.
Trevor Gravestock’s New Ali S1 also had the UCR, but he sold it in 2002/03, & I’ve no idea where it is now.
One Exiger (Bernard?) on here had the UCR on his road only S1. This car is now owned by someone else who also posts here. Can’t remember his name though, sorry.
Yellow car with UCR was originally Brendan’s, now owned by Steve & Fiona Jones.
Trevor Gravestock’s New Ali S1 also had the UCR, but he sold it in 2002/03, & I’ve no idea where it is now.
I wonder if that was the new ali one that Paul Matty had up for sale about 2 years ago… it had 11K miles, an UCR from new but had had 5 former keepers!.. that was what put me off buying it…
To be honest i dont really need a 6th at all. There is not much use of it here. The 5speed UCR would do fine.
If you need your current 5th gear then you would need this extra gear, otherwise long journeys especially on M-ways would be intolerable, expensive in terms of fuel and additional engine wear.