So the chaps (MWR) in the US reckon they can fit an Evora V6 tweaked to 330bhp & 300lb/ft for under $20,000. So roughly �15k depending on exchange rates. I was expecting this to be more like �20k hence why previously I thought the Audi/Honda route made more sense.
I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll probably keep my S2 Exige as I haven’t really got bored of it after driving it every day for over 3 years. It still looks modern and I think it won’t age much even when the S3 comes along. I’m just over 76,000 miles and as you’d expect I’m more or less counting down the days until the engine lets go. I’m pretty impressed its lasted this long to be honest given its been driven everyday and on track several times.
How many of you would pay up to �15k for a V6 Evora engine with 350bhp & 300lb/ft? If the demand is there I’m surprised not many specialists in the UK are looking at this conversion. If your going to pay �15k for a 300bhp Audi or 350bhp Honda I still think the noise and torque of the V6 is going to be more of a laugh?
The only issue I can see is weight over the rear really as I am not sure of the weight of the V6.
If your engine is looked after it should last quite well and hopefully even if anything went it would not be that expensive to repair (even full engines are not that expensive).
You have spent quite alot on your set up already so even if the worst happened I guess it would be alot more cost effective to rebuild stronger and more powerful with a CC set up and uprated engine and gearbox internals than converting to V6.
The V6 (2GR-FE) is 163Kg whereas the 2G-ZZ is 115Kg so 50Kg difference. However, adding a 15kg charge cooler and 10Kg water to the NA 2G-ZZ halves the difference.
I well sorted built 2G-ZZ is going to best part of �5k plus another �3k for the charge cooler setup so I guess half the cost. Then you’ve got to stick the E153 gearbox is at �2.5k so roughly �10.5k to re-build or �15k to convert.
I guess you can take away the sale value of your engine, ECU, box, manifold, supercharger, intercooler and driveshafts. I wonder what that lot would be worth on my 3000 mile 240? 3K perhaps?
[quote=blacktoy]The V6 (2GR-FE) is 163Kg whereas the 2G-ZZ is 115Kg so 50Kg difference. However, adding a 15kg charge cooler and 10Kg water to the NA 2G-ZZ halves the difference.
I well sorted built 2G-ZZ is going to best part of �5k plus another �3k for the charge cooler setup so I guess half the cost. Then you’ve got to stick the E153 gearbox is at �2.5k so roughly �10.5k to re-build or �15k to convert. [/quote]
Watch out for the weight of the E153 gearbox, it is really lardy
The E153 is only 25 lbs more and it’s muscle mass not fat and will mate up to a V6 if you want it…remember the V6 needs the E153 as does the 2ZZ when you add real power…
I have run 430 British BHP through my standard 5 speed box for two years with no problems. Steve G, runs over 600bhp through the standard 6 speed with no probs.
Those German boys make there boxes out of good cheese!!!
5 speed, the model code of the gearbox is 02J, they make about twelve different varieties of it with different ratios etc, plus as the gears are all simply splined on you can mix and match till your heart is content. This is the box I have been running with 430bhp and 400lb/ft for a couple of yearss with no issues. It weighs 38kg’s
6 speed, VW do two 6 spoeed gearboxes. A two rail design and a three rail design. The two rail design has a model code of 02S and the ratios in the two varients I have seen are excellent, really close, and would be perfect for a Lotus. However, due to its two rail design it is very long and is a bit of a squeeze in an S1, would be OK in an S2 though I reckon, but I would have to try it, it reallis very very long. This box is basically the same design as the 5 speed 02J but with an extra cog on the end. It weighs 44kg’s
The three rail 6 speed which is what Steve G uses and has run 600 odd bhp through has a code of 02M. Its a three rail design that incorporates two final drives. I have no idea why, but it does make the gearbox heavy (52kg’s) It is very compact in size though being shorter than eneven the 02J 5 speed. Very nice gearbox. It can be found in Seat Leon Cupra R’s, Audi TT’s, Golf’s etc. The 4wd version of it (audi TT), can be converted back to 2wd by removing the transfer box.
Also with all of the above, the gears and reverse are in the same place as the Toyota gearbox and the linkage all bolts straight on. Its kind of spooky actually, how the standard Lotus / Toyota linkage, bolts straight onto the VW gearboxes. One cable has to be slightly lengthened and we do this with about a three inch length of threaded bar. The result is the best gearchange in a Lotus ever!!!
Thanks dude that’s great information…now if you can get the exact length from the end of the bellhousing to the end of the bigger box… I’m thinkin an adaptor plate may make things alot easier for a replacement…now get to work you have R$D to do…
BHP through my standard 5 speed box for two years with no problems. Steve G, runs over 600bhp through the standard 6 speed with no probs.