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Thread: Lotus engine swap

  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2011

    Posts:    21

    Lotus engine swap

    I happen to have a spare 910 HCI motor from an 87 esprit. I was wondering if the motor will bolt right up to the Renault tranny. Has anyone ever done that? I have an 81 without a motor and looking to do something interesting.

  2. #2
    DMC Timeless's Avatar
    Join Date:  Nov 2016

    Location:  SW FL

    Posts:    737

    Club(s):   (DCF) (DCO) (DCUK)

    I haven't seen it used in a D before but I do have Lotus experience and I would suggest using a more reliable engine if the car is going to be driven regularly without engine headaches.
    ~LXA~
    Dunmurry | Stuttgart | Leipzig | Munich | Tochigi | Fremont | Bratislava | Sindelfingen | Kansas City | Oakville | Coventry

  3. #3
    Not a DeLorean Guru
    Join Date:  May 2011

    Location:  Rochester, NY

    Posts:    2,405

    My VIN:    01049

    It will not. The 910 mated to a Citroen transaxle. It's also an extremely high maintenance, low output, low reliability motor.
    -Mike

    My engine twists my frame.

    1981 DeLorean, Carb LS4 swap completed
    1999 Corvette, cam/headers/intake manifold, 400 rwhp
    2005 Elise, stock
    2016 Chevy Cruze

  4. #4
    Junior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2011

    Posts:    21

    Actually the motor is pretty bullet proof. Yes there’s a timing belt change but motor is pretty strong and with no issues. It puts out 215 hp and propelled esprit to60 in 5 seconds. And in later years was mater with a Renault tranny. Anyways it’s just a thought cause I have an extra motor. I’ve had an 87 esprit since 1998 and zero issues. . I don’t have a motor in the Delorean and need to find something to make it run.

  5. #5
    Not a DeLorean Guru
    Join Date:  May 2011

    Location:  Rochester, NY

    Posts:    2,405

    My VIN:    01049

    The motor is not particularly bullet proof. Timing belt completely exposed, valve shims that wear out quickly and require a time consuming adjustment, and I could go on and on. 215 horsepower isn't much of anything, and certainly wouldn't move a DMC quickly. I as well have owned Esprits, and doing 0 - 60 in 5 seconds with a stock HCi motor plain and simply isn't happening. High 5s, closer to 6, is much, much more realistic.

    If you want something to get the car moving, get a 3.0 PRV.
    -Mike

    My engine twists my frame.

    1981 DeLorean, Carb LS4 swap completed
    1999 Corvette, cam/headers/intake manifold, 400 rwhp
    2005 Elise, stock
    2016 Chevy Cruze

  6. #6
    Junior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2011

    Posts:    21

    It was just an idea. Since car doesn’t have motor was thinking about what I can put in there.

  7. #7
    Not a DeLorean Guru
    Join Date:  May 2011

    Location:  Rochester, NY

    Posts:    2,405

    My VIN:    01049

    The correct answer is always LS swap.
    -Mike

    My engine twists my frame.

    1981 DeLorean, Carb LS4 swap completed
    1999 Corvette, cam/headers/intake manifold, 400 rwhp
    2005 Elise, stock
    2016 Chevy Cruze

  8. #8
    Senior Member Riley88's Avatar
    Join Date:  Oct 2014

    Location:  Virginia Beach, Virginia

    Posts:    520

    My VIN:    5312

    Will the heads on that hci motor fit on a lotus 907 motor? i was told they would and it would solve the "leaking valve covers" which is an issue the 907 lotus engine can have. Im having mine rebuilt and damn, ive searched all voer the internet to find a hci head because i was told they would be swappable. I think someone posted on ehre and ive seen photos of a D with a lotus motor
    - OCT81 DeLorean DMC-12 Vin 5312 "DeLores"
    - 1978 Lotus Esprit S2 "Problem Child"
    - 1995 Mazda Miata Turbo "Happy Daily Driver"

    I repair Lotus's with DeLorean parts

  9. #9
    Not a DeLorean Guru
    Join Date:  May 2011

    Location:  Rochester, NY

    Posts:    2,405

    My VIN:    01049

    I'd go over to the lotus talk forums for technical details like that. Yes, a Lotus swap has been done; a Lotus 918 motor.
    -Mike

    My engine twists my frame.

    1981 DeLorean, Carb LS4 swap completed
    1999 Corvette, cam/headers/intake manifold, 400 rwhp
    2005 Elise, stock
    2016 Chevy Cruze

  10. #10
    Junior Member
    Join Date:  Aug 2011

    Posts:    21

    I am definitely interested in an LS swap. Don’t know how tranny would hold out

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