Lotus engine swap

[rollingzep]

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.

[Timeless]

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.

[opethmike]

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

[rollingzep]

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.

[opethmike]

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.

[rollingzep]

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

[opethmike]

The correct answer is always LS swap.

[Riley88]

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

[opethmike]

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.

[rollingzep]

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

[opethmike]

My transmission's been fine so far.

[Pizza Joe]

there have been lotus swaps, I'd probably try going electric if I had a shell with no motor

[Timeless]

I am definitely interested in an LS swap. Don’t know how tranny would hold out
Josh on here can advise you of his LS swap and his OEM transmission deal. (reliability, clutch, adapter, etc...)

[Josh]

Josh on here can advise you of his LS swap and his OEM transmission deal. (reliability, clutch, adapter, etc...)

And Mike (opethmike) is running this setup in his car. With a fairly aggressive cam as well.