SENC

I didn't have anything S3 specific in my files, but the S2 used the C40 generator. So did similar Elams and Cortinas, which then switched to the C40L for late 60s/early 70s runs. Given that, I'd bet on the Lucas C40L generator.

Agree. He was extremely helpful to me and did nice work.

I was off - about 1" difference.

I'll grab some measurements in the next couple of days, but going on recollection I'd guessnthe rope seal side is 1/2-3/4" smaller than the other end.

I forgot to get measurements, but feel free to point out what you want measured and I'll gladly get then for you.

I'll grab a picture side-by-side in a bit when I get to my shop.

It appears from the pictures that the MP version has ports on either side for attachment of the brake hose. Total speculation, but could "SP" signify a single port and "MP" multiple ports? Both being type 12s I'd suppose the guts are the same.

I've only paid attention to "type 12", "type 14", etc and not to the suffixes when considering calipers and rebuild parts on my Seven and Elan - so had to go look through old pictures to confirm what is on my 65 - 12SP. Mine were in good shape so I didn't have to rebuild my calipers, but I may have a set of pistons in my parts box. It will be tomorrow or Tuesday, but I'll check.

Yes, I'd have been sad, too - but you get to go lighter! Does the alloy version have the flat mounting point? I can't remember for sure, but I think I ended up finding my mount by searching Anglia and Consul Capri parts sites. It could have come from the 105e club.

Adding a couple of pictures and notes - may or may not be helpful to you depending on what you have (and what Lotus actually did 😀 and what the PO did). Following are pictures of the tailshaft extension from my 69 Elan and its wedgeshaped mounting point. This required the bottom mount in your first picture. As I understand it, Ford started making this version in around 1962 and Lotus used this version in Elans starting early in (beginning of?) the S2 range, so sometime in or after 1964. Following are pictures of the tailshaft extension from my 65 Seven, showing the flat mounting point. This tailshaft extension was manufactured in 1964, as I recall. This version required the top mount in your first picture (when used on Sevens). It was also used in S1 Elans, thoughbit required an additional fabricated part for mounting to the Elan chassis. As I understand it, Ford continued making this version until the Anglia was dc'd in 67.

The pictures look like the early and late gearbox mounting solutions. I would think yours, in 69, would be a late mount - but I may be wrong on the transition date. I'll see if I can find my notes on that for the Elan (can't imagine Lotus differentiated if they didn't have to). If I'm right about the transition being pre-69, perhaps the PO needed to replace the tailshaft extension and used an earlier one?

Chris, to be sure my previous response oversimplified. I used 2.5 inches simply based on the 40mm barrel size of 40DCOEs, and estimating the barrel of the air horns/trumpets to be approximately the same. I guess the real question of whether there will be "enough" air is to compare the open spaces of the filter with the restricted space of the choke/venture. ie., if you are running 30mm choke (roughly 1.2 sq inches), you'd need to make sure the screen had at least that much open space to allow in enough air or you've just moved the choke restriction way upstream. But enough air is only 1 piece of the puzzle, air flow and velocity another. The bell end on the trumpets serves the purpose of smoothing out the air flow, allowing greater velocity/flow. Another downside to the mesch/screen filters is that they oppose that design to some extent by attaching to and covering part of the bell end. Ideally, the bell end of the air horn would have at least one inch of "headspace", whether from the facing side of an airbox or from the back of the filter (of any type). The screen/mesh filters obviously have zero headspace, as they attach directly to the bell end (foam filter tube are generally designed with headspace and aren't snug to the bell end, by comparison). I think I've seen some testing results somewhere, will look through my files and see if I saved anything, but I think the knock on the mesh filters is that they both restrict volume of air flow (as does any filter, to some extent) and disrupt the airflow and the advantages of a well-designed trumpet. It's also worth noting that length matters with our Webers, as they don't have plenums and, as such, require trumpets of the right length to help reduce air/fuel mixture getting blown back out and to help get the air flow velocity optimized. Most of this understanding is from reading/study over the years - perhaps @jbcollier will come along and correct/clarify as it sounds like he has substantial experience in this area.

It's really just a surface area thing. If the open mouth of a ram/trumpet is about 2.5 square inches, how much is that reduced by the space the mesh wires take up? Obviously, bigger wires and/or more of them take up more space. I'd have to go back and measure/count mine - but just looking at them I'd not be surprised at all to find they restricted airflow 30-40%.

Thanks Yoram! Keep us posted in future years, too. I'm out of pocket this year, but that would be a great one for a meet up and subsequent drive.

I didn't want to post an idea I haven't tested, but one idea I've kicked around and just not played with, yet, is creating a aluminum-frame that fits snug within the scoop inlet (flush with or maybe extending slightly forward) that would hold filter foam (backed with mesh). Then fashion an alu surround for the rams that effectively turns the scoop into an airbox. I think with shorter rams it might work. I think you have a similar hood and scoop as I do, but I can't put my hands on a good picture of mine.

I'm in the same boat, Bill. For now, I've opted for the mesh/screen filters that sit on the end of the rams, despite their hit to performance (not a big deal since I don't race) and their inability to filter small stuff. But I feel better knowing I'm keeping big stuff out that might cause an immediate and catastrophic problem.

Just found him - @UglyFast - and sorry, I also realized it is violent violet, not purple. And I think from that thread @mrmustang is also from Upstate SC. One of them might be able to help or have a good contact in Fort Mill for you.

I'm a solid 4-4.5 hours from it - but let me check my schedule to see if I'll be any closer in the next few weeks. That said, I'm 90% sure we have a couple active members in that area - I just have to remember the names/USA7 handles. Who was it that bought the very purple Caterham in just the last year or so?

6 bolt sumps are damned hard to find. I grabbed some photos of one I picked up a while back as a backup for my Elan. I need to find my records for when I bought it, but someone went to a lot of trouble to fabricate a nice baffle system and pickup. If memory serves correctly, I think I remember being told this is one Col Croucher (elantrikbits) made up. At any rate, I actually got another one as part of a parts buy (no pickup and I still need to refurbish it a bit), so I could probably be talked into letting this one go to help get a Seven on the road. If you don't turn one up and are interested in this one, let me know and I'll try to find records to see what I have in it.

There is a service manual for the Standard 10 axle in the downloads - should have all the details you need.

Don't forget that sumps, pickups, and, of course, flywheels differ between early "4-bolt" and later "6-bolt" engine blocks - I didn't notice mention of which you have.

The Seven Cars Ltd plate would indicate this was built by Caterham. Caterham closed the deal with Lotus in May 1973 according to the books I have, taking on all the remaining chassis and parts inventory from Lotus shortly thereafter. So, likely, this is one of the 60ish S4s they built before they started having difficulty getting parts from suppliers and started building the S3 style. Assuming that is correct, this would be either a 73 or 74 car. John Watson (lotus7register.co.uk) could likely help you further.

duplicate

Thanks @barbox (and @Bruce K), I've found the conversation valuable, even if others have found it tedious or even mockable. As a lifelong "devils advocate", I've never viewed discussion/debate as argument over right/wrong nor as a way to change either side's opinion, but rather as a way to better understand opposing viewpoints and, if possible, identify common ground. I think we've achieved that, at least from my perspective, so, thank you!

How dare you carry on a forum-related discussion in this off-topic thread! That said, I'm now satisfied and will return to on-topic reading and comments (though in the correct threads).