1964 Lotus Super Seven Engine Questions

[TEM]

I read through the instructions for installing the headers and thought they were crazy, I gave up reading half way through.  It can't be that complicated I said to my self. 

 

The diagram shows only two special Allan head bolts but all four of my uppers look like these special bolts.

[SENC]

Count yourself lucky!  Mine didn't have the special ones (likely someone's previous work) so it was extra fiddly.  A long round head hex key with a 45° bend saved my sanity, but is still tough sledding.  The sequence is important.

Edited November 21 by SENC

[Christopher smith]

Happy to help with some ideas just contact me when you're ready. I have been through it several times

[MV8]

Looks like an extra long, ball-end /"wobble" allen key would help. Also installing the outer, lower header bolts finger tight, then a strap from across the valve cover could help support the intake weight while trying to get the center bolts started.

Edited November 21 by MV8

[Christopher smith]

MV8's comment about the wobble allen is spot on at least for initial tightening. I was worried it might round off in final tightening however, and that is when I cut off part of the short end of a conventional allen to allow final tightening. Also, someone before me installed a 2 ended stud at one point in the head which allows for holding the gasket in place easier. It then takes a 12 point flange nut ( McMaster-Carr sourced) to clamp the full assembly down. I managed to refit the whole intake + 2x40 DCOE assembly at once but that may be trickier than first fitting the headers, then intakes and then adding the carbs and finally linkage. I never had a manual so it took a lot of guesswork to figure it out. Now with access to a manual for series 2 I will look and see the "professional" way to do it.