Installing the Honda engine…
Gear mechanism install
Before you install the engine, you need to fit the fuel pressure regulator and install the gear linkage mechanism.
Some sand paper (glass paper, emory paper) will be needed here to rub down the linkage shafts before the rose joints will fit snuggly.
Prepare fuel tank and lines
Remove the fuel tank and drain, see your Lotus manual. Proceed to install the fuel lines, re-fit the tank making sure the new fuel lines are pushed through the rear bulkhead grommets. Mark the end of the outward fuel line as this will be connected the the new fuel filter.
You will need to make an ‘L’ shaped bracket to fit the regulator to the existing bracket where the old Lotus fuel filter used to sit.
Use the ‘O’ clip supplied in the kit to attach the fuel filter to the bulkhead. Double check that all lines are firmly tightened up. The return line is connected to the bottom of the regulator.
Note: the regulator will run as 47-52 psi for the Honda engine, you set this later on through.
Note: the S2 fuel pump will not need to be replaced for this conversion.
Prepare engine mounts
Prepare the rear engine mount by drilling through the original rear mount.
With the right-hand engine mount, remove the old Lotus bush and fit the supplied bush.
Fit the bump stop to the right lower front suspension mounting point.
With the left hand engine mount, cut the supplied bolt shaft down so that it fits flush with rubber. The supplied shaft it approximately 8mm too long.
Once cut, insert into rubber bush.
Fitting the engine
Lift the Honda engine and maneuver into place and bolt the left and right engine mounts to the engine and chassis.
Tip: Before putting the engine in, put this bolt through.
Looks good in the back of the Elise.
Then check the engine is level, in the car, obviously this can only be done if the floor is level. My Brother’s next door neighbour kindly offered to turn up an aluminum bush on his lathe. Thanks Roger!
Cool! - engine in and leveled. Looks good too with that red top.
Next tackle the rear sub-frame modifications.