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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: My S1 on Saturday,January 28, 2023, 08:24:34 AM

Title: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: My S1 on Saturday,January 28, 2023, 08:24:34 AM
Just a quick, dumb question;  where is the engine serial number stamped on the early Renault engine blocks?
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: dakazman on Saturday,January 28, 2023, 08:34:05 AM
   Hi s1 , left rear by water pump top of starter and bottom of head is the usual place for the engine plate.
  http://www.lotus-europa.com/manuals/r16work/b.pdf
dakazman
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: jbcollier on Saturday,January 28, 2023, 03:19:46 PM
The block isn't stamped.  There is a plate riveted to the block.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Lotus-Europa/i-GgcP3z9/0/e5ec5474/X5/IMG_1210-X5.jpg)
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: My S1 on Saturday,January 28, 2023, 06:21:38 PM
Many thanks gents.
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: Dilkris on Sunday,January 29, 2023, 08:55:37 AM
Hi S1 - no such thing as a dumb question on this forum.  :))
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: My S1 on Tuesday,January 31, 2023, 07:58:02 PM
Thank you.  After you understand something, it seems so simple.  It's the struggle of getting your head around the logic for the first time that is so rewarding.
Title: Re: ENGINE IDENTIFICATION
Post by: Bryan Boyle on Wednesday,February 01, 2023, 07:07:57 AM
Thank you.  After you understand something, it seems so simple.  It's the struggle of getting your head around the logic for the first time that is so rewarding.

Logic?  On a Lotus?  HA!

Lotus Logic bears no resemblance to classical logic.  There is a copy of a letter, I believe by Graham Arnold, in Jabby Crombac's bio of Chapman that describes the Lotus design principle that deploys the right part to do the most things. (I know I'm paraphrasing or foggy memory is coming in)  Next to that statement is ACBC's handwritten "YES!".  Normal car designers build for strength and longevity, Lotus, I believe in the day, built for performance at the bleeding edge of engineering knowledge, but just enough to get the job done with little room for error.

Pretty sure ACBC et al did not forecast that in the year 2023, enthusiasts would be working on/driving/restoring/taking care of a car value engineered with bits from the British National Parts Bin to replace the venerable Seven.  That we are (and personally have since 1981) is a testament to the timelessness of the design.

But...logic?  HA.  You're through the looking glass.  Enjoy the experience...:)