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Is it up there with their car engined ones on performance or does it fall behind? THey use the K-series a lot don’t they?
For a car engine the K series is pretty good, light and able to rev hard. Can be tuned well beyond 200 bhp. There is even a 2.0 litre version about to be launched. Still thing the bike engines are better overall though.
Actually the K is pretty useless once highly tuned (190+bhp) the head gasket is a serious weak point.
Although it’s light it is an old design now – there are much better engines to choose from these days, I wouldn’t even consider a K for anything other than the shopping cars it was intended for.I couldn’t get a tube of toothpaste into my Seven let alone any serious shopping. That’s why I avoided the K-series
Seriously though, these cars fly whatever the engine because they’re so lightweight. I think however that the fun of driving these cars is spoilt by a naff engine, so my next build will have a revvy bike engine (or two).
Strong stuff on the K series there, but your point on the head gaskets is a fair one.
As you say the engine is ageing now, even Lotus are switching to Toyota power later this year.
Many of the specialists semed to like it however, was it because it was cheap and available?
The bike engines are definately the way to go for thrills.Lotus have already switched to Toyota power (I work there currently!).
Up until now the best car coming out of our factory hasd been the VX220 turbo, I think now the Toyota Elise should be a better bet! []
VX220 is the Vauxhall sports isn’t it?
Do you work at Toyota’s Burnaston plant Tim? If so, what comes out of the Burnaston plant these days? They must have been there for a good 10 years now.
Doh! Sorry for that Tim. I kind of mis-read your post. Did you know there are a few other Lotus guys on here? Radar is certainly ex-Lotus (they got rid of him because he drives too fast) and I’m sure there are others.
Now I understand why ride and handling is so important to you!
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