A few Lister Bell questions for a member in the U.S.

Saving up funds for a LB stratos. My plan is to buy the suspension, chassis, braking pack, lighting pack and wheel package to start. Yes, I know it would cost me more in the long run if I kept purchasing kit components from LB, but I want to source my own cooling package/engine, wiring harness, and misc. bits. I am curious as to what engines everyone is using? Been thinking of the Toyota V6, for reliability and power. I believe it is the same engine in the new elise as well as the rav4? Or possibly 4runner?

However, I do have a few questions along the lines of: What engines are you guys using putting in your LB? I know of two that are being shipped to detroit/michigan. Any others in the U.S.? What is the lead time for the non-complete kit/items I listed at the beginning? Typically how much of a deposit do they require?

Anxiously waiting on some replies!

Hello and welcome.
The most relevant engine to use in the states is one of the v6 variants that were available in the 164 Alfa. I have heard of other owners in the past, (not Lister Bell cars though) that have used Honda engines maybe and possibly Toyota? Other members should probably chime in on that. You would have to source your own engine anyway, as I do not believe there is a legal way to get an engine to the states with the kit. Too many issues with that. Its pretty easy to find a 164 if that is the route you choose. They sound so good, look great, and are v-6 Italian too!

The largest piece you left out of the puzzle in your list is the body. Did you intend on getting that at the same time as the chassis? It saves on cost/hassle of shipping for sure if you can get as much as possible the first time round in one crate.

Craig will have to weigh in on the wait times now, as he has grown quite popular I am sure with recent press.

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Originally Posted by bosmass

I have heard of other owners in the past, (not Lister Bell cars though) that have used Honda engines maybe and possibly Toyota? Other members should probably chime in on that.

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The biggest reason for use of the Honda Legend/Rover 825/827 V6 engine in Stratos replicas, was because at that time (the very end of the 80s) there were no other suitable V6 engines. The Alfa 164 engines were very hard to find back then, and even in the mid 1990s. There's more than plenty Alfa V6 now.
I can't think of any Toyota engined Stratos replicas?

The Busso Alfa V6 is the engine of choice for a Stratos replica. If you choose anything else, you'll be ploughing your own furrow.

If you arent bothered about having an italian engine in the car which obviously yuo are not, then the Toyota V6 would be a good choice. Its a much more modern engine than the 164 Engine and so will be easier to get service items for in the future. The 164 V6 is already difficult to find the parts for & the later Alfas werent imported to the US, so will be very difficult to find.
The Toyota will fit the LB & I believe you will be able to buy a kit with engine mounts for that engine. You should talk to Craig at lister Bell....

Hi
A good V6 engine to consider is the Jaguar V6 variable valve timing , it will rev to 9000 rpm , cheap parts & will mate to the ford gear box !!!!

Regards Ken

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Originally Posted by ProtoTipo

I can't think of any Toyota engined Stratos replicas?

The Busso Alfa V6 is the engine of choice for a Stratos replica. If you choose anything else, you'll be ploughing your own furrow.

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Hi Chris,

There are two replicas in Australia that have the Toyota 3.5 V6 fitted, there's an LB in Canberra & a Corse in Perth. No connection between either of them.
The general reasoning is that the Alfa is simply not readily available there (& if they are prices are high) so they chose a good strong V6 engine that was available.
The US is slightly different as there were Alfa's present up until 1996 in the form of the 164 but nothing after that.
I understand that in the UK the Alfa is the engine of choice given its Italian origins, appearance & sound. With the exception of the 164 24v the service parts are still available too so it makes perfect sense.
People on other continents generally appear to be more receptive to other power plants for various reasons, whether it be availability, power requirements, service parts availability etc

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Originally Posted by Strat Fan

The US is slightly different as there were Alfa's present up until 1996 in the form of the 164 but nothing after that.

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Yes, it's a different thing for non UK builders.
The Toyota 3.5 would certainly be the 'no brainer' for when it's difficult to source an Alfa V6. Toyota V6s are already fitted to at least two volume produced mid engined cars, after all?
Ken's idea is sound too, if it's just a case of buying the best V6 for relatively little money. You'd need to get the 'Italian theme' out of your head though.

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Originally Posted by Ken Tomblin

Hi
A good V6 engine to consider is the Jaguar V6 variable valve timing , it will rev to 9000 rpm , cheap parts & will mate to the ford gear box !!!!

Regards Ken

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Hi Ken,

The Toyota 3.5 V6 mates to a couple of different transverse gearboxes & is good to 8000rpm on stock internals. It will make approx 330bhp whilst still using the standard plenum chamber but using an aftermarket ECU (275bhp stock in the Evora). Its available new of the shelf in crate form so holds a lot of appeal for continents where the Alfa is not readily available.

Regards

Hi Chris & Craig

Check out www.super7thheaven.co.ukduratecv6 loads of good info & dims. A good set up would be Jaguar xf type AJ30 engine - Ford Duratec ST220 front wheel drive gear box - Ford Duratec sump all on E-bay and Cheap!!!!!

Regards Ken

I'd say there are very good reasons for choosing either?
If money wasn't a problem, I'd go for the Toyota, employing as many stock Lotus components as possible.
The Jag gives you such a lot for your money, but nobody's done it yet.