Hello - new member from USA

[ali3baba]

Hi Norm - we're testing the approval post theory. Here is hoping the post goes online without a hitch!

Yes, the MR2 is using the E153 - it is a pretty stout unit. I had thought one of the LB 2GR builds was using the same transmission but I'm open to using a EA60 if that is what LB ends up spec'ing into. My memory is recalling a random thread on a MR2 forum where a UK-based MR2 2GR with a lightened flywheel used either a EA60 or EB60/62 and noted some clacking noise when not depressing the clutch. I think they ended up with the thought that Lotus was using a dual-mass flywheel and absorbing a vibration that the lighter flywheel did not; however, that's conjecture based on an old memory... I'll have to dig the thread up from the forum graveyards to refresh the memory bank. I'm a bit of 2GR nut so it is great to hear that the current LB owners are enjoying it!

I found a US group on this site which had a thread about importing - iirc, they noted that buying a completed car from overseas would mean selling the engine and dis-assembling the car as much as possible back to the unbuild state so that it would be treated as "parts". Unsure if I'll even to want to attempt that merry little adventure but we'll see how long I can wait out LB re-opening the order book. I'll be passing the time reading and asking questions.

John

[Normb666]

Hi John - your latest post looks OK to me, so fingers X'ed we've sussed it! I'll still keep an eye on your posts for a bit to make sure tho.

The E153 is indeed a toughie, and that was the way it was looking to go - the first 2GR LB over here used that motor/box combo and it was great (that particular car's in Germany now). However, a few motors made it out of Lotus somehow as complete powertrains with the EA60 box, and although there was a bit of uncertainty how it'd shape up in a Strat rep due to the extra weight (the EA60's a 3-shaft box, so about 30lb heavier), it turned out to be a belter because not only do you get 6 speeds with an intergalactic top gear, the actual gearchange is much nicer for some reason. If you acquire them separately you need the Lotus gubbins to mate them up - the adapter plate, flywheel, clutch, reverse-spin starter - so it can get expensive...but you've got experience with the E153 so I guess that's the way you'd go, if building a car yourself. LB will supply the chassis with mounts for both boxes (i.e. one or the other, not both together!)

If you got a completed car from over here you'd probably need to remove the engine and box and import it as a turnkey-minus, then drop the whizzy bits back in. Think that's how Superformance do it. But I believe it varies from state to state so you'd need to bone up on all that.

Also bear in mind the ECU to make it all work - that first car used a Toyota one from the donor car with a few mods courtesy of Frankenstein Motorworks, and although that worked for the UK, it wouldn't pass German regs. so the preferred route now is a standalone, fully-programmable ECU from SCS, who're a bunch of guys who used to work for Lotus, so they know about 2GRs.

Mine is still in build - you might come across the build thread up to rolling chassis. Have to say the build was remarkably straightforward, what you see on the forum took from late March to August, so not a lot of effort, even for a moron like me with two right hands (I'm left-handed...).

Anyhow, as I said in t'other thread, good luck with it, and don't hesitate to ask questions. Who knows, someone might even answer ya