Opinions on this car

[raymond.harper]

Opinions and this car, please. Not worried about the fuel tank or the brakes, I can sort these, but emissions failure looks as though it could be a problem. What would the worst-case scenario be with the emissions? https://www.carandclassic.com/l/C2027847

[dapinky]

Hello and welcome!

First, I have to say that i do not know this particular car (unless I have seen it about, but not registered it as belonging to someone I know), so can only go on the information as given:-

Okay, so looking at the MOT failure sheet I see nothing there that would faze me, and would expect it to be fixed in less than a weekend..... except there will be various other things which would/will get found along the way!!!! (even if not directly MOT points, stuff that I would want to do).

Lets start with your suggested problems (but with a bit of knowledge, I would say that you may be listing problems in an order that I wouldn't)....

First, the emissions - it is an SE car for the UK market, and with the absence of an engine bay photo, I will assume that it is still in OE configuration, and has the emissions controlled with a basic CO potentiometer and ECU chip (as all UK SE's of this age had when leaving the factory)..... it used to be a case of fiddling with everything to find the very small sweet spot where the emissions will just about pass the MOT requirement - but the easiest way is to change the factory chip in the ECU for a version which will allow use of an Oxygen sensor to set the mixture/emissions control.

You can use either a standard chip (called a 1499 PROM), or you can fit an uprated version which will improve both power and economy - up to about 205bhp, and an extra 8-10% mileage. These chips can be obtained from Ron-R on this forum - but the 'standard' one can be got from Lotus as it is sold for both the S2 and the Federal cars (and some Euro ones as well).... then just fit a Bosch 15701 (plug and play) in place of the big bolt on the exhaust downpipe next to the turbo.

On to the other issues, which you feel you can deal with - nowt there to upset a fairly competent DIY mechanic.

The 'problem' I can see is the fuel tank leak - depending on where the leak is. Firstly, the tank is made from HDPE plastic and will probably need to be 'plastic welded' to fix any leak.... not impossible to DIY, but often best left to someone who knows what they are doing.... many motorcycle bodywork repair places do it as a matter of course as they are used to fixing bike fairings etc. It does require a correct technique and filler materials. There is no known 'glue' which will provide a permanent fix. It will require removal of the tank, which can be a bit of an awkward thing to get out (needing a fair amount of clearance under the rear of the car - more than a standard axle stand can give you)...... not hard to do, but can be quite fiddly, and requires removal of part of the RNS suspension arms - so a good time to look at the brakes!!!!!

With the brakes, you have choices - either refurb (or replace like-for-like) the OE callipers - front are easy, and parts are as per a 52mm diameter piston Cavalier calliper- easy to find for a cheap enough price. Rear ones are a bit more tricky, but 'new' (factory recon) callipers can be bought from Rockauto in the USA for far less than many UK places will rebuild yours.... they are from an Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme, 1989 model.... full details can be provided if required.

Alternatively, there are 'uprated' callipers available for the front and rear - some using Hi-Spec 4-pot callipers, some using Honda Type-R (rear) callipers - all at various cost options.

The CV boot is a straightforward swap, and tyres are pay-your-money-and-make-your-choice - although many of us have a personal preference.

[raymond.harper]

Thank you!