Author Topic: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans  (Read 430 times)

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Offline Bud

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Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 11:17:02 AM »
Do anyone have a good idea of what a completely rebuilt Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 speed trans is worth in the market these days and are they valuable. This is for the engine and transmission only, not a complete car.
Any and all comments would be appreciated
Have a great day and thanx
« Last Edit: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 12:05:52 PM by Bud »

Offline 4129R

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 11:52:24 AM »
Value depends on quality of paintwork, interior trim, and mechanicals, and where you sell it.

IMHO the highest prices are achieved in Japan, then Europe, then America.

Originality is a factor. Bad after market changes reduce value.

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 12:14:59 PM »
I think Bud means just the engine and transmission.

365 transaxle rebuilt

- all new bearings and seals (receipts with parts listed)
- all new synchros (receipts with parts listed)
- ring and pinion in good shape (photos or shop receipt to prove so)
- 5th gear and selector in good shape (photos or shop receipt to prove so)
- speedo gears good (photos to prove so)
- all assembled by knowledgable person (receipts to prove so)

If all the above is the case, then I would say $2K to $2.5K USD

If you have no receipts or photos to show it was rebuilt, then $1K USD

Similar with the engine.

- receipts for engine machining, parts and labour
- receipts for cylinder head overhaul
- receipts for assembly by a knowledgable person
- photos or shop receipt showing condition of any reused parts

I would say $6K to $7K USD for a thorough, stock rebuild.  Special tuning parts and work (blueprinting for example) would push that higher.  Weber head also adds a premium.

If no receipts, or "overhaul" was a bare minimum re-ringing and resealing, then $2K or so USD.

Offline s2europa

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #3 on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 01:02:52 PM »
As a point of reference, I had a 365-04 transaxle rebuilt 3+ years ago (June 2019) by the local Lotus restoration shop. All the bearings and synchros were like new, so only the gaskets and seals were replaced. I had the case and bell housing vapor blasted, which was $225 of the total cost, but parts and labor totaled US $1760.

Offline Bud

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #4 on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 03:27:51 PM »
Thanx guys for the advice. Now to see what he is looking for which I believe will be much higher unfortunately

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #5 on: Wednesday,December 14, 2022, 07:37:08 PM »
Just be cautious.  90% of the time "rebuilt" actually means a slapped-together, half-assed, job.  I have overhauled dozens Of "rebuilt" engines and transmissions.

Offline Bud

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #6 on: Thursday,December 15, 2022, 07:21:14 AM »
So does that mean that there is a very limited market for these engines and trannies

Offline Gary_t

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #7 on: Thursday,December 15, 2022, 07:35:52 AM »
The transmission - yes, a very small market.

Engine - let's call it 'niche', doesn't necessarily mean cheap! If you're serious about it, go talk to David Clubine at Britain West Motorsport - shouldn't be too far from you, and he's an expert on these engines.

Gary

Offline jbcollier

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Re: Lotus Europa Big Valve Engine and 5 Speed trans
« Reply #8 on: Thursday,December 15, 2022, 02:04:20 PM »
Limited?

I suppose so.  You won't get much response if you post a note on your garage door.  But, if you post in the right places, they will sell.  Good 365 transaxles are not common at all.