Lotus 7 type chassis needs engine

**jimbean** · #1 11-16-2009, 01:44 PM

A few years ago I built a model of a tube chassis in 1:4 scale because I was thinking about building the real thing. The .25" square and round wood dowels model the 1 inch steel tubes. Don't have a photo of it. Now unemployed so the car will probably never be built but it would be fun to put an engine in the model.

I wonder if anybody knows of a paper model of a 4 cylinder auto engine that could be rescaled to 1:4. The real Lotus 7 used Ford and Coventry Climax engines. Modern replicas often use the BMC engines (MG Sprite) or Mazda Miata engine. Just about and 4 cylinder would do.

The Visible V8 plastic model happens to be in 1:4 scale but a V8 in a Lotus 7 would be sacrilege! We are all hotrodders but a V8 in a 1000 pound car would only melt the road and the tires.

Jim Bean
PS A couple of links to see what a replica Lotus 7 looks like.
Building a locost lotus 7 replica in the USA
the Seven

**airdave** · #2 11-16-2009, 02:45 PM

I saw a Caterham model somewhere...I wonder if that would help you?
Search for it...

**shrike** · #3 11-16-2009, 05:35 PM

Too bad it's not 1:1 - I've got a few Kent engines around.

**Gixergs** · #4 11-16-2009, 05:45 PM

My Brother has a Series 2 Lotus 7 scattered about his house plus 3 Lotus Twin Cam engines and a Ford Crossflow engine he tinkers with it every so often then finds another toy to play with.I still live in hope that he will finish it one day.

**peter taft** · #5 11-16-2009, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gixergs

My Brother has a Series 2 Lotus 7 scattered about his house plus 3 Lotus Twin Cam engines and a Ford Crossflow engine he tinkers with it every so often then finds another toy to play with.I still live in hope that he will finish it one day.

Very nice, and i hope he finishes it too my friend

**Tim Crowe** · #6 11-17-2009, 12:54 AM

Had a ride in one once; I think my bum was about an inch off the tarmac. Great fun - great memories.

At 1:4 scale it's probably best at this scale to scratch build one.

Tim

**jimbean** · #7 11-17-2009, 11:04 AM

Thanks for all the good replies. It looks like the paper 4 cyl engine doesn't exist.
I wish I had kept my 7A. I ran it in about 80 races in my misspent youth.
I took some pictures of the model today
Jim

Zathros · #8 11-17-2009, 01:31 PM

I've got a blue printed 1275cc motor with a 10 degree Kent Cam, DCOE40 Weber sidedraft, shot peened rods, 3 ring forged pistons. Unfortunately it's powering my MG Midget, and is a bit too big for your model.