Eng I Ne - Lotus Europa Twin Cam Owner's Manual

14
ENGINE
The capabilities and limitations of the Ford-based Lotus Twin-Cam are well known.
Therefore, no attempt has been made to detail any engine modifications. The power output is
severely restricted by the limited amount of substitution and modifications allowed under the
SCCA Production sports rules.
All engine preparation was carried out by John Shankle of Shankle Automotive
Engineering, Van Nuys, California, who we have always found to be extremely helpful and
cooperative. The engine used was a non-emission controlled version utilizing twin Weber 40
DCOE carburetors with an eight port cylinder head.
It was found necessary to increase oil-pan ventilation as there was a tendency for an
excessive amount of oil to be pumped into the oil catch tank with the standard ventilation system.
The problem was cured by an additional breather on the mechanical fuel pump blanking plate.
The four into one exhaust manifold was manufactured by Kurt Andress of Costa Hesa,
California, and featured a low mounted tail pipe. The dynamometer developed tail pipe length
would protrude approximately six inches beyond the rear of the body, thus the tail pipe was
routed to the left rear corner. This helps to minimize possible damage caused by over exuberant
competitors nudging the rear of the car.