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So what do y'all think of modified Plus 2s?

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tdskip

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Hi guys - one of my TR4a's is going to be sold so of course I'm already spending that money. I've had an itch for a Plus 2 for sometime now and have some questions on how modifications impact values and resale.

The car has a scruffy interior. Exterior is driver quality. Both of those can be readily, if expensively addressed, although I'm not sure where I'd source door cards and carpet etc...

The chassis has been replaced with a Spyder Cars Zetec chassis that will accept a for Zetec motor although it has a twin cam in her now. The rear suspension has a Spyder Cars upper and lower arm rear suspension (no lotocones at the rear) with adjustable perch shocks.

Is the new chassis considered a plus, or does is an aftermarket chassis viewed as a negative?

Take me to school here guys.
 
WOW!! That has some appeal. The Spyder stuff is very desirable. Amazed someone did it with a +2, though. They aren't real "popular" with most folk. Resale value is far under what I thing the things are worth. As for engine swap, WHY? That twink can be as much engine as you'd ever need. IMHO stuffing a Zetec in it would be "coals to Newcastle". Build the twin-cam up if you think more power is what you want.

Car handles as if on rails, BTW. Spyder frame and suspension make it even better.
 
Hi Doc - she has the twink in her still. The Zetech will drop in easily, but I'd not do that unless forced and bribed.

How are running costs and what would I need to be aware of if I jump in?
 
Standard stuff is the same as any other vehicle. Regular oil/fluid changes and such. It won't be real thirsty, either, unless you drive with yer boot in it all the time. The body was the first production Lotus (and likely the first production car, period) to be designed in a wind tunnel. Drag coefficient is lower than most things on the highway even today. Cd is 0.27. "Slippery"!!! :laugh:

Only "iffy" business is the water pump. Bean sells an "upgrade" to eliminate that issue. The Spyder suspension eliminates the other quirky issue of the donuts rupturing. Very cool.
 
Doc (and guys) - what unobtainable interior bits do I need to be looking out for? This cars gauges have been replaced with modern ones.

Thanks
 
Tom,

Are you going to keep this car? If so,I have a lot of
Cortina MKII parts that might work.

- Doug
 
tdskip said:
Doc (and guys) - what unobtainable interior bits do I need to be looking out for? This cars gauges have been replaced with modern ones.

Thanks
Click to expand...

The center cover on the frame backbone is a rare bit. Dash is laminate plywood and can be reproduced. Seat material is available as repro but getting the heat-rolled design in the "basket-weave" inserts is more a job for an upholsterer.

It is likely the interior door handles are late MGB, most of the other stuff is pretty generic as well.

Guages? They were Smiths, there are repro ones around, and as I mentioned above, the cars are undervalued so you may still find originals for sale from +2s being parted out. That would be my only reason to suggest going over to that other site.

The temp gauge/OP gauge is the same one used in most other BMC/BL units. Depends a bit on what year the car is, as to what was fitted.

Window seal material can be had from a few sources, Bean is the "easiest" but THIS GUY is my preference for that stuff.
 
So did you get a look at it? I'll admit that I like the lines of the +2 quite a bit. One old crate at a time for me, though. I'll just admire your collection (and efforts) from afar.
grin.gif
 
Lotuselan.net is fine but I want all info posted here too
 
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