\nHilman<\/td>\n | Minx<\/td>\n | 79<\/td>\n | 76<\/td>\n | 1494<\/td>\n | 53<\/td>\n | 4600<\/td>\n | 8.5<\/td>\n | 1<\/td>\n | Zenith<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Estimated Weight Engine& Gearbox<\/strong><\/p>\nThe editors believe the combined weight is in the region of 190-200 kg or perhaps approximately just under one quarter of a Lotus Mk.VI.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 3.Editors sketch of Ford side valve in Lotus Seven Series 1<\/p>\n Tony Weale in Lotus Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n\u201c<\/strong>the 1172 cc Ford 100E side valve engine, through its predecessor the E93A was the last survival of the traditional British family car engine of the 1930\u2019s Despite its unpromising background it was a popular and readily tunable engine for the amateur racers and special builders of the 1950\u2019s – the 1172 formula centred around it and a few were still racing successfully in Formula 1200 events as late as 1969, when more efficient overhead valve engines were in general use. Certainly many were fitted to basic Lotus Sevens and Elevens.<\/p>\nThe engine is very simple in construction, mostly cast iron with a three bearing crankshaft and chain driven camshaft. Access to the valves and tappets for adjustment is through a cover bolted to the nearside of the block , and the distributor is mounted on the cylinder head\u2026\u2026\u2026.in standard single carburetor form , as fitted to Anglia and Prefect cars from 1953 to 1959 , the 100E developed about 36 bhp at 4,500 rpm .However a wide range of tuning equipment was marketed by firms such as Aquaplane and Derrington , from aluminium cylinder heads to special camshafts , supercharger kits and overhead valve conversions.<\/p>\n Vandervell marketed a shell bearing conversion to strengthen the bottom end, necessary when the most highly developed racing units were producing 80 bhp and revving to 8,000 rpm, albeit with a very limited lifespan.<\/p>\n A typical 100E engine in a series 1 or 2 Seven might have had an aluminium cylinder head, to raise the compression ratio, polished and reshaped ports , stronger valve springs , a four branch tubular exhaust system and a pair of SU carburetors. In this form it would produce around 50 bhp which was considered a worthwhile increase in power.<\/p>\n Engines of this type , however , are inherently inefficient and the potential for extracting more power is limited by the long stroke design and the side valve layout, both of which restrict the engines breathing\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.cylinder heads are fairly flexible and inclined to warp if not treated carefully which leads to gasket problems .There is little else to go wrong:<\/p>\n Weale provides a section on engine data and an excellent selection of photographs featuring the 1172 installed in Seven. [Nb some of these were taken by Geoff Goddard and possibly the prototype or one the very early production cars such as FVV 877. [Cross reference with various images including those in Coulter \u201cThe Lotus and Caterham Sevens\u201d]<\/p>\n Form and Function<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Ford side valve is a product totally consistent with Ford\u2019s engineering\/commercial philosophy of product design. It was correct for the era [suffering periods of world economic crisis] being simple, robust, cost effective and generally serviceable. Outright performance and weight might have been sacrificed to production economics. It was vested with durability and this made it the salvation of postwar motorsport. The main body was cast iron and the layout was in line four, water cooled. Its overall dimensions determined by the bore and stroke.<\/p>\n It\u2019s worth noting it was a contemporary of the Austin Seven if not directly competing against each other.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 4.Exploded diagram of the side valve engine. This appeared in most of the tuning manuals of the era.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 5.Editors sketch drawing of Ford 1172 side valve engine in section ad plan. Subscribers are invited to examine this and extrapolate to installation drawings. On another drawing editor made he recorded weight of 1172 engine and gearbox at 190kg?<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 6.editors sketch of Ford 100E plan view indicating relative size\/scale<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 7.editors sketch of side valve engine in Lotus Seven Series 1<\/p>\n The engine had been designed for an upright saloon body and when adopted and used for more sporting applications and lower bonnet line [radiator etc.] it became necessary to reposition components and improve cooling. This has been achieved in an attractive manner.<\/p>\n Chapman designed the space frame chassis to accommodate possibly a wide range of engines and the Ford side valve is relatively easily installed and normally does not require bonnet bulges .The space frame allowing for good access to those items that require servicing, attention .It\u2019s worth noting that some Lotus cars fitted with Ford side valve have a hole cut in the nose cone so the radiator can be filled without the need to remove the nose cone. Of course the smoother line being preferred.<\/p>\n The Ford Gearbox<\/strong><\/p>\nThe 3 speed gearbox fitted as standard to the 1172 was just adequate for purpose seen in context of the times, roads, traffic, average speeds, desired performance \/economy, and driving style. It was probably determined by cost effectiveness. The engineering accountants possibly deciding the engine size\/output compensating for 4 speeds.<\/p>\n The 3 speed hampered outright performance, acceleration and reduced engine breaking .However it was very much part and parcel of the 1172 unit and further allowed the retention of the prop shaft \/torque tube along with back axle , drum brakes, and road wheels from a donor.<\/p>\n These limitations could be overcome .In period this was achieved by a close ratio gears set [Buckler were a proprietary set] and Lotus offered these. Alternatively with an adjuster plate a 4 speed gearbox was possible. The M.G. \u201cJ\u201d was the preferred item, although the editors believe other marques have been used.<\/p>\n When the 1172 and 3 speed box are fitted in the light weight Mk.VI and Seven they provide acceptable performance in general use .It\u2019s worth researching contemporary road tests and with this benchmarking the performance of other marques which also adopted the same primary mechanical components.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Figure 8.Editors photograph of i. Later type Ford Gearbox and ii. The 3 speed gearbox, note different size and that change mechanism some distance from cockpit requiring remote control linkage.<\/p>\n The 1172 tuned and installed in the Lotus is transformed .The low weight contributing to sparkling performance. The Ford brakes become more impressive and partly reduce the need for engine braking. In many respects the car becomes 2 speed as only 2nd<\/sup> and 3rd<\/sup> are regularly used.<\/p>\nThe Ford Side valve 3 speed gearbox should be considered as an integral whole with our paragraph on form and function .Installed in the Lotus a remote gear change lever is necessary.<\/p>\n The controlling limitations of the 3 speed box ought borne in mind when considering the other proprietary engines used by Lotus as these immediately provided 4 speeds [see M.G.,Austin and Coventry Climax]<\/p>\n Lotus Cars and the Ford side valve<\/strong><\/p>\nIt\u2019s difficult to establish accurately the exact numbers of Lotus cars equipped with Ford side valve components .Most of the published records suggest that approximately 100 Mk.VI were built. The editors believe that the majority were equipped with the Ford sidevalve.This can partly be cross referenced with the 1172 Race Formula.<\/p>\n Lotus did not sell many completed cars and the component nature of the Mk.VI and Seven encouraged owners to use an available donor.<\/p>\n We know that the side valve engine was used in some of the aerodynamic cars but in smaller numbers. The engine was a basic option in the Seven and this can be cross referenced with published works and of course sales brochures [see A&R \u2013Seven Sales to Sunset]. The Ford side valve was therefore still an option in the late 1950\u2019s but by this time other mass production manufacturers had suitable products notably A Series Austin [see A&R article]<\/p>\n Subscribers wishing to get further comprehension of the usage might like to explore Taylor [The Lotus Book]<\/p>\n The suitability, affordability, availability and the fact the Mk.VI had been expressly designed for the side valve components and eligibility for the 1172 race series ensured volume sales. [Our inclusion of income figures is intended to reinforce this connectivity] This combination generated income, publicity, success and commenced a beneficial spiral for Chapman and in the author\u2019s estimation were the commercial \/competition foundation of the marque.<\/p>\n Road Test with Ford side valve<\/strong><\/p>\nThere are three contemporary articles which report on the Lotus Mk.VI fitted with the Ford 10 engine. These are: Autosport, October 2nd<\/sup>, 1953, Autocar and The Motor.<\/p>\nOf the three John Bolster\u2019s [Autosport] possibly gives the most relevant information relating to the Side valve engine. [This was reprinted as Lotus advertising material and the A&R has an example]<\/p>\n Bolster wrote:-<\/p>\n \u201cMy\u201d Lotus had a Ford 10 engine which had been warmed up as far as the \u201c1172 Formula \u201callows. It had an aluminium cylinder head, raised compression ratio, larger inlet valves than standard, and double valve springs .it had twin S.U. carburetters mounted on a flexible induction system, to avoid frothing of the fuel from vibration .Two separate exhaust manifolds paired cylinders 1 and 4, 2 and 3 as is correct practice.<\/em><\/p>\nThe three \u2013speed Ford gearbox was converted to close ratios by the use of Buckler C \u2013type gears\u2026\u2026\u2026..the rear axle had been fitted with a 4.7 :1 final drive\u2026\u2026\u2026..<\/em><\/p>\nThe mean maximum speed was 88mph and I frequently exceeded 90 under favourably conditions .After that I had to have another look under the bonnet and yes , it really was a side valve\u2026\u2026\u2026\u2026.<\/em><\/p>\nI feel that the Lotus is the best attempt yet to provide the enthusiast with a competition car at a price he can afford to pay.in essentials it is as sound an engineering job as the most expensive sports cars and the economy is only brought about by clever adaption of mass produced components\u2026\u2026\u2026.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\nThe performance that Bolster experienced was perhaps slightly greater than the general constructor might have achieved .The car borrowed from the factory being perhaps more tuned than acknowledged!!<\/p>\n Bolster gave the following data:<\/p>\n Engine<\/strong>: Four cylinders 61.5 x 92.5 mm [1099cc] side valve.8.25:1 compression ratio. Approximately 40 bhp at 6000 rpm.Twin horizontal 1.25-inch SU carburetters. Lucas coil and distributer<\/p>\nPerformance<\/strong><\/p>\nMaximum speed 88mph<\/p>\n Speed in gears<\/p>\n 2nd<\/sup> 75 mph<\/p>\n1st<\/sup> 40 mph<\/p>\nAcceleration<\/p>\n 0-50 mph 9.4\/5 secs<\/p>\n 0-60 mph 12.3\/5 secs<\/p>\n 0-70 mph 16.3\/5 secs<\/p>\n |