Twin-Cam Lotus engine<\/a>.<\/p>\nWilkins also suggests John Sisme was a partner and the company was formed c 1964.
\nVegantune (Spalding) also developed their own engine VTA as mentioned above.<\/p>\n
First they assembled Lotus Twin cam engines.<\/p>\n
But in any case it is easy to distinguish a VTA from a Lotus twin-cam engine because the Lotus Twin-Cam has an internal timing CHAIN for the camshafts, whereas the VTA has an external timing cogged-rubber belt.<\/p>\n
By 1966 Vegantune were supplying Ford with rally engines and Alan Mann Racing.<\/p>\n
In addition their engines went to America for Formula B&C along with SSCA racing.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Weale commented that:-<\/p>\n
“the Lotus engine was virtually unavailable by 1978, but continuing demand led in turn to Caterham offering the Vegatune VTA engine , based on the Lotus design but using the their own cylinder head with belt driven camshafts. Difficulties with the engine led to reversion to effectively modified Ford cross flow engines \u2026…….some rivalling the Lotus twin cam in power output”<\/p>\n
Lotus Vegatune Twin Cam:-<\/strong><\/p>\nWilkins covers the Vegantune story very well in Lotus Twin Cam.<\/em><\/p>\nMuch emerges from the Lotus Caterham agreement on the Seven c 1976.<\/p>\n
In 1977 Vegantune supplied Caterham<\/p>\n
On 1\/3\/1978 Lotus appointed Vegantune as official twin cam re-conditioners.<\/p>\n
Here were technical and supply problems.<\/p>\n
Up to the 1980’s there were political issues between the parties.<\/p>\n
Version of the Lotus Twin Cam assembled by Vegantune ;initially same specification as Lotus \u2013built version then changed to use Ford 225E 1600 “tall” block “Kent” ;capacity 1,598cc bore 80.96mm stroke 77.62mm compression ratio down to 8.5 to 1 same power but greater torque.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Figure 6<\/p>\n
Vegantune VTA:-<\/strong><\/p>\nVegantune designed twin cam unit on ford 225E block “Kent” , with belt \u2013driven camshafts .Wilkins suggests the engine incorporated :-<\/p>\n
Different porting, valves, belt driven camshafts , Vegantune pistons and capacity1,598cc bore 80.96mm stroke 77.62mm; compression ratio 10 to 1 .twin Dellorto carburetters . 130 bhp at 6,500 rpm”<\/p>\n
Vegantune in the Caterham story \u2013 Arnold<\/strong><\/p>\nVegantune of Cradge Bank near Spalding, Lincolnshire were already established tuners and remanufacturers of the Lotus Twin Cam engine before they put the Lotus Twin cam engine, using the taller 1600 cross flow [Kent] block with a new front cover, back into production for the Caterham Seven.<\/p>\n
This was done with the initial blessing of lotus but subsequently, this approval was withdrawn as a cautionary measure due to possible legal complications associated with product liability laws.<\/p>\n
Vegantune therefore decided to produce their own engine. In doing so they designed out most of the original shortcomings of the Lotus engine, and created a new Twin Cam heads mated to the ford \u201cKent\u201d 1600cc 5 \u2013bearing bottom end. The new engine which resulted, featured belt \u2013driven camshafts, water cooled exhaust valves, a choice of inlet manifolds and greatly improved oil circulation.<\/p>\n
Designed from the outset to be turbocharged, the Vegantune VTA twincam produces 195 bhp in turbocharged form and around 140 bhp with twin Dellorto carburetters , when placed in the Caterham Seven.<\/p>\n
Vegantune still rebuild and remanufacture original lotus twin cam engines as well as producing the VTA for Caterham and other customers .currently a big bore VTA is planned for selected export markets.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rees:-<\/strong><\/p>\n” The news about Lotus ending production of the famous power plant was a bitter blow for Caterham .Even Vegantune’s efforts to keep production going using second hand cylinder heads was now exhausted .Caterham relied on the Twin Cam engine in the increasingly important Japanese market where they would not touch a 7 unless it had the Twin Cam engine .<\/p>\n
So Caterham actually funded the development and pattern manufacture of a new Twin Cam replacement. Going to Gorge Robinson of Vegantune, a new VTA power plant was developed. Based as ever on the ford Kent crossflow block, the Twin Cam heads drew its inspiration from the Lotus, Cosworth BDA and Fiat equivalents. It also stuck with the twin Dellorto 40DHLA carburetters \u2026…..it sounded just right and produced even more power than the Lotus Twin Cam unit at 130bhp \u2026….although in gear acceleration and fuel economy were not so good \u2026…<\/p>\n
For a short time, the VTA engine was a useful direct substitute for the Lotus Twin Cam. But the manufacturing quality was not high, with two thirds of all power units supplied proving to need work before fitment. Common problems included oil leaks, broken camshafts and misaligned pulley belts.<\/p>\n
Over a four year period only 41 [some sources 40 Super Sevens] Vegantune VTA engines were supplied to Caterham [with Caterham branded Cam covers] by 1985 there were also Cosworth BDR and 1700 Supersprint engines options that offered more power and greater reliability, and in the Supersprint’s case a more sensible price .The days of the Twin Cam, therefore, finally ended\u201d<\/p>\n
Coulter observed a specification for the VTA.<\/p>\n
\n\n\nEngine<\/td>\n | Engine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nCapacity<\/td>\n | 1,598cc<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nBore x Stroke<\/td>\n | 80.96×77.62mm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nInduction<\/td>\n | Twin Dellorto 40DHLA carburetters<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nCompr’Ratio<\/td>\n | 10:01<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nMax.Power<\/td>\n | 130bhp [97kW]@6,500rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nMax.Torque<\/td>\n | 115lbft [156Nm]@5,000 rpm<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nGearbox<\/td>\n | Ford Escort Sport 4 speed<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nBrakes<\/td>\n | Girling 9 in front .8in. Marina rear drums<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nSteering<\/td>\n | Triumph Spitfire r&P [modified mini from 1984<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nWeight<\/td>\n | 1,100lb [499kg]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nTop Speed<\/td>\n | 017mph [172 kph]<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n0-60 mph<\/td>\n | 6.2 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\n50-70 top<\/td>\n | 8.8 sec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n |
\nNo.Produced<\/td>\n | 41<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Novomotor<\/strong><\/p>\nNovomotor produced engines for Lotus and their outputs are worthy of comparison with Vegantune.<\/p>\n Learning Opportunities<\/strong><\/p>\nOur learning \/educational opportunities are intended to be challenging thought provoking and requiring additional research and\/or analysis.<\/p>\n These opportunities are particularly designed for a museum\/education centre location where visitors would be able to enjoy access to all the structured resources available in conjunction with any concurrent exhibition.<\/p>\n In this instance we suggest the following might be appropriate:-<\/p>\n \n- Use spreadsheet below to build comparative analysis or graph of engine performance<\/li>\n
- Using Lotus Book, <\/em>record engines used by Lotus and their production volumes \u2013 which was numerically greatest? Suggest why?<\/li>\n
- Against what other engines would you benchmark Lotus Twin Cam engine?<\/li>\n
- What other mass production have been significantly improved and used by specialist marques?<\/li>\n
- What aspects of Industrial Design philosophy can be seen in Lotus Twin Cam?<\/li>\n
- What advantages\/publicity pass to Mass production engine manufacturers when their engines are “improved”<\/li>\n
- What were the technical problems Vegantune experienced in manufacturing components?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/strong><\/p>\nFigure 7.<\/strong>editors sketch<\/p>\nExhibitions, Education, Economics and Entertainment<\/strong><\/p>\nIn the museum context the editors believe that commercial considerations are both necessary and complementary with its educational objectives.<\/p>\n For these reasons our suggested outline Business Plan includes provision for promoting products and services which share Chapman\u2019s ideals of mechanical efficiency and sustainability. In addition we propose merchandising that explain and interprets the social and cultural context of Chapman\u2019s designs in period. It\u2019s suggested there will be catalogue for on line purchasing.<\/p>\n In this instance we suggest the following might be appropriate:-<\/p>\n \n- Suitable for Vegans<\/li>\n
- Put in tune<\/li>\n
- See themes outlined in Lotus Twin cam, Holbay and Cosworth<\/li>\n
- Harmony of Tune<\/li>\n
- Attuned<\/li>\n
- Eminently tuneable<\/li>\n
- The Machinist<\/li>\n
- In tune with the Times<\/li>\n
- Name that Tune<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Conclusion<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Vegantune engine contributed to Caterham and the Lotus<\/p>\n It therefore powered racing and road cars of varying marques.<\/p>\n It was a piece of industrial design based on a mass production unit improved in several ways, but not without problems.<\/p>\n The engine was attractive to owners and generated sales in certain markets. Exports were possible because of the status and performance offered and possibly exclusivity.<\/p>\n These specialist engines are important<\/p>\n The engine has continuing legacy and relevance and being such a significant piece of industrial design is fully worthy of analysis and appreciation.<\/p>\n The Vegantune engine is interesting technically and commercially along with manufacturing processes. It helps explain why the improvement of well tested and developed mass production units have been so beneficial to specialist brands.<\/p>\n In the Vegantune we can explore the interrelationship between: –<\/p>\n \n- Base product \/ design, engineering<\/li>\n
- Development<\/li>\n
- Cost effectiveness<\/li>\n
- Objective data comparison<\/li>\n
- Power to weight<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Vegantune is one of the variants that helped Caterham and supports the thesis of Industrial Design and how small brands [not just cars like Morgan etc.] can benefit from mix and match.<\/p>\n Added value is an extremely important of Industrial Design, Chapman exploited to maximum effect and its principles are significant for a young entrepreneurs with low capital wishing to enter the market.<\/p>\n Appendix 1: Engines Adopted for Lotus& Caterham Seven<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMarque<\/td>\n | Engine Maker<\/td>\n | Designation<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | CC<\/td>\n | BHP<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 100E<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Coventry Climax<\/td>\n | FWA<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Austin<\/td>\n | A35\/Morris 1000<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Austin<\/td>\n | BMC “A” Series<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 105E<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 109E Cosworth<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 116E Cortina<\/td>\n | Cosworth<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 225 Cortina<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 225E Kent<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Holbay<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus<\/td>\n | Holbay Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 225E Kent<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus<\/td>\n | Holbay Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus, Big Valve<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Lotus tall block<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | 225E Kent<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Caterham mod’<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Vegantune VTA<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham 1600<\/td>\n | Sprint<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Caterham mod’<\/td>\n | Crossflow<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | Holbay R120<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | Caterham mod’<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Cosworth<\/td>\n | BDR<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Cosworth<\/td>\n | BDR<\/td>\n | 1700<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Escort XR3i<\/td>\n | CVH\/Turbo<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham 1700<\/td>\n | Supersprint<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham-Vauxhall<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | VX carb\/VXI inj’<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham-Vauxhall<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | SRE tuned<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | Sprint<\/td>\n | 1600<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | Supersprint<\/td>\n | 1700<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | 1600 GT\/1700<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | Supersport<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham-Vauxhall<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | SRE tuned<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Vauxhall\/Opel<\/td>\n | Twin Cam<\/td>\n | Rallye<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | Supersport<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham -Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | Motorsport<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Vauxhall.<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | 1600<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | Supersport<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | XPower WC<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Vauxhall.<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | 1800<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | Caterham mod’<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Zetec<\/td>\n | US -spec<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Honda<\/td>\n | Blackbird<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Honda<\/td>\n | CBR900 RRW<\/td>\n | Fireblade<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | MG<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | XPower 1.8<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | MG<\/td>\n | Caterham mod’<\/td>\n | XPower 1.8<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Rover<\/td>\n | K Series<\/td>\n | Cat’ PTP\/Minster<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Motorpower<\/td>\n | RST-V8<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Caterham\/Cosworth<\/td>\n | Duratec 2.3<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Caterham<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Duratec 2<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n | \n<\/td>\n | Ford<\/td>\n | Sigma<\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n | <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n Reference:<\/strong><\/p>\nThe Lotus and Caterham Seven.Coulter.1986.<\/p>\n ISBN: 0947981063<\/p>\n The Magnificent Seven.Rees.Haynes.2007.<\/p>\n ISBN: 9781844254101<\/p>\n Lotus Seven.Weale.Osprey.1991.<\/p>\n ISBN: 185532153X<\/p>\n Lotus Twin Cam.Wilkins.Brooklands.1988.<\/p>\n ISBN: 9781855209688<\/p>\n Lotus Seven \u2013Super Profile.Arnold.Haynes.1984.<\/p>\n ISBN:085429385X<\/p>\n Please note the editors of the A&R attempt to give the broadest spectrum of references but not all are available for consultation in an article. However by noting their existence it may assist students in their research.<\/em><\/p>\n*Items in italics non A&R library books.<\/em><\/p>\n <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Power is a Vegan Issue Engines associated with Lotus series:Vegantune Introduction The engine series are neither technical treatise nor Haynes Manuals. This information is readily available in published form or on the net. Rather our study concentrates on how and why Chapman and his colleagues sourced engines and their contribution to Lotus success and sales. 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