2ZZ-GE with 250HP by Lotus

[cuturo]

I had the privelege to attend a Lotus Engineering presentation, in which they modified the current Yamaha (Toyota) engine to achieve 250HP @ 8000 rpm and 175 Lb.ft @ 7200 rpm.

Although the purpose of the experiment was for fuel efficiency, it's clear that this engine offers great potential.

It was accomplished with an Eaton M62 Roots blower with integral bypass, no modification of compression ratio, the production intercooler from the Opel Speedster Turbo, and a fifth injector at the plenum entry, together with a modified Lotus T4 engine management.

Impressive results in a small package. 32% increase in power, 27% increase in torque and 9% gain in fuel economy.

No indications that these mods will be fitted in production Elise according to Lotus Engineering....but I'm quite sure customers will love it!

[soulmn]

It would be nice to see them offer this as a kit/after market product. Sort of the way TRD offers there stuff that doesn't void your warranty.

[Allan Gibbs]

Wow. If Lotus offered that option at a fair price, that would probably the most sought after option!

[cuenant]

I wonder how much all of this would cost if they were to offer it as an aftermarket option.

[over40]

I wonder if it would fit. Was the engine that you saw in an Elise or an Exige? Seems the Exige has a bit more room on top for a blower.

[soulmn]

It probably was all done in the lab on an engine stand. Just to prove they could do it.

[mapes]

I expect it will come in the Exige...to a dealer near you.

[Ridgeman580]

When BMW offered the 'Works' upgrade
to the Mini Cooper S, it took the hp up
from 163 to 200 at an 'installed' cost of
$6,000 - $7,000. Even allowing for some
exhaust and suspension changes that
they include, it still leaves the upgrade to
the engine at a hefty cost. It is under
warranty, however, from BMW, whereas
many after-market versions are not.

[2003TRD]

I turbocharged a Toyota MR2 Spyder, with lower compression 1zzfe engine, with fuel upgrades (apexi AFC celica GTS injectors), timing retard, Findenza flywheel, ACT clutch, and all this dyno tuned to get 190rwhp and 195ft/lbs of tq. The car was a rocket! yet it only lasted 8K miles with this and I started to get blow-by. Dont screw with the 2zz it will not hold up. Trust me I learned the hardway. My car had synthetic oil changes ever 2500 miles, 93 octane and still didnt last with only running 5.5lbs of boost!

[soulmn]

I do believe that the wall thickness between cylinders is thinner in the 2zz as well. Too much power will have heat and structural issues, but, I believe we can get a little more out of the engine with out it being a large problem.

[BryanPendleton]

Tuning, tuning, tuning. . . the life of the motor will all come down to tuning. . .

With the resources available to Lotus, I am sure they would be able to easily develop reliable and conservative fuel and timing maps that would give the motor a good life.

[BryanPendleton]

Originally Posted by 2003TRD

I turbocharged a Toyota MR2 Spyder, with lower compression 1zzfe engine, with fuel upgrades (apexi AFC celica GTS injectors), timing retard, Findenza flywheel, ACT clutch, and all this dyno tuned to get 190rwhp and 195ft/lbs of tq. The car was a rocket! yet it only lasted 8K miles with this and I started to get blow-by. Dont screw with the 2zz it will not hold up. Trust me I learned the hardway. My car had synthetic oil changes ever 2500 miles, 93 octane and still didnt last with only running 5.5lbs of boost!

How did you control fuel and timing though. . . that is the key to reliability. Timing adjustments alone, can increase or decrease combuston temps and bottom end stress significantly, regardless of boost levels.