16 Valve Lotus T3 2.2 L Rebuild

By Craig Grass, Last Updated 04/02/2004

After removing the engine, it was time to disassemble the parts and get them ready for the rebuild to come. As bolts were removed, labels were being created for specific bolt groups using MS Word on a laptop hooked up to a spare inkjet printer in the garage. So, when the valve covers were removed, the bolts went into a Ziploc bag with a label of "Valve Cover Bolts." Other bolts followed suit. During the teardown of the engine, the balance shafts were removed. Removal of the balance shafts was quite easy with the engine out of the car. There will be many more modifications to the stock engine configuration prior to completion of this engine rebuild project.

The known problem when removing the engine was that the #4 rod bearing went out. The reason why it went out has yet to be determined, but the following pictures of the problematic engine parts from cylinder #4 will give you an idea as to what to blame.

As you can see, the #4 rod does not look very straight, and the #4 rod bearing seems a little out of place when it has been spun into multiple pieces that have sucked into the oil pickup. I view this "down time" for rebuilding the engine as a golden opportunity to prepare the car for some long lasting miles. Therefore I have created an extensive list of parts, vendors, and approximate prices. I intend to purchase the parts as I go to complete the project. The list is contained in an Excel Spreadsheet that has been converted to HTML.

I have purchased the Vanolia forged pistons, rings, rods, cam seals, shifter bushings, titanium valve spring retainers, valve stem seals, valve guides, and all the cylinder head labor services such as welding and parts installation to date. The bottom end will start sailing once the pistons, rods, and rings arrive, which will be any day now.

As you can see, Front Wheel Drive Performance will be my primary vendor for the rebuild parts needed. I also try to avoid Schuck's since they carry the plague. (Most of their employees are plagued by stupidity.) Anyhow, the bottom line is that I'll need about $4500 before I can get everything I'll need to put the Spirit back on the road in pristine mechanical shape. If you see anything I'm forgetting, let me know. Thanks!

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