1966 Lotus Elan S2 S/E
As the Elan became more of a commercial success, Lotus began to offer a different options including the S/E package with more features. It was immediately distinguished with knock-off wheels and small S/E badge on the fender.
The S/E was a heavier car with some interior more appointments such as safety belts and deluxe carpeting and a dual-circuit master cylinder with vacuum assist.
It also got a “C” camshaft that raised power to 115 hp from the standard 95 hp version.
The S2 introduced a full-width veneer wood dash with a lockable glove compartment. The car also got clustered rear taillights.
For the S2, Lotus cast their own block as Ford stopped production of the Ford Cortina 116E. The new 2731E block was virtually identical, but the cylinder-head featured a new stiffening rib between spark plus #2 and #3. Detail upgrades included iron tappet sleeves, stronger 125E connecting rods and a 6-bolt flywheel.
Related: Lotus Race Car List / Lotus Current Lineup / All Lotus Models / Lotus News
Specs & Performance
| type | Series Production Car |
| built at | England |
| engine | Lotus 2731E Inline-4 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| ignition | Lucas 25D4 Distributor |
| block material | Cast-Iron w/Aluminum Cylinder Head |
| valvetrain | Chain Driven DOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | 2 Weber DCOE/2 Sidedraft Carburettors |
| displacement | 1588 cc / 96.91 in³ |
| bore | 82.6 mm / 3.3 in |
| stroke | 72.8 mm / 2.9 in |
| power | 78.3 kw / 115 bhp @ 6250 rpm |
| specific output | 72.42 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 162.43 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 143.7 nm / 106 ft lbs @ 5000 rpm |
| redline | 6500 |
| body / frame | Monocoque Fiberglass Body over Pressed Steel Chassis |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| wheel type | Knock-off Steel Discs |
| front tires | 5.20-13 Dunlop SP 41 |
| rear tires | 5.20-13 Dunlop SP 41 |
| front brakes | Girling Discs |
| rear brakes | Girling Discs |
| front wheels | F 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| rear wheels | R 33.0 x 11.4 cm / 13 x 4.5 in |
| steering | Triumph Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | Wishbones w/Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| r suspension | Half Shafts w/Lateral Link, Coil Springs, Anti-Sway Bar |
| curb weight | 708 kg / 1560 lbs |
| weight distro | 48 % / 52 % |
| wheelbase | 2133 mm / 84 in |
| front track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| rear track | 1193 mm / 47 in |
| length | 3683 mm / 145 in |
| width | 1422 mm / 56 in |
| height | 1168 mm / 46 in |
| transmission | Ford 4-Speed Manual |
| tran clutch | 8.5-Inch Dry Plate |
| gear ratios | 2.92:1, 2.51:1, 1.64:1, 1.00:1 |
| fuel capacity | 45.42 litres or 12 gal. |
