The Lotus Grand Tourers

1. I have a LC Excel and the rev limiter does not seem to work. I have reved the Excel to 7,000 rpm by accident a few times. What I want to know is what is a "safe" RPM for a low compression engine?

2. Does the 1984 Excels have an Electronic Ignition system?

Thanks

1) well i can tell you i managed to hit about 8500rpm on the odd accidentle down change on mine about 2 years ago, with no adverse effects...
always found it was fastest on track when i only rev'd it to about 5900rpm then changed and kept it in the torque band...

2) cant tell you mine was an 87

Oz.

I took my SE on the track in April and hit 7000rpm a few times to no apparent ill effect. I personally wouldn't make a habit of it though.

Hi James

The 84 does has a Lucas Electronic ignition system, though I would check to see if yours still has it fitted.

The Lucas units don't have the best reputation (though I haven't had trouble with mine) and often get replaced with aftermarket ones - such as a Lumenition or Crane system. The Lucas rev limiter won't work with some of these, so it is disconnected.

I'll take a pic of the rev limiter tonight so you can compare it to whats in yours
(I'm halfway through a cam belt change so it's all pretty easy to see right now)

Cheers

Brad

Yes, remember that Lucas is otherwise known as "The Prince of Darkness", so don't be too surprised if your limiter has failed.

Thanks guys for your responses. I have been thinking of replacing the ignition with a MSD unit just for peace of mind, reliability and the fact I will then have a rev limiter. I did not know there was an aftermarket distributor available for the Excel. I would be interested to do this as well. Does anyone know the part number that will fit the Excel?