{"id":889,"date":"2011-04-06T09:57:51","date_gmt":"2011-04-06T07:57:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/?page_id=889"},"modified":"2017-01-23T20:58:45","modified_gmt":"2017-01-23T18:58:45","slug":"mk-1-production-race-car","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/?page_id=889","title":{"rendered":"Mk 1 Production Racing Conversions"},"content":{"rendered":"

Once the Lotus Cortina was homologated in September ’63, Lotus wanted to further promote the car, and announced the launch of 30 special build full works race cars for sale to private individuals. However, Lotus records confirm that ‘approx. 51’ such cars were manufactured over the life of the Mk 1.<\/p>\n

The cars developed 140bhp, and sold for \u00a31725, more that half as much again the price of the standard car.<\/p>\n

Here is a description of the car in the announcement in Autocar in the November, as the first car is being delivered.<\/p>\n

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Here is the specification of the car, taken from the document supplied by Lotus to the race car customer.<\/p>\n

HANDLING AND MAINTENANCE NOTES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

FOR THE RACING CONVERSION<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

OF THE LOTUS CORTINA.<\/span>\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 COMPILED BY LOTUS COMPONENTS RACING DIVISION<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0September 1963<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

ENGINE:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 TYPE:\u00a0\u00a0 Cosworth Mark S-15.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

For most information on the engine see the separate notes supplied – READ THEM THOROUGHLY.<\/p>\n

Points which require special attention in addition to those in the accompanying notes are as follows:-<\/p>\n

1. Oil level – the correct oil level for this engine is \u00be \u201c above the Ford Standard level – a new mark has- been made on the dipstick to this dimension.<\/p>\n

Oil consumption will be approx. 100 miles per pint. The oil level should not be allowed to fall by more than about 2 pints,or roughly back to the standard Ford mark.<\/p>\n

An extra oil pressure warning light is fitted to draw the driver’s attention to any failure of oil pressure.\u00a0 If this light comes on at any time the engine is running above idling speed, the cause must be most urgently looked into.<\/p>\n

2. Rev. limit: the engine MUST NOT, ON ANY ACCOUNT, BE ALLOWED TO EXCEED 7000 R.P.M.<\/p>\n

3. Cooling system: the fan and thermostat are omitted from this engine.\u00a0 Do not fit a thermostat – if over-cooling is experienced it may be cured by partially blanking the radiator.<\/p>\n

4. This engine, for reasons of homoligation, is fitted with standard connecting rods. It is therefore ESSENTIAL that the rods are crack tested after every race: in any event, the engine should not, if at all possible, be allowed to cover more than 200 racing miles without this testing being carried out. If any rods are suspect, PROPERLY BALANCED replacements must be fitted – they can be obtained from Cosworth Engineering Ltd.<\/p>\n

5. If it is ever necessary to replace the clutch pressure plate assembly, the new one must be balanced on the crankshaft\/flywheel assembly and marked to ensure correct refitting thereafter.<\/p>\n

POINTS TO NOTE ON THE BODY. CHASSIS ETC;<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

GENERAL<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

As far as assembly is concerned the car is the same as a standard Lotus Cortina and most information for the servicing can be obtained from the handbook supplied.<\/p>\n

Although normal running in is not necessary the car should be driven gently, initially, for as far as practical in order to run in the rear axle; if the axle is not run in it will rapidly become noisy and wear out prematurely.<\/p>\n

Check all suspension bolts front and rear after first run – particularly rear ‘A’ bracket bolts and diff. mounting nuts.<\/p>\n

The propshaft should be inspected after each race for any play in the universal joints – if the least amount of play is present the shaft must be renewed. Play in the joints will give rise to imbalance of the shaft. This is dangerous and must not be tolerated. The factory racing service dept. runs an exchange system for this item.<\/p>\n

BRAKES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Brakes are standard except for;<\/p>\n

(a.) Master cyl. is .75″ bore instead of .70″<\/p>\n

(b.) Front brake pads are DS 11 material instead of DS5S.<\/p>\n

(c.) Front brake disc shrouds are omitted.<\/p>\n

(d.) Fluid is Girling Extra Heavy Duty (Amber) instead of Girling Brake Fluid (Crimson)<\/p>\n

N.B.\u00a0 The brake fluid will deteriorate with age, or if it is exposed to air. Care must therefore be taken that the cap is not left off any fluid container and that the fluid is completely changed at least once a season. The result of the deterioration is that the fluid will boil at a lower temperature than intended and this may give rise to boiling of the fluid under racing conditions and consequent loss of braking.<\/p>\n

Inspect all brake linings after every race – the front pads can be expected to last about 300-400 miles, the rear linings more, depending on the circuit.<\/p>\n

SUSPENSION<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Suspension is virtually standard except for:<\/p>\n

Front springs and dampers.<\/p>\n

Front roll bar.<\/p>\n

Rear springs and dampers.<\/p>\n

Of these items requiring special mention are:<\/p>\n

Front roll bar: this is very highly stressed and should be crack tested at least twice per racing season.<\/p>\n

Rear dampers – these are adjustable – turn the adjuster anti-clockwise to soften the ride. The recommended setting is about 18 clicks\u00a0 clockwise from the fully soft position.<\/p>\n

TYRES<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Dunlop 5.50 x 13 R6<\/p>\n

Recommended pressure;\u00a0 40 Ib\/sq” front<\/p>\n

45 Ib\/sq” rear<\/p>\n

REAR AXLE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Crack test half shafts every 400 racing miles.<\/p>\n

When refitting bearings to shafts only use a new retaining ring of the correct type.<\/p>\n

N.B. The standard Ford Cortina ring will, if used, allow the bearing to pull off.<\/p>\n

Inspect the limited slip diff. regularly – by its very function it cannot be expected to last forever.<\/p>\n

Oil: Esso TSB 1434.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 No gasket, use Hylomar.<\/p>\n

FUEL SYSTEM<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

A Bendix electric pump is fitted. The filter (at the bottom of the pump) should be cleaned regularly; no other maintenance of the pump is required.<\/p>\n

WINDOWS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Windows, other than the windscreen, are made of Perspex, and it is recommended that they should be polished with a proprietary Perspex polish (anti-static).<\/p>\n

SPARE PARTS<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

This car is a racing car; spare parts can only be obtained from LOTUS COMPONENTS Retail Stores – Racing Division.<\/p>\n

All enquiries should be addressed to these stores.<\/p>\n

ADDITIONAL PERTINENT INFORMATION<\/span><\/strong>\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

(i)\u00a0 18.3 m.p.h. per 1000 r.p.m. 3.9:1 ratio 5.50 x 13 R6 tyres giving 840 revs. per mile = max speed @ 7000 r.p.m.128.1 m.p.h.<\/p>\n

(ii)\u00a0 17.4m.p.h. per 1000 r.p.m. 4.1:1 ratio 5.50 x 13 R6 tyres giving 840 revs per mile = max speed @ 7000 r.p.m.121.8 m.p.h.<\/p>\n

(iii)\u00a0 16.1 m.p.h. per 1000 r.p.m. 4.44:1 ratio 5.50 x 13 R6 tyres giving 840 revs per mile = max speed @ 7000 r.p.m. 112.7 m.p.h.<\/p>\n

On the following page you will find the Racing Spec. which gives a parts\/number breakdown on the Racing Conversion Lotus Cortina.<\/p>\n

LOTUS CORTINA RACING SPECIFICATION<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Section 1 Modifications Incorporated<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0\u00a0 Front Suspension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)Springs<\/span><\/strong>;\u00a0 Part No. 28 C 010A – 140 Ib\/in. Rate.<\/p>\n

Details as follows:<\/p>\n

Wire Diameter\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0.501\/.507″<\/p>\n

Total Coils \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 6.61\/6.85″<\/p>\n

Mean Solid Height \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a03.14″<\/p>\n

Loaded Height\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a05.17″ @ 508\/5421b.<\/p>\n

Free Height\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a08.91″ Approx.<\/p>\n

Minimum Free Height \u00a0 \u00a08.85″<\/p>\n

b) Dampers<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No. 28 C 711A LH \u00a0& 28 C 710A RH<\/p>\n

Settings\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1500\/325\/300\/650 5″ arm 6″ stroke<\/p>\n

N.B.\u00a0 Droop Stop is lengthened by \u00be\u201d as compare with standard.<\/p>\n

c) Aeon Rubber<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No. 14 S 297<\/p>\n

Fitted to Front Dampers.<\/p>\n

d) Anti Roll Bar<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No. \u00a028 C 003A<\/p>\n

Made from 15\/16 Material.<\/p>\n

2.\u00a0\u00a0 Rear Suspension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Springs<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No.\u00a0 A28 D 006A\u00a0 80 lb per inch rate.<\/p>\n

Details as follows:<\/p>\n

Wire Diameter\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 .372″<\/p>\n

Total Coils \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 18 \u00bd\u201d<\/p>\n

Mean \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a02 \u00be\u201d<\/p>\n

Free Length \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 14 \u00bd\u201d<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Dampers<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No.\u00a0 At.9A\/2765 (adjustable).<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0 Top Spring Abutment<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Part No.\u00a0 28 D 008A<\/p>\n

d)\u00a0 Radius Arms<\/span><\/strong>;\u00a0 Part No. 28 D 708A (RH)<\/p>\n

28 D 709A (LH)<\/p>\n

As standard but fitted with special front bushes \u2013 Metalastik No. 13\/1519 in 1MN70 Rubber.<\/p>\n

3.\u00a0\u00a0 Front Brakes<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Standard discs and callipers.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Pad lining material Ferodo DS 11<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0 N.B.\u00a0 Disc shrouds should be omitted.<\/p>\n

4.\u00a0\u00a0 Rear Brakes<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Completely Standard.<\/p>\n

5.\u00a0\u00a0 Brake Operation<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Master Cylinder .75″ bore Part No. 64067947.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Fluid Girling Extra Heavy Duty.<\/p>\n

6.\u00a0\u00a0 Rear Axle<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Fitted limited slip diff. Hewland Part No. HG. 400.<\/p>\n

7.\u00a0\u00a0 Transmission<\/span><\/strong>:\u00a0 Racing grade drive shaft.<\/p>\n

8.\u00a0\u00a0 Steering<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

High Ratio box fitted (11.8.1) Part No. 28 H:710A.<\/p>\n

9.\u00a0\u00a0 Wheels & Tyres<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Standard Wheel with Dunlop Racing 550 x 13 R6 tyres.<\/p>\n

10.\u00a0 Body<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Perspex windows side and rear<\/p>\n

Part No. 28 B 090\u00a0 Side Window<\/p>\n

”\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a028 B 105\u00a0 Rear Quarter Light<\/p>\n

”\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a028 B 349\u00a0 Rear Screen.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Glass Fibre bucket seat.\u00a0 Part No. 28.B.739A (LH) 28.B.740 (RH).<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0 Seat Belt (Full Harness) Irvin CH 5.<\/p>\n

d)\u00a0 The following items are removed:\u00a0 Heater, Parcel shelf. Floor mat, Underfelt, Transmission console. Front and Rear bumper and brackets, Aircleaner.<\/p>\n

e)\u00a0 Leston No. Plates.<\/p>\n

11.\u00a0 Engine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Lotus modified twin cam engine, bored out from 1558 c.c. to 1598 c.c.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Oil cooler take off casting.<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0 Mechanical fuel pump removed and blanking plate fitted.<\/p>\n

d)\u00a0 Camshaft cover painted red.<\/p>\n

12.\u00a0 Exhaust System<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Similar to Special Equipment car but having a bore of 2″.\u00a0 Part No. 28 S 707B.<\/p>\n

13.\u00a0 Induction System<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Air cleaner omitted – bracket fitted to support front of flexible hose – Part No. 28 S 036.<\/p>\n

14.\u00a0 Fuel System<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

a)\u00a0 Electric Fuel Pump Part No. 28 M 063.<\/p>\n

b)\u00a0 Large bore fuel line (tank to pump – 28 L 006).<\/p>\n

c)\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0”\u00a0 (pump to carb – 28 L 010A).<\/p>\n

d)\u00a0 Long range fuel tank 28 L 702. (Option)<\/p>\n

e)\u00a0 Quick filler\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8 L 705\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Option)<\/p>\n

15. Lubrication System<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

Oil cooler Covrad No.M6738<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Once the Lotus Cortina was homologated in September ’63, Lotus wanted to further promote the car, and announced the launch of 30 special build full works race cars for sale to private individuals. However, Lotus records confirm that ‘approx. 51’ such cars were manufactured over the life of the Mk 1. The cars developed 140bhp,…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":401,"menu_order":9,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-889","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/889","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=889"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/889\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3632,"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/889\/revisions\/3632"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/401"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.lotuscortinainfo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=889"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}