[DML] Re: The R-30 or R-1 that is the question???

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Fri, 13 Aug 1999, Christopher Hawes wrote:

> I have been trying to find out which Renault gearbox was fitted to the 
> Delorean.

It is the R-30.

> I know that the R-1 albiet reversed roatation is fitted to the latest
> 300+bhp twin-turbo V8 Lotus Espirit the DMC-12's only living relation.  
> By the way Lotus would want £10000 ($15000) for the complete engine as
> it should fit straight into the DMC-12 they are almost twins.

The bad news is that the Esprit drivetrain (besides being really
expensive) is set up for mid-engine; the transmission won't work. As with
all V8 conversions, take measurements first; it may not fit. As with all
turbo conversions, figure out something to do with the intercoolers
(doesn't Lotus use ram-scoops to supply the IC's?) If the bolt pattern is
the same that will improve matters tremendously. Does anyone know if any
other current engines share that bolt pattern?

> I have heard that an R-30 is fitted to the DMC-12 and would like to know 
> that if this is the case then what are its horsepower/torque limits?

Nobody really knows. Conventional wisdom is about 300ft.lbs for the
5-speed and about 200 for the auto. I don't think anyone's ever built a
DeLorean with more than 300HP, so "here there be dragons."