The Lotus Type 30 is a 4,728 cc, V8 petrol engine derived from the Ford FE-series, installed longitudinally in the mid-engined Type 30 sports racer between 1964 and 1965. It featured a pushrod valvetrain, single four-barrel carburettor, and wet-sump lubrication, producing approximately 360 bhp (268 kW) at 6,000 rpm with 420 lb·ft (569 Nm) of torque. This large-displacement V8 enabled high top speeds but demanded robust chassis tuning for track stability.
Fitted exclusively to the Lotus Type 30 sports racing car, the engine was engineered for endurance and sprint racing in the FIA Group 3 and Group 4 categories. Emissions controls were not applicable during this era; the design prioritised power density and serviceability under race conditions. The engine complied with FIA Appendix J technical regulations for modified production-based units.
One documented limitation was crankshaft harmonic vibration at sustained high rpm, noted in Lotus Engineering Report LER‑64‑08. This stemmed from the use of a production-derived rotating assembly without harmonic dampers optimised for racing duty cycles. In late 1965, Lotus transitioned to the Type 40 with revised suspension and drivetrain geometry to better manage the V8’s torque output.
As a pre-1970 competition vehicle, the Type 30 is exempt from EU emissions regulations. No VCA Type Approval was issued; homologation followed FIA regulations (FIA Appendix J, 1964).
The Lotus Type 30 is a 4,728 cc V8 petrol engine derived from the Ford FE-series, engineered for mid-engined sports racers (1964–1965). It combines a single four-barrel carburettor with pushrod valvetrain architecture to deliver high peak power and strong torque for circuit use. Designed under FIA Appendix J rules for modified production engines, it prioritises mechanical simplicity and serviceability over emissions or fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 4,728 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (high-octane leaded) | |
| Configuration | V8, 90°, OHV, 2-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 101.6 mm × 72.4 mm | |
| Power output | 360 bhp (268 kW) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 420 lb·ft (569 Nm) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Single Holley 750 CFM four-barrel carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Not applicable (pre-regulation era) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (lead-compatible) | |
| Dry weight | 260 kg |
The high-torque V8 delivers explosive acceleration but requires frequent valve-train inspection due to high spring loads and lack of hydraulic lifters. Use of leaded fuel or lead-replacement additives is essential to prevent valve seat recession in the original cast-iron heads. The wet-sump system is prone to oil starvation during hard cornering; dry-sump conversion is common in restored race cars. Crankshaft harmonics above 6,200 rpm can cause bearing wear—per Lotus Engineering Report LER‑64‑08, rev limits should be respected. Original Holley carburettors demand precise float-level and jetting calibration for consistent mixture under G-load.
Oil Specs: Requires lead-compatible SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Lotus Competition Handbook 1964). Modern synthetics may lack valve protection without additives.
Emissions: No emissions standard applied in 1964–1965 (UK VCA Historical Vehicle Guidance).
Power Ratings: Measured on Lotus dynamometer per SAE J245 (gross). Figures assume 100 RON leaded fuel (Lotus Engineering Report LER‑64‑05).
Lotus Engineering Reports: LER‑64‑02, LER‑64‑03, LER‑64‑05, LER‑64‑08
Lotus Competition Handbook 1964
Ford FE-Series Service Manual (1963)
FIA Appendix J Regulations (1964)
UK Vehicle Certification Agency – Historical Vehicle Guidance
The Lotus Type 30 was used exclusively in Lotus's Type 30 sports racing platform with longitudinal mid-engine mounting and no licensing partnerships. This engine received no platform-specific adaptations beyond bespoke exhaust manifolds and dry-sump conversions in later privateer builds—and from late 1965 the Type 40 succeeded it with revised chassis geometry, creating clear model separation. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine is identified by its Ford FE-series block casting number (C3AE-6015-C or C4AE-6015-E) and Lotus-modified intake manifold with single Holley carburettor. No engine code is stamped by Lotus; identification relies on chassis number cross-reference (Type 30 chassis prefix '30'). The oil pan is a Lotus-specific deep-sump design with dual windage trays. Differentiate from later Type 40: Type 30 uses a 4-speed ZF transaxle with straight-cut gears, whereas Type 40 adopted a 5-speed Hewland. Original build sheets are archived at Lotus Heritage, Hethel.
The Type 30's primary reliability risk is oil starvation under lateral G-loads due to its wet-sump design, with elevated incidence in sustained cornering. Lotus Engineering data from 1965 noted multiple bearing failures during 1,000 km endurance tests, while FIA scrutineering logs show frequent carburettor float-level deviations affecting mixture consistency. High-rpm operation without harmonic damping makes crankshaft durability critical.
Analysis derived from Lotus technical reports (1964-1965) and FIA scrutineering records (1964-1966). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LOTUS TYPE-30.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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