I guess you could call this the turbo gallery. I personally have not seen or heard of much turbo activity regarding the Europa. I know from personal experience that a turbo can be a wonderful thing. Back in the 70's, I was talking with Detlef Cladius (Lotus Prepared by Cladius) about ways to get more power from my 1970 S2. He told me about an S2 that he set up with a turbo. As I recall, he used a Rajay turbo and an SU carberater. As there was no wastegate, he used the SU carb as a boost limiter via its limited flow capacity. His comment on its performance was that it got up to speed so fast that he was always running out of road. I think I saw the car many years later (1988?) in Tucson, Arizona (not working).
Well, I went and bought a new Rajay 302B2 turbocharger for my S2. Too bad it got creamed before I could start the project. Hmm, I still have the turbo...
The following pictures are the only ones I've seen of a turbocharged Europa. They were scanned from a book (credits). I wish they were in color.
This is one fine looking S2 engine bay! I really like the way the transmission has been coordinated with the valve cover. If I had this car, I don't think anyone could pry me out of it. Anyone know who Rick Mack is?
That's a lot of pipeage! I don't think Checkpoint America is still around. I guess I need a turbo Gordini to round out this gallery. Did I say Turbo Gordini? Found one! Lot's of good pictures make the download time a little long but I think you'll find it worthwhile.
Credits:
Turbochargers by Hugh MacInnes, H.P. Books HP-49 (1976)
Last update: 17 Feb. 2001