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1986 Lotus 98T - Timeline
About this vehicle
The Lotus type 98T was the last of the famous JPS cars produced at Ketteringham Hall. Driven by Ayrton Senna and Johnny Dumfrees it achieved significant success particularly in qualifying. The last of the unrestricted turbos the car was powered by the trail blazing Renault V6 engine in it's final EF15 configuration. With race power rated at just above 1000bhp and qualifying power estimated to exceed 1300bhp the engine proved remarkably drivable but suffered from a lack of fuel efficiency during the early part of the season. The car features several novel systems including driver adjustable ride height and water injection. Chassis 04 was the last Lotus to be painted in JPS colours and was driven in the second half of the 1986 season by Ayrton Senna. It started from pole position on four occasions and achieved several podium finishes.
Latest updates
Straightening fins...
It's a horrible job but Kris has been attacking the fins on the 98T intercoolers. Special tools have to be made to suit the different fin types we encounter across different cars and cooler manufacturers. These coolers are made by Secan.
Some parts are mounted
It's always encouraging when you can start to bolt parts back onto a project. Some of the cooling system components have now gone back on the car. There is still a way to go however.
Chassis strip - The final stages
The main chassis has now been almost completely stripped down externally. The oil coolers and tank have been extensively flushed and the intercoolers ultra sonic cleaned to ensure no debris is present in ether system. The wishbones have now been stripped down to cracktest them as have the uprights and driveshafts.
Wastegates
The wastegates that regulate each turbo are being removed for a clean and re-finish. Making sure the valve seals properly has an effect on the boost control which on the EF15 engine is electronically moderated and adjustable via a 5 way rotary switch in the cockpit.
Prep work begins
We are still waiting to to get the 98T into the workshop however work has already started. The inlet and exhaust systems have been re-finished back to the condition they were in when we first restored the car.
Preparing to put the motor back in
The Lotus has been without engine for around 18 months after Gary avoided catastrophe at Prescott - he managed to switch the engine off before anything came out the side. After a rebuild the engine is ready to go back in the chassis however now seems a good time to give the car a good once over.
