Why the Renault powered Lotus Europa is better than a Twin Cam

The Lotus Europa is one of the most special classic sports cars ever built — lightweight, mid-engined, and designed for driving pleasure. But when it comes to performance, is the famous Ford Twin Cam really the best engine choice?
In this video, I explain why a Renault-powered Lotus Europa can outperform many Twin Cam Europas. While the Twin Cam DOHC engine is often considered more modern, the Renault OHV engine has a rich motorsport heritage, including success in the Alpine A110, single-seater racing, and WRC competition.

You’ll learn:
The key differences between Renault OHV and Ford Twin Cam DOHC engines
Why weight, torque, and driver skill matter more than peak horsepower
Real dyno figures: 153 hp, 171 Nm from 1.6 liters
Detailed engine modifications: crossflow cylinder head, forged pistons, lightened crankshaft, aggressive camshaft, Weber 45 DCOE carburetors, custom exhaust, upgraded cooling system, and more
Why the Renault engine offers better value for money in historic racing

This build proves that classic car performance isn’t just about originality or market value — it’s about engineering, driving skill, and unlocking hidden potential. And if the technical details don’t convince you, the raw engine sound during the onboard lap definitely will.
If you’re passionate about classic cars, Lotus Europa history, historic racing, Renault performance engines, or DIY performance builds, this video is for you.

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