The Wonderful 2 Litre Lagonda Explained

What is the difference?

There is a lot of talk about "High chassis" "Low chassis" and you must have a Low chassis etc etc.
This is Not correct!
The main differences are minimal and non consequential.

• The Front brakes on the Low chassis have the torque shaft running through the kick-up at each side• The Front brakes on the high chassis have the torque shaft running under the front axle kick-up. • Most High chassis cars have the "light" rear axle, this is not a negative as it is easily strong enough. And lighter!• The brakes and fittings on the low chassis axle allows the chassis to sit slightly lower, but you can not feel this when driving.• The high chassis cars usually look more "Vintage" as they are usually boddied a little less sporty, personal preference rather than being better or worse.
As you see, very little advantage or disadvantage for either and although there are some more small differences, they are minimal at most.

Details that Do matter!

Engine Specs:

The engine of the Lagonda 2L has many forms and was changed through the years, there are differences between the std variations but none that truly matter.
Modifications and qualified engine rebuilds are more important. Follow me.

Std Engines available.
Early 14/60 and 2 Litre High Chassis and early Low chassis cars had the early cylinder block with the exhaust ports all joining partly inside the block and partly in the exhaust manifold. This was not ideal and is the main cause of a dip in power in the mid range. It can be fixed.
Later 2 Litre Low Chassis cylinder blocks had the three exhaust ports terminating at the face of the block, this is better when making a new exhaust manifold, it also enabled Lagonda to redesign the cast exhaust manifold to slightly improve mid range power. But not by much.
Both types when fitted with a single carburettor in std form give about 50-55bhp if you are lucky.
Twin carburettors, Some cars you will see with twin carburettors. Early cars have the Zenith Triple Diffuser type, we call these Tripple Confuser as they are not great!
The better carbs to have a re the SU types, better flow and better fuelling. Power "can" go up to 60bhp with a twin car std engine and later exhaust type.
Supercharged cars, In std form the superchargers tend to give about 3-4psi boost, this upps the power to about 70bhp if the engine is in very good condition and well setup. Still not a great power output but at least the mid range was improved again.

2.4 Litre Conversion:
This is where the fun starts and the list of possibilities is endless.
The 2.4 Litre conversion carries so many advantages it really needs to be made into a list.
1. Around 110 to 120 bhp or 125 to 135 bhp if a supercharged version, depending on final specification requested by the customer.
2. Very strong and flat torque curve
3. Very easy gear changes compared to standard,
4. Soft and easy clutch pressure but very reliable and able to handle abuse
5. Stainless steel exhaust system,
6. Much easier starting,
7. Improved reliability due to much stronger internal parts and better balance,
8. No change in external looks other than the exhaust manifold,
9. Better cooling due to improved combustion and cleaned internal block passages.
10. Less oil leaks as we use modern crankshaft oil seals and a modern composite cylinder head gasket.

About the car