Jensen-Healey Upgrading

Healey Journal

When first introduced contemporary reports considered the Jensen-Healey to be a success- a car that mated an outstanding engine to a reasonably well handling and comfortable car. Not everyone appreciated its styling, though; and it suffered from a less than well-appointed, spartan and somewhat plastic-y interior; and, of course, there was the usual stereotypically British convertible top with its fit and sealing issues. Never-the-less, most reviewers thought well of the seating and ride comfort and thought it a suitable replacement for the Big Healey.

So the base-line was pretty good for its time, and the car was very successfully raced, winning its class two years running on its introduction. See the Comparison against the modern BMW Z3 to appreciate how good it was at the time.

But times have moved on, and performance standards and expectations have grown. The Jensen-Healey offers great opportunities for improvements; and its engine is particularly well blessed with go-faster bits and pieces from Lotus itself. This was the single biggest factor in its appeal for me.

Engine upgrades are remarkably easy, and can be done using proven and well tested "factory" standard components. After the Jensen-Healey Lotus then used the 907 engine and several variants of it in its own cars over the next 20+ years: the Elite, Excel, Eclat and various incarnations of the Esprit. Almost all of these subsequent improvements can be retro-fit to the Jensen-Healey so that its power can be increased from the stock 150 HP easily up to 180; then to 200, and even 240 or more!

The suspension can also benefit from a little attention. Contemporary reviews thought it handled well but did so despite an excessive amount of body-roll.