Thanks for the advice Geoff. I didn't consider your post naysaying because you backed it up with facts and real experience. I looked but could not find any information on the limitations of the scotch yoke. The books you recomended sound like exactly the kind of thing I would be interested in. I don't mind a steep learning curve as long as the information is available. It seems like all the books or websites I have found are either ridiculously simplistic or very specialized. I don't have my heart set on this design I just think that simplifying is the answer to many complex problems, a philosophy I believe Lotus has always embraced as well. Thank you very much for your insights and I hope to chat with you more. This engine is not my main motivator for getting into machine work it is just something to discuss while I wait for the funds. I also plan to purchase a 1970s Datsun Z(I'm afraid Lotuses are a bit cost prohibitive here in the US) and rebuild an engine from a 1980s 280ZX turbo to swap into it. I don't know if head shaving is a bit advanced for a newby like myself but I may try it. I am just the type of person who likes to create things and metal seems like a wonderful thing to create with.