Just like mine! Lovely motor's. The K series is much maligned, but keep an eye on the cooling system, and you should be ok. The long cooling pipes from the rad corrode from the inside out, and stainless steel ones are available, so that's a good idea to replace them. I've also heard its a good idea to put a PRT thermostat in. A lot of the problems with HGF can be exacerbated by the original stat. The temp gauge should sit very slightly below halfway. Don't be tempted to rag it til the oil temp gauge shows a reading either.. The block holds a small amount of coolant relative to the rest of it, due to the length of the coolant pipes and the distance from the rad, the block holds about 1 litre, compared to 4litres outside the stat. The block warms up quickly, and when the stat opens, 4 litres of cold coolant rushes in. Its sometimes cools it enough to shut the stat again, causing hot/cold cycling. If the head gasket's been done, hopefully it'll have the stainless steel locating dowels, instead of the original plastic ones, and an uprated gasket. Also, I get into the habit of checking the coolant level every time I go out in it. A visual check takes seconds. If it starts to drop, find out why. Mine doesn't lose any coolant, ever. You can get a header tank with a warning level switch in it from Browns & Gammons, which alerts you if the level drops. I've had loads of fun with mine in the summer, but watch out for tin worm underneath. My gearbox support arm had almost rusted right through.
God, that sounds horrendous, doesn't it! But don't worry, you'll love it to bits! They're a great little car, for not much money, and lets face it, no-one ever mentions HGF on lotus elises, do they? They used a mid mounted K series too.
