Esprit 1989 non-turbo
Discussion
Hi guys, I'm seriously considering taking the dive into Esprit ownership, a guy I know is gonna have his up for sale soon. It's done 74k miles, looks in really good nick, he's had it over 8 years, cam belt done last year. He wants £6k for it. Are there any real concerns/weakspots I need to look out for? Any feedback is appreciated, cheers John.
In my opinion, the main things to look out for are:
Rusty fuel tanks,
Leaking rear quarter lights,
Rusted headlights,
Worn springs/dampers/bushes,
Blocked/rusted/leaking radiator,
Do the radiator fans kick in as they should,
High oil consumption/oil in coolant,
If fitted,working Air Con.
Someone else will probably be along soon to add to the list.
Hope this helps,
Ged
P.S. Have you considered a Turbo?
Rusty fuel tanks,
Leaking rear quarter lights,
Rusted headlights,
Worn springs/dampers/bushes,
Blocked/rusted/leaking radiator,
Do the radiator fans kick in as they should,
High oil consumption/oil in coolant,
If fitted,working Air Con.
Someone else will probably be along soon to add to the list.
Hope this helps,
Ged
P.S. Have you considered a Turbo?
johns355 said:
Hi guys, I'm seriously considering taking the dive into Esprit ownership, a guy I know is gonna have his up for sale soon. It's done 74k miles, looks in really good nick, he's had it over 8 years, cam belt done last year. He wants £6k for it. Are there any real concerns/weakspots I need to look out for? Any feedback is appreciated, cheers John.
Fuel tanks- that alone will set you back close to 4k, sealant around rear windows, chassis- its galvanised so shouldnt rust but on mine the exposed bits needed attention (around engine bay mostly) most of the other stuff is easily replaceable.Electrics are the main thing, maybe the header tank, make sure brakes have been looked at ideally upgrade if not. Clutch cable (again upgrade if not to avoid red hose). Gearbox is a big one also, make sure its nice and tight- as its a non turbo it shouldnt be too much of an issue.
be careful though, I paid 6k for my turbo with 16k miles. I knew it needed work (fuel tanks) but I have easily spent in excess of the purchase price this year alone - thats not including the fuel tanks from last year.
I also own a 924, 911 and a Chimaera and would recommend the latter above any of the others. No problems, sounds better, goes quicker, much nicer interior. Might be slightly over the 6k though but you will be far better off financially. Of note the 911 has cost double the Lotus in the last year............ German engineering my ar$e
BibsTLF said:
£4k for tanks? Are they gold?
no but its a full engine out job - (I think it was 16 hours total) on top the tanks themselves at about 1200 a pair, new piping, new mounting foam. While your at it the windows will need resealing (the water is coming from somewhere).I spent a little more and put in alloy fuel tanks meaning it never has to be done again.
I also went the whole hog- while engine was out I had it resprayed, all the belts done, new plugs, new fuel pump, new HT leads, new engine mounts, new alloy header tank, new rubber seals etc. I cannot remember if it was included in the 4k or on top (I supplied all parts)
Edited by james280779 on Friday 26th April 00:28
Edited by james280779 on Friday 26th April 00:30
there will always be reasons why you shouldnt take on an Esprit as has been documented already, but. . . . when your out in it, it will remind you why you bought it, and that will always be a factor (well for me at least) Nothing else looks likes it and when you pull up to grab fuel the glances you get, the conversations you will have with admirers of the car will again remind you of your fine choice.
Sure they will be costs, yes there will be frustrations, but for me it was an itch i had to scratch, and i am glad i did it.
go find one and enjoy it.
Sure they will be costs, yes there will be frustrations, but for me it was an itch i had to scratch, and i am glad i did it.
go find one and enjoy it.
Hi, thanks for feedback guys, went out in the 355 today- awesome car, but I've had it 3 years and I fancy a change, really like the shape of the Esprit, I'll organise a ride out in my mates Esprit in a couple of weeks and let you know how I get on. I've been reading up on a few things and if my figures are correct the Esprit is 175kg lighter than my 355- it will be interesting to compare the handling! John.
John,
I hope you enjoy your drive of the Esprit, be aware though that Esprits are very sensitive to the suspension being set up correctly. A small amount out of spec will have a significant affect on the handling of the car. If the car doesn't handle as you imagine it should, do not be put off too much because a small tweak here and there can, like I said, make a big difference to the handling/feel/enjoyment of the car.
Hope this helps,
Ged
I hope you enjoy your drive of the Esprit, be aware though that Esprits are very sensitive to the suspension being set up correctly. A small amount out of spec will have a significant affect on the handling of the car. If the car doesn't handle as you imagine it should, do not be put off too much because a small tweak here and there can, like I said, make a big difference to the handling/feel/enjoyment of the car.
Hope this helps,
Ged
Hi John
I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
madjules said:
Hi John
I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
Pedestrian? Go for a V8 and that is as fast/faster than a 355.....I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
Ahem, mine's for sale
That should be in the dictionary! 
V8 FOU said:
madjules said:
Hi John
I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
Pedestrian? Go for a V8 and that is as fast/faster than a 355.....I went from a 348 Spyder to an 89 Esprit NA a couple of years ago, due to having a new addition to the family.
The Esprit will never come near to the Fcar experience in terms performance, presence or finesse. But then you also don’t have to worry about the idiots that a Ferrari can attract.
Performance will be pedestrian compared to the 355, but that’s to be expected when going from 400 bhp to 160 bhp, BUT you’ll find the Esprit handles like a Swiss watch compared to the 355, and to my mind is much more of a pure driver’s car. You simply don’t need to slow down for most corners.
The NA is pretty basic and shares most engine parts with the Excel so spares and serving will be buttons compared to your 355. However, find a good recommended specialist as I have had to correct some truly awful repairs done in the past.
The only thing I would add to the above is to watch out for micro-blisters in the GRP if the cars been stored in the damp.
Currently an absolute bargain for the cost of a major on the 355!
Ahem, mine's for sale
J400GED said:
In my opinion, the main things to look out for are:
Rusty fuel tanks,
Leaking rear quarter lights,
Rusted headlights,
Worn springs/dampers/bushes,
Blocked/rusted/leaking radiator,
Do the radiator fans kick in as they should,
High oil consumption/oil in coolant,
If fitted,working Air Con.
Someone else will probably be along soon to add to the list.
Steering racks are knackered after 25,000 miles.Rusty fuel tanks,
Leaking rear quarter lights,
Rusted headlights,
Worn springs/dampers/bushes,
Blocked/rusted/leaking radiator,
Do the radiator fans kick in as they should,
High oil consumption/oil in coolant,
If fitted,working Air Con.
Someone else will probably be along soon to add to the list.
Steering UJ usually shot, too. I found that changing the rack was a horrible job.
Radiator change is a nasty and time consuming job. Mine went at 22,000 miles.
Gear linkage/cables are often knackered. Mine were at 25,000 miles.
The clutch red hose needs to be replaced with braided hose.
Clutch slave cylinder is weak.
Exhaust manifolds often blow. This is a big problem on Turbos, cos the manifolds crack, much less of an issue on NA cars.
Petrol tanks.
I removed and refitted the right hand tank on my S3 and it was a big job. If the cabin smells of petrol, then change the cross over breather pipe first, as it will have perished.
Then check fuel gauge sender unit gasket. Modern petrol rots the gasket, especially if you fill the car up the spout, cos the sender unit gasket is immersed in petrol.
If it is neither of them, then the tank has probably rotted.
Droopy door hinges, failed head lamp rotary links, defective otter switch and clutch slip are also things to watch for.
Check the integrity of the fuel lines and the carbs. The distributor is cunningly positioned right underneath the carbs, so any leaks are a real fire hazard.
I did all my own maintenance, with the exception of the cambelt and changing the clutch.
Most jobs on an Esprit are not technically difficult, but are very time consuming as there is often lots of disassembly to get access.
The engine is generally tough, but valve guides seem to wear quickly.
I liked mine so much that I owned it twice.
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