89 Esprit NON-SE owners...

[Lotusacbc]

I would like to get some opinions on the this particular model. Im not sure if there is a significant difference between the UK and US models, but my inquiry is for the US model NON-SE. Particularly if an owner has driven or has an SE. I wonder the differences in drivability.

A few basic questions:

How quick is it being that it is down-tuned?
How is the shifting? Can the linkage be upgraded to to say an S4's?
How is the turbo capability? Is it forceful in its own right?
Is lack of power steering a hassle, or is it liveable?

Reason I ask these sort of questions is because I am going to see an 89 this week, but I have always been prone to wanting an SE. However, if I can get an 89 NON-SE at a reasonable price, and all checks out well, I wouldnt mind having that instead.

I know the old saying goes, less to go wrong. Down tuned engine, means less stress on drivetrain components, and less things to go wrong with lack of power steering and what not.

Is there any other comments or advice you can give?

Appreciate it!
Paul

[rlearp]

Some SEs do not have power steering, mine being one of them. I know 91 and 90s do not have power steering but are SEs. It is no hassle at all and I seriously questioned why they put it on in the first place.

I'd get an SE. If you are worried about stress don't chip or modify it, it'll have a long life. And produce much more power as well. Cooling if intake charges after compression is a good thing and will further help out in longitivity.

[Esprit2]

Lotusacbc said:

How quick is it being that it is down-tuned? How is the shifting? Can the linkage be upgraded to to say an S4's? How is the turbo capability? Is it forceful in its own right? Is lack of power steering a hassle, or is it liveable?

Paul,

Here are some performance comparisons for you:

Esprit non-SE with GM ECU
228 hp @ 6,500rpm
218 ft/lbs at 3,900 rpm
0-60 in 5.2 seconds
13.6 sec quarter mile
156 mph top speed

Esprit SE:
264 hp @ 6,500rpm (280hp peak)
261 ft/lbs at 3,900 rpm
0-60 in 4.7 seconds
164 mph top speed

Shifting isn't exactly crisp in any Esprit, but it's not bad considering the gearbox is way out back. If you are comparing the non-SE to the SE, they are the same. Later upgrades can be retro-fitted to the earlier cars. That may be worth doing if the original parts wear out and need replacement anyway, but I wouldn't bother upgrading an otherwise normal original shifter.

The non-SE turbo is fine for what it is, given that the non-SE has neither the Chargecooler or the alternate chips available to hot rod it significantly. It's fine for a gentleman's sports car. If you want to hotrod it into a giant killer, then go with the SE. It's a better foundation from which to start and more performance upgrades exist for it.

No SE or earlier Esprit has OEM power steering, and that's not a problem. Steering may be considered heavy in slow parking lot situations, but once rolling it lightens up nicely. Anyone with reasonable upper body strength will have no problem with it. If you have any physical limitations, you may want to consider an S4 or S4s with power steering.

In the S4 and S4s, Lotus revised the suspension settings in a way that improved handling but also increased steering effort significantly. Power steering allowed them to make those changes while keeping steering effort down to a level comfortable for the majority of their target market. A market not necessarily fully populated by young atheletes.

More directly to your question, steering effort is no problem. You can put wider front tires and road race rubber on an SE and still street drive it comfortably.

Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA

[Lotusacbc]

Thank you for the comments. I had no idea the 90-91 SE's didnt have power steering. And I call myself a enthusiast!
Performance is fine on either car for me im sure.
Since the issue of power steering and shifter doesnt seem to be a problem, I guess its just a difference between which style I prefer and/or which deal is best.

What would you say is a good $ Price for an 89 NON-SE in good condition, and a 90-91 SE in good coniditon?

Paul