citron transaxle
Discussion
Blake,
The Esprit's Citroen transmission is very similar to to the one in the SM. However, it's unique and not a direct drop-in swap.
Most of the internal parts will fit, but you have to be careful what you buy. Citroen had different gear ratios available on their models so you must be carefult to make sure you get the Esprit's ratios.
Also, later Turbo Esprit's got some slightly stronger bits and stock Citroen parts won't be as durable in the Turbo application.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
The Esprit's Citroen transmission is very similar to to the one in the SM. However, it's unique and not a direct drop-in swap.
Most of the internal parts will fit, but you have to be careful what you buy. Citroen had different gear ratios available on their models so you must be carefult to make sure you get the Esprit's ratios.
Also, later Turbo Esprit's got some slightly stronger bits and stock Citroen parts won't be as durable in the Turbo application.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
Jan,
The easiest swap would be the Renault UN1 transaxle from later Esprits... SE onward. The issues there would be 1) changing the spigot bearing from a 15mm bore needle bearing to a 17mm bore ball bearing (remove the crankshaft for machining, 2) installing the later cable shifter and 3) moving the inboard brakes outboard. The brake change would basically require swaping in the full rear suspension from the donor car.
The nice thing about that swap is that all the bits exist so no custom fabrication is required. Just use the appropriate Lotus parts.
However, if you insist on using some other brand of transaxle, then there's an Audi unit that would fit in terms of size (it's also used in the Porsche 944 in modified form). A custom adapter plate would be necessary along with axles or adapters and a custom shifter mechanism. John Cramer in Texas is working on such an installation into an S1 Esprit/ V8 conversion.
Similarly, I've heard of someone using a Porsche Turbo Transaxle. That should be pretty much unbreakable, but the installation would have to be custom fabricated.
Of course there's always the Quaiffe sequential 6-speed, but it's "very" pricey. In terms of market value it would basically be a gearbox with a car as an accessory. And the gears are all straight-cut spur gears so they would whine like a racing gearbox. Quaiffe claims it's engineered to fit (??), with the exception of a shifter. That must be custom fabricated.
I think the RBT 6-speed would be interesting. It's very strong, 6-speeds, all synchro, quiet helical gears and about 5 pounds lighter than the Renault UN1. I think it would be a great alternative for the Esprit V8 if someone would make the effort to work out the custom installation. Unfortuantely it's also very expensive... around US$16,000 for the transaxle alone.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
The easiest swap would be the Renault UN1 transaxle from later Esprits... SE onward. The issues there would be 1) changing the spigot bearing from a 15mm bore needle bearing to a 17mm bore ball bearing (remove the crankshaft for machining, 2) installing the later cable shifter and 3) moving the inboard brakes outboard. The brake change would basically require swaping in the full rear suspension from the donor car.
The nice thing about that swap is that all the bits exist so no custom fabrication is required. Just use the appropriate Lotus parts.
However, if you insist on using some other brand of transaxle, then there's an Audi unit that would fit in terms of size (it's also used in the Porsche 944 in modified form). A custom adapter plate would be necessary along with axles or adapters and a custom shifter mechanism. John Cramer in Texas is working on such an installation into an S1 Esprit/ V8 conversion.
Similarly, I've heard of someone using a Porsche Turbo Transaxle. That should be pretty much unbreakable, but the installation would have to be custom fabricated.
Of course there's always the Quaiffe sequential 6-speed, but it's "very" pricey. In terms of market value it would basically be a gearbox with a car as an accessory. And the gears are all straight-cut spur gears so they would whine like a racing gearbox. Quaiffe claims it's engineered to fit (??), with the exception of a shifter. That must be custom fabricated.
I think the RBT 6-speed would be interesting. It's very strong, 6-speeds, all synchro, quiet helical gears and about 5 pounds lighter than the Renault UN1. I think it would be a great alternative for the Esprit V8 if someone would make the effort to work out the custom installation. Unfortuantely it's also very expensive... around US$16,000 for the transaxle alone.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
Hey Tim.. check this out... I think the entire package, the 360hp, 11,000rpm, 210lb, v8 and the 6-speed quaiffe sequential box is the ticket. Not cheap mind you, but a nice conversion if the old lump croaks!!
www.radicalmotorsport.com/news_folder/V8_christine/index.php
Jan
www.radicalmotorsport.com/news_folder/V8_christine/index.php
Jan
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