Esprit and engnie-tran swap??????
Discussion
Heya all i have a Scenario to put forward…
I live down under and I’m after an esprit (s3 or s4). Ive looked at 2 all ready but the inspections found that they would need an engine rebuild within a year or two. Engine rebuilds cost a lot over here and I couldn’t justify the cost of it
. SO I had an idea, I don’t know if its possible , but I thought of switching the tranny and engine for a new one, it would still be costly but at least it would last longer and be cheaper in the long run. If it could be done what engine and trans would fit???
Ive spoken to my bro and he ‘might’ be interested in spending some if it could be an auto (only drives auto
anyway this is no big deal for me since ill be driving 98% in traffic.
Any idea would be great, thanks
I live down under and I’m after an esprit (s3 or s4). Ive looked at 2 all ready but the inspections found that they would need an engine rebuild within a year or two. Engine rebuilds cost a lot over here and I couldn’t justify the cost of it
. SO I had an idea, I don’t know if its possible , but I thought of switching the tranny and engine for a new one, it would still be costly but at least it would last longer and be cheaper in the long run. If it could be done what engine and trans would fit??? Ive spoken to my bro and he ‘might’ be interested in spending some if it could be an auto (only drives auto
anyway this is no big deal for me since ill be driving 98% in traffic. Any idea would be great, thanks
What you propose with the engine swap and conversion to an auto transmission will seem pretty blasphemous to the Lotus faithful on this and many sites. But the days of buring heretics have long past.
So in answer to to your question I have seen USA Esprit's fitted with SHO engine and transmission from a Ford Taurus. I believe they refered to it as a Shotus. Other engines have been fitted also most of them being V6 engines giving more power than the early turbo cars.
In the UK I have heard of Rover engines stuffed into the car but have never seen one.
So in answer to to your question I have seen USA Esprit's fitted with SHO engine and transmission from a Ford Taurus. I believe they refered to it as a Shotus. Other engines have been fitted also most of them being V6 engines giving more power than the early turbo cars.
In the UK I have heard of Rover engines stuffed into the car but have never seen one.
I suggest an engine swap would cost more in time and money than rebuilding the Lotus engine.
I have an unmodified S2 and my brother an S1 which we got as partially completed conversion to Toyota engine.
If you wish to save money on the rebuild a few Holden parts fit, particularly the crank (modify seal area) and the bearing shells. Pots and pistons are cheaper than they used to be and parts like the oil pump are not expensive. I have just put a new annulus in my oil pump and was about $90 from the UK including freight.
In Australia you are also faced with the ADR's and associated compliance costs for modification.
Look at costs of rebuild and you may be surprised. Shop around the various suppliers eg JAE, Sjsportscars and JHPS (who have modified Holden cranks)
Graeme
I have an unmodified S2 and my brother an S1 which we got as partially completed conversion to Toyota engine.
If you wish to save money on the rebuild a few Holden parts fit, particularly the crank (modify seal area) and the bearing shells. Pots and pistons are cheaper than they used to be and parts like the oil pump are not expensive. I have just put a new annulus in my oil pump and was about $90 from the UK including freight.
In Australia you are also faced with the ADR's and associated compliance costs for modification.
Look at costs of rebuild and you may be surprised. Shop around the various suppliers eg JAE, Sjsportscars and JHPS (who have modified Holden cranks)
Graeme
Who did the inspections on the cars? NRMA, local RAC, etc? How would they know that they engines need a full rebuild in 2 years??
Most of the usual inspectors have NO idea about anything remotely associated with Lotus.
In every state you have official Lotus dealers. Have a car inspected by them only.
There is a huge difference between and S3 and an S4 - S3 is from the mid 80s and the S4 is from the mid 90s. You almost can't compare the cars.
These cars are not uncommon in Australia and there's plenty of repairers around, etc. The best way is to buy the parts yourself from the UK and get a Lotus dealer to fit them.
But certainly don't trust a local mechanic knowing what he is talking about these!
Most of the usual inspectors have NO idea about anything remotely associated with Lotus.
In every state you have official Lotus dealers. Have a car inspected by them only.
There is a huge difference between and S3 and an S4 - S3 is from the mid 80s and the S4 is from the mid 90s. You almost can't compare the cars.
These cars are not uncommon in Australia and there's plenty of repairers around, etc. The best way is to buy the parts yourself from the UK and get a Lotus dealer to fit them.
But certainly don't trust a local mechanic knowing what he is talking about these!
Im glad i wont be burnt at the stake ne more
Im amazed that it IS possible but I have a question about this? Say I bought a used v4/6 holden engine and trans, or I set out ot make a "shotus" would there not be problems taking a front engine/trans to mid engine layout, if you see what im getting at? (in my limited knowledge).
Also could you do a similar transplant on a europa, just that every now and then they come up with no engine or trans?
I had the RAC inspect it, they both seemed knowledgable about the cars so I believed in what they said...maybe I should of looked for a specialist. Aw well next time around
Im amazed that it IS possible but I have a question about this? Say I bought a used v4/6 holden engine and trans, or I set out ot make a "shotus" would there not be problems taking a front engine/trans to mid engine layout, if you see what im getting at? (in my limited knowledge).
Also could you do a similar transplant on a europa, just that every now and then they come up with no engine or trans?
I had the RAC inspect it, they both seemed knowledgable about the cars so I believed in what they said...maybe I should of looked for a specialist. Aw well next time around
lovecraft4 said:
I had the RAC inspect it, they both seemed knowledgable about the cars so I believed in what they said...maybe I should of looked for a specialist. Aw well next time around
These are my experiences over the years with RAC:
"Lotus? What make is that?"
"We don't insure Lotus."
"How do you open the boot? Ohh, engine is in the back?!"
"Wow, the engine is painted red. Gee, it looks nice!"
"I am sure that you don't need a flat bed tow truck. After all, the car can't be that low."
"I don't suppose that you have the tool to unscrew the wheel center, do you? I don't carry that kind of tool."
"It's only a 4 cyl?? Wow, I thought it was a v12!" - RAC inspector.
All the above comments came from RAC inspectors or road side assistance techs. Would you trust their opinion on a Lotus?
What state are you in?
HAH boy did i trust the wrong guys 
Ah well we learn by our mistakes, I think im gonna have to put buying a new car on hold for abit, either to save up more for a newer esprit or go for something like a delorean (eh close enough for me ) btw I live in Perth WA and its BLOODY HOT right now
Ah well we learn by our mistakes, I think im gonna have to put buying a new car on hold for abit, either to save up more for a newer esprit or go for something like a delorean (eh close enough for me ) btw I live in Perth WA and its BLOODY HOT right nowlovecraft4 said:
HAH boy did i trust the wrong guys
I'm Perth too. I know pretty much every Esprit here and I know all the true specialists and the ones that reckon that they are 'specialists' but who you want to run a mile from.
In my profile there's a link to see pics, etc.
I saw a nice Delorean in the current issue of Unique Cars. Sounds like a good car and it's pretty cheap too.
Gassing Station | Esprit | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff