V8 GT v. GT3

[911nutter]

can anyone tell me the differences between these two? which is 'better', more reliable, more suitable for the track etc etc... any info would be welcome. what's the deal with spoilers too? are they standard or not?

[peter450]

well the gt3 is a fair bit lighter, so it benefits from this handling wise. the v8 has much more power though. i heard gt3 are easy to chip to around 260 -70 hp though how true this is i dont know
a good site for all esprit related info is
www.lotusespritworld.com/

[GKP]

"Click..pishhhh..kerklink!" That's a whole can o' worms you're opening there.




<sits back and munches on bag of popcorn>

[rob.e]

Neither had spoilers as standard (they both had a larger transom/lip at the rear so didn't need a bolt-on spoiler). Both had lightweight fixed back seats. Brakes were the same up to 2000, when the v8 got AP's to replace the brembos. Interiors virtually identical - v8 has a chrome ring around the base of the gear lever but thats the only difference i can think of.

Bodywork - v8 has arch extensions. V8 has 18" rear wheels. Tyres fatter on the v8.

GT3 is a sweet handler, very nimble like an elise. Four cylinder 2.0litre is a bit limp off boost. Heavy clutch.

V8 feels a little less nimble, but easier to drive fast (lots of torque, no lag) lighter clutch.

My gt3 was much cheaper to run than my v8-gt.

[911nutter]

rob.e said:

My gt3 was much cheaper to run than my v8-gt.

could you give me some ideas as to what needed to be done / appropriate costs?

thanks in advance

[rob.e]

911nutter said:

rob.e said: My gt3 was much cheaper to run than my v8-gt. could you give me some ideas as to what needed to be done / appropriate costs? thanks in advance

GT3 - other than services, pads & tyres my only expense was a clutch @ 450 or so.

V8-GT: liners failed so i had to partially fund a rebuild - lotus paid an proportion of this. I've also had turbos recored, a failed cat, aircon rad fail, manifold gasket. er.. think thats about it Thats over a period of 4 years 45000 miles. I've also spent a bunch of money on mods like big brakes, adjustable suspension etc Everything i've spent on the car is listed in my profile.

[daves_gt3]

you have to be very very careful when but an esprit of any kind. seek professional advice. i dont want to put you off but if you dont know what your looking for, whick i didnt when i brought my gt3 you can get landed with very big bills.
the gt3 for me is a very smart car if you find the rigt one. mine is norfolk mustard and really turns heads.
yes the v8 has arches and slightly bigger wheels and torque but bigger bills too.
the hangling is emense on these thing.
go for a test drive in both. they should both make u grin from ear to ear.
some of the work & mods ive had done so far after owning 3 months

larini twin exit sports exhaust (had to modify rear spoiler/lower valance to fit)
k&n panel air filter
clutch slave cylinder
stainless steel clutch hose
brake pads
brake discs (to be done very soon)
oxygen sensor
ecu lamp
led bulds inside and out
central locking motor
over mats/carpets
gear leaver gaiter
charge cooler pump (electric)
camber shimms
clear side repeaters
front clear lenses
sprayed mesh grills silver
throttle potentiometer/sensor
throttle cable (being done)
drive shaft oil seals (being done)
window felt seal
TYRE (BIG BULGE ON INSIDE)
anti roll bar bushes
gear linkage gaiter boots (to be done)
exhaust manifold (major job) managed to get welded (phew)

im sure there is more i can put on there but thats all i can think of for now
dont let this scare u off tho.
seek professional advice or someone who knows esprits and u will be ok.
if i had to buy one now i would be ok. id know what to look for.
if there is any other advice i gan give then email me and i will try and help.
there are loads of guys who will help u out. especially at www.lotusespritworld.com dermot o'hare is a wizzard!

my aim once it is running a1 is to chip it my self as it doesnt seem a very big job on these cars. also get the seats re-trimmed at lotus. approx £250 per seat which is good.

anyway ive dribbled on enough
a few contacts ive been using wich may be able to help you if you do buy one

www.sjsportscars.co.uk (steve)

bell and colvill lotus dealer (paul) parts dept

puk racing (germany) (marcus) http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/

JUST GET ONE YOU WILL NOT BE DISSAPOINTED WHAT EVER PROBLEMS YOU HAVE I PROMISE!
BEST CAR EVER MADE.!

[jconsta6]

GKP said:

"Click..pishhhh..kerklink!" That's a whole can o' worms you're opening there. <sits back and munches on bag of popcorn>

Let me tell you a story...

When I was 13 I liked to skateboard and every few weeks I'd blag the bus fair off my mum and go up to the "City" where they had a lovely skateboard shop. Everyweek, myself and hoards of other teenagers would look into the glass cabinets at the different wheels, trucks, bearings and then discuss endlessly which wheels were best for ramp or street work.

The guys behind the counter were always getting asked about the shiny things on display until one day they put up a big sign on the wall which they pointed too, without uttering a word every time someone began to ask them a question, it said....

"There is no "best" board, or "best" wheels, or "best" trucks - BE A MAN - buy the one you like!"

I think this applies to the Esprit - there is no "Best" Esprit - buy the one you like. - And as already has been said, if you buy well - which ever model you get, they are such emotive cars.



JC.

P.S. However I'll be going for the S4s if I ever scrape the cash together again - it is the best of both worlds in my oppinion....... as I launch another cat into Pidgeon Forrest...

[adrianmugridge]

As I've pointed out on other forums in the past, when you ask whcih is the best model to get, everyone always tells you it's teh one that they own. So , there is indeed no point asking.

[911nutter]

hmmm... thanks for all the replies. i wasn't asking which was the better esprit as such, i was asing which was more appropriate for track days.... as with 911's a gt3 is better on the track than a turbo...

FWIW I did used to own an '89 turbo se which when i bought it i thought i had 'arrived'... the only car i ever wanted since the age of 7... only kept it 3 months because the fantasy was far better than the reality.

i am currently looking to get a friend into a track day car, hence my question.... thanks for the answers so far though...

[jconsta6]

911nutter said:

hmmm... thanks for all the replies. i wasn't asking which was the better esprit as such, i was asing which was more appropriate for track days.... as with 911's a gt3 is better on the track than a turbo... FWIW I did used to own an '89 turbo se which when i bought it i thought i had 'arrived'... the only car i ever wanted since the age of 7... only kept it 3 months because the fantasy was far better than the reality. i am currently looking to get a friend into a track day car, hence my question.... thanks for the answers so far though...

Yes, I'm sorry I went off a bit there - I hope it came across as it was intended in good humour....

For the track, I'd say thats a bit tougher.

If it is just for the track then there are obviously lots of probably better choices than an Esprit, however if he is thinking of having the car and doing a handful of track days, then in reality I don't think you'd go far wrong with either the GT3 or the V8. Both have their merits, however I think I'd just swing slightly infavour of the GT3 for it's slight more nimbleness. Afterall trackdays are about fun, and personally there isn't all that much "fun" blasting down a long straight, I find it much more "fun" being able to go in and out or corners like Torville & Dean on acid.

Cheers,

JC

[rob.e]

If you want a lotus to blast 'round a track all day long then i have to say that an elise will probably be a better option..