-transplanting 3.5L Buick/Rover V8 into Esprit-S1-

[77esprit-V8]

-Hello from the land of fruits & nuts! -Am greatly desiring to hear from anyone having first-hand knowledge about what all is involved in executing a professional like conversion of the anemic early 2L/4-banger into the car that Chapman should/could have built (and hence, would have sold a lot more of them, --but he had a silly-snob's aversion to pushrods)! Wondering if anyone has an adapter-plate or pattern for same? Is the Esprit flywheel workable (hope to use the Esprit/clutch-pack as I installed a lifetime Kevlar-clutch which is smooth as silk!), or do I have to use a Buick/manual-trany flywheel, and how does the Buick-starter then mate to the Esprit/Citroen-transaxle? Refuse to do any hacking into the Esprit's Firewall, so any suggestions as to how to shorten the adversely-long nose of the Buick/Rover-V8 will be welcomed as well! Most anxious to execute this conversion; --as besides having gobs more low-rpm TORQUE (not going to abuse the running-gear, just desire the proper amount of torque to make the car more enjoyable to drive), --the new engine with headers and a roller-cam, will sound like an exciting machine should, and bare no weight-penalty (only 2,350-lbs./1,065-kg, -thus not be the sniveling little troublesome bitch she presently is, --she'll thus become a "butch"-bitch!)... -Bob [note: -happy to Email you a pix of her, -including her special nifty low-profile DOT-approved headlamps(open-up only a sleek 2"/5.10cm!!!!)]

>>> Edited by 77esprit-V8 on Wednesday 23 October 05:31

>>> Edited by 77esprit-V8 on Wednesday 23 October 05:36

>>> Edited by 77esprit-V8 on Wednesday 23 October 05:38

>>> Edited by 77esprit-V8 on Wednesday 23 October 05:38

[cnh1990]

Thjere have been a few V8 conversions and one with a Ford 6 cyl. SHO motor w/Yamaha parts. I forget the guy's name but there are a few with the conversion on the Esprit list.
Calvin

[GUY JOHNSON]

Try this guy:
www.lotuspbc.com/
He does all kinds of conversions.

[peptidedoc]

Does anyone here know if this conversion can be done on a 90+ SE???

Thanks,

Keith

[Lotus907]

Try Lotus by Claudius, He is in California and has a
website. Jim

[sydneyse]

I am able to supply an adaptor plate for lexus v8 to renault tranny (ie- SE esprit) Am in the process of doing this myself..

[cnh1990]

How much HP is the Lexus V8?
How much does the engine weigh?
Calvin

[sydneyse]

Calvin,
The motor is 205kw/300BHP with the standard computer. Measures 700x700mm (27.5"x27.5") and all alloy... I still haven't weighed it dressed or without ancilliaries. Will keep you posted!

Engine weight: 460-470 lbs.
see www.241computers.com/ford/ContentExpress20-30-38.html

>> Edited by sydneyse on Thursday 28th November 00:41

[cnh1990]

300 HP is in the range of the SE motor if it is re-chipped. 330 hp with the chip from Moto concept. Also the with the new chip map the turbo will cut in at 2K rpm. Oh I'm sure the Lexus V8 can also be re-chipped for more HP. It does not cost a lot to get the chips compared to an engine swap. I sure would like to know how much extra weight you would be carrying with the V8 and perhaps the different transmission . As not only would the extra weight hinder the HP gain but the suspension geometry will be off a bit. That might be very interesting how it affects the cars handling.
Calvin 90 SE

[lotusguy]

sydneyse said: Calvin,
The motor is 205kw/300BHP with the standard computer. Measures 700x700mm (27.5"x27.5") and all alloy... I still haven't weighed it dressed or without ancilliaries. Will keep you posted!

Hi,
With respect to your Lexus conversion, will you be turbocharging it? is there adequate cooling capacity in te existing radiator to manage this engine?...Jim '85TE

[LS1/ TR Mike]

Bob, I'm in the UK so don't intend to try to sell you anything but why haven't you looked at the Ls1 which is local to you? The other thing is I am a big fan of Rovers (i'v had loads) but surely they don't weigh 200lbs, I thought 315lbs was nearer the mark? My website gives out some measurements for the LS1 which is in many ways smaller then the rover.

[sydneyse]

Calvin- power.. well.. there's many option. Your poing regarding handling is as always very important- anyone know what the chargecooled engine weighs? (guess I might have to pull it our and weigh it- damn I need more time!!!! and unlike certain states in the US... Sydney Austrlaia is always perfect lotus weather...)

Jim- I've yet to measure the heat exchange capacity of the Lotus radiator compared to a lexus rad (however an aluminium custom unit can always be made up- size is an issue..)

engine swaps are never that easy.... still sorting one thing at a time...

Back to the original point though- if you live in the US and you are talking about a series one- don't reinvent the wheel, talk to "lotus prepared by claudius" as suggested above!

>> Edited by sydneyse on Thursday 28th November 00:48