No esprit for me...

[MadMaxx]

Well, after looking at the 2002 Esprits down at LCU, I've found there will be no Esprit's in my future... not unless I cut off my shins

I'm just too tall... you guys weren't kidding about cockpit room! My legs were bowed out on either side of the steering wheel, I doubt I could even turn it if I tried.

Oh well, I guess i'll look into another exotic or buy another viper

To those who fit, enjoy the car!!!

MM

[Roy W. Olivier]

Sorry I missed the meeting. If you go with a smaller wheel it's better. Why don't you just drive with the top off

Roy

[Skerd]

The first time I ever sat in an Esprit I thought the same thing. Now it is totally comfortable. Do not make an important decision like that in the first five seconds of sitting in it. Try it again.

[MadMaxx]

It wasn't the roof hight (I fit under it fine) it was my legs. I guess my legs are just too long. I honestly couldn't have driven the car very well, with my legs nailing the wheel.

Now, if the seat was ~3" lower, and the wheel was smaller, I could probably get used to it. Getting in and out took some skill

Is there ANY room for pushing the pedal bulkhead over any? I know the wheel well is there, but another 3" or so and I could have flattened out my ankle a bit and it would have been much easier.

I'm not ruling them out completely, but my first encounter wasn't too good

I don't know if i'm going to be able to get to brians party today, we're still w/o power and I have a bunch of junk to take care of... but, we'll see.

James

[azesprit]

If you really like an Esprit, I believe you can get rid of the sliders and bolt the seat directly to the floor. This will give you the added space needed between the knee and the steering wheel. however no more adjustments can be made(but how often do you have to adjust the seat when it's fixed and set to your comfy driving position). or you can take off the air cushion under the seat for added knee space, coupled with a smaller steering wheel -that should be enoough.

good luck!
anthony

[MadMaxx]

I don't know how much modification could be done. I mean, I'm sure you could re-glass the floorpan down 2", drop the seat directly to the floor and put a momo wheel on But, it takes time and i'd be a little hesitant to hack up a new esprit.

I think much of my discomfort was the way I was sitting. I'm used to sitting in the viper, slide my legs towards the pedals and sit low in my seat. Since this car has less leg room, I would have to sit strait up (with my back against the seat fully) and slightly to an angle to clear the pedal bulkhead. Also, that steering wheel is all out HUGE for that car Ugly too.. sorry, it is I haven't had a wheel like that since my 91 Camaro LOL

I haven't given up totally.. I still LOVE the style (looks so much better in person) and am willing to explore alternatives to my hight problem.

James

[orisha-oko]

Well I dont know how tall are you but I'm 6'4" and I sit comfortable in the car.I was very amazed of the space in the legs that not even my truck that is a full size has it(dodge ram).But about the roof you may be right is a bit short but as the same thing happens to me with a Mustang.A small lotus that really cant fit is the elise! I was gonna have a test drive in Lotus USA that is a couple miles from my home and I didnt fit at all(my knees was touching the steering wheel.Now that is a small Lotus I would never have fun!

[orisha-oko]

Well I dont know how tall are you but I'm 6'4" and I sit comfortable in the car.I was very amazed of the space in the legs that not even my truck that is a full size has it(dodge ram).But about the roof you may be right is a bit short but as the same thing happens to me with a Mustang.A small lotus that really cant fit is the elise! I was gonna have a test drive in Lotus USA that is a couple miles from my home and I didnt fit at all(my knees was touching the steering wheel.Now that is a small Lotus I would never have fun!

[ErnestM]

MadMax, I am 6 foot 1 and fit very well in the car. The trick is this...

You will automatically be tempted to pull the seat upright and then move the whole seat to the back as far as it will go...
- big mistake -
Pull the seat forward a little and then tilt the seat toward the back. It puts you at a slight incline when you strap yourself in, but believe me, you feel like you are strapping on an F16 or a formula 1 car when you get going.

I have also found that I like the "slight incline" driving position A LOT.

My legs (which are waaaayyyyy long) stay bent slightly and don't even lengthen completely for the clutch, but I have made several long trips in the car (Orlando - Atlanta and back) and was really, surprisingly, relaxed upon arrival...

ErnestM

[MadMaxx]

I will give it another try when I can get with some of the local (or near local) owners.

I really, really, REALLY want an Esprit, so i'm willing to figure out how to make it work

James

[sydneyse]

I'm with earnest M- also 6'1" and 230lbs... move the seat forward (knee just brushes the dash) and tilt the seat back... my knee brushes the dash slighly on every clutch moevment and the eyeball vent pumps the airconditioned air directly at my knee... but I feel snug and "strapped in" and love it!

[rob.ellis]

James

Have a look at Johan's page on sports seats - he's explained how the seats can be lowered in detail:

www.hybinette.com/lotus/Safety_Mods_/Racing_Seats/racing_seats.html

Also, have a look at Stehpen Miller's car (ex-Dave Nickless). This has offset momo hub and a smaller wheel to give greater space, plus also a re-designed pedal box that gives a lot more space.

www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EOwners/millers.html

cheers
Rob

[dictys]

Change the seats to GT3 seats this will give you the extra few inches that you need, I'm 6ft 3in with long legs, short back and once rid of those leather seats easy driving. Most delears will change for you if you are buying from them at no cost.

[cnh1990]

Madmax,
Do you know Brian Skeoch from Atlanta? I think he can get you in touch with taller Esprit owners there. He is very active in that area and know just about everybody in that area.
Calvin

[MadMaxx]

Calvin,

Yes, I have been in communication w/ Brian on several occasions. I was even planning on going to his Xmas party, but we lost power here for 4 days and I didn't get to make it down.

I haven't given up hope yet!!! I think i'm going to buy an older (89-91) and make it a weekend speedster... a project car if you will.

MM

[cnh1990]

Brian and I have been in touch for a while. He seems like a good guy. The SE has been a very good car for me and you will enjoy it very much if you get the right one. I had to certain things to it, but not out of the ordinary for the car. It's 45F today and warm we will be in upper 30's and 40's all week. I am still driving the SE as we have no snow or ice on the ground. I plan driving my SE to our club party on Sat. as the forecast looks good and them will be put away. I have stabilizer in it now and will have to top up the tank but thats okay. Tell Brian Hi for me.
Good luck
Calvin