1983 shift linkage

[lwasson]

In an earlier post I mentioned I was interested in buying an '83 Turbo Esprit that WAS stuck in 4th gear. Bought it and fixed it. A 'lobe'(for the lack of a better term) was broken on the cross-over shifter assembly. $10 weld job fixed the problem.

Car needs alot of work but it will be fun.

Queston: The shift linkage from cockpit to tranny is very .... indescribeable. Does the group have experience on taken out the slack? The linkage already has a lot of washers added to it by previous owners.

Thanks a bunch,
louis

[cnh1990]

Replace the stretched shifer cables.
I know Jim will have a lot to say about this subject as his was worn a bit also.
Calvin

[lwasson]

The '83 does not use cables. The linkage can be compared to a Lotus Europa but not as strong. Lots of angles, connections and all around funky. Makes it difficult to shift quickly and accurately. Never understood why Lotus chose this complicated system considering if you want to go fast in a hurry you need to shift quickly.

louis

[cnh1990]

When did they change to shifter cables? Don't know much about the early G cars.
Calvin

[sydneyse]

Calvin, I believe ths shift linkage goes with the gearbox ie the citroen based box has the crossgate and linkages; the renault based box has the cable shift mechanism (with translator on the box); so its more a question of which box your car came with. As far as I know, some of the 1989 models still had a citroen box but this was rare as mostly renault based by then (also the citroen box had the inboard brakes, so this is easy to identify).

[lotusguy]

lwasson said: The '83 does not use cables. The linkage can be compared to a Lotus Europa but not as strong. Lots of angles, connections and all around funky. Makes it difficult to shift quickly and accurately. Never understood why Lotus chose this complicated system considering if you want to go fast in a hurry you need to shift quickly.

louis

Hi,
I don't know where you're getting your information, but you need to ask for a refund. The fact is that all Esprits use a cable to actuate the crossgate via the gear shift lever, and have virtually no resemblance to the linkage used on a Europa. This system is present on all Esprits from '78 until the '97 V8.

For your edification, The gear shift actuates the Front Gear Change Tube (Lotus Part # A082F4053J)which connects to the relay lever (Lotus Part# A082f4059F) to which the Rear Gear Change Tube (Lotus Part# A082F4052J)is connected. This in turn connects to the Cross Shaft Assembly (Lotus Part# B082F4060F). This applies a fore/aft motion to the Selector Shafts inside the transmission.

A Crossgate Cable (Lotus Part# D079F4015F) also connects to the gear shift lever, it runs through the Chassis Backbone Tunnel and connects to the Crossgate Extension Rod (Lotus Part# B082F4065K) which in turn connects to the Crossgate Bell Crank Lever (Lotus Part# F082F4043F) and imparts a sideways motion to the Cross Shaft Assembly allowing one of four Selector Shafts to actuate the Selector Forks. Various clevis pins, connecting bolts and associated washers and bushings connect the various components desrcibed above.

In your initial post, you express concern about the slack in the system. This is removed by adjustments to the Crossgate Cable, both at the Gear Shift Lever and at the Crossgate Cable Extension Rod. Over time, this cable stretches to the point where it exceeds the available adjustment and must be replaced. It sounds as if this is the case with your Esprit as you note many washers in the connections. It is not too difficult to remove and replace the cable, but you should also consider upgrading to SJSportscar's Shift Modification at the same time. This consists of a much beefier SS Crossgate Cable Extention Rod w/ Heim joint in place of the stock clevis pin and bushing, and provides much firmer and sure shifts as all the force transmitted by the Gear Change Lever is imparted directly to the Crossgate Bellcrank Lever rather than losing some to the flexing of the stock Crossgate Cable Extension Rod. There is really no other fix for the condition you describe except a replacement of the cable. Adding more washers may eliminate some of the slack, but you will be well outside the proper geometry necessary for sure, positive gear engagement and may result in slippage or not being able to easily select all of the gears. Hope this helps...Jim '85TE

[lwasson]

Jim 85TE You Da Man!!

I got the car on Friday found and fixed the broken part on the cross over spindle but that's about it. Thanks for explaining the linkage and its workings.

The Lotus is in need of help and it will be alot of fun getting it running and handling like a Lotus.

Hey, it's been 25 years since I owned a Europa. The linkage on both cars is funky.

I will get the upgrade on the shifter. Where do I get one?

Thanks a bunch,
louis

[lotusguy]

lwasson said: Jim 85TE You Da Man!!

I got the car on Friday found and fixed the broken part on the cross over spindle but that's about it. Thanks for explaining the linkage and its workings.

The Lotus is in need of help and it will be alot of fun getting it running and handling like a Lotus.

Hey, it's been 25 years since I owned a Europa. The linkage on both cars is funky.

I will get the upgrade on the shifter. Where do I get one?

Thanks a bunch,
louis

Louis,

Contact Steve Robertson @ SJSportscars:
http:\www.sjsportscars.co.uk
He can supply you with both the Crossgate Cable and the Shift Mod. The Shift Mod is their in-house developed exclusive...less than $30 USD. Hope this helps...Jim '85TE

[lwasson]

Ordering the Shift Mod today!!

The car is about what you would expect for being 20 years old and typical to sub-parr maintanence. Needs bushings all around and the wiring needs work. Engine is rough but turbo comes in nice and smooth.

Sometimes I wonder why people get cars like a Lotus and then treat them like a Buick???

louis

[cnh1990]

I knew Jim could help you out on the shifter. Only G car I ever put my hands on was Jim's 85 a little different than than the SE in the way it works but not too much different. Jim is very good at the G cars. He would be a good resource to check with.
Calvin

[lwasson]

Yes, Jim is a good resource. He set me straight. I have a feeling he will set me straight many times in the future.

The whole Esprit Fact File is a great resource!!