NEW LOTUS OWNER
Discussion
Welcome,
We have a lot of 4 cyl. support here. If you have the Bosch injection. Robert, (Swedish Surgeon) would be the person to go to for advice as everything except the body is same as his car. He is a professional mechanic . I can help you with body issuse as the 88 and my 90 SE have many of the same components. If you have a carb engine, Jim is the go to guy for you. We are a little light on V8 expertise, one of these days more hobbiest will join the ranks of the V8.
Calvin 90 SE
We have a lot of 4 cyl. support here. If you have the Bosch injection. Robert, (Swedish Surgeon) would be the person to go to for advice as everything except the body is same as his car. He is a professional mechanic . I can help you with body issuse as the 88 and my 90 SE have many of the same components. If you have a carb engine, Jim is the go to guy for you. We are a little light on V8 expertise, one of these days more hobbiest will join the ranks of the V8.
Calvin 90 SE
Calvin...
I'm good with V8 tips and theory, I'm just a little afraid of mucking up the works by taking on projects myself... (I have all of the pertinent books, just afraid to take the leap quite honestly)
...however, I have found the Rob Ellis has a LOT of V8 knowledge and practical experience. Then there is always Johan ("how to make an Esprit exceed the speed of light")
For even more V8 knowledge, there is always the TurboEsprit list and Larry Marsala.
ErnestM
I'm good with V8 tips and theory, I'm just a little afraid of mucking up the works by taking on projects myself... (I have all of the pertinent books, just afraid to take the leap quite honestly)
...however, I have found the Rob Ellis has a LOT of V8 knowledge and practical experience. Then there is always Johan ("how to make an Esprit exceed the speed of light")
For even more V8 knowledge, there is always the TurboEsprit list and Larry Marsala.
ErnestM
So...I have a few questions for you all. I am assuming that my car has the Bosche set up....because it is an 88 turbo. Is this correct? I do not have the car yet, I am getting it next week, but I was assuming that they were fuel injected by then. Are there any newer wheel styles I can throw on it? Also, mine already has a wing, but I may want to put a bit larger one on it as the newer ones seem to have. What should I expect to pay for wheels or a fin?
Hi there, am looking forward to seeing the new beast!!! I have a 89 Esprit Turbo 2.2L, so probably very similar to yours. What colour is it?
If you are interested in a bigger wing, take a peak at my profile, you will see my wing its from a V8 model. There are some other members here with very nice examples of modifications done to their cars if you want to go that way.
Cheers
Kylie
>> Edited by kylie on Saturday 25th January 07:14
If you are interested in a bigger wing, take a peak at my profile, you will see my wing its from a V8 model. There are some other members here with very nice examples of modifications done to their cars if you want to go that way.
Cheers
Kylie
>> Edited by kylie on Saturday 25th January 07:14
DR.IAN said: So...I have a few questions for you all. I am assuming that my car has the Bosche set up....because it is an 88 turbo. Is this correct? I do not have the car yet, I am getting it next week, but I was assuming that they were fuel injected by then. Are there any newer wheel styles I can throw on it? Also, mine already has a wing, but I may want to put a bit larger one on it as the newer ones seem to have. What should I expect to pay for wheels or a fin?
If you have some time on your hands, here is a really good site to peruse for modifications:
www.black89lotus.com/
Tony is an Esprit afficianado of the first order (and a really nice guy as well). He has done a lot of mods on his 89 and some of his techniques are applicable to all of the models, generally, around that age.
Cheers
ErnestM
DR.IAN said: Awsome! I love that wing you put on your esprit! What did that cost? Also, would wheels like that fit on an 88? I am so excited! Anyone know what a glass top costs?
Ian, just email Tony (his email is on his site). He is usually more than happy to answer any questions. I don't belive Tony frequents PH. He's usually either working on his car or posting on the TurboEsprit list
ErnestM
Dr. Ian,
Congratulations on your 'new' Esprit. You're in for a treat. I'm going to pass along some advise which is prudent to any new Esprit owner.
Before rushing in to make all kinds of modifications to your new car, consider just driving it a month or so to become accustomed to it. In that time, you may decide to take on other mods you haven't considered at this time, or, heaven forbid, find that there are other issues crying out for your attention and monies.
Once the car is well sorted out, and you've had time to learn more about the car, your mods will be better thought through and planned. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by Lotusguy on Saturday 25th January 22:46
>> Edited by Lotusguy on Saturday 25th January 22:47
Congratulations on your 'new' Esprit. You're in for a treat. I'm going to pass along some advise which is prudent to any new Esprit owner.
Before rushing in to make all kinds of modifications to your new car, consider just driving it a month or so to become accustomed to it. In that time, you may decide to take on other mods you haven't considered at this time, or, heaven forbid, find that there are other issues crying out for your attention and monies.
Once the car is well sorted out, and you've had time to learn more about the car, your mods will be better thought through and planned. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
>> Edited by Lotusguy on Saturday 25th January 22:46
>> Edited by Lotusguy on Saturday 25th January 22:47
I agree with Lotusguy. Listen to all advise given by him. I bought my 1990 Turbo last month and nearly did the same as you. wanted to modify this and that. Now I month later, the list has almost completely changed. I have completely done out my interior as it was really poor. Still a little hesitant over my wheels. Replacing glass roof seal with correct one to reduce wind noise and rattle. New horn kit. Oil filter change.
The conclude, I think that if you rush into things and try to modify too quickly, you won't get the enjoyment you deserve and also neither of us have experienced the maintainance costs yet. Just enjoy for a few months I know how your feeling.
The conclude, I think that if you rush into things and try to modify too quickly, you won't get the enjoyment you deserve and also neither of us have experienced the maintainance costs yet. Just enjoy for a few months I know how your feeling.
SuperDave,
Thank you for your kind words. Having once been a new Esprit owner myself, albeit 8 years ago now, I discovered that it really pays off to dicover the car first before attempting any mods and throwing money to all the compass points.
Nothing is really cheap about these cars as Dr.Ian will soon discover. The fact is, that while these cars are very special, and a gas to drive, they really don't posess the best build quality in the world, especially when compared to a Porsche, Corvette, Viper or the like. Nor, will they take the same amount of abuse without running up quite a tab in repair costs. Plus, there are a number of intricacies and 'secrets' about these cars which one can only discover once you've actually owned and become accustomed to the car which I'm sure you are discovering.
I know of no owner of a previously owned Esprit who didn't have at least a few items to correct or a few surprises. It's really best to sort these out first and then proceed to modifying it to your tastes. It's heartening to hear you echo my thoughts and experiences on the subject. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
Thank you for your kind words. Having once been a new Esprit owner myself, albeit 8 years ago now, I discovered that it really pays off to dicover the car first before attempting any mods and throwing money to all the compass points.
Nothing is really cheap about these cars as Dr.Ian will soon discover. The fact is, that while these cars are very special, and a gas to drive, they really don't posess the best build quality in the world, especially when compared to a Porsche, Corvette, Viper or the like. Nor, will they take the same amount of abuse without running up quite a tab in repair costs. Plus, there are a number of intricacies and 'secrets' about these cars which one can only discover once you've actually owned and become accustomed to the car which I'm sure you are discovering.
I know of no owner of a previously owned Esprit who didn't have at least a few items to correct or a few surprises. It's really best to sort these out first and then proceed to modifying it to your tastes. It's heartening to hear you echo my thoughts and experiences on the subject. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
O.K you are on the same path as me. I sold my 86 928s three years ago when I decide to go the lotus route. No other car has given me as many smiles per miles. Best car purchase I have ever made. The car has been very reliable for me. I drove it on a weekly basis from L.A to Las Vegas for six mos. w/o a hitch. L.A traffic for 2 hrs. only going 10 miles in 90+ temps no problem. Las Vegas traffic at 110+ temps no problems (well the a/c could do better) if your car is a u.s model check out the citroen transaxle thoroughly. I have replaced the whole unit last year (not real strong, so don't shift it like a mustang) I have put 50,000 miles on my car with regular maintanance and it has been a gem, well I just blew the eng. my mechanic told me that pinging was my exhaust ratling next thing I know KAPOW! I'm doing a rebuild now. Needless to say at a different shop. There are many aftermarket suppliers if you don't like lotus prices (lotus price for pistons=2,000 each, JAE motorsports in Ca. 750 a set ) we are all here to help, Congrats!
Cheers
Dino
Cheers
Dino
espritnutdean said: if your car is a u.s model check out the citroen transaxle thoroughly. I have replaced the whole unit last year (not real strong, so don't shift it like a mustang) I have put 50,000 miles on my car with regular maintanance and it has been a gem, well I just blew the eng. my mechanic told me that pinging was my exhaust ratling next thing I know KAPOW! I'm doing a rebuild now. Needless to say at a different shop. There are many aftermarket suppliers if you don't like lotus prices (lotus price for pistons=2,000 each, JAE motorsports in Ca. 750 a set ) we are all here to help, Congrats!
Cheers
Dino
Dino,
There's nothing wrong or inherently bad about the citroen transmission. But in the Lotus, it operates near it's HP and torque limits and suffers mainly from US drivers. We were born to the low-end torque of Detroit V-8's. You don't see nearly the number of tranny complaints from the guys on the european lists as you do on the US ones. They simply drive their cars differently. You nailed it when you said "don't drive it like a Mustang"...
As far as parts suppliers, I agree with you that Jeff @ JAE is an excellent source of both parts and advise. In a former life, Jeff worked for Lotus rebuilding engines for them which failed under Warranty, so he certainly knows his stuff.
However, as far as pistons are concerned, the pistons on '86 and newer cars are matched to the Nikosil liners and should be replaced as a set. Earlier Esprits used cast iron liners and don't need to be matched to a piston. I bought a great set of JE pistons from Jeff at JAE for my '85, but I would bite the bullet and order them from Lotus if my car were an '86 or beyond. Early engine failure could result from not following this advise. Happy Motoring! Jim '85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Tuesday 28th January 01:38
lotusguy,
The forged pistons I ordered were from Jeff, or was it Jay? I dont remember who handeled my order that day. Jeff sold me on the forged pistons from je, They also sent me new liners (nikasil), connecting rod, main bearings, cam housing seals and gaskets,crankshaft seals, head gasket, new cam belts and tensioners, and a waterpump. Nothing is done half ass on my esprit. I took Jeff's advice, He told me the JE pistons were the way to go. Jeff and Jay know of my vehicle well. I have reciepts from them since '92. And they have sold me every part I have ordered. If you speak w/ them, tell them that Jose still hasn't put the damn thing back together in vegas yet, They know me as Jason Suttle, (Dino is my stripper name, gotta pay for that car somehow!)
Happy Motoring
The forged pistons I ordered were from Jeff, or was it Jay? I dont remember who handeled my order that day. Jeff sold me on the forged pistons from je, They also sent me new liners (nikasil), connecting rod, main bearings, cam housing seals and gaskets,crankshaft seals, head gasket, new cam belts and tensioners, and a waterpump. Nothing is done half ass on my esprit. I took Jeff's advice, He told me the JE pistons were the way to go. Jeff and Jay know of my vehicle well. I have reciepts from them since '92. And they have sold me every part I have ordered. If you speak w/ them, tell them that Jose still hasn't put the damn thing back together in vegas yet, They know me as Jason Suttle, (Dino is my stripper name, gotta pay for that car somehow!)
Happy Motoring
espritnutdean said: lotusguy,
The forged pistons I ordered were from Jeff, or was it Jay? I dont remember who handeled my order that day. Jeff sold me on the forged pistons from je, They also sent me new liners (nikasil), connecting rod, main bearings, cam housing seals and gaskets,crankshaft seals, head gasket, new cam belts and tensioners, and a waterpump. Nothing is done half ass on my esprit. I took Jeff's advice, He told me the JE pistons were the way to go. Jeff and Jay know of my vehicle well. I have reciepts from them since '92. And they have sold me every part I have ordered. If you speak w/ them, tell them that Jose still hasn't put the damn thing back together in vegas yet, They know me as Jason Suttle, (Dino is my stripper name, gotta pay for that car somehow!)
Happy Motoring
Jason,
My Bad... if Jeff sold you the liners too, I'm sure that he matched them up (uh , your earlier post fauiled to mention this). They are really great guys. I'll be talking to Jeff later this week and will mention we spoke. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
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