Spring-rating.

[Phantom]

Just came back from UK with my first Esprit, it's a 81,na in original condition. it has bee laidup in a barn for 5-6 years. after scaring out all the spiders I had it towed to a workshop in NorthLondon where they help'd to make it driveable. New waterpump, battery, belt, oil, brakefluid, inletgasket, carb-clean and a brake cleanup. All this for just over 600£.....
I have now done about 1000 miles in the car and as a racedriver i feel the weighttransfer under heavy breaking is a bit.. ehh wierd !! Dampers and bushing are ok so I'm thinking springs, Does anyone have the original ratings on the springs???
I dont know much about the Esprit yet, but is much of the frontend taken from Triumph? lower Aframe and upright look very TRish..
Happy laps Mikael

[lotusguy]

Just came back from UK with my first Esprit, it's a 81,na in original condition. it has bee laidup in a barn for 5-6 years. after scaring out all the spiders I had it towed to a workshop in NorthLondon where they help'd to make it driveable. New waterpump, battery, belt, oil, brakefluid, inletgasket, carb-clean and a brake cleanup. All this for just over 600£.....
I have now done about 1000 miles in the car and as a racedriver i feel the weighttransfer under heavy breaking is a bit.. ehh wierd !! Dampers and bushing are ok so I'm thinking springs, Does anyone have the original ratings on the springs???
I dont know much about the Esprit yet, but is much of the frontend taken from Triumph? lower Aframe and upright look very TRish..
Happy laps Mikael

Mikael,

Congratulations on acquiring your 'new' S2! You're in for some fun now!

You are correct that the front end is somewhat 'TR'ish, but it not Triumph sourced. Fact is, it's a british car and so there is some commonality w/ earlier Jags, Triumphs, TVR's and the like.

As far as weight transfer, well, welcome to the world of mid-engined cars. Unlike a front engined car, where the front suspension is setup to support the weight of the engine constantly, mid-engined cars are set-up differently in that they need only bear the full weight of the engine under hard braking or extremely hard cornering. The springs on the Esprit are extremely progessive, in fact, once you first see one removed, you'll be surprised to see it's almost 2½ times it's mounted length. You can stiffen up the springs, but ride quality and handling will be compromised to some degree.

The real test is to check your ground clearance which should spec out at 146mm as measured below the radiator duct and a chassis height as measured below the front crossmember of 170mm and the rear lower radius arm as 170mm. If these measurements are up to spec. and you're still unsatisfied with the feel, contact Jeff Robinson, the owner of JAE Independent Lotus Parts Specialists at: [e-mail] Jeff is totally knowledgeable about these cars and can steer you in the right direction. Also, you will want to get both the Service Notes (Shop Manual) and Parts List for your car. As it is a UK spec car, you may need to acquire these abroad, try Steve at SJSportscars at: www.sjsportcars.co.uk Hope this helps. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE

[Phantom]

"S2" I hope not, all papers and the car says S3 !!
All the parts we used was ordered for S3 2,2.
chassis nr. is S085912BHD11018. perhaps someone can id the car from this?
I found the chassis nr in two places, on a plate near sparewheel and in the window. right lower corner, should there be number on chassis, if so, where.
I shall order the manual ASAP.
TIRES.. the car sits on 195/60/15- 235/60/15 and my tireguy went silent when he saw the size of the rears.
Is there a brand that stocks both sizes.

Thanks in advance
Mikael S3 (i hope)

[lotusguy]

Phantom said: "S2" I hope not, all papers and the car says S3 !!
All the parts we used was ordered for S3 2,2.
chassis nr. is S085912BHD11018. perhaps someone can id the car from this?
I found the chassis nr in two places, on a plate near sparewheel and in the window. right lower corner, should there be number on chassis, if so, where.
I shall order the manual ASAP.
TIRES.. the car sits on 195/60/15- 235/60/15 and my tireguy went silent when he saw the size of the rears.
Is there a brand that stocks both sizes.

Thanks in advance
Mikael S3 (i hope)

Mikael,

My Bad! Yes, you're correct, it is an S3. This is determined by the first three numerals in your chassis' number. The next three are the engine type 912 = n/a 2.2ltr 910 engine, the B determines that it is a 1981 model, H is the plant designation = Hethel, D means it's a UK spec chassis, the '1' = UK spec engine while 1018 is the actual serial.

For Tires, consider the Dunlop SP Sport 8000 in the sizes: 205/50 ZR15 and 245/50 ZR15. These sizes fit nicely w/ no clearance problems and the 205 fronts combat the car's inherent understeer. The Sport 8000 is a Z rated tire, Traction rating of A, Temp rating of AA w/ a wear rating of 200. They have great traction wet/dry and look somewhat agressive. A Set can be had for just under $500. I installed a set this past summer and have driven them 4,800mi. on the Twistys, the Freeway and the Track. Aside from being a very good tire, it's one of the few speed rated tires available to fit the Esprit. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE