380HP factory Sport ECU
Discussion
Kind of! I had a 99 v8 and there is a way of playing with the EMC, I think it is just done by plugging in a PC and adjusting some of the profiles. The factory can do it but you have to ask really nicely! Some of the dealers will help you out as well but there seems to be a bit of reticance to actually do it.
Hi,
There is a comprehensive ECU reprogramming option available from Moto-Concept for all Esprits.
www.moto-concept.de/en/autos/lotus/esprit/index.php
(under chip tuning)
For the 4 cylinders like GT3:
As I understand it, the Lotus option ECU is not generally available, usually only to racing people, although copies of it have been obtained occasionally.
Any chip power adjustment of the stock S4 type powerplant should not exceed 310bhp without considering improving the flow characteristics of the cylinderhead and some performance ancillary devices. Also, you want to think about a higher load clutch after 315bhp else you will find slipping and increased wear from the higher torque in the low-mid range.
For the V8:
Usually the chip options are mainly for better torque at low-mid range not excessive top. This is because the gearbox hasn't changed since the older 4 cylinders and cannot handle too much more power. This is why Lotus deliberately underpowered the V8 Esprit since the engine can easily give over 450 bhp with a few alterations.
With any of these, you have to be careful once installed with how you put down the power at low speed/gears. It is easy to spin the wheels by mistake especially in the damp/wet causing an accident!
I'm sure there are others who know more, but try the site above for starters.
Regards,
Nicholas
(92 SE HW)
There is a comprehensive ECU reprogramming option available from Moto-Concept for all Esprits.
www.moto-concept.de/en/autos/lotus/esprit/index.php
(under chip tuning)
For the 4 cylinders like GT3:
As I understand it, the Lotus option ECU is not generally available, usually only to racing people, although copies of it have been obtained occasionally.
Any chip power adjustment of the stock S4 type powerplant should not exceed 310bhp without considering improving the flow characteristics of the cylinderhead and some performance ancillary devices. Also, you want to think about a higher load clutch after 315bhp else you will find slipping and increased wear from the higher torque in the low-mid range.
For the V8:
Usually the chip options are mainly for better torque at low-mid range not excessive top. This is because the gearbox hasn't changed since the older 4 cylinders and cannot handle too much more power. This is why Lotus deliberately underpowered the V8 Esprit since the engine can easily give over 450 bhp with a few alterations.
With any of these, you have to be careful once installed with how you put down the power at low speed/gears. It is easy to spin the wheels by mistake especially in the damp/wet causing an accident!
I'm sure there are others who know more, but try the site above for starters.
Regards,
Nicholas
(92 SE HW)
Yes, there are upgrades.
For a 99 there are two levels of upgrade. First is a hi-torque ecu. This does not give you any more power or any more torque, but it does release more torque in the first three gears and generally improves drivability. Peak power and torque stays the same. This is the same maps that were used on the sport350. UK cars get this as standard from 2000my onwards. This is available thru your dealer. Its not expensive and well worth doing imo.
There is also a "Race" ecu that can be purchased. Its expensive and invalidates ALL of you warranty cover and i hear that LCU gets people to sign a disclaimer when they buy this. From previous discussions i hear it puts out well over 400bhp. This IS being used on the street by some people, but you'd have to be VERY careful you don't destroy your gearbox or driveshafts - remember, the only reason lotus limited the v8 to 350bhp in the first place was to protect the drivetrain!
Whilst you can plug the race ecu in with no other mods, its probably a good idea to fit less restrictive filters and exhaust, plus bov's and intercooling at the same time if you are going to do this mod.
There is some good info on hybinette.com/lotus
cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT (hi-torque ecu fitted '00)
For a 99 there are two levels of upgrade. First is a hi-torque ecu. This does not give you any more power or any more torque, but it does release more torque in the first three gears and generally improves drivability. Peak power and torque stays the same. This is the same maps that were used on the sport350. UK cars get this as standard from 2000my onwards. This is available thru your dealer. Its not expensive and well worth doing imo.
There is also a "Race" ecu that can be purchased. Its expensive and invalidates ALL of you warranty cover and i hear that LCU gets people to sign a disclaimer when they buy this. From previous discussions i hear it puts out well over 400bhp. This IS being used on the street by some people, but you'd have to be VERY careful you don't destroy your gearbox or driveshafts - remember, the only reason lotus limited the v8 to 350bhp in the first place was to protect the drivetrain!
Whilst you can plug the race ecu in with no other mods, its probably a good idea to fit less restrictive filters and exhaust, plus bov's and intercooling at the same time if you are going to do this mod.
There is some good info on hybinette.com/lotus
cheers
Rob
98 V8-GT (hi-torque ecu fitted '00)
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