S1 esprit gearbox

[s1v8esprit]

Hi Guys,
go easy on me I am new to the forum and have a modified S1 Esprit, I brought it just over a year ago which was fitted with a stock Rover V8(P6)engine, this was a non-runner project which I fixed up and got on the road. The conversion was a professional installation kit to fit it into the esprit, it was a disappointment to drive after wanting one for so long! any way back to the point in hand I have removed the engine and plans are to fit a much more powerful unit, but I have worries with the gearbox and what torque/bhp it can handle along with the drive shafts? I am planning on upgrading the rear suspension by fitting some kind of top links as fitted to the S3 esprits.
Many Thanks
Rob

[GKP]

The Citroen box is essentially the same as fitted to the later Turbo cars (up to '87) and as such is used to having 215bhp and 220 lb ft put through it. However, it's at its design limits with this power and the casing will start to flex if it's forced to handle much more.

If you are determined to see this project through (and many just end up as part completed bodyshells pushed to the back of the garage) then I'd suggest joining http://www.thelotusforums.com/cms/ and having a rummage through the Esprit tech area of the Forum - especially the Restorations and Projects section - as there isn't much that hasn't been done before and there are plenty of willing members to help out with suggestions and hints.

[s1v8esprit]

thanks for the info

[Le TVR]

If you're going to up the power then start looking at other gearboxes. The Renault UN1 box is fitted to the later Esprits including the V8 and is also found in a lot of mid engine kit cars such as GT40s. Adapter plates are usually available. Similarly for Getrag G50 boxes.

Might be worth having a read of the GT40 forum and see their comments on different V8 and gearbox combinations.

[s1v8esprit]

Thanks, good idea I will have a look.

[GKP]

Renault box won't suit your needs without doing a whole host of modifications to accomodate the rear brakes (currently inboard but outboard on the Renault, but without the dish in the rear wheel to allow them to fit) and driveshafts (currently a pair of short propshafts with ujs but splined driveshafts on the Renault).

[s1v8esprit]

after a lot of thinking I have changed direction, and now plan to use a s3 chassis which is stronger and has better rear suspension, this will also make it a much better car to drive, I have seen a few people have used audi transaxles which look easy to get.

[dsvitesse1]

Hi, imho the Citroen gearbox is very strong. I have a client who is doing iceracing with a tuned Citroen SM with more than 240 BHP. I also know several people with Esprits who have also more than 250 BHP. Limited slip diff will also make a big difference in handling the power through the CWP and casing.
Cryogenetic treatment will also make the gearbox much stronger. I think following that path is much easier than converting to Audi tranny.

cheers,

Harry Martens Limmen
www.ds-vitesse.com