looking to buy v8 esprit

looking to buy v8 esprit

Author
Discussion

lord cooty

Original Poster:

5 posts

139 months

Saturday 18th August 2012
quotequote all
I am pretty handy with a set of spanners, and have been looking at the esprit for sale on ph web site can any one tell me how much an exhaust system is for a v8 and is it a mission to fit?

Thanks

gixxer

103 posts

260 months

Saturday 18th August 2012
quotequote all
Not too difficult. Here's the entire system for a center exhaust.


BIRMA

3,803 posts

193 months

Saturday 18th August 2012
quotequote all
You will have to buy a whole rear valance to fit that exhaust, handy with spanners eh! well if you want a challenge there is one with a blowing exhaust going for what I would consider a reasonable price. Oh and the blowing exhaust could mean the manifold studs are shot so not a case of just replacing the exhaust its an engine out job which will allow a whole raft of things to be done that may require attention.

Edited by BIRMA on Saturday 18th August 21:21

lord cooty

Original Poster:

5 posts

139 months

Saturday 18th August 2012
quotequote all
thaks for the info, i was always up for a challenge the low price motor could have the problem with the manifold bolts i am going to make further enquiries tomorrow will keep you posted on the outcome thank for the pics and help on the subject

V8 FOU

2,970 posts

146 months

Sunday 19th August 2012
quotequote all
Go for it!
You WILL regret it, sometimes, but otherwise it is a great experience.
I've done most jobs, so pm if you need info / advice.

superdave

935 posts

255 months

Sunday 19th August 2012
quotequote all
I know a garage on Wirral that will take your engine out and back in again for around £500. They can even do the manifold bolts as they have many years of Lotus experience.
They have taken an engine out for me on my other Esprit and also replaced my petrol tank on my V8 without taking engine out!
If you buy it and need their number then drop me a line.
Also I have a nearly new LH cat and I think my mate has a sports exhaust in his garage.
Any links to the car, I may know the history?

Regards,



David Walters

lord cooty

Original Poster:

5 posts

139 months

Sunday 19th August 2012
quotequote all
the car is advertised on pison heads site 2000 silver v8 56k red leather interior £12995.00 in london.

superdave

935 posts

255 months

Monday 20th August 2012
quotequote all
I remember that one now. It has passed owners a few times over last few years, don't know why. If it's just the manifold then it's a bargain at this price. Have it checked out properly though as the seller has usually done their homework first to work out whether to have it fixed and sell for normal price or sell at reduced price. This price still seems a bit too cheap to me. I know a guy who paid £12K for a V8 and 3 weeks later, the engine was out having a full engine rebuild due to problems. Everything else seemed to go on it too and the guy has now spent £10K, taking the total to £22K.
I have a check list if you are serious about buying it. I can email it to you.
I would have a comression test done, it will take about an hour tops but well worth it!

Regards,



David Walters

BIRMA

3,803 posts

193 months

Monday 20th August 2012
quotequote all
I can only reiterate and emphasize what Superdave has said. Unfortunately these wonderful cars occasionally fall victim to people who can't afford to run them properly or are just too tight (and stupid) to keep them up together. You could in a worst case scenario find yourself spending a large sum of money just getting it right from day one of ownership. I have listed a basic watch list items just recently on here and I would say I'm no real expert but I've listed a few obvious things to look out for, I wouldn't neccesarilly accept what the person selling it tells you either and to get someone who can inspect it properly for you before parting with any cash. You may of course have an honest seller in which case I'll take back what I say but I would urge caution and consideration. Once up together and running right you will have a really wonderful car to play with because the V8 is a really nice car which is why when you go on to The Lotus Forums you will read how many people just wouldn't sell theirs. Just remember though they are not a cheap car to keep up together in a proper manner.

Le TVR

3,092 posts

250 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
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Mine was cheap because it was thought that the manifold/exhaust was blowing. Eventually turned out to be a corroded EGR pipe that was leaking.
Five years later the engine did have to come out for a couple of manifold studs etc and there was the usual "well while its out"....
B Service + cambelts and tensioners
Remanufactured turbos, replace broken manifold studs. Readjust passenger window frame alignment. Split transmission and inspect clutch.
New : 200 cell cats, straight exhausts, heatshields, wastegates, boost solenoid, starter motor, slave cyl, engine wiring loom, turbo oil and coolant lines, radiator, rear valence, oil hose unions, engine and gearbox mounts, water pump, thermostat etc....

Good news is that there was zero wear measured on the clutch (changed at 37k).
Even better news is that is now looks like this:



So whilst the wallet may be still undergoing trauma therapy the sound more than makes up for it.

BIRMA

3,803 posts

193 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
quotequote all
Wow! that was a lot of work, did you do it yourself or did you get a specialist. Nice car now though.

lord cooty

Original Poster:

5 posts

139 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
quotequote all
Thanks guys for the info once again you have come up trumps.
Have found out that it is the manifold leaking, but I have some reservations about the car myself.
Does anyone know of any motor vehicle engineers in the south east who specialise checking lotus car or will any engineer do.

Thanks once again Steve

BIRMA

3,803 posts

193 months

Tuesday 21st August 2012
quotequote all
It might be worth going over to The Lotus Forums there are a lot of very helpful people on the site who might be able to help or at least know someone who can.

Le TVR

3,092 posts

250 months

Wednesday 22nd August 2012
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Steve, I wouldn't go along with the idea of any engineer. There are a lot of very expensive pitfalls with the V8s so it really should be someone who knows them backwards.
I would recommend Gerald at GST Performance (Newmarket).

Otherwise come along to TLF and ask, there are many V8 owners on there. There may be someone who knows this car.