My Esprit V8 project time to post a thread
Discussion
k me that's crap 
mmgt said:
I love both standard and modified Lotuses. I.M.o I think there is room for both it all depends what you want. As we all know production cars are built to a cost to maximise profit and can be improved on. If you want to build something thats your own. engineered by you to have fun with and not to just store to make money in the future I say fair play to you. It looks fantastic so far keep up the good work.
cheers bud, totally agree if it flicks your switch then let it beAs you may know I have been having issues with the pneumatic air solenoid valves. They are leaking air around the body joint and solenoid.
Red arrows in pic.
I brought a pair on ebay from a uk seller cheapish, and a pair from china on ebay even cheaper, yes I know buy cheap buy twice! Well yes its true they are crap!
They did work to start with but have got worse over a short period of time to the point of not working at all just clicking.
They other pair are following the same route and I expect them to die any day soon! Does any one use this type at work? Or use them at all on cars? I would be interested to still use this type if you can get them in a reliable quality. I think the other pair I brought most likely came from china as well. They work really fast and can have the car off the deck and ready to go in around 2 seconds! The kids love it! and so do I looks pretty cool!
The problem I found after taking them apart is a small O ring leaks and also around the whole solenoid body joint.
I tried to seal them with some silicone, but I don’t know if it would have worked as its still just clicking when I fitted it back onto the car.
really appreciate any info on these if some one has any knowledge they could share?
Red arrows in pic.
I brought a pair on ebay from a uk seller cheapish, and a pair from china on ebay even cheaper, yes I know buy cheap buy twice! Well yes its true they are crap!
They did work to start with but have got worse over a short period of time to the point of not working at all just clicking.
They other pair are following the same route and I expect them to die any day soon! Does any one use this type at work? Or use them at all on cars? I would be interested to still use this type if you can get them in a reliable quality. I think the other pair I brought most likely came from china as well. They work really fast and can have the car off the deck and ready to go in around 2 seconds! The kids love it! and so do I looks pretty cool!
The problem I found after taking them apart is a small O ring leaks and also around the whole solenoid body joint.
I tried to seal them with some silicone, but I don’t know if it would have worked as its still just clicking when I fitted it back onto the car.
really appreciate any info on these if some one has any knowledge they could share?
OlberJ said:
To elaborate, the engine is tremendous.
As you are now seeing, the suspension is utter, utter rubbish.
For the sake of having it look broken when it's parked up you're missing out on what is an excellent chassis. Old knackered suspension will indeed feel terrible, why not put some good suspension on there and have a chassis that can handle that engine?
why? I want to try air and if I dont like it can put springs back on no big deal. Calm down.As you are now seeing, the suspension is utter, utter rubbish.
For the sake of having it look broken when it's parked up you're missing out on what is an excellent chassis. Old knackered suspension will indeed feel terrible, why not put some good suspension on there and have a chassis that can handle that engine?
OlberJ said:
Trying to do you a favour is all. That and have something on the road i'd actually look to buy.
That could be fantastic. With the air suspension and all that brings, it's a disappointment. Why make it worse when you can make it so much better?
I think you are missing the point here? its my car and I chose to do it! because thats what I want.........That could be fantastic. With the air suspension and all that brings, it's a disappointment. Why make it worse when you can make it so much better?
OlberJ said:
And if you post it on a public site....you'll get public opinion.
That suspension, ruins that car.
yes I will and have no issues with your opinion, you have made it clear you dont like the car, I get it.That suspension, ruins that car.
Phew! for a moment I was worried I had ruined it because I had cut holes in the wooden bumper!
benters said:
here we go.
not crazy about the rear camber myself, but its got some presence for sure
Rob
amancalledrob said:
You mentioned you cross-drilled the discs yourself - how did you decide how many holes to drill and what size they should be? Could there be a safety issue if either/both decisions were incorrect? Just wondering as I wouldn't have the stones to try that
First I have done it before on other cars, I have done many projects before but never posted online. With drilled discs you always have a risk of hairline cracks, most manufactures counter sink the holes to help reduce this. Which I have also done. If you search the internet you will see many pictures and it does very a lot. Some say not to drill close to the outside edge and not to the inside edge. I have never had a problem. This was not built to race, Its built for fun and a cool car to drive around. I done it because it looks good. But was not needed the discs are from a large Audi and 30mm thick so they are not going to get stressed. If you look on the lotus forums this issue has been raised before. If any qualified engineer would like to chime in and tell me they are too dangerous I would be all ears. I have been working on cars for over 30 years. I would say if you are running a mainstream car just buy the discs drilled already. Its very hard on time and drill bits!Edited by s1v8esprit on Tuesday 22 July 10:55
Trial fitted the interior, again must be close to 2 years since this was in the car!
Parts have been floating around in my garage and shed and took some time finding all the parts.
It still needs removing and cleaning and refitting, but I needed to check how it all went back together.
Yes I know the carpets are dodgy and home made but a new set is on its way.
I still have some air leaks, few electrical items to finish, and the dreaded brakes still to sort out. Plus loads of little odds and ends.
I do expect loads of teething problems mainly getting the suspension setup and reliable and possible engine bay temps and engine cooling over heating etc as I am still using the S3 rad which I don’t think is going to be up to the job. I see light at the end of the tunnel now and it’s giving me a real boost to get it done lots of car shows coming up! This build thread may look like this was done quick but in reality I’ve been hard at it for near 2 years, spending all my spare time on it. Yes there has been many times I have been really cheesed off with it. Months have gone by and done nothing to it. Had so much hassle on many parts of the build. Many of you have been there too with your own projects………
Parts have been floating around in my garage and shed and took some time finding all the parts.
It still needs removing and cleaning and refitting, but I needed to check how it all went back together.
Yes I know the carpets are dodgy and home made but a new set is on its way.
I still have some air leaks, few electrical items to finish, and the dreaded brakes still to sort out. Plus loads of little odds and ends.
I do expect loads of teething problems mainly getting the suspension setup and reliable and possible engine bay temps and engine cooling over heating etc as I am still using the S3 rad which I don’t think is going to be up to the job. I see light at the end of the tunnel now and it’s giving me a real boost to get it done lots of car shows coming up! This build thread may look like this was done quick but in reality I’ve been hard at it for near 2 years, spending all my spare time on it. Yes there has been many times I have been really cheesed off with it. Months have gone by and done nothing to it. Had so much hassle on many parts of the build. Many of you have been there too with your own projects………
benters said:
bloody good luck to you with it. Projects like this are a 'self' test of patience and motivation, they always take longer than you think, generally cost more than you think, and don't really ever end as you discover other little bits that you want to change or need to change.
Keep at it...
cheers, indeed it has been a real pain in the ass most of the time. I can not think of one job on it which was easy? nearly every bolt, screw, nut was rusted solid. But when I come out the door in the morning and see it, it always puts a smile on my face, just as when I come home from work. I think that is what has kept me going as she has tried to break my will so many times! but I am winning now and I see light at the end of the tunnel.Keep at it...
Edited by s1v8esprit on Sunday 27th July 01:13
Ok, bit of a update on what's happening with the Esprit! had the MOT booked on Thursday and was running around like a headless chicken trying to get everything ready for the first drive to the MOT Station! headlights have been playing up so took the lift relays out when I managed to get them both up. Brakes have been a major pain getting bleed, and never really got it 100% and also the odd electrical item randomly plays up but if it fails at least I have a list of things to put right?
10 mins before I am ready to go I find out I have no reverse gear! fookin great! so franticly adjust the cable and get it working! off to the MOT! driving out the drive for the first time was pretty nerve wrecking, my arse was twitching like a rabbits nose with horrible thoughts of things going wrong and being stranded! I was right to be worried! the brakes were not working pedal was hardish but it would not stop the car just coasting it slowly like the brakes are made of wood! other than that it was going well.....got about a mile down the duel carriage way and the temp gauge is at meltdown and I have steam coming out the back! yes another fukc sake moment and I pull it over to the side of the road. Really miffed at all the hassle this car has to give me. Turns out one of the water hoses has a cut due to it rubbing on the crank pulley, when I finally got the car to the MOT it failed on the brakes no surprise! they are only working at 43% and hand brake at 13% and a indicator not working. The drive home was interesting........only just made it! the brakes were binding and by the time I got to my road I had to use the torque of the V8 to push it home! the brakes were nearly seized on, even the clutch had smoke coming out the gearbox. All the stuff dreams are made of NOT!
On the plus side, they guys at the MOT station gave the car a big thumbs up and really liked the engine install, and the mods done to the car, I also don't need to use first gear! and this car doesn't turn heads it snaps necks! no waiting at junctions people let me out!
Indicator now fixed, pushrod in servo now adjusted so no more binding it appears my new replacement master cylinder was different than the old one. So just have to bleed the brakes again and sort out the handbrake. Rob
10 mins before I am ready to go I find out I have no reverse gear! fookin great! so franticly adjust the cable and get it working! off to the MOT! driving out the drive for the first time was pretty nerve wrecking, my arse was twitching like a rabbits nose with horrible thoughts of things going wrong and being stranded! I was right to be worried! the brakes were not working pedal was hardish but it would not stop the car just coasting it slowly like the brakes are made of wood! other than that it was going well.....got about a mile down the duel carriage way and the temp gauge is at meltdown and I have steam coming out the back! yes another fukc sake moment and I pull it over to the side of the road. Really miffed at all the hassle this car has to give me. Turns out one of the water hoses has a cut due to it rubbing on the crank pulley, when I finally got the car to the MOT it failed on the brakes no surprise! they are only working at 43% and hand brake at 13% and a indicator not working. The drive home was interesting........only just made it! the brakes were binding and by the time I got to my road I had to use the torque of the V8 to push it home! the brakes were nearly seized on, even the clutch had smoke coming out the gearbox. All the stuff dreams are made of NOT!
On the plus side, they guys at the MOT station gave the car a big thumbs up and really liked the engine install, and the mods done to the car, I also don't need to use first gear! and this car doesn't turn heads it snaps necks! no waiting at junctions people let me out!
Indicator now fixed, pushrod in servo now adjusted so no more binding it appears my new replacement master cylinder was different than the old one. So just have to bleed the brakes again and sort out the handbrake. Rob
Edited by s1v8esprit on Saturday 2nd August 22:55
benters said:
good job getting it partially fixed. . . no extra pressure for you, but my nephew and I are going to the festival to see your car. . . he is 25 and addicted to air suspension ! wish you luck with the gremlin jobs. Peter
Thanks Peter, it will be there even if I have to tow it! passed the MOT today so I can now start to put some miles on it and work out all the teething problems.....plenty still to do. RobGassing Station | Esprit | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff