Lotus S3 - Introduction and Question's

[robsartain]

Hi All,

I brought a 1984 Lotus S3 Turbo one week ago. I live in South africa (lived here for 18 months now), but up until that point lived in the UK all my life.

I saw the S3 come up for sale in SA, and would imagine they are rare here. I think all esprits would have been imported and can`t find any information if there was a dealer of any description. If anyone has any knowledge of import numbers or dealerships, etc... I would be interested in the history.

Anyway my questions:

1... What fuel does everyone use ? 95/98 Unleaded, or do you add a supplement?
2... If I join the Lotus register can I get more history about my car? I believe it is all numbers matching and original paint work, but would be nice to confirm. The chassis plates check out so it should be good. Is there an originality certificate I can get?

Enough questions for now, my next post will be guess the missing interior trim :-)

Also if anyone can tell me how, then I will post a picture or two of it.

Thanks
Rob

[benters]

The factory will give you info on its order date, colour and spec, but you will need to pay for that info from Lotus at least. As for fuel, mine is a newer car and i believe will run on both, but the wise guys will be able to help you with that question and will appear shortly i suspect.
Welcome to Lotus ownership, and enjoy your car.

[robsartain]

Thanks.

So can I just contact any Lotus dealership in the uk, and get a full detail certificate on the car, registeration, etc... or do I need to speak to head office.

[benters]

Lotus in Hethel for info, i might have an email address for the guy who deals with it, let me see if i can find it.

[benters]

Sorry, cant seem to find it, prob on my home PC

[BibsTLF]

[e-mail] - Andy Graham is the company archivist.

Use 95 Ron fuel, you don't need super as the car is an NA.

[robsartain]

Thanks for all the info.

I am sure I will be back with more questions :-)

[WayneB]

From reading your post it seems your car is a Turbo model.

The older pre-injection (carbureted) turbo's have no knock sensor so you should use the higher octane (98) petrol to safeguard your engine.

Pre HCI Turbo Esprits have cast pistons , so using a high octane fuel that will ward of piston melting detonation whilst under boost is a no brainer.