Newbie Question: Gearbox
Discussion
Good evening guys,
I have just bought my first Lotus Esprit, a 96 V8.
I have adored the Lotus marque since I was a child and am very happy to have one of my own.
My question relates to the gearbox, I appreciate that the Esprit is infamous for its box but having never owner a supercar before I wanted to know from the voices of experience whether there is anyhting I can do to make it less trouble - First and Reverse is a serious chore sometimes, and otehrs quite easy - all suggestiosn greatly appreciated!
Kind regards,
Mark
I have just bought my first Lotus Esprit, a 96 V8.
I have adored the Lotus marque since I was a child and am very happy to have one of my own.
My question relates to the gearbox, I appreciate that the Esprit is infamous for its box but having never owner a supercar before I wanted to know from the voices of experience whether there is anyhting I can do to make it less trouble - First and Reverse is a serious chore sometimes, and otehrs quite easy - all suggestiosn greatly appreciated!
Kind regards,
Mark
Used to have a 98 V8GT, you have to get used to a couple of foibles...
- don't try and shift into 1st as your slowing down, 1st is a lot easier to select when the car has completely stopped
- when cold, depress the clutch a couple of times in neutral before attempting 1st
- when selecting reverse, always shift to neutral, lift the clutch, and re-depress (i.e. double de-clutch), shift into 1st then into reverse.
Good luck with the V8 - but also watch out for a few other common issues...
- Lotus cats on v8's only last about 3yrs, start to rattle and fall apart £900 + vat and fitting - EACH - though you can get other non OEM's cheaper
- Lotus exhausts have a tendency to split at weld seams
- Heatshield rattle, you'll think it's an exhuast rattle, or possibly cam belt rattling against cover. Dealers will tell you it's an engine out to replace, but you can get them done without this, though tricky
- There is an additional electric water re-circulating pump that cuts in once the engine (and hence normal water pump) stop, to prevent 'hot spots' - and these pump fail far too often - you can tell as when they start making quite a loud buzzing noise, it's time for a new one
All said, loved the car!
- don't try and shift into 1st as your slowing down, 1st is a lot easier to select when the car has completely stopped
- when cold, depress the clutch a couple of times in neutral before attempting 1st
- when selecting reverse, always shift to neutral, lift the clutch, and re-depress (i.e. double de-clutch), shift into 1st then into reverse.
Good luck with the V8 - but also watch out for a few other common issues...
- Lotus cats on v8's only last about 3yrs, start to rattle and fall apart £900 + vat and fitting - EACH - though you can get other non OEM's cheaper
- Lotus exhausts have a tendency to split at weld seams
- Heatshield rattle, you'll think it's an exhuast rattle, or possibly cam belt rattling against cover. Dealers will tell you it's an engine out to replace, but you can get them done without this, though tricky
- There is an additional electric water re-circulating pump that cuts in once the engine (and hence normal water pump) stop, to prevent 'hot spots' - and these pump fail far too often - you can tell as when they start making quite a loud buzzing noise, it's time for a new one
All said, loved the car!
Maybe the 'red clutch hose syndrome'?
Look at www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModifications/clutchhose.html.
I had this mod done on my car (1994 S4) and all the troubles with changing gears have gone!
Look at www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EModifications/clutchhose.html.
I had this mod done on my car (1994 S4) and all the troubles with changing gears have gone!
Hi,
Congratulations on realizing the dream! Because you are having trouble with the lateral extremes of the shifter (1st/R), your issue is almost certainly one of misadjusted linkage/cable. Try tightening or loosening (shortening/lengthening) the linkage in the smallest possible increments while a friend stays in the car and tries to engage 1st/R. When he can do so easily, tighten everything back up and test drive, re-adjust as necessary. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 5th June 13:31
Congratulations on realizing the dream! Because you are having trouble with the lateral extremes of the shifter (1st/R), your issue is almost certainly one of misadjusted linkage/cable. Try tightening or loosening (shortening/lengthening) the linkage in the smallest possible increments while a friend stays in the car and tries to engage 1st/R. When he can do so easily, tighten everything back up and test drive, re-adjust as necessary. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
>> Edited by lotusguy on Saturday 5th June 13:31
It's interesting that in all these years, the Esprit shift linkage has remained notorious.
Mine's an '84 and sometimes I do have to shift into first before going into reverse, but not always.
As for downshifting into 1st, I have no problem there as long as the revs are sufficient for the road speed. It just slips right in. It took me a long time before I realized insufficient revs were the reason I couldn't downshift into first.
-Dave
Mine's an '84 and sometimes I do have to shift into first before going into reverse, but not always.
As for downshifting into 1st, I have no problem there as long as the revs are sufficient for the road speed. It just slips right in. It took me a long time before I realized insufficient revs were the reason I couldn't downshift into first.
-Dave
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