89 NON-SE Esprit Turbo
Discussion
Hey everyone. Was just wondering about some stats on an 89 NON-SE Turbo Esprit.
Exactly what are its highs and lows, and what can one expect from it. Can it receive one of Sanj's chips to boost power to atleast 300bhp? Does it share the basic same components as the SE though with less power?
Thanks
Any info appreciated.
Paul
Exactly what are its highs and lows, and what can one expect from it. Can it receive one of Sanj's chips to boost power to atleast 300bhp? Does it share the basic same components as the SE though with less power?
Thanks
Any info appreciated.
Paul
lotusacbc said:
Hey everyone. Was just wondering about some stats on an 89 NON-SE Turbo Esprit.
Exactly what are its highs and lows, and what can one expect from it. Can it receive one of Sanj's chips to boost power to atleast 300bhp? Does it share the basic same components as the SE though with less power?
Thanks
Any info appreciated.
Paul
Hi,
Same basic components as the '89SE minus the all-important chargecooler. Without it, you'll never be able to run enough boost to hit that 300 pony mark without detonating first.
The super chips will fit in your car, but without the chargecooler and it's accompanying sensors, they either won't work properly, or yield the same results as the chargecooled cars. Happy Motoring! ...Jim'85TE
Hey Jim,
While the chips may physically fit (and I am not sure on that), the code is not compatible as the ECM's are different. I could give you the different GM sourced part numbers, they are on my site. Squelch says you can fit a SE type ECM to a non-SE car but you have to rewire all the plugs at the ECM. He codes and sells chips, so he knows what he is talking about.
Dr.Hess
While the chips may physically fit (and I am not sure on that), the code is not compatible as the ECM's are different. I could give you the different GM sourced part numbers, they are on my site. Squelch says you can fit a SE type ECM to a non-SE car but you have to rewire all the plugs at the ECM. He codes and sells chips, so he knows what he is talking about.
Dr.Hess
I'm not sure about the US Spec, but the Eagle chassis was produced just for the SE at first so maybe the chassis and setup is also different?
In the UK I think the same chassis was introduced at the end of 89 mdl year. The workshop manual gives the chassis number change points for this, so if you have a chassis number then you can find out form there.
Didn't the US also keep the Citroen transmission for 89 Non SE?? - might be wrong here!
Gareth
In the UK I think the same chassis was introduced at the end of 89 mdl year. The workshop manual gives the chassis number change points for this, so if you have a chassis number then you can find out form there.
Didn't the US also keep the Citroen transmission for 89 Non SE?? - might be wrong here!
Gareth
Hmm, I suppose the car would be plenty fast in stock trim as it is. I also suppose to gain a few extra ponys one could upgrade the fan system and filters to breathe better, put on a performance exhaust, even perhaps upgrade the turbo or something.
On the other hand, im sure in stock trim it is fast enough, especially when youve been driving an average car.
Anyone know the torque figures on an 89 NON-SE Turbo?
Heres another question, given the absence of ABS, air bags and a chargecooler, do you think this particular model would be more reliable or less? I can see less because its less things to go wrong, but in the case of the chargecooler, I can see premature wear on the engine. Which I guess is why they have substantially less horsepower. Does it run the GM management system or bosch still?
All in all, is it agreeable that an 89 may be a great starter Esprit to delve none so haphazardly into the world of exotica Lotus?
On the other hand, im sure in stock trim it is fast enough, especially when youve been driving an average car.
Anyone know the torque figures on an 89 NON-SE Turbo?
Heres another question, given the absence of ABS, air bags and a chargecooler, do you think this particular model would be more reliable or less? I can see less because its less things to go wrong, but in the case of the chargecooler, I can see premature wear on the engine. Which I guess is why they have substantially less horsepower. Does it run the GM management system or bosch still?
All in all, is it agreeable that an 89 may be a great starter Esprit to delve none so haphazardly into the world of exotica Lotus?
unity1 said:
I've have my 89 Turbo for a number of years and 50k miles (now at 103k) is that reliable enough for you. If you speak to anyone whos been on a run with me you'll also find out it has been 'driven' most of those miles.
Mind you I am looking at engine work including mods at the mo.
Wow, thats great to hear!! What kind of mods are you thinking about?
>> Edited by lotusacbc on Monday 28th June 16:02
Suggest you look at the carb turbo thread 
However as a side note the main mod with most bang is the fitting of the CC and bleed valve (boost controller). I already a new lotus CC and plenum adaptors, Just need a header tank, pump and pipe adapters. Got these from South west Lotus who were selling off stock last year. Only 150 notes in all
However as a side note the main mod with most bang is the fitting of the CC and bleed valve (boost controller). I already a new lotus CC and plenum adaptors, Just need a header tank, pump and pipe adapters. Got these from South west Lotus who were selling off stock last year. Only 150 notes in all
I've got an 89 Turbo (non se) and with a couple of mods (exhaust and filter and BOV) it runs much better. I have a dual boost control so I can dial in a bit more boost but I have this set quite low until I get the chargecooler fitted. This will allow a higher boost setting to be used for those overtaking moments. On the whole I would say the car is not that much slower than an SE and as a starter Esprit they can be picked up at a reasonable value. If you look on LEW someone has a non turbo which has been tweaked quite alot and he can run silly boost if he wishes. Depends how much you want to spend now and how much you can afford upgrading it over a period of time.
HTH
Cheers
Alan Croft
89 Turbo
HTH
Cheers
Alan Croft
89 Turbo
My 89 non SE Turbo has 78+K on it and is running strong as ever. I have a Superchip brand chip in it and it gave me better gas mileage, a smoother running motor and strictly by the seat of pants feel, a bunch more get up and go. It also has a K&N filter on the intake side. A later spec exhaust manifold that has been jet-coated to assist in heat reduction. A Stebro Exhaust can and a set of Platinum plugs with new wires.
I am in the begining stages of looking to add a charge cooler to the car. Will do a dyno before and after and post the results at the time. Primary effort on the car at the present has been to improve its handling.
New fully adjustable dampers and a set of S4 springs, urethane bushings on the front, and new bushings with tapered inserts at the rear.
Still plenty of room for modification. So if you are looking to upgrade your ride have at it. There is plenty out there to choose from.
I am in the begining stages of looking to add a charge cooler to the car. Will do a dyno before and after and post the results at the time. Primary effort on the car at the present has been to improve its handling.
New fully adjustable dampers and a set of S4 springs, urethane bushings on the front, and new bushings with tapered inserts at the rear.
Still plenty of room for modification. So if you are looking to upgrade your ride have at it. There is plenty out there to choose from.
Pretty much where im at is this. For around 22 or less you can have a Non-SE. For 23-28 I would say prime SE price and 32K and above for an S4 and later models.
So the way I see it is, although the Non-SE can be had for a great price, might as well go the few extra thousand more and buy an SE right. Of course, if a mint Non-SE came around, I would very much consider it.
It has always been my dream to own a White SE. Taking into consideration the lack of good condition white SE's (and just white Esprits in general), I am leaning towards finding an SE or S4 any color. As always, so long as the car is mechanically sound as best as it can be, and the body isnt falling apart, im open to any Esprit in range above '88. But the shape of an SE to me is the most timeless design in the later generations of Esprits. Afterall, it is the one I fell in love with.
But after reading of all these horror stories, and realizing that dealerships dont have a clue about Esprits and how easy it is to get a bad one, I think I will limit myself to buying one only from within the Lotus Club community.
Makes sense to me.
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Monday 2nd August 15:17
So the way I see it is, although the Non-SE can be had for a great price, might as well go the few extra thousand more and buy an SE right. Of course, if a mint Non-SE came around, I would very much consider it.
It has always been my dream to own a White SE. Taking into consideration the lack of good condition white SE's (and just white Esprits in general), I am leaning towards finding an SE or S4 any color. As always, so long as the car is mechanically sound as best as it can be, and the body isnt falling apart, im open to any Esprit in range above '88. But the shape of an SE to me is the most timeless design in the later generations of Esprits. Afterall, it is the one I fell in love with.
But after reading of all these horror stories, and realizing that dealerships dont have a clue about Esprits and how easy it is to get a bad one, I think I will limit myself to buying one only from within the Lotus Club community.
Makes sense to me.
>> Edited by Lotusacbc on Monday 2nd August 15:17
Really, I think that if you use a chip to raise the power output, it will only go faster if the conditions are ideal. If you raise the boost and it goes into detonation, the ECM will just drag timing and boost level back until the knock stops.
The ultimate fix is to chargecool it (which I've done). More power is available and, I think the power is more consistant, as it is less prone to get into knock than even the non-chargecool system at its lower levels of boost.
The ultimate fix is to chargecool it (which I've done). More power is available and, I think the power is more consistant, as it is less prone to get into knock than even the non-chargecool system at its lower levels of boost.
Hi All,
For the non c/cooled Esprits with Delco-GM-Multi-Point-Injection there is only one high power chip available. Its chip #15. Look: http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/products/chips/4cyl.htm
This is the only chip that will properly work with this particular engine setup. All the other chips for the c/cooled engines will work, but due to different sensor layout (=diffent locations) the will be a risky mismatch !
Cheers
Marcus (www.PUKesprit.de)
For the non c/cooled Esprits with Delco-GM-Multi-Point-Injection there is only one high power chip available. Its chip #15. Look: http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit/products/chips/4cyl.htm
This is the only chip that will properly work with this particular engine setup. All the other chips for the c/cooled engines will work, but due to different sensor layout (=diffent locations) the will be a risky mismatch !
Cheers
Marcus (www.PUKesprit.de)
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