Dynod The Esprit Today

[feffman]

Hi All:

Well I got bored and decided to run my stock 1999
Esprit on a dyno. This DynoJet measures barometric
pressure, humidity, etc. for more accurate readings (I
guess). No available spark plug wire (without
unbolting the plug cover) to hook the RPM sensor to
and they haven't isntalled a "tape reader" for the the
crank yet. The horspower at the rear wheels was
331.8HP. Assuming 15%(??) drivetrain losses, that's
about 381HP at the crank. Still need more HP to catch
the F360 on the track!

Mark (Happy Camper) Pfeffer

[Paula&Marcus]

Hi Mark,
around 380HP thats pretty good !!! )))
Generally spoken all Esprit V8 have a bit more power than stated (=350HP).
Here in Europe normally we get figures around 360-390HP (the stock European ECU code is a bit different). Drivetrain loss 15-18% is normal for the Esprit. Depends very much on the tranny oil and tranny-oil-temperature ...

How about installing the Red Race ECU ? This will give you around 440HP at the crank ))

Cheers
Marcus (www.PUKesprit.de)

[sport160hp]

Get some sports suspension for the 360
and i dont think you'll find a stock 360 pushing out more than 400 @ the crank

[feffman]

Sport:

Been considering the 2004 Lotus Bilstein shock and Eibach spring set up for my 1999, but am looking into putting together a Koni adjustable (compression, rebound and height) system. Eibach has off-the-rack springs matching the Sport 350 height and spring rates.
At the moment just piddling!

Mark

[adrianmugridge]

It's actually 390 BHP, not 382 !!

If you lose 15% through the drive train then the calculation you want is :

Wheels = 85% of Crank ( because you have lost 15% )

and not :

Crank = 115% of Wheels

Therefore, 390 * 0.85 = 332.

So, it's even better !!

[feffman]

Adrian;

Well then, here's too math!

Mark

[madmike]

I'm anxious to see what the suspension upgrades will do for me.

However, after talking to Jaime, and his resultant consultation with JAE, they thought the Bilsteins were overkill, therefore not worth the extra cost.

We went with the Spax kit instead (much much cheaper.)

However, I have since heard of problems with the Spaxs, so we'll have to see.

If you truly want to replicate the Sport 350 feel, you'll need the sway bar as well (not very expensive...I opted for it too.)

And then a limited slip diff to make sure you put all the power down.

I know you know all this already...this post was more for the benefit of others reading who might be cooking up some suspension ideas.

However, there are plenty of other shock options, both north and south of the Bilsteins for cost. At some point too, you have to cinsider what the daily ride will feel like...but you, Mark, you'll only likely have the car for a few months before getting a different one anyways, right?

Mike

[feffman]

Mike:

I need an icon that has my tongue sticking out at you to go with PPPFFFTTT!!! Nah this one is staying with me.

The limited slip is a definite must do for any Esprit. I put the Quaife unit in compliments of Michael's Motorsports (www.MichaelsMotorsports.com) and it makes a world of difference. Yes the power does get down.

Mark (CYA at LOG!) Pfeffer

[rob.e]

madmike said:

However, I have since heard of problems with the Spaxs, so we'll have to see.

I have spax on my VW. They are not very good in my opinion and failed after what i would consider low mileage. There are different types of spax though so maybe some different ones will be better.

Mike Sek had spax "trackspax" adjustables on his V8 but took them off to fit penske (i think?).

The bilsteins are certainly excellent quality, very light and are also fully rebuildable (thats one of the reasons they are expensive).

I feel the ride on my v8 is a little stiffer with the eibach/bilsteins but this may just be that i was comparing "new stuff" with "old stuff"..

[newburymess]

Rob,

Do you know the part number of the Penske's that Mike used? They make a wide range of shocks, and some of the Penske's are inexpensive enough to so an option. That is, if they can be used in the Esprit........

Steve

[feffman]

I spoke with the Leda suspension supplier
(www.racersedge-inc.com) here in the USA today. They offer several options shocks including a remote reservoir set up with independent compression and rebound adjustments, and Hyperco springs or the stock springs.

If your budget is tight they can even prepare (the Ledas are made in The UK) the shock to be upgraded to the remote double adjustable gas remote reservoir in the future.

Reasonable priced as well.

Mark

[rob.e]

Steve - sorry don't know all the details of mikes Leda. They are Penske triple adjustables with remote resevoirs used with 1300lb springs. You could mail him and ask? His email address in on his owners page in LEW.

Also, Lew Twigg (lotusperformance.co.uk) is a Leda stockist so may be able to help. He has ledas on his esprit page but these are not remote resevoir items like mikes.

Anyother person who may be able help out is larry marsala - i know he has penske on his race car.
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