Got Any Quick and Easy Go Fast Ideas????
Discussion
Got a 2004 Esprit with w/ a twin turbo 3.5 Litre
Changes so far
1. Took the factory pipes off and put on dual straight pipes. Used Casper's Electronics for the post Cat O2 simulators. Great mod, much faster on the turbos response, awesome sound. about 300.00 US for the pipes. O2 sims are 90.00 US
2. Put in K&N Filter Chargers. Great air flow.
3. Put in Denso Iridium plugs and doubled the gap (yes you can gap them, you just can't use a standard gapping tool- you have to pull the ground electrode back with pliers. Great sprk. Use these on my race bikes. 10.00 each (expensive for plugs but they are easily the best plug made).
4. Put in System 1 Oil Filter. Easily doubles oil flow, lower parasitic loss. 100.00 at Jegs
5. Have a cooler thermostat, but haven't put it on. With the above changes, the car now runs about 180F, 195 if she sits idling in traffic (easily 25 degrees colder than the day I bought her) and this is in Texas on a 100 degree day. Not sure I want it any cooler or I may lose performance. I think it primarily atrributable to removing the evil cats. 15.00
The machine is brutally fast now, but hey, the further back I can leave a Ferrari the better.
Anybody got any other easy ideas?? Thought about copper core plug wires but they are a bitch to put on (they go under the intake manifold). Don't want to chip it, because I don't want to raise the rev ceiling and stress the engine. Everything I've done so far has eased engine stress. Has anyone removed the intake damper to jack up intake airflow?
Thanks for the ideas.
Titus
>>> Edited by Titus R on Monday 2nd August 01:55
Changes so far
1. Took the factory pipes off and put on dual straight pipes. Used Casper's Electronics for the post Cat O2 simulators. Great mod, much faster on the turbos response, awesome sound. about 300.00 US for the pipes. O2 sims are 90.00 US
2. Put in K&N Filter Chargers. Great air flow.
3. Put in Denso Iridium plugs and doubled the gap (yes you can gap them, you just can't use a standard gapping tool- you have to pull the ground electrode back with pliers. Great sprk. Use these on my race bikes. 10.00 each (expensive for plugs but they are easily the best plug made).
4. Put in System 1 Oil Filter. Easily doubles oil flow, lower parasitic loss. 100.00 at Jegs
5. Have a cooler thermostat, but haven't put it on. With the above changes, the car now runs about 180F, 195 if she sits idling in traffic (easily 25 degrees colder than the day I bought her) and this is in Texas on a 100 degree day. Not sure I want it any cooler or I may lose performance. I think it primarily atrributable to removing the evil cats. 15.00
The machine is brutally fast now, but hey, the further back I can leave a Ferrari the better.
Anybody got any other easy ideas?? Thought about copper core plug wires but they are a bitch to put on (they go under the intake manifold). Don't want to chip it, because I don't want to raise the rev ceiling and stress the engine. Everything I've done so far has eased engine stress. Has anyone removed the intake damper to jack up intake airflow?
Thanks for the ideas.
Titus
>>> Edited by Titus R on Monday 2nd August 01:55
it is hard to believe that an 04 needs modifying... i tend to be of the mind that keeing the car perfect and original is best..and it is hard to do. The Lotus guys did try to get it right for you....
Exhaust maybe ok, there is room for preference there.
messing with spark plus and gap seems risky.. serious damage can happen if it is wrong.
Anyway the best go fast advice for anyone is GO TO A DRIVING SCHOOL and learn to drive the thing .. Dont be a prick to Ferraris, be a friend. if you want a straight line machine go buy american iron.
Exhaust maybe ok, there is room for preference there.
messing with spark plus and gap seems risky.. serious damage can happen if it is wrong.
Anyway the best go fast advice for anyone is GO TO A DRIVING SCHOOL and learn to drive the thing .. Dont be a prick to Ferraris, be a friend. if you want a straight line machine go buy american iron.
Well gee, let's see I was looking for ideas not smart remarks. You assume I don't already know how to drive (WRONG). And my Lotus will now go fast in a corner or a straight line. Next thing. Lotus has to build an EPA correct car. I don't.
So Let's try again boys and girls. Back to the original question:
Anybody got any GOOD IDEAS???
So Let's try again boys and girls. Back to the original question:
Anybody got any GOOD IDEAS???
I dont know you from a hole in the wall but that attitude seems very typical to me. Maybe you are an performance car engineer. Maybe you are an very good technical driver.
I really dont know where the truth lies. For sure nobody is too good to take part in a performance driving school. And for sure it is the best bang for the buck to go faster.
I do have some faith that the engineers at Lotus spend a fair amout of time getting the engines tuned as best then can. they have to meet legal requirement just the same as you do. They happen to get checked for following the rules and you seem to think they dont apply to you. Do you have the same respect for the rules of the road or the laws of physics? or do you ignore them too.
But you sould like a loud mouth know it all who really knows nothing but how to spend money. At least you are enjoying it with a new Lotus.
HAHAHAH
there laughing at that is a good idea..
Yes you touched a nerve..
I really dont know where the truth lies. For sure nobody is too good to take part in a performance driving school. And for sure it is the best bang for the buck to go faster.
I do have some faith that the engineers at Lotus spend a fair amout of time getting the engines tuned as best then can. they have to meet legal requirement just the same as you do. They happen to get checked for following the rules and you seem to think they dont apply to you. Do you have the same respect for the rules of the road or the laws of physics? or do you ignore them too.
But you sould like a loud mouth know it all who really knows nothing but how to spend money. At least you are enjoying it with a new Lotus.
HAHAHAH
there laughing at that is a good idea..
Yes you touched a nerve..
Titus R said:
Got a 2004 Esprit with w/ a twin turbo 3.5 Litre
Changes so far
1. Took the factory pipes off and put on dual straight pipes. Used Casper's Electronics for the post Cat O2 simulators. Great mod, much faster on the turbos response, awesome sound. about 300.00 US for the pipes. O2 sims are 90.00 US
2. Put in K&N Filter Chargers. Great air flow.
3. Put in Denso Iridium plugs and doubled the gap (yes you can gap them, you just can't use a standard gapping tool- you have to pull the ground electrode back with pliers. Great sprk. Use these on my race bikes. 10.00 each (expensive for plugs but they are easily the best plug made).
4. Put in System 1 Oil Filter. Easily doubles oil flow, lower parasitic loss. 100.00 at Jegs
5. Have a cooler thermostat, but haven't put it on. With the above changes, the car now runs about 180F, 195 if she sits idling in traffic (easily 25 degrees colder than the day I bought her) and this is in Texas on a 100 degree day. Not sure I want it any cooler or I may lose performance. I think it primarily atrributable to removing the evil cats. 15.00
The machine is brutally fast now, but hey, the further back I can leave a Ferrari the better.
Anybody got any other easy ideas?? Thought about copper core plug wires but they are a bitch to put on (they go under the intake manifold). Don't want to chip it, because I don't want to raise the rev ceiling and stress the engine. Everything I've done so far has eased engine stress. Has anyone removed the intake damper to jack up intake airflow?
Thanks for the ideas.
Titus
Hi Titus,
First, I'm not a big fan of taking the cats off for obvious reasons, the car becomes illegal from a Federal standpoint and should not be driven on public roads. Let your conscience (or lack there of) be your guide. The ECM is designed to work with the cats and you can get better high flow cats.
Second, many like the K&N filters and they do increase flow, but if you live in a dusty area or where the is lots of construction the ITG Oiled-Foam is a better choice IMHO as the K&N will let some fine particle stuff thru.
Third, not my choice of plugs... best to stick with the original AND the original gap. As Texas is hot right now, you have thin air and less dense charge. Once the weather cools off, you might have ignition problems as the mixture starts to richen up. Also note that doubling the recommended gap puts stress on the ground electrode from such an extreme bend (as you stated pliers were involved) and might have weakened the electrode. If it breaks off, you could have an expensive repair on your hands.
Fourth, I also swapped oil filters but went with a Canton Racing filter which also provides full filtering (no bypass) so be certain to keep up with it as you have no gauge to determine if oil pressure is dropping.
Fifth, keep the stock thermostat as the ECM uses termperature to determine how much boost is safe under many conditions.
As for other notable mentions, the stock wires are fine, after all, they are delivering spark to plugs with double the gap, what would copper core wires add? Chipping the ECM has nothing to do with rev limits, unless it's part of the new maps designed into the chip. Also note that the V8 ECM has EEPROMS which are soldered in so rechipping takes on a different concept. You can always upgrade to the Lotus High-Torque code from the dealer which improves torque at lower RPMs in the lower gears.
I really don't see how uncorking the exhaust and opening up the intakes removes stress from the engine but if you think so, that's fine. I also have no idea what you are referring to as an "Intake Damper" and I've had the entire plenum, camcovers, etc. off before.
Other ideas for increasing the V8 power output should start with properly designed intercoolers before increasing the boost. This will improve engine longevity and allow for more consistant performance over wide ambient temperature ranges. Do be careful with the Gearbox as it is a weak point and can be damaged if not careful. Make no mistake, the UN-1 is not a drag racer's gearbox.
Hope you have fun with your Esprit, but I would think changes thru more carefully before jumping in as damaging the engine in this car can set you back the price of a baby Benz and far behind the Ferrari that you seemd concerned about.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Thanks for the ideas.
Where / What intercoolers?? Sounds like a possiblity although I'm trying to stay with easy bolt on / go fast ideas (although the pipes were a major league bee-ach).
FYI no beef with Ferrari's - they just seem to have a 'tude with Lotus's (like we Lotus drivers are to low budget to pony up for a "REAL SPORTS CAR").
Truth is I bought the Lotus for it's rarity (I could have bought anything).
Bojangles, if I hit a nerve get over it (or crawl under it). As a new Lotus owner (and damn proud of it) all I'm lookibg for here is ideas from some of you guys who have "been there done that". And yes have I taken a few liberties with certain EPA restrictions that Lotus has to comply with, but it sure runs a lot cooler (good thing) and hauls ass to boot. For those tree huggers who are overly concerned, take consolation in the fact that it's a weekend play toy, so I'll minimize ozone destruction.
Now, if we can get away from the sanctamonious preeching, whose intercoolers, how much, where to buy, what effect do they have?
And does anyone have any other bolt on go fast ideas.
Lastly, while I bought the car with the optional removable top, does "drive topless" (which I see so oftern herein) refer to the removal of the glass roof panel or what?
Yours Truly,
Titus
Where / What intercoolers?? Sounds like a possiblity although I'm trying to stay with easy bolt on / go fast ideas (although the pipes were a major league bee-ach).
FYI no beef with Ferrari's - they just seem to have a 'tude with Lotus's (like we Lotus drivers are to low budget to pony up for a "REAL SPORTS CAR").
Truth is I bought the Lotus for it's rarity (I could have bought anything).
Bojangles, if I hit a nerve get over it (or crawl under it). As a new Lotus owner (and damn proud of it) all I'm lookibg for here is ideas from some of you guys who have "been there done that". And yes have I taken a few liberties with certain EPA restrictions that Lotus has to comply with, but it sure runs a lot cooler (good thing) and hauls ass to boot. For those tree huggers who are overly concerned, take consolation in the fact that it's a weekend play toy, so I'll minimize ozone destruction.
Now, if we can get away from the sanctamonious preeching, whose intercoolers, how much, where to buy, what effect do they have?
And does anyone have any other bolt on go fast ideas.
Lastly, while I bought the car with the optional removable top, does "drive topless" (which I see so oftern herein) refer to the removal of the glass roof panel or what?
Yours Truly,
Titus
PS
KM;
The Denso Iridium plugs are designed specifically for increased gap to jack up spark (you just have to watch out for ultra high compression dome top pistons- not a problem on the Lotus). As for losing trunk space- forget it- too little already.
Sounds like you know something about after market chips. Be so kind as to send what you can (web addresses, names, experience, etc). My experience is you get the extra horsepower from more high end. Not acceptable.
FYI the cat removal resulted in a MUCH cooler engine (thus the lower stress). While they're good for the atmosphere, they're every bit as bad for an engine.
Thanks again,
Titus
KM;
The Denso Iridium plugs are designed specifically for increased gap to jack up spark (you just have to watch out for ultra high compression dome top pistons- not a problem on the Lotus). As for losing trunk space- forget it- too little already.
Sounds like you know something about after market chips. Be so kind as to send what you can (web addresses, names, experience, etc). My experience is you get the extra horsepower from more high end. Not acceptable.
FYI the cat removal resulted in a MUCH cooler engine (thus the lower stress). While they're good for the atmosphere, they're every bit as bad for an engine.
Thanks again,
Titus
Titus, I know about the Denso plugs... however, nowhere in their literature do they endorse enlarging much less doubling the plug gap. Their online application finder shows the recommended plug for the Esprit V8 to be an IK20 with a gap of 0.035 inch. So you took a pair of pliers and cranked it up to 0.070 inch?? Based on what information/knowledge?
Unless you know what you're getting into, don't mess with the ECM. Marcus (aka PUK racing) has some info and offers a few variant upgrades to the V8 ECM. His website is:
http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit
In short, there is the basic mapping you have which is standard starting in 2000 and a transplant from the 1999 Sport 350. Lotus offers an improved mapping which extends the torque band lower into the RPM range making the engine more tractible in low RPM usage around town. There is also the Race ECM from Lotus which voids your warranty (based on previous changes, yours might already be gone) and increases boost to ~1.0 bar. Marcus offers some additional tuning but in virtually all cases, RPM range is not increased but boost profiles are altered and increased from standard.
As for Intercoolers, none exist in the proper world as Lotus never designed any. Johan has done some work to fit a pair of Spearco Intercoolers which is a bit challenging and Larry has done this as well methinks. I am looking at the PWR barrel intercoolers as I think they offer a better and cleaner installation. But if you thought replacing the exhaust with straightpipes was (texan colorful metaphor omitted) hard, I suggest you not bother with intercoolers.
As for the "Sanctimonious Preaching" I guess nobody is forcing you to worship here.
However, I will give you one final piece of advice before clearing the pulpit. Make sure to have the cambelts serviced at the intervals listed. Failure to do so could result in a mishap and force your wallet into purgatory for an extended period of time. See you in church.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Unless you know what you're getting into, don't mess with the ECM. Marcus (aka PUK racing) has some info and offers a few variant upgrades to the V8 ECM. His website is:
http://freudhoefer.de/lotus/esprit
In short, there is the basic mapping you have which is standard starting in 2000 and a transplant from the 1999 Sport 350. Lotus offers an improved mapping which extends the torque band lower into the RPM range making the engine more tractible in low RPM usage around town. There is also the Race ECM from Lotus which voids your warranty (based on previous changes, yours might already be gone) and increases boost to ~1.0 bar. Marcus offers some additional tuning but in virtually all cases, RPM range is not increased but boost profiles are altered and increased from standard.
As for Intercoolers, none exist in the proper world as Lotus never designed any. Johan has done some work to fit a pair of Spearco Intercoolers which is a bit challenging and Larry has done this as well methinks. I am looking at the PWR barrel intercoolers as I think they offer a better and cleaner installation. But if you thought replacing the exhaust with straightpipes was (texan colorful metaphor omitted) hard, I suggest you not bother with intercoolers.
As for the "Sanctimonious Preaching" I guess nobody is forcing you to worship here.
However, I will give you one final piece of advice before clearing the pulpit. Make sure to have the cambelts serviced at the intervals listed. Failure to do so could result in a mishap and force your wallet into purgatory for an extended period of time. See you in church.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Without wishing to sound personal, Titus, you do sound like a typical "full of shit, look at me I'm great but in reality a w*nker".
Sorry but met many yanks in iraq on the civilian security circuit (and military guys) with the same attitude. It's amazing how many people thought they were ex-Delta Force when in fact they're weren't even ever in the military. Repect is earn't by performance not gobbing off! Heard it all before mate!
Sorry but met many yanks in iraq on the civilian security circuit (and military guys) with the same attitude. It's amazing how many people thought they were ex-Delta Force when in fact they're weren't even ever in the military. Repect is earn't by performance not gobbing off! Heard it all before mate!
KM;
Thanks for the lead. Checked out the PUK site and I'll give them a call. What I don't want to do is jack up the performance of the engine at the risk of hurting the car. The Denso plug is track side drag bike experience. It works, but obviously not a factory recommendation. I'll follow up with the dealership on the check-up (She's got 1200 miles now and it's time). Looked into the intercooler. You're right, looks like a task.
Got to go now. Delta Force buddies are waiting for me at church. After mass we're going out to kick the $#@* out of some limies.
Titus
Thanks for the lead. Checked out the PUK site and I'll give them a call. What I don't want to do is jack up the performance of the engine at the risk of hurting the car. The Denso plug is track side drag bike experience. It works, but obviously not a factory recommendation. I'll follow up with the dealership on the check-up (She's got 1200 miles now and it's time). Looked into the intercooler. You're right, looks like a task.
Got to go now. Delta Force buddies are waiting for me at church. After mass we're going out to kick the $#@* out of some limies.
Titus
Physical threats are a bit over the top man...
as are ethnic slurrs..
Who watches this board for content?
Mr T seems to need some therapy..... funny the church is not working,, maybe he needs to be forced to watch the movei farenheight 9/11 a few times... I doubt he is a democrat..
nice to be a neutral Canadian hehehe...
as are ethnic slurrs..
Who watches this board for content?
Mr T seems to need some therapy..... funny the church is not working,, maybe he needs to be forced to watch the movei farenheight 9/11 a few times... I doubt he is a democrat..
nice to be a neutral Canadian hehehe...
Hmmm....cheap, go fast ideas.... sort of almost mutually exclusive and I am huge stickler for doing it on the cheap and doing yourself.
But, an idea does come to mind.
1. Find a relatively high cliff.
2. Point car in direction of cliff about 1 mile away.
3. Drive over the edge of the cliff at top speed.
It'll be quick, easy, and you'll go fast.
Alternatively, you could remove the boost solinoids from your boost control circuit on your car. I'm not up on the V8s, but essentially you'd disconnect the pressure line running to the wastegate control diaphram. With the unregulated boost situation you'll go fast, it'll be easy, and relatively quick to accomplish. At least it'll do that for a little while.....
But, an idea does come to mind.
1. Find a relatively high cliff.
2. Point car in direction of cliff about 1 mile away.
3. Drive over the edge of the cliff at top speed.
It'll be quick, easy, and you'll go fast.
Alternatively, you could remove the boost solinoids from your boost control circuit on your car. I'm not up on the V8s, but essentially you'd disconnect the pressure line running to the wastegate control diaphram. With the unregulated boost situation you'll go fast, it'll be easy, and relatively quick to accomplish. At least it'll do that for a little while.....
bojangles said:
Physical threats are a bit over the top man...
as are ethnic slurrs..
Yeah,i suppose it is ethnic.
Don't hear the word 'limey' much at all anymore,has never bothered me personally though.
Is 'Yank' the same kinda thing?. 'Pom' always seems friendly and 'ros-bif' funny. I think we brits get off lightly really.
And why is it the bottom that is always kicked?
I've never heard of two guys fighting by kicking bottoms.
Why?
bojangles said:
Physical threats are a bit over the top man...
as are ethnic slurrs..
Who watches this board for content?
I'm here. If it gets too out of hand I will jump in. FWIW Limey and Yank (or Septic, take your pick) are used with about the same loving meaning to the other...
...Let's please do watch it though. I wouldn't want the Esprit forum to loose it's reputation as the most non confrontational on PH...
ErnestM
Hi happy campers,
Disconnecting the wastegate thing is [ok] on a car with the GM ecu but one without this is a bad move. AFAIK the GM brain will cut fuel and ignition if boost is too high. Thats what it did on my car at about 90 (stuck closed wastegate) and it felt like I had lobbed an anchor out the window!!! Then when the boost lowers again the thing carries on regardless. Done to protect the engine from the effects of overboosting, very disconcerting though.
Without this of course, you get a LOT of VROOOOM and then..... BANG!!!!!!!!! As happened to a bloke I know with an older model, he was doing something rediculous when it blew and couldn't believe the shove the little engine gave up until P-hour...
Happy modding
Dom
ps. Best mods are salads for the driver and a racing licence.
Disconnecting the wastegate thing is [ok] on a car with the GM ecu but one without this is a bad move. AFAIK the GM brain will cut fuel and ignition if boost is too high. Thats what it did on my car at about 90 (stuck closed wastegate) and it felt like I had lobbed an anchor out the window!!! Then when the boost lowers again the thing carries on regardless. Done to protect the engine from the effects of overboosting, very disconcerting though.
Without this of course, you get a LOT of VROOOOM and then..... BANG!!!!!!!!! As happened to a bloke I know with an older model, he was doing something rediculous when it blew and couldn't believe the shove the little engine gave up until P-hour...
Happy modding
Dom
ps. Best mods are salads for the driver and a racing licence.
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