shopping for a V8

[drdon]

I'm searching for a 97 or 98 Esprit V8. I've been told to avoid the 97. Some have even recommended that I get an S4S as a first Esprit instead. Aside from the different interior and rear wing, were there any mechanical changes from 97 to 98?

[ErnestM]

It's not quite ready for prime time yet(hence not accessible from the main site), however, I am working on a buying guide as part of my site so.

www.espritv8.com/features/buying.htm


ErnestM

[dr.hess]

Hey Ernest:
What about the V8 AC manifold issue? Seems like I see a lot of V8 owners complain that they went through three or four AC compressor manifolds.

Dr.Hess

[ErnestM]

Working on it...

Also a few other issues that are not in there yet...


ErnestM

[drdon]

Great website. I really enjoyed it and look forward to checking it out in the future as it expands. I hope to find my Esprit V8 soon. Thanks.
Drdon

[rob.e]

drdon said:

I'm searching for a 97 or 98 Esprit V8. I've been told to avoid the 97. Some have even recommended that I get an S4S as a first Esprit instead. Aside from the different interior and rear wing, were there any mechanical changes from 97 to 98?

All the year on year changes are listed here:
www.espritfactfile.com/

Lots of other info and buying guide here:
www.lotusespritworld.com/

Nothing wrong with a well maintained 97 v8. S4s is also a good car.

[rob.e]

dr.hess said:

Hey Ernest: What about the V8 AC manifold issue? Seems like I see a lot of V8 owners complain that they went through three or four AC compressor manifolds. Dr.Hess

Never heard of this one? Any more info??

[kmaier]

rob.e said:

dr.hess said: Hey Ernest: What about the V8 AC manifold issue? Seems like I see a lot of V8 owners complain that they went through three or four AC compressor manifolds. Dr.Hess Never heard of this one? Any more info??

I have... personally. My 2000 V8 had several failures on the AC manifold pipe set and others have as well. In short, yet another sourced part by Lotus of absolute inferior manufacturing quality. At the end of warranty, I had gone thru 2 compressors, 3-4 manifold pipe sets as they simply leak at the welds, several O-rings and a receiver/dryer.

Early V8 cars had alloy manifold pipe sets which would crack from the vibration. These were replaced with mild steel lines later but they must have been made by the same clowns that build the V8 mufflers... of which my 4th system is now cracked and rattling away. They almost last as long as an oil change.

It would appear (knock on wood or anything else you feel lucky with) that once you finally get a compressor and manifold pipe assembly that's good, it can be trouble-free. Mine is now pushing a full year without failure.

Regards, KM
2000 V8