Performance air filter for S3 N/A
Discussion
Hi All,
After tackling my first Lotus job, the alternator, I removed the standard air filter and box so I could get at things a little easier. When it came to putting it back together, I decided that I'd run the car without the filter for five minutes so I just replaced the ram pipes. It looks great and sounds awesome, but now it seems to be lacking in acceleration. Ok, probably getting to much air now, and sucking in anything and everything, so I'm looking at fitting a performance alternative to the standard air box and filter.
I've read all the posts here concerning filters, most of which mention K&N. I've had K&N filters on other cars without problems, but was wondering if it was the best choice for the 2.2 N/A or if there is something better!?
Many thanks in advance.
After tackling my first Lotus job, the alternator, I removed the standard air filter and box so I could get at things a little easier. When it came to putting it back together, I decided that I'd run the car without the filter for five minutes so I just replaced the ram pipes. It looks great and sounds awesome, but now it seems to be lacking in acceleration. Ok, probably getting to much air now, and sucking in anything and everything, so I'm looking at fitting a performance alternative to the standard air box and filter.
I've read all the posts here concerning filters, most of which mention K&N. I've had K&N filters on other cars without problems, but was wondering if it was the best choice for the 2.2 N/A or if there is something better!?
Many thanks in advance.
I'm not sure about better, but I love my K&N. I have one on my MX-5 Miata, Austin Healy sprite, and RX-7 as well as the Esprit.... Replacing the standard air filter (actually off a Jaguar XJS) with a performance filter (e.g. pipercross) should be fine. But there could be an issue with replacing the standard airfilter box - the airbox is 'flash proof' - design to prevent a back flush of hot air/fuel as you lift off the accelerator after a period of heavy throttle (e.g. fast approach then deceleration at a roundabout). With an open performance filter and no airbox, a backflush a warm air and fuel into the hot engine compartment can ignite.
I've known of three S3 Esprit's catching fire and being completely destroyed due to this - and then you can get into difficulties with your insurance company too (modifications versus standard).Ultimately it's your call - I know they do sound much better with open filters - but there is an increased risk of fitting these (as a senior guy from the Lotus factory told me, that's why Lotus didn't fit open filters in the first place).
Jonathan 85S3NA
I've known of three S3 Esprit's catching fire and being completely destroyed due to this - and then you can get into difficulties with your insurance company too (modifications versus standard).Ultimately it's your call - I know they do sound much better with open filters - but there is an increased risk of fitting these (as a senior guy from the Lotus factory told me, that's why Lotus didn't fit open filters in the first place).
Jonathan 85S3NA
You not see any realworld gain from using an an Oiled air filter and may even lose a little on the bottom end, just where an esprit could use a little more of . And believe it or not it may not filter as well as a pleated paper filter. Better off replacing it with a new one every 12,000miles. As for that great sound go to www.lotusespritworld.co.uk
hit maint/mods link and there is a great procedure for bypassing the air silincer on these cars, thus giving you that neat sound you've heard
hit maint/mods link and there is a great procedure for bypassing the air silincer on these cars, thus giving you that neat sound you've heard
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