Bringing the SE into 2002

Bringing the SE into 2002

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sydneyse

Original Poster:

406 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th November 2002
quotequote all
O.K had enough of antiquated technology! the Esprit handles great, looks fantastic.. goes o.k..... I've had enough of being blown away by Nissan Skylines, toyota supra's etc....

I'm ordering a new clutch (9.5"), pressure plate, flywheel (stainless steel) and most importantly an ADAPTER plate to connect the Lexus V8 (quad cam, 32 valve all alloy)to the renault gearbox.

easily available in Australia (www.carbontech.com.au)as they use the same motor/gearbox in a countach replica.

I am getting engine mounts made as soon as I get the motor.

As soon as I find a late model motor (plenty around) at the right price... in she goes.

I'll be posting my progress/documenting with a digital camera...

stay tuned...

sydneyse

Original Poster:

406 posts

262 months

Thursday 7th November 2002
quotequote all
In seriatum...
1) I'm not buying a v8 becuase the price is around $90K (aussie dollars- roughly $47.7 USD!! and my SE with only 21K miles was half that amount.. and I already spent my money on the year before on an M roadster). I can buy a lexus v8 and the adaptor plate, new clutch and a few other bits for approx USD1,700.00... BANG FOR THE BUCK!!

2)Calvin: My SE has a 3" exhaust from the turbo back, custom muffler and Apexi AVC-R EBC. Any mods to the 4cyl engine do not compete with a modded 6cyl engine.. no substitute for cubic inches.... especially as all the jap performance engines have variable cam timing, 7000rpm redlines (or higher), bigger turbus.... I need more cubes!!

3) Rob: fair point; though I thought I would employ the KISS principle first... using a proven lexus/renault combo. The clutch is bigger (9.5") and apparantly the guys at carbontech have the shift mechanism improved to the point they use a metal gate around the shifter... I know there is still the 2nd gear/input shaft issue.... I'll see if it lasts first...

>> Edited by sydneyse on Thursday 7th November 22:37