Early Esprit trouble spots?

[Johnny Freon]

Hi,

I'm toying with the idea of getting an early (S2 most likely) Esprit - what are some of the more common things to look out for? Which systems give trouble, which are reliable?

Apologies if this has been asked a million times. Links would be good.

Cheers

J

[Johnny Freon]

Thanks, but I've seen that and it really concentrates on the later models.

J

[Johnny Freon]

Excellent info Jim!

So it appears that with the coolant temp switch out of the way, the engine would be the least of my worries?

Most of what you listed sounds pretty reasonable to deal with, I'm used to working on my own cars.

J

[Johnny Freon]

I do like the G car look, and yes I'm researching - I'll most likely have a fair bit of time to research before jumping in yet! That book sounds good, I might have to pick one up.

I actually had the notion that I could pick up an early Esprit with a blown engine for cheep, and swap in a tuned Mazda rotary. Budget supercar (oxymoronic, yes I know!). Hence why I was wondering about the engines, if they tend to blow up that would make that option look that much better. However if they're reliable I might just stick with the Lotus motor.

So the S3 is the last G car? What years would that be, '82-'88 right? When did the galvanized chassis come out?

Thx

J

>> Edited by Johnny Freon on Friday 20th December 00:52

[Johnny Freon]

Gak, sorry Jim! I shoulda known I'd offend someone . . . however you have to admit that Lotus have a long history of using other makers' engines. And I have a notion that using a tuned rotary, for about the same weight but nearly twice the power, is probably something that Chapman wouldn't have objected to at all. However I completely see your point, that Lotus-engined cars should stay that way. I used to be a purist myself.

But engines are engines whether they're made in Hethel or Hiroshima.

If I were ever to do this (big if) I'd start with a basket-case. If I found a nice original car, I'd keep it that way.

Thanks again for your help!

Cheers

J

>> Edited by Johnny Freon on Friday 20th December 14:57

>> Edited by Johnny Freon on Friday 20th December 14:59

[Johnny Freon]

Got the book on order . . .

[Johnny Freon]

I'm the same way about RX-7s - a little (okay, a lot) more mundane they may be, but we all have our passions and that's great.

I am a great admirer of Chapman and firmly believe in the dictum of 'for speed add lightness'. That's why I'd pick the rotary for a swap instead of a V6 or (ye gads) a V8. Power to weight ratio and all that.

As far as the cost, six-port 13Bs are a dime a dozen and I can do all the work myself - rather enjoy it in fact.

However this is all contingent on finding a car really in need of serious help, and what are the chances of that?

J

>> Edited by Johnny Freon on Friday 20th December 15:47

[Johnny Freon]

Yeah, but in Canada they're pretty scarce . . .

>> Edited by Johnny Freon on Friday 20th December 19:13

[Johnny Freon]

Yeah that's probably what I'll end up having to do.

J