14K LATER MY LOTUS RUNS LIKE A BRAND NEW ONE.
Discussion
Thanks, I needed some encouraging words. I drove the car today after FINALLY completing a total suspension rebuild and alignment. It has taken me many months no this one task. I was really surprised how little off the suspension was from spec after putting it back together.
The car is still not comfortable to drive due to my lack of confidence in the car. The engine, tranny and wiring are next then the final step will be to repaint the car. I've spent over $2500 and who knows what other catastrophes are lurking. Is it worth it?? In a year or so it will be a brand new car and we'll see. Please don't get me wrong I love the car and Lotus but its good to hear someone else who has struggled and come out on top. Wish me luck and thanks to all for the great technical advice.
louis
'83 Turbo
The car is still not comfortable to drive due to my lack of confidence in the car. The engine, tranny and wiring are next then the final step will be to repaint the car. I've spent over $2500 and who knows what other catastrophes are lurking. Is it worth it?? In a year or so it will be a brand new car and we'll see. Please don't get me wrong I love the car and Lotus but its good to hear someone else who has struggled and come out on top. Wish me luck and thanks to all for the great technical advice.
louis
'83 Turbo
Its funny how you get these cars in perfect shape and all you can think about is the next mod needed doing. Why don't we just leave it alone if its running well and just drive it. Problem is we cant!
I think they are just so addictive. I have an arms length of things I want doing to mine. If my other car got the same the attention it would be a little space rocket by now.
I think they are just so addictive. I have an arms length of things I want doing to mine. If my other car got the same the attention it would be a little space rocket by now.
Adam,
I'm glad that you have a fine running Esprit. As I recall you got what seemed like a good deal or a tad below what one pays for a well sorted car. Many times with an Esprit it is sometimes less expensive to pay a little more and get one of the well sorted cars to enjoy the driving experience right away. This the route I had chosen to follow. After all there is a monetary value to be placed for down time, your expense, time, and frustration to get things correct.
You at least can be assured that you have one of well sort ones now as you have personally seen to it yourself. I wish you all the best in your enjoyment of the driving season. All that is left is to do scheduled service and promptly replace small parts as they wear or fail.
True Lotus owners have the tenacity and a never give up attitude. We excel in many areas outside of Lotus ownership. It is this demeanor and the never give attitude that I would not hesitate to employ one of our kind.
Driven correctly with skill you are truly King of the road in your area. Just remember the 1st year of driving the Esprit has the most accidents recorded. Watch wet roads, leaves, and other things that will cause you to lose traction or cause wheel spin with full turbo boost. The rate does go down significantly after the 1st year as one gets used to the car.
Regards,
Calvin
I'm glad that you have a fine running Esprit. As I recall you got what seemed like a good deal or a tad below what one pays for a well sorted car. Many times with an Esprit it is sometimes less expensive to pay a little more and get one of the well sorted cars to enjoy the driving experience right away. This the route I had chosen to follow. After all there is a monetary value to be placed for down time, your expense, time, and frustration to get things correct.
You at least can be assured that you have one of well sort ones now as you have personally seen to it yourself. I wish you all the best in your enjoyment of the driving season. All that is left is to do scheduled service and promptly replace small parts as they wear or fail.
True Lotus owners have the tenacity and a never give up attitude. We excel in many areas outside of Lotus ownership. It is this demeanor and the never give attitude that I would not hesitate to employ one of our kind.
Driven correctly with skill you are truly King of the road in your area. Just remember the 1st year of driving the Esprit has the most accidents recorded. Watch wet roads, leaves, and other things that will cause you to lose traction or cause wheel spin with full turbo boost. The rate does go down significantly after the 1st year as one gets used to the car.
Regards,
Calvin
colin chapman can sleep well knowing that the lotus esprit that were produced will eventually end up recycled or transformed into a vehicle that is the best that it can be. The passionate owners of the cars find the way too them and those who care less loose them through time. So eventually all the remaining esprit will be better than they ever were. incredible from the begining. whatever it takes. That shows hard core love that you spent 14k to get the car where it needs to be...
kylie said: Its funny how you get these cars in perfect shape and all you can think about is the next mod needed doing. Why don't we just leave it alone if its running well and just drive it. Problem is we cant!
I think they are just so addictive. I have an arms length of things I want doing to mine. If my other car got the same the attention it would be a little space rocket by now.
Agree with what everyone's said so far.
I paid premium (extreme premium) for a very well sorted, heavily modded car. You'd think I would be happy to sit on it, but nooooo.
I'm buying the 330HP chip and BOV from Sanj (as soon as he has the BOV back in stock) and have about 5K plus in other work (Wilwood brakes and suspension) scheduled for next year and beyond.
And you guys know from my other threads that interior work follows that.
The funny thing is, for what I paid for the car, plus the mods I'm doing and have planned, I could easily get into a V8. And trust me, I do want a V8. But Evilyn is like part of the family now, and I love the idea of enhancing her.
When I someday sit in my own V8, it will be in addition to, not in place of.
And most of us Lotus owners seem to be like that.
I don't think it's a case of more money than sense. Just less sense than money
... MadMike
You hit the nail on the head! I just finished a frustrating suspension rebuild on my '83. Two weeks ago I completed an Eco-Challenge race across the peninsula of Florida in 77 hours (hiking, biking and kayaking). Know I'm gettin ready to remove the engine/tranny! Lack of sense?? Don't think I ever had any!! But I drive a Lotus and there ain't many on those. It's a good feelin.
You hit the nail on the head! I just finished a frustrating suspension rebuild on my '83. Two weeks ago I completed an Eco-Challenge race across the peninsula of Florida in 77 hours (hiking, biking and kayaking). Know I'm gettin ready to remove the engine/tranny! Lack of sense?? Don't think I ever had any!! But I drive a Lotus and there ain't many on those. It's a good feelin.
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