Need advise on V8 Esprit
Discussion
Hello everyone. I am looking into purchasing a 97 Lotus and know little about this car. I currently own a Porsche 930. Can anyone give me some advise as far as maintanence, what to look out for, scheduled maintanence, problems and general reliability factor of these cars. I do know that the V8 were more reliable than the earlier models.. Just like some info so I can join the proud Lotus Club..
>>> Edited by clear on Monday 9th February 00:16
>>> Edited by clear on Monday 9th February 00:23
>>> Edited by clear on Monday 9th February 00:16
>>> Edited by clear on Monday 9th February 00:23
Hi 
there is some great info here www.lotusespritworld.com and search in this forum for some threads that may match.
Hopefully the others will chim in soon.
Cheers
Kylie
there is some great info here www.lotusespritworld.com and search in this forum for some threads that may match. Hopefully the others will chim in soon.
Cheers
Kylie
As Kylie suggests the LotusEspritWorld web site has many good articles on the V8 and also an owners page, there may be someone close to you who can give you some 1st hand advice. The check list available on LEW is very handy.
Primaries are to look for a full lotus history unless your prepared to do some work your self.
Check if the engine has been rebuilt, there was a liner issue on the early V8's that was fixed on most with an engine rebuild. Expensive if not done on warranty.
Would suggest not going for the first one you see, I say from experience, that on hind sight it was a bad move not looking at more than a couple and giving myself a few days cool down before agreeing to buy.
Worked out in the end but has been a year of frustration.
I'm sure some V8 owners can come in with some other valid points.
Del
S4s 95
Primaries are to look for a full lotus history unless your prepared to do some work your self.
Check if the engine has been rebuilt, there was a liner issue on the early V8's that was fixed on most with an engine rebuild. Expensive if not done on warranty.
Would suggest not going for the first one you see, I say from experience, that on hind sight it was a bad move not looking at more than a couple and giving myself a few days cool down before agreeing to buy.
Worked out in the end but has been a year of frustration.
I'm sure some V8 owners can come in with some other valid points.
Del
S4s 95
Search these forums for lots of good advice. 97 has the square dash. 98 on gets the smaller dash binacle and also a few other minor mods like wiper and gear linkage. Detailed changes are on espritfactfile.com.
All my costs in 40k miles/3 yrs are in my profile - my v8 including all the stuff I spend on upgrades (brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels etc) still works out only 68p per mile.
Get a warranty and buy from a reputable source. Only buy one that’s had a rebuild (liners) done already. Make sure tyres, clutch are recent and both cats are still ok, cambelt service is every 24 and is expensive but not engine out so make sure this has been done. 2nd gear syncro is the weak point of the box to try changing up and down to second on the test drive. Don't drive the first one you see and its a good idea to get it checked out by someone who knows these cars.
www.espritforum.co.uk is the other good uk forum.
All my costs in 40k miles/3 yrs are in my profile - my v8 including all the stuff I spend on upgrades (brakes, suspension, exhaust, wheels etc) still works out only 68p per mile.
Get a warranty and buy from a reputable source. Only buy one that’s had a rebuild (liners) done already. Make sure tyres, clutch are recent and both cats are still ok, cambelt service is every 24 and is expensive but not engine out so make sure this has been done. 2nd gear syncro is the weak point of the box to try changing up and down to second on the test drive. Don't drive the first one you see and its a good idea to get it checked out by someone who knows these cars.
www.espritforum.co.uk is the other good uk forum.
V8 Generic Tips:
1. On 97s and 98s make sure that the AWI wheels (if they are fitted) where replaced with the "noncracking" type.
2. On 97s make sure that the clutch was replaced with the double plate. LC-USA said that it was done to all.
3. If you are concerned that the car has been caned around too much, take your hand and run it around the timing belt (tough stretch - near firewall in the engine bay). If your hand comes back oil soaked you most likely have blown seals, which can get expensive.
4. Shake the tailpipes (either side). If the muffler moves you have the dreaded "failed weld on the mounting bracket" problem. Not much if you just want to run straight pipes (as many do). However a quality stainless replacement can get pricey.
5. Alternator failure is imminent for all '97 and '98 cars and '99 cars should start experiencing failure any day now. See if the alternator has been replaced. If it hasn't - have it checked out prior to purchase.
6. See if the service history includes changing of the gear oil. I would be suspicious of one that has not been changed - same with the brake fluid.
That's all I can think of so far. I am working on a page for the Espritv8.com website that includes all sorts of hints, tips, lookouts for V8 purchase. Will let everyone know when it is complete...
Cheers
ErnestM
1. On 97s and 98s make sure that the AWI wheels (if they are fitted) where replaced with the "noncracking" type.
2. On 97s make sure that the clutch was replaced with the double plate. LC-USA said that it was done to all.
3. If you are concerned that the car has been caned around too much, take your hand and run it around the timing belt (tough stretch - near firewall in the engine bay). If your hand comes back oil soaked you most likely have blown seals, which can get expensive.
4. Shake the tailpipes (either side). If the muffler moves you have the dreaded "failed weld on the mounting bracket" problem. Not much if you just want to run straight pipes (as many do). However a quality stainless replacement can get pricey.
5. Alternator failure is imminent for all '97 and '98 cars and '99 cars should start experiencing failure any day now. See if the alternator has been replaced. If it hasn't - have it checked out prior to purchase.
6. See if the service history includes changing of the gear oil. I would be suspicious of one that has not been changed - same with the brake fluid.
That's all I can think of so far. I am working on a page for the Espritv8.com website that includes all sorts of hints, tips, lookouts for V8 purchase. Will let everyone know when it is complete...
Cheers
ErnestM
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