[rhudeboye]

Was talking with an owner of one the other day. We had a long talk about our cars and how they have really held up well all though being over 14 years old (his is a 94 also).

We talked power for a long time. We both mentioned that in stock form our cars feel pretty good. He has a chip and a new wastegate now and assures me that he runs with V8s with little problems. I was quite drwn to this car as we talked as I have always like the style of the Esprit. Then we started talking common problems and repairs. Gotta tell ya, if you think a good porsche mechanic and porsche parts are expensive. Talking with a Lotus owner will make you feel a lot better about your wallet. As it turns out, Lotus is a nightmare with tons of NLA parts and problem areas.

When running well however, they look great and drive quick.

what these things can do. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ye-mUK_S_SU

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Fox944]

I have wanted a '95 Lotus Esprit S4S since '95. 300Hp 2.2L I-4T. Lotus sold a exhaust system avail through dealers which was said to add another 20BHP.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

I always liked that car. That and the NSX might have been the only two under consideration alongside the 968 ( though second choices for sure..) but I had heard about the Lotus' mechanical and cost issues, and the NSX just isn't nearly as practical as the 968.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[DiREW0LF]

I saw a post a while back where someone put an Audi V8 in an Esprit. The post went on for a few months and had details and pictures of the whole swap. I'll have to see if I can find it.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

Im at work and keep getting interrupted as I try an type. The “held up well” comment was directed towards looks. We both get regular comments at the gas station as to how nice they are. I'm guessing he's got me beat on that one. Cant think of anything else from the 90s that still looks as modern as the Lotus, truly a work of art.

Power- He has nothing without his turbo. But when the gears are worked right and the RPMs are held above 3.5 its a blast. His turbo get tired around 120 and after 130 your at a crawl to the top end.

Trivia- Where else have you seen those Lotus tail lights?

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Fox944]

i think the 993 & Ferrari's F355 are up there with cars from the 90's that could still pass for modern cars.

The headlights on our cars give away the age, but our tail's look more modern then those found on the Esprit. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[ds968]

<!--quoteo(post=68773:date=Mar 17 2009, 01:35 PM:name=Fox944)-->QUOTE (Fox944 @ Mar 17 2009, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->i think the 993 & Ferrari's F355 are up there with cars from the 90's that could still pass for modern cars.
The headlights on our cars give away the age, but our tail's look more modern then those found on the Esprit. [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

strongly agree on the F355, strongly disagree on the 993 [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/dry.gif[/img]

the hatchback on our coupes gave away the age until around last year ( and this year the trend seems to continue ) where out of nowhere it seems they may be bringing them back in style in a few makes / models [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

<!--quoteo(post=68779:date=Mar 17 2009, 03:27 PM:name=ds968)-->QUOTE (ds968 @ Mar 17 2009, 03:27 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->where out of nowhere it seems they may be bringing them back in style in a few makes / models [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img]<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Many of there trunks follow the lines of the rear window much like a hatchback does. So if not for the seam between the two, it would be tricky to tell. Take for example the R8. Those descending lines from roof to back makes it look like a hatchback. Actually, it kinda is. The hatch just holds the engine.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Gotter]

Yeah, the new Saturn convertible (forget the name) and the S2000 have similar lines in the rear, and our ass-end is fairly modern... if only there were a headlight conversion....


LOL


Flash, you may now flog me for re-opening that can of worms...

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[Johannvb]

The thing I love most about the 968 and 928 is watching the headlights Pop up. It is uniquely Porsche, and in my mind that is what makes them special.

The Lotus esprit has always been in my "want to own that one day" list. I don't know about the later genration rear lights, but I know the original Lotus Espprit had it's tail lights donated by the Rover SD1.

Another car I think still looks fresh today is the Maclaren F1.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[wjk_glynn]

A great site to learn more about the Lotus Esprit is: http://www.espritfactfile.com/

So if I were to look at an Esprit, it would Stevens styled V8 model. And the reasons are (1) classic "supercar" looks (2) performance (3) exclusivity (4) relatively inexpensive to purchase

But there are some big downsides:

1) While not necessarily expensive to purchase, maintenance & repair is still in the <b><i>supercar major league</i></b> when it comes to costs. Not for the faint of heart.
2) Shift quality and reliability of the Renault sourced transmission is not great
3) Depending on your body shape/size, the interior ergonomics can be pretty bad
4) Trying to find a shop to service the car can be hard, depending on where you live

At one autocross, I rode as a passenger in both a V8 Esprit and a F355 and I have to say the Esprit "felt" amazingly fast.

Karl.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.

[rhudeboye]

<!--quoteo(post=68970:date=Mar 19 2009, 01:20 PM:name=wjk_glynn)-->QUOTE (wjk_glynn @ Mar 19 2009, 01:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}><!--quotec-->But there are some big downsides:

1) While not necessarily expensive to purchase, maintenance & repair is still in the <b><i>supercar major league</i></b> when it comes to costs. Not for the faint of heart.
2) Shift quality and reliability of the Renault sourced transmission is not great
3) Depending on your body shape/size, the interior ergonomics can be pretty bad
4) Trying to find a shop to service the car can be hard, depending on where you live

At one autocross, I rode as a passenger in both a V8 Esprit and a F355 and I have to say the Esprit "felt" amazingly fast.

Karl.<!--QuoteEnd--><!--QuoteEEnd-->

Agree with all points except 3. Of course comfort is subjective but I found it comfortable and I'm a pretty big guy.

A couple more downsides to think about. I was told that the oil coolers are prone to leak. Finding the leak and buying the part isn't too expensive. to get to them however you have to dismantle the front end (thousands in labor).
The Renault tranny has proved reliable in his 94, however he feels it is the reason why these cars are not faster. The tranny is limited and there are no other options. according the owner I spoke with.
He also told me that though the V8s are wickedly fast there nothing more then two 4 bangers sandwiched in a very tight hole. A mechanics nightmare.

Partial Post: Please Login or Register to read the full post.