Lotus Esprit Buyer's Guide

Some information on one of the best handling sports cars of the 90s

Download Lotus Esprit Technical Guide

Table of Contents:

Introduction

Key differences

Powertrain & Fuel System

Chassis & Suspension

Interior & Electrical System

Buying with confidence

Modification

Technical Specification

Esprit S2 Buyer's Guide & What to look for:

Chassis £2000 (plus suspension bushes, steering rack, brake pipes and labour add another £1500)

Felt material between chassis and body absorbs moisture and corrodes chassis

Check rear panels haven't been cracked by items in the boot moving side to side and hitting the insides

The 907 engine has a GM/Vauxhall block and Lotus head (Steve Sanville, Ron Burr, Tony Rudd)

Servicing should be done every 6 months although nobody does that

Engines require 6,000mi intervals and can last 100,000mi before rebuilds

Belts should be new every 24,000 miles or every 3 to 4 years

Pistons are not Nikasil treated in the naturally aspirated early cars so expect a bit more wear

Oil pump is set high on the engine so takes time to draw oil from the sump. Don't be cheap on the airfilter, use a Lotus one with anti-drain valve (not a Ford one).

Oil is at 5 psi @ 1000 rpm, 35 psi @ 3500 rpm, 45 psi @ 6500

907 engines often leak oil from cam carriers/covers, it drips onto exhaust or collects in spark plug recesses. Avoid over-tightening bols and just fit quality cam cover gaskets

Exhaust manifolds crack due to heat cycles and compartment overheating

Low-slung radiator can leak (but not obvious to see) and low coolant volume may cause heads to warp

Engines have valve seat inserts and need Super Unleaded but also add some lead substitute to help the octane and avoid pinking

Rear suspension design is such that UJs and wheel bearings don't last long, because drive shafts act as a support (upper wishbone was introduced only in the Turbo). Hardy-Spicer makes the most durable parts (others will last much less)

Wheel bearings need regular greasing

Cars with the Citroen C35 gearbox have inboard brakes (yes)

The citroen gearbox spigot bearing needs to have grease else if it fails it will wreck the crankshaft. If a clutch is replaced then a new bearing and fresh grease is wise

The Citroen gearboxes have a weakness in the internal crown and pinion wheel which only last a certain amount of time before breaking

Check for wear in 1st and 2nd gear and for any slop in the linkage

Pre-1985 cars do not have Toyota suspension but instead the Elan system of trunnions which need regular oiling

Handbrake cannot be lubricated and can seize (perhaps leave the car in gear when parked?)

If the steering is unusually heavy then maybe the column UJ needs replacing

Keep a check on the electrical operation of headlamps, window motors and the fuses in the glovebox

Check if the screen has been resealed recently, extracting it can crack it then a new one is needed

Check dash and footwell for any water ingress

Check if window frame powder coating has come off and needs a refresh

Checklist:

Pre-2002 has the car had the updated cylinder liners / sealant?

Any coolant leaks, have coolant system pressure tested, check list?

Check clutch life and operation, any stalling because it isn't releasing, could be slave or rusted splines on the clutch.

Are the transaxle seals leaking?

Are all the fluids current: Brake, clutch, transaxle, oil, coolant

What is the condition of the radiator?

What is the condition of the alternator?

What is the condition of the battery?

Does the A/C climate system work, both cold and hot?

Any grinding in the gearbox?

Has the ECU been upgraded with the Hi-Torque code?

How old are the tires?

Are the wastegates adjusted to the proper specification?

Has the engine been compression tested?

Any of the supsension items leaking / shocks?

Are all the accessories included: Owner's manual, tool kit, spare tire, engine cover, both tops glass and solid, wind screen, both keys and touch wands.

Has the car been modified with the Red ECU code?

Has the gearbox been upgraded with GTO or Holloway

Has the Quaife Differential been installed?

Any visible leaks shown when parked for a couple days, or visible leaks around any fittings under the car?

What kind of oil fiter does the car currently have on it?

Has the radiator been upgraded?

And last but not least, is the car getting 100% WOT.