Timing issues can lead to a really hot exhaust. I'm not going to own an Espirit, but hopefully this thread can shed some definitive light on their propensity to light it up.
Timing issues can lead to a really hot exhaust. I'm not going to own an Espirit, but hopefully this thread can shed some definitive light on their propensity to light it up.
Do you like working on Citroen transaxles? Do you know that the ring gear (the part that goes bad) is now made from Unobtainium? Well, you can buy used ones from a guy in The Netherlands, but that's it. He is the sole source for those in the world. Fortunately, he's a good guy and doesn't rip people off. Do you understand the Bosch EFI system? It's analog, you know, plus a bazillion relays. And no one will touch that system.
Dr. Hess wrote: Do you like working on Citroen transaxles? Do you know that the ring gear (the part that goes bad) is now made from Unobtainium? Well, you can buy used ones from a guy in The Netherlands, but that's it. He is the sole source for those in the world. Fortunately, he's a good guy and doesn't rip people off. Do you understand the Bosch EFI system? It's analog, you know, plus a bazillion relays. And no one will touch that system.
This must be why 88s are cheaper. I'm familiar with some pretty archaic EFI systems....and hate working on all of them.
I know of about a 86 Turbo Esprit for sale here in Bentonville. It is basically the same as a 88 mechanically, just a different body. I think he has it pretty well sorted.
The black one here behind my 7.
In reply to Dr. Hess:
Do you know the asking price? Or have a link to the ad?
No, but PM me and I'll give you his phone number.
PM sent. Thanks.
OK. Check your spam folder. That's where my emails usually wind up.
I had an S4s for years and a $5000 '86 basketcase briefly. The Bosch EFI completely sucked and was the source of much anguish. I'm 6' tall with long legs (34" inseam) and the S4s fit me pretty well. The '86 was a tighter fit. On long drives, I would take my shoes off to stretch out a bit more.
I put ~30k miles on my S4s in ~6 years and was very happy with it. It did have a bit of a kit car aura about it in some details but was pretty stout all things considered ("all things" being that it came from a little shop in the UK always on the edge of bankruptcy). A gentleman from the turboesprit yahoo list bought it and still has it as far as I know. I tracked maintenance here: http://www.exit109.com/~mfennell/lotus/service/ I think most of the links are still good.
The GM EFI was very good but I seem to recall a bad flat spot in the power delivery that a gentleman in the UK developed a patch for. I don't know if he's still around. He also developed a freeware diagnostic tool for the cars which was just great. "Freescan" IIRC.
I really enjoyed driving that car. The chassis was a wet noodle but the handling was very confidence inspiring and honest for lack of a better term. I should point out that my car came to me with a chipped 2nd gear (which happened between making the deal and closing it - we worked it out), requiring a rebuild. The transaxles, even the later ones, are a weak point.
I've always absolutely loved the look of these cars, when everyone had lambos, 959s and 288gtos on their walls, I had it covered with esprits. When I get this round of project cars done, I'm building some resto mod lotus stuff. I'm going to build one of these with a new lotus/Toyota driveline and a s1 élan with a boosted hyabusa driveline. If anybody wants one, let me know, I'll build two (or ten).
You guys are really making me want to hold out for a non Bosch EFI car. The early Bosch EFI on my 73 Volvo 142 also sucks. Unfortunately I'm a glutton for punishment and drawn to cars which will cause me much anguish, so we'll see whether or not I can resist.
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