| Author |
Message |
Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Junior Member
Username: Joechristmas
Post Number: 230
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 6:23 pm: | |
Yes, I miss my first Esprit too. It was very nice. I enjoy my new Esprit. It is red/tan and is nice. They do look very exotic too. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 167
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 6:14 pm: | |
Actually Greg it gets more attention. A lot more rarer. It just has huge road presence. Especially mine which is literally 1/2 inch off thee ground. Used to have g-body regretted getting rid of it though. |
Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Junior Member
Username: Joechristmas
Post Number: 229
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 5:48 pm: | |
I know what you mean. I get that all of the time too. Who makes Lotus? They ask some many questions. Doesn't Ford own them? Most at first think it is a Lambo. Especially my first Lotus because it was black and a G body style. My Esprit is red so I figured many would think a Ferrari but nope they still think it is a Lambo. I am also tired of people asking me if they can borrow it or drive it. Who asks that type of question. I don't go up to the guy in the Z3, etc. and ask to drive his car. I think it is down right rude and ridiculous. I would say that my Lotus gets just as much attention as my Ferrari. What do you guys think? |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 166
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 5:31 pm: | |
Ken, this is what I hear all the time,
Is that a Lamborghini?
No
It's a kit car,right
No
What kind of car is that?
A Lotus twin turbo esprit
Who makes that?
ughh, Lotus
Where's that in France?
no, china
Is there coke in the glovebox?
No, that's DeLorean
How do the doors open?
With a door handle
Don't things fall off while driving?
Yeah, the motor fell out of the engine bay a couple days ago
There's a Ford motor in there, right
No, it's actually a Yugo engine
You will not believe how many times I have had this conversation with people. Most of the time I just tell them it's a suped up pontiac fiero, just so I would not get nagged to death |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 332
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 9:02 am: | |
"Hey, what kind of car is that?"
"It's a Lotus Europa".
"Who makes it?"
"Lotus"
"What's that??"
"A Europa"
"Isn't that a kit car?"
"Not intentionally"
|
Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
New member
Username: Mfennell70
Post Number: 41
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, April 17, 2002 - 7:14 am: | |
Anton,
It was $160 but the car was down for 2wks (I was on vacation anyway) because Andy doesn't have a supply of memcals. You have to ship yours out.
I'll send you an e-mail with more details.
Billy,
Sounds good.
|
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 165
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 10:09 pm: | |
Hi Mike,
I just went up to Ralph's and ordered the race ECU (up the power to 450hp) and I am dying. I cannot wait. We all have to get together one day and I'll bring the 355 (no cats,tubi exhaust) and the car is just awesome. We do all have to get together soon it is so nice out. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 9
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 4:10 pm: | |
Hi Mike,
Nice to have you back. Indeed, based on our S4S ownership experience, we seem to have a common interest to 355's that are similar in many ways to our cars (coincidence?). I wasn't as lucky as you, i.e. I never had a ride in a 355 (or any other F. car for that matter), but we'll see. I do of course remember the sound of a 355, that's smth to hear and enjoy!
On the S4S chip: I'm glad you are enjoying yours. Can you update me on the logistics and price of this upgrade? (since it seems now like smth for me to consider doing). Thanks,
Anton. |
Michael Fennell (Mfennell70)
New member
Username: Mfennell70
Post Number: 40
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 16, 2002 - 3:34 pm: | |
Hey Anton,
Yeah, I lust after a 355 too... I had a nice long ride in my boss's '99 355C F1. Wow. WOW. The most striking difference to me is the sound of the engine even with a stock exhaust. Ferrari does exhaust notes. He drives like my mother so I can't give any performance feedback.
I just put the Andy Whittaker chip in my S4s this past weekend. What a difference. No more aggravating flat spot. A bit more low end torque with the later rev of the software too.
Mike |
Bill Sebestyen (Bill308)
Junior Member
Username: Bill308
Post Number: 156
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, April 15, 2002 - 8:32 pm: | |
All twin cam Elans, Europas, and most Sevens use Ford based 1500 cc Cortina engines. Lotus increased the bore size and added a twin cam hemi head, resulting in a four cylinder engine remarkably similiar to half a 308 in size and configuration. The cams are chain driven however. |
Alex Lee (Alxlee)
New member
Username: Alxlee
Post Number: 9
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, April 15, 2002 - 3:12 pm: | |
Billy, yes, I get those questions too. I should start a little book of some of the stranger questions I get.
Lot's of parts off our cars are indeed from other companies (like the Toyota tail lights) but a Ford engine? Must be referring to the one story on the internet about the guy that dropped a Ford SHO into a Lotus. SHOTUS! |
BretM (Bretm)
Intermediate Member
Username: Bretm
Post Number: 2279
Registered: 2-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 8:36 pm: | |
lol Billy. I love those people too that know more about your car than you do, and make you aware of their overwhelming knowledge. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 164
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 7:56 pm: | |
Alex you get that question as well? I thought I was the only lucky one enough to hear it. I also hear people telling me that the engine is really a Ford. These guys know more about my car than I do |
Alex Lee (Alxlee)
New member
Username: Alxlee
Post Number: 8
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 7:04 pm: | |
Also, at least once you guys say "Ferrari" they know what it is and don't ask you, "Lotus? Who makes that?"
But once you ask them if they've ever seen "Pretty Woman" they ~know~ it's the car that Julia Roberts fit so perfectly in. |
Alex Lee (Alxlee)
New member
Username: Alxlee
Post Number: 7
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 7:01 pm: | |
Yeah, everyone thinks the Esprit is a Lambo. "How do the doors open?" Uhhhh, you pull on the door handle and it swings out?
Although, I actually did have a guy ask me once if that it was an MR2. The worst part about it was that the guy was in an MG! |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 159
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 6:45 pm: | |
Not really. They always ask if it's a Lamborghini. It actually does resemble a Diablo. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 738
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 6:41 pm: | |
Esprits look alot like F355's. i bet people often mistake them for F355's. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 154
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 5:49 pm: | |
Yes the mtls is generally used in colder climates such as NY. But they are basically the same. One question everyone asks when in the Lotus is: Is that a Lamborghini, how do the doors open? Hate that. |
Alex Lee (Alxlee)
New member
Username: Alxlee
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 4:49 pm: | |
Hi Anton, the Esprit is doing well. I can't wait til we meet up again. Let me know if you guys are going to get together sometime soon with these Ferrari guys and I'll try to make it up also. I'd love to take a look at them!
Tim, one of the best parts of the 4 cylinder Esprit is the look on someone's face when you tell them it's only 4 cylinders and it puts out 300 bhp!
BTW, are you sure MTL is what you should be using in your trannies and not MT-90? I had heard that MTL was a little too thin. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 153
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:22 pm: | |
Anton it is under the showroom.(titled took my babies out) I have the limited edition sport 350. |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 324
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:19 pm: | |
I live outside Chicago (grew up in Nyack NY though). I've been kindly invited to tag along in the drive on the 27th here. I'd love to take a long trip in it someday though! It's a strong runner that has been very reliable. I've put on over 2000 miles since last June and I don't drive in rain or snow. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 8
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:12 pm: | |
Billy,
Yes, please let me know how MTL racing oil works out for your 355's tranny. BTW, do you have a picture of your car handy? Thanks,
Anton. |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
New member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 48
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:12 pm: | |
ken
live in the nj area, bring your twin cams..your welcomed to.. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 151
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:08 pm: | |
Anton the difference is amazing. Almost feels like a different tranny in there. I am going to change to redline mtl in the 355 this weekend and I will let you know how it works out. This stuff is absolutely amazing though. |
Craig Dewey (Craigfl)
Member
Username: Craigfl
Post Number: 346
Registered: 1-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 3:07 pm: | |
But Ken... Yours is a "classic".....
PS. I used to own a Europa S2! |
Ken (Allyn)
Member
Username: Allyn
Post Number: 322
Registered: 10-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 2:47 pm: | |
I fell like the black (red actually) sheep with my Europa TC! |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
New member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 43
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 12:06 pm: | |
anton
either sat or sunday is fine with me, weather permitting..my kids are with granny this weekend, so nice and quiet, will bring wifey, probably meet on 29...email me your home #.. [email protected]
bruce
|
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 7
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 11:45 am: | |
Bruce,
Thanks, that's great. How about meeting, say, halfway between Flemington & Princeton - or wherever convenient? Could do it quickly this Sunday or 2 weeks later. Look forward to seeing your 88 TR, comparing with my Esprit etc. Please let me know, thanks,
Anton. |
bruce wellington (Bws88tr)
New member
Username: Bws88tr
Post Number: 42
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 9:12 am: | |
hey anton
i own a 88 testarossa and live in the flemington area..would love to meet up, etc...i have a couple of buddies in this area that would love to do the same...let me know..
bruce |
Dave L (Davel)
Junior Member
Username: Davel
Post Number: 112
Registered: 7-2001
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 9:00 am: | |
Hey Tim, Ive got a 94 S4 Esprit and its just a little less powerful than the S4S. Ive had 3 turbo's and like Billy says they are very reliable and proper maint is good for that. I had an 86 that was my daily for over a year and I kept it for 4 yrs and didnt have to fix anything out of routine maint.
The S4 and S4S are the best 4cyl built for the 4 cyl generation. Things dont fall off and Lotus dumped all the Lucas harnesses in 78 and went with mostly German sourcing for the electrics.
Its funny to hear the jokes about that considering Ferrari's were full of Fiat parts and electrics. Things got even better when GM bought Lotus in 86. I love both Ferrari and Lotus, certain aspects of Lotus are quite good, especially maint cost.
No rust problems either. My car is on file here in the showroom under Non Ferrari Exotics. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 6
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Friday, April 12, 2002 - 12:28 am: | |
Billy,
Thanks for the tip about MTL racing oil, I'll look into it. Since my car is still fresh out of a C service, everything is fine now, but I'll keep this option in mind for the next change. The difference is quite noticeable in your car? Thanks,
Anton. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 149
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:40 pm: | |
Anton, how do you like your S4S. To improve the tranny did you try putting redline MTL racing synthetic oil? This greatly (and I mean greatly) improves things. No grinding gears anymore and they slip in like butter). I do not mind hooking up with other owners at any time. But I have been quite the busy bee lately. I am waiting for my race ECU that is supposed to bump power to 450. Cannot wait. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 5
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:26 pm: | |
Alex,
Hi there, nice to see you are on this group as well! Indeed, seems like a trend. How's your Esprit?
Anton. |
Alex Lee (Alxlee)
New member
Username: Alxlee
Post Number: 5
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:21 pm: | |
Hey Anton, nice to see you over here too. Looks like the Lotus drivers are all migrating over here!
|
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 4
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:17 pm: | |
Billy,
Esprit V8 and 355 - wow, nice combination! What date is that spring get-together scheduled for, and where? Would you mind getting together before that? Thanks,
Anton. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 3
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 11:13 pm: | |
Tim,
In addition to those who already replied about/commented on S4S, let me say this:
Esprit S4S makes a wonderful sports car overall. In my subjective opinion, nothing beats its combination of great style and ultimate performance, especially keeping in mind that it all, 300 bhp, is made out of 2.2L 4-cylinder engine. Once the turbo kicks in, it's a blast. It takes getting used to driving it (I assume same is true about Ferraris, sorry I haven't ever driven those - yet), especially the combination: transmission-clutch-engine which is sometimes picky in terms of power, but when mastered it's very rewarding.
Maintenance costs - very reasonable for an exotic. Services are of 3 kinds: A,B,C (in increasing order of complexity and cost), very roughly - about $350, $750 and $1500 resp. (at C service timing belt and othetr belts and all fluids are changed etc.).
S4S are considered the most reliable among all 4-cyl. Esprits. After that Lotus switched to making V8's, and reliability probably improved further (but I'm not a V8 expert). Also to confirm OBDII started only with V8's.
Tranny is indeed kind of picky and tricky, I read it may last long enough provided it's not abused, and also that it may not be able to withstand extra power (so people may go with Quaife tranny, much more expensive).
I myself wanted the best 4-cyl. Esprit, so I find myself being after S4S, only made in 1995 (for US at least).
The closest match for S4S in my non-expert (Ferrari-wise) opinion seems to be a 355 (95 or 96?), both style-wise and performance-wise; that's why I'm a bit more curious to learn about 355's; but would love to learn about 308's and other Ferrari's as well.
Anton. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 144
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 9:00 pm: | |
Nah. Do not listen to anyone who tells you things fall off. They don't. Especially cars built from 1989 on were GM owned. Cars were extremely reliable. I had an 86 that I used every single day for two years and not a single thing happened except replacing the alternator. Very easy cars to work on as well. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 731
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 8:57 pm: | |
320 is pretty good for those mods, thats why i love turboed cars. Im still gonna wait till prices drop and i have more money. I think i'll wait till im out of college because i wont be able to drive it for most of the year while im there. I was always under the impression that british cars had horrible reliability, or at least that everything fell off. Im kind of excited because im learning that this car isnt that bad. From waht i understand it can be better than a ferrari for reliablilty, and can go 100k on a belt but people change them at 50k. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 143
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 7:56 pm: | |
No, none of the 4s had obdII. If you take the cats out and run a sport exhaust you'll be pushing 320 hp. True the tranny does not hold well with a good amount of power but nothing to worry about in the 4 cylinder version. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 729
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 7:36 pm: | |
The price also has some room to fall too. The engines are impressive. 300hp out of a 2.2L 4cyl is really good. I'd also imagine theres some room to modify it for more power since its a turbo, but ive heard the trannies arent strong enough for too much more. I like the way they look too. Did any of the 4cyl cars have OBDII? i'd want to avoid that. |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 141
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 7:02 pm: | |
Tim. An S4s would make a great first car. Not too expensive to maintain and great power from a 4 banger. They are the most reliable, I have never heard of any problems with them. They also are the best handling Esprits. They also look great. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 728
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 6:53 pm: | |
Anton, would the S4S make a good first sports car? what is maintainence and reliability on one of those like? |
billy zissis (89tr)
Junior Member
Username: 89tr
Post Number: 140
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 6:08 pm: | |
I also own Lotus v8 and a 355. As I have stated before my favorite rice is the Lotus. Just love that thing. I live in New York City. We have a spring get together. Bring your Lotus. This time round I am bringing mine. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 724
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:55 pm: | |
I found some info on the road course.
http://63.222.245.176/etown/news/roadcourse.html
Who would want to go some friday test & tine night. Its fun just to watch the racing and walk around the staging lanes. Theres always alot of vettes and usually a few vipers. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 723
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:47 pm: | |
Im in Pleasantville.......pleasantville, NY. The road course isnt open at englishtown yet, but it should be by summer. It will be really sticky because its freshly paved. I dont know if you (or anyone else) would be crazy about running your cars in the 1/4th mile, but they currently have an autocrossing course. If im not mistaken, the autox is every saturday. I wanna take my A4 there sometime and see what it can do. |
Greg Rodgers (Joechristmas)
Junior Member
Username: Joechristmas
Post Number: 217
Registered: 3-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:45 pm: | |
You are more than welcome to e-mail me. I have a Lotus Esprit and Ferrari 308s. If you are curious to know the differences feel free to e-mail me. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:29 pm: | |
Tim,
Thanks for your reply. Looking forward to Englishtown event(s); what are the scheduled dates?
How about yourself? Are you in NJ? Thanks,
Anton. |
Tim N (Timn88)
Member
Username: Timn88
Post Number: 721
Registered: 6-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 5:22 pm: | |
We have alot of guys in the area. Im sure once englishtown opens it's road course someting will go on there. From westchester, princeton is about an hour i think. |
Anton Karnaukh (Agk)
New member
Username: Agk
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, April 11, 2002 - 4:58 pm: | |
Hi All,
I own a 95 Lotus Esprit S4S. I've started lurking on this chat recently, and I've been enjoying this online group as very knowledgeable and fun to read.
I was wondering if there are any Ferrari owners in Central Jersey area, preferably closer to Princeton area, who would like to get together, have a chat, share ownership experience and perhaps go for a ride. In particular since Esprits and 355's may be considered close to one another w.r.t. a number of parameters, looks etc. I am very curious to compare the experience of having a Ferrari (328, 355, etc.) with that of an Esprit.
If anybody is interested, I'll appreciate a response or suggestions, thanks,
Anton. |