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02-24-2009, 05:39 PM
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#21 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Florida
Posts: 83
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Personally I would stay away from the 97 model year. No advantage other than 8 cylinders over the late S4 or S4s. Being a first model year they had several issues that were resolved or improved in the later models not the least of which was cylinder liner problems.
Another thing which I haven't seen mentioned is that the 4 cylinders are much easier to work on and maintenance and repair is cheaper. For instance, a timing belt change or adjustment is doable by the capable do it yourself home mechanic on a 4 cyl, but almost impossible on the 8 cyl as it requires very special tools and a very expensive tensioner gauge. Go with a 2000 or later on the V8 and S4 or S4s on the 4 cyl. And whichever way you go, have a full inspection done by a knowledgeable Lotus mechanic or at least someone who is very familiar with the Esprit. |
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02-25-2009, 04:45 PM
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#23 (permalink) | |
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The Man from L.E.O.
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: North NJ
Posts: 426
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Quote:
 Much easier than a V8 maybe, Jim. And certainly, cheaper!  Don't EVER say an Esprit is "easy to work on" to anyone who has ever owned an old RWD Volvo...I could do those Volvo timing belts in about 30 minutes with one hand grasping a beer at all times!!!! (Still, an Esprit is WORTH IT! JMHO)
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Atwell Haines '88 Esprit Succasunna, NJ USA Lotus Enthusiast's Organization, NJ/NYC Area www.LotusEnthusiasts.Org |
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02-25-2009, 05:12 PM
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#24 (permalink) |
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Oh, NOW I get it!
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Georgia, U.S.A.
Posts: 457
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The S4S is much closer to th raw feeling of the Elise than the V8. The V8 actually has a manageable low end torque, but when I drove a friend's S4S after my V8 it was like "Wow, that's crazy fast!" I still miss the WHOOSH of the turbo from an Esprit.
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02-25-2009, 06:05 PM
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#25 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Where piracy runs rampant...
Posts: 404
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I've driven both, and love both. And now that I own and have experienced an S4, I'd love to own a V8 too! The important thing with whatever purchase you make is the quality of the car. Don't forget that.
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02-26-2009, 10:32 AM
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#26 (permalink) |
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98 Esprit V8 Calypso Red
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 138
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Bottom line is...find a good one, and don't rush into decisions. Make sure you don't buy the cheapest out there because it could be a potential nightmare. Yes the 4-cylinder ones may be cheaper on maintenance, but if you get one that's not properly taken care of you will still be paying A LOT, whether it's a V8 or 4 cylinder. Getting the right one is the most important thing.
I've driven both as well, both are great cars. You'll get the enjoyment out of both for sure. |
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02-26-2009, 02:02 PM
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#27 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Beantown
Posts: 238
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I had my S4 for 8 years before I sold it for a V8 (which I own now for 5 years).
I enjoyed my 4-cylinder much more so than my V8 in every way except for one. One that can't be duplicated by a 4-banger regardless of setup. The V8's exhaust note upon startup. Try listening to it -- it'll change your mind about a 4-banger. The flat-plane crank setup give it a loud initial "explosive" sputter when you fire it up, and then you get a throaty growl upon acceleration that's unlike any car. That and popping the rear hatch to see this:  Last edited by Mr. Esprit V8 : 02-26-2009 at 02:09 PM. |
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02-27-2009, 08:55 AM
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#28 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Posts: 90
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On my 4cyl. I have a Magnaflow high flow cat with no muffler,just a straight pipe and it sounds amazing.Here is a short sound clip of mine,and I wasnt even at full throttle.I also prefer the older style interior,it has a more RAW race car feel!!!
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02-27-2009, 09:00 AM
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#29 (permalink) |
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Sports Cars
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Rochester, New York
Posts: 1,940
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^ I like the 904..
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2006 Chili Red / Touring / LSD / TC / Forged Wheels / Hard & Soft Top / Lifestyle Paint / Desnorkeled / Odyssey Battery / Sector 111 Extinguisher Bracket / Sector 111 LidBone / CF Splitter / CF Bits / Lotus Stage 2 / Pure X  C3 Corvette 383 TPI Stroker 6.3 liters of Torque  / 1976 MG Midget, fun run about  / 2005 Mits Evo 8 ACD/SSL / Dodge Van for hauling stuff / http://www.photobucket.com/mygarage
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02-27-2009, 03:27 PM
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#30 (permalink) | |
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98 Esprit V8 Calypso Red
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 138
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Yes, the V8 exhaust note upon starup makes me happy!!!
 Check out this video and you'll know what I'm talking about! Quote:
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02-27-2009, 06:17 PM
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#31 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
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Quote:
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02-27-2009, 09:15 PM
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#33 (permalink) |
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98 Esprit V8 Calypso Red
Join Date: Dec 2007
Posts: 138
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Supercar Sunday is just like Cars & Coffee...located in Woodland Hills/Calabasas area. It's on Sunday mornings. Address below:
Village Coffee Roasters 23351 Mulholland Dr Woodland Hills, CA 91364 It's a bit far for me to go up alone but if you're interested at going maybe we can leave together in the morning. |
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02-27-2009, 11:28 PM
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#34 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Philadelphia
Posts: 12
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8 or 4 cyl. does not matter, the important thing to remember is you are choosing the Esprit. So you cannot go wrong. There is plenty of info. on the web about the pros and cons of each so do your homework and be knowledgeable about both. Then simply get out there and drive both and see what You like. The search is all part of the experience and it really gives you a good appreciation of good examples vs. bad examples. Most of us will tell you the search can last a bit of time, for me, it took close to 2 years... but I got exactly what I wanted.
Keep us posted on your search. Jason |
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02-28-2009, 12:30 AM
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#35 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
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Quote:
It took 2 years of constant searching for the first one and almost 6 years (slightly less constant and mostly discouraging) for the second. |
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02-28-2009, 06:41 AM
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#36 (permalink) | |
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Oak Park/Westlake Village
Posts: 59
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Quote:
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Final Run Gunmetal Grey Esprit  04 VDub GTI VR6 |
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02-28-2009, 07:24 AM
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#37 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Atlanta
Posts: 298
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Thanks for the vids! I could watch those all day.
I am going to be driving up to Pittsburgh from Atlanta sometime in the next month. I am going to take some detours along the way so that I can drive both. My more responsible side tells me to get an Elise or even a Boxster or S2000 but my heart says Esprit! Lotuskid- was that your silver Esprit in the video? I love your video of you pulling your car into your garage.
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I feel like I am taking crazy pills! 2006 Land Rover LR3 Sold 2005 Elise 
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02-28-2009, 07:54 PM
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#40 (permalink) |
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: los angeles, ca
Posts: 41
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Goin' to Supercar Sunday~!
Hey Guys,
I'm going to also try to make it, and I'll see if I can get Gonzalo to tag along in his beast as well How many of you guys are going to pass through Pasadena on the way there? We could do the caravan thing (give me a call if you want to meet in Pasadena and continue along.... it will be a blast!) Paul Wendling (951)206-9156 PS; I'll be driving my red 94S4 tomorrow |
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,S2000
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