How do you change 98 to 02 exhaust - LotusTalk

mvesprit · 04-23-2009, 06:14 AM

I am getting a 98 esprit in a few days.
During my searches I saw that many
Esprits had the exhaust changed from either
single tailpipe or dual exhaust to the newer
center dual exhaust with the stainless mesh
I like that look and was wondering if anyone
knows how to go about doing that. I live
north of Atlanta so there is a dealer, but is this
something that is done 3rd party??
thanks for any input

PS is there anyway to change the steering wheel!!!!

Mr. Esprit V8 · 04-23-2009, 06:20 AM

1. Get a rear center exhaust valance (your choice of circular perforations or slotted perforations) -- best deal is from JAE, or you can opt for OEM parts from an authorized Lotus dealer.

2. Get a pair of center exit straight pipes

And you're done.

Contact Jeff at JAE - Vintage and late model Lotus car parts specialists and he'll set you up. He's a really nice and knowledgeable guy -- I just bought a pair of Hyper-Flow high-flow cats from him, and his recommendations were valuable.

Good luck!

-Will
Ardent Red/Magnolia V8

Paul S · 04-23-2009, 06:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvesprit

I am getting a 98 esprit in a few days.
During my searches I saw that many
Esprits had the exhaust changed from either
single tailpipe or dual exhaust to the newer
center dual exhaust with the stainless mesh
I like that look and was wondering if anyone
knows how to go about doing that. I live
north of Atlanta so there is a dealer, but is this
something that is done 3rd party??
thanks for any input

PS is there anyway to change the steering wheel!!!!

I changed to a Aluminum wheel w/airbag from Raid in Germany. Not inexpensive and requires an adapter plate but the look/feel is worth it. Check the Esprit fact file as Karl helped with the adapter and you should find info there...

mvesprit · 04-23-2009, 08:57 AM

HOLY COW!!! I checked espritfactfile and wow that looks like a job to
replace the steering wheel -- Pontiac for now LOL..
as for the exhaust valance should I feel comfortable to let a good
body shop complete the job once parts are in hand

thanks

E5PR1T · 04-23-2009, 09:45 AM

If you want to get someone to work on the exhaust for you. Then get a muffler shop to do the center exhaust w/the exhaust tips that you like...I'm sure they can install the valence for you.

Alan

sec-guy · 04-28-2009, 12:23 PM

I took video of my 99 stock, then when I had the muffler off, then with the new Larini center exhaust installed.

It took only slightly longer than filling the tank to swap the exhaust. It really is quite simple.

If you're interested in the short exhaust comparison video, let me know.

carbuff · 04-29-2009, 05:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mvesprit

HOLY COW!!! I checked espritfactfile and wow that looks like a job to
replace the steering wheel

It's NOT that difficult, I have assisted with two conversions.

You just need to know which end of the soldering iron to hold.

Easy to learn...

maz · 04-29-2009, 07:40 AM

if it is a 98, get a compression test, and a leak down check before you buy. forget abouit the exhaust for the time being and get a bigger radiator.

mvesprit · 04-29-2009, 11:05 AM

I would love to see the video of the before/after
as for the compression test, already have the car
too late for that - is the radiator a big problem??
where should I get a compression test done and what
should I look for to see if it is needed

thanks

Huskerbill · 05-03-2009, 09:33 PM

Do a few searches in your area of an exhaust place that works on exotics. Have them build you an exhaust.

Instead of going with the '02 exhaust, you would be better off having an exhaust shop custom build you one. It will be cheaper, lighter (way), less restrictive, etc.. Everything you pretty much want.

I changed my exhaust from the original ('97) to an '04 look. Got the center valence from Viking Motorsports in Costa Mesa, CA. Ask for Harry.

Jeff at JAE is also good for sourcing everything Esprit. I am currently working on something special from there right now but am keeping that a secret......

;-)

By the way, here is my exhaust.....Before and after!!

04-23-2009, 06:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
mvesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 22	How do you change 98 to 02 exhaust I am getting a 98 esprit in a few days. During my searches I saw that many Esprits had the exhaust changed from either single tailpipe or dual exhaust to the newer center dual exhaust with the stainless mesh I like that look and was wondering if anyone knows how to go about doing that. I live north of Atlanta so there is a dealer, but is this something that is done 3rd party?? thanks for any input PS is there anyway to change the steering wheel!!!!

04-23-2009, 06:20 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mr. Esprit V8 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Beantown Posts: 238	1. Get a rear center exhaust valance (your choice of circular perforations or slotted perforations) -- best deal is from JAE, or you can opt for OEM parts from an authorized Lotus dealer. 2. Get a pair of center exit straight pipes And you're done. Contact Jeff at JAE - Vintage and late model Lotus car parts specialists and he'll set you up. He's a really nice and knowledgeable guy -- I just bought a pair of Hyper-Flow high-flow cats from him, and his recommendations were valuable. Good luck! -Will Ardent Red/Magnolia V8 __________________ Spool 'em up! http://www.lotusenthusiasts.org/Cars...an/Default.asp

04-28-2009, 12:23 PM	#6 (permalink)
sec-guy Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 13	Exhaust is the easiest thing you can do... I took video of my 99 stock, then when I had the muffler off, then with the new Larini center exhaust installed. It took only slightly longer than filling the tank to swap the exhaust. It really is quite simple. If you're interested in the short exhaust comparison video, let me know. __________________ ----------------- '99 Black Esprit V8

04-29-2009, 07:40 AM	#8 (permalink)
maz uniter not a divider Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: chicago Posts: 1,303	if it is a 98, get a compression test, and a leak down check before you buy. forget abouit the exhaust for the time being and get a bigger radiator. __________________ www.lotuscarclub.org "Reports that say that something hasn't happened are always interesting to me, because as we know, there are known knowns; there are things we know we know. We also know there are known unknowns; that is to say we know there are some things we do not know. But there are also unknown unknowns - the ones we don't know we don't know." (rumsfeld)

05-03-2009, 09:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
Huskerbill Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Gilroy, CA Posts: 102	Do a few searches in your area of an exhaust place that works on exotics. Have them build you an exhaust. Instead of going with the '02 exhaust, you would be better off having an exhaust shop custom build you one. It will be cheaper, lighter (way), less restrictive, etc.. Everything you pretty much want. I changed my exhaust from the original ('97) to an '04 look. Got the center valence from Viking Motorsports in Costa Mesa, CA. Ask for Harry. Jeff at JAE is also good for sourcing everything Esprit. I am currently working on something special from there right now but am keeping that a secret...... ;-) By the way, here is my exhaust.....Before and after!! Attached Images

04-23-2009, 08:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
mvesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 22	HOLY COW!!! I checked espritfactfile and wow that looks like a job to replace the steering wheel -- Pontiac for now LOL.. as for the exhaust valance should I feel comfortable to let a good body shop complete the job once parts are in hand thanks

04-23-2009, 09:45 AM	#5 (permalink)
E5PR1T 98 Esprit V8 Calypso Red Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 138	If you want to get someone to work on the exhaust for you. Then get a muffler shop to do the center exhaust w/the exhaust tips that you like...I'm sure they can install the valence for you. Alan

04-29-2009, 11:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
mvesprit Registered User Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Gainesville Ga Posts: 22	I would love to see the video of the before/after as for the compression test, already have the car too late for that - is the radiator a big problem?? where should I get a compression test done and what should I look for to see if it is needed thanks

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