Weight difference in tops for Esprit - LotusTalk

mdfowler · 01-16-2009, 08:11 AM

As everyone knows, weight is a killer in performance, and every pound counts. I just had a random thought, and i'm not around my car to do the test at this time. Does anyone know the weight difference in the glass top -vs- the painted top? I am partial to the glass, and have only had the other one in just to see the change in looks. Anyone have the stats, or around their car to check???

99V8Socal · 01-16-2009, 11:27 AM

Not sure on the weights, I am always on the lookout for one of the Carbon Fiber ones that used to be available. Those are probably the lightest.

If anyone has a line on a CF one let me know!!

mdfowler · 01-16-2009, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99V8Socal

Not sure on the weights, I am always on the lookout for one of the Carbon Fiber ones that used to be available. Those are probably the lightest.

If anyone has a line on a CF one let me know!!

Good option.. havent seen any recently.

talon · 01-16-2009, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mdfowler

Good option.. havent seen any recently.

IIRC, the painted top is slightly lighter than the glass top.

Bibs · 01-16-2009, 02:55 PM

It's certainly thicker but the width and height are the same. You'll need a different rubber seal around the aperture for each different Lotus roof panel though as the glass seal is thicker to make up for the thinner panel.

CF roofs were available for a short time some years ago, the only ones you'll get now pop up on ebay from time to time. Between all 3, the weight difference is negligable imo.

99V8Socal · 01-16-2009, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bibs

CF roofs were available for a short time some years ago, the only ones you'll get now pop up on ebay from time to time. Between all 3, the weight difference is negligable imo.

From what I saw the carbon fibre ones are only about 3kg. The bigger reason I want one is to get rid of the greenhouse effect of the glass roof here in SoCal. Hmmm come to think of it I could just vinyl the glass one black like my rear quarter windows.

gmendoza · 01-17-2009, 07:32 AM

99V8SoCal, PM me your number

gospeedv8 · 01-17-2009, 07:32 AM

Not sure on the weights of the two tops. But i have just finished one of my CF projects. Part of that was also a CF-engine cover for the V8.
The new cover is 3,1 kg lighter than the original one.

gospeedv8 · 01-17-2009, 07:43 AM

ups... sorry, should be 2,1kg.

DeanG · 01-17-2009, 07:49 AM

That is nice!

LotusKid · 01-17-2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospeedv8

Not sure on the weights of the two tops. But i have just finished one of my CF projects. Part of that was also a CF-engine cover for the V8.
The new cover is 3,1 kg lighter than the original one.

Wow thats nice!

Paul S · 01-17-2009, 11:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gospeedv8

Not sure on the weights of the two tops. But i have just finished one of my CF projects. Part of that was also a CF-engine cover for the V8.
The new cover is 3,1 kg lighter than the original one.

That looks great!!! Where did you get it?????

gospeedv8 · 01-17-2009, 12:47 PM

The parts were made by a friend of mine. He is very good in his job making CF-Parts for Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and so on.
I have always looked for CF parts for my Esprit but couldn`t find anyone. Just for Elise and Exige. So Marcus said he can make them for me.
Not cheap but in very high quality standart.
I have attached some pics so you can see his works.

gospeedv8 · 01-17-2009, 12:50 PM

gospeedv8 · 01-17-2009, 12:55 PM

jfitz981 · 01-17-2009, 08:20 PM

Wow! I see more detail in the mods you have done with each new pic you post...that car look Badass! Very cool!

gospeedv8 · 01-18-2009, 01:00 AM

@jfitz981: thanks, but your car looks very cool too!!! ;-)))

Marcus` details:

Bühler Kunststofftechnik
Daimlerstrasse 46
75433 Maulbronn (near Stuttgart)

you can call him on 00491714232713 or drop him a mail on marcusbuehler911@web.de

If you get in contact with him, tell him that i have shown you the carbon parts for Esprits.

Dragi

LotusKid · 01-18-2009, 01:20 AM

Geesh gospeedv8...impressive mods. Are your seats Recaro Pole Positions? Do you have anymore pictures of your seat setup, also did it require any modification to fit?

Kjakk · 01-18-2009, 02:01 AM

What are the chances of getting a 4cyl carbon fiber engine cover made?

gospeedv8 · 01-18-2009, 09:40 AM

LotusKid, i`m sorry but dont`t know the exact name of the seats. But they are like those in a Porsche 911GT3.
There were no other modifications made. The original Recaroconsoles on the original Lotus console fitted on the same holes (is that english correct written?? )
I am sorry but its a long time ago since i have learned your language in school. I hope you can understand what i have written.

01-16-2009, 08:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
mdfowler Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 12	Weight difference in tops for Esprit As everyone knows, weight is a killer in performance, and every pound counts. I just had a random thought, and i'm not around my car to do the test at this time. Does anyone know the weight difference in the glass top -vs- the painted top? I am partial to the glass, and have only had the other one in just to see the change in looks. Anyone have the stats, or around their car to check??? __________________ 68 SS Camaro 76 Triumph Spitfire 98 Esprit

01-17-2009, 07:32 AM	#7 (permalink)
gmendoza My car sneezes Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Alta Loma, CA Posts: 222	99V8SoCal, PM me your number __________________ '03.5 Final Edition Esprit ~ 5.7lbs/hp mildly modded - 430rwhp, 353rwtq www.fquick.com/gmendoza

01-17-2009, 07:32 AM	#8 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	Not sure on the weights of the two tops. But i have just finished one of my CF projects. Part of that was also a CF-engine cover for the V8. The new cover is 3,1 kg lighter than the original one. Attached Images __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ... Last edited by gospeedv8 : 01-17-2009 at 07:42 AM.

01-17-2009, 07:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	ups... sorry, should be 2,1kg. __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

01-17-2009, 12:47 PM	#13 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	The parts were made by a friend of mine. He is very good in his job making CF-Parts for Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari and so on. I have always looked for CF parts for my Esprit but couldn`t find anyone. Just for Elise and Exige. So Marcus said he can make them for me. Not cheap but in very high quality standart. I have attached some pics so you can see his works. Attached Images __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

01-16-2009, 11:27 AM	#2 (permalink)
99V8Socal Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 9	Not sure on the weights, I am always on the lookout for one of the Carbon Fiber ones that used to be available. Those are probably the lightest. If anyone has a line on a CF one let me know!!

01-16-2009, 02:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
Bibs Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Kent, UK Posts: 77	It's certainly thicker but the width and height are the same. You'll need a different rubber seal around the aperture for each different Lotus roof panel though as the glass seal is thicker to make up for the thinner panel. CF roofs were available for a short time some years ago, the only ones you'll get now pop up on ebay from time to time. Between all 3, the weight difference is negligable imo.

01-17-2009, 07:49 AM	#10 (permalink)
DeanG Registered User Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 721	That is nice!

01-17-2009, 12:50 PM	#14 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	Attached Images __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

01-17-2009, 12:55 PM	#15 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	... Attached Images __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

01-17-2009, 08:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
jfitz981 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Philadelphia Posts: 12	Wow! I see more detail in the mods you have done with each new pic you post...that car look Badass! Very cool!

01-18-2009, 01:00 AM	#17 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	@jfitz981: thanks, but your car looks very cool too!!! ;-))) Marcus` details: Bühler Kunststofftechnik Daimlerstrasse 46 75433 Maulbronn (near Stuttgart) you can call him on 00491714232713 or drop him a mail on marcusbuehler911@web.de If you get in contact with him, tell him that i have shown you the carbon parts for Esprits. Dragi __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

01-18-2009, 01:20 AM	#18 (permalink)
LotusKid Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Oak Park/Westlake Village Posts: 59	Geesh gospeedv8...impressive mods. Are your seats Recaro Pole Positions? Do you have anymore pictures of your seat setup, also did it require any modification to fit? __________________ Final Run Gunmetal Grey Esprit 04 VDub GTI VR6

01-18-2009, 02:01 AM	#19 (permalink)
Kjakk Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Charlotte, NC Posts: 530	What are the chances of getting a 4cyl carbon fiber engine cover made?

01-18-2009, 09:40 AM	#20 (permalink)
gospeedv8 Just add lightness ... Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Hohenems Posts: 156	LotusKid, i`m sorry but dont`t know the exact name of the seats. But they are like those in a Porsche 911GT3. There were no other modifications made. The original Recaroconsoles on the original Lotus console fitted on the same holes (is that english correct written?? ) I am sorry but its a long time ago since i have learned your language in school. I hope you can understand what i have written. Attached Images __________________ `69 Lotus Type 61FF, `77 Lotus Elite 504, `92 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Esprit SE, `93 Lotus Type 110, `96 Lotus Esprit V8, `97 Lotus Elise, `98 Lotus Elise, ...

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