Engine rebuild on a Esprit V8
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 ส.ค. 2024
- Here's my take on why Esprit V8's need rebulds plus time-lapse footage of the assembly process.
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I was on the build team of the Lotus factory v8 engine project from the very start , build them dyno them etc mid 1995
Then teach main lotus workshop techs how to build them. 👍🏻
Good times !!
That's awesome! Great engine, with lots of potential. Do you have any 918 anecdotes you'd like to share?
Have you retired? or can I bring mine v8 to you for some tlc.
The secret of making power in a lotus v8 is by porting the head. A NASCAR mechanic blueprinted and ported my lotus head ... installed Garrett t28 turbo with ported stage 3 compressor .... boooom 482hp on the wheels.
Yep, 14 psi and I have a GTO ENGINEERING UPGRADE TRANSMISSION, air to air intercooler with methanol injection supplement.
This Guy just appears and sounds like a really classy professional. Really impressive presentation; photography and everything. Obviously a very skilled technician too. Thanks for the video!
Thank you for the kind words.
Totally agree. Without a doubt.
One of the BEST assembly videos ever on You Tube. That its done on a difficult Lotus Turbo Esprit makes it worth 5X the average video.
Great Car. Great Mechanic. Clearly 1 in a million.
VERY Impressed and I've been a gearhead for 55 years now.
Thank you
Need more videos from Gonzo! And he should run for president in 2024.
You are like a surgeon when you do my cars ! Highest respect for you!
Thanks man!
I've always liked he looks of the Esprit and that engine is a work of art also. Nice work. 👍🏽
Dang, I wish this wouldn’t have been time lapse. I really would like to see one of these being built in detail. Thanks for the video, great work!
Great job, you are a very skilled technician. If you could make a step-by-step video showing the tear down and rebuild that would be fantastic. A real instructional video.
Your a smart, well spoken kid. You give me hope for the next generation of motor heads!
lol Thanks but I'm almost 40
I had one of these around 18 years ago. It was a stunning car and I sold it for £25k. Same car now is around £70k.
That 19 year old engine looks so modern !!! Damn !
25 year by now hahahaha
I cant hear anything :( Volume so low.
Great vid man. I wish we lived closer. Thinking about bringing mine to SEMA this year then having you build the engine
Thank you. I'm sure we can work something out.
Funny that I watched your video, then clicked through to this one.
the cast valve cover to plenum vents, the turbo to oil pan drains, the starter motor and the coil pack locations are all quite a unique and cool way of doing things.
my mistake they are not valve cover to plenum vents but valve cover to crankcase vents,
I would love a red one last model year. That V8 and slick style has me oozing with love
Thank you for this fantastic video .. Glad you have a passion for Esprits 👍🏾👊🏾👍🏾
Beautiful motor. Gorgeous car! Love the OZ Mito Modular rims.
Bravo,, great video,,, clearly a labor of love. I shit a brick when I had to change the timing chain on my old Mercedes 500e,,, never in a million years could I do anything like this rebuild. Love the McLaren Papaya color and the rear spoiler.
It really is a beautiful engine.
Nice job buddy! Very impressive! Both of those cars are beautiful but I love the orange one!
Thank you
I want one of these SO bad. Just found your channel.. Been looking for modded Esprit but haven't had much luck.
Beautiful car bro, looks like fun
Very satisfying video! I admire your professionalism. And the Esprit, its looks are the epitome of the supercar. Its Achilles's heel has always been the Renault 25 gearbox, though, because it was the only one that would fit.
Yup, luckily there are upgrades to the trans too.
Porsche transaxle is a swap that can be done.
Brilliant video !!!.....you got some knowledge of lotus"s sir.....👏👏👍👍
Nice video ; thanks for uploading 👍🏻. I just bought one of these so any and all knowledge is welcome🤨
Impressive work, you are a master! That car is fricken sweeeeeeet!
I didn't know that. Just like certain Cadillac's, the engine starter is under the intake runners(manifold)
Awesome vid. If I ever get an Esprit I'm going to you to rebuild the engine.
Thanks. Let me know
Fucking fun to watch you do hard work ! Keep it up !
hahaha. Thanks
Pancho's Speed Shop don't worry when I get a lotus v8, you gonna fix it up...😙
Great Vid Bud! Makes me really want to get another Esprit. Keep up the good work!
Do it!!
That car looks mint ! Amazing colour
Hey,
I had a 2000 Esprit that I totaled back in the day. I miss that car and thinking about buying another however, I wouldn't think about buying one until I found someone who can retune the engine to get the 550 horses AND replace the crappy gearbox to something that can handle the power. Can you do something like that?
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW IS HOW DID YOU SLOT OR KEY THE TIMING BELT LOWER GEAR SPROCKET, IT COMES PRESS FIT FROM FACTORY WHICH IS A NO NO, AND HOW TO CORRECTLY ALINE THE KEY, ALSO A MYSTERY IS THIS A HYDRAULIC LIFTER ENGINE OR DO WE NEED SHIMS OR ADJUSTERS OF SOMEKIND , ALSO THE POWER DRIVER TRANSISTORS FOR THE SPARKS CAN GO BAD AND MISFIRE, YOU NEED TO TOUCH UP ALL THE SOLDER JOINTS ON THE PCB BOARD TAKE OFF ALL THE OLD SOLDER AND REFLOW THEM WITH FLUX AND NEW SOLDER ON ALL 8 POWER TRANSISTOR PINS,
See my other video on timing belts
Awesome vid. Very talented and professional.
Thank you
The real problem with the Lotus Esprit is that blasted Renault UN1-16 transaxle. If I could, I'd get my hands on an Esprit SE, SES, or Sport 350.
The EMCO or GTO kit fix the majority of the issues.
if it isnt too late for the question, keeping in mind i'm very much of an amateur...i was wondering about the gearbox that most ppl claim is a weak link in engine upgrades. i figured a very powerful engine could be fitted, but what about the gearbox? Is there a replacement for the Renault gbox? I hear there's a sequential box available, but I cant find any details. I realize with enough money you can put or build anything, so sorry for the dumb questions, and thx in advance for the reply.
The Renault gearbox is a very good box. Like anything, you abuse it - you break it. There are internal upgrade kits for the Renault box if you want to go that way and be able to take an abusive 500hp. Failing that, you could use a Quaife ZF, ZF-D5/25, these boxes will all fit with good engineering skills. Want 1000hp? The Ricardo transmission from a Ford GT will do the trick - only problem is, its a big transaxle and will need a lot of room. Mendeola or Albans have brilliant high torque transaxles, but you also need a very very (very) big checkbook.
Awesome work and we all thank you for taking the time to put that together.
Quick question: what are you using for coolant?
Unless the previous owner filled the cooling system with a OAT or HOAT coolant, I usually use the regular green stuff.
I sure hope you did some work on the transmission! Those are quite weak. I'm sure you knew that already!
Trans has not been upgraded on this car, so we are keeping the boost stock until it gets the trans upgraded. I am working on another car that is getting a trans upgrade though.
Pancho's Speed Shop what's the bore and stroke max upgrade on the v8 3.5? 5 liters,6?
@@jquest43 83 mm × 81 mm, designed for 500hp but limited to 350 to save the gearbox
@@cirian75 Is there a possible replacement gearbox available, to take advantage of the extra hp available?
This is adult shit right here...
I love it!
Great video and info. Any chance any of your Esprit’s is for sale?
Not for sale.
I want a V8 Esprit! Reading and researching, you are highly respected and your shop would be my first choice. I live in CA and as these cars now often require catalytic converter replacements, and it seems that no one makes them and used are not available, what to do? I don't want to buy a car and then find that I can't register it in our beautiful state. Any answers? Thank you. RW
Thank you. Don't worry about the cat issue. Eventhough a CA-approved replacement cat isn't available, it hasn't become a problem yet. Contact me outside of youtube for details if you like.
I was an awesome video dude!
Hey, i live on long island and just purchased a 97 lotus with 19k not running how much is a complete rebuild. I tried to start but it just cranks
Basic engine rebuilds are about $18-20k now. Before assuming it needs a rebuild, you should do a little more troubleshooting.
Are you still doing work in these Lotuses?
I got one recently and it crapped out on me in an hour..........
(Not the car's fault.)
If I wanted to send you my engine to overhaul with upgraded parts and forged pistons how can I get in touch to get a quote for it?
Im wondering how you got the esprit that close to the porsche(i think its a porsche). Do you put a pillow inbetween incase you bump them?
How much would you charge for that work?
HI Pancho, just wanted say, a well done video. Simply meant the "super time laps"...lol for a super car vlog. How much time as a whole, was spent from machine shop putting it all together from your garage? Grateful for the way you had explain with regard to the 'key ways" for the needed pulleys. Love these car. always a Lotus cars enthusiast. I think when Lotus as a company they sourced of many parts from many many companies...Why? Compare to other high end expensive cars, they were looking out for the customers. Also with regard to what you pointed out on the Cylinder skirts, pistons and aside from this, not sure they put emphasis R&D on their Braking systems...including the precarious Handbrake. Please feel free to comment, if you wish. Subscribed.....Thanks again!
Thank you. I say I took about 4 months for the machine work, waiting for custom pistons and other parts. As for outsourcing parts, it's pretty common for exotics. Same just hide it better than others. Lamborghini, Ferrari, Aston, Porsche, Lotus, Bugatti, etc all source parts from parent companies.
Great video. I really love the orange. It's a hard color to do well and Lotus nailed it.
I have a Lotus question. What did you do for the transmission? I've heard those are fragile in stock trim and that was a the main reason why the engine was detuned.
Trans is stock on this car. It will probably be upgraded in the future in this car since its on borrowed time. I also just finished developing a clutch that could also help save the trans.
I see a shitload of LT5 design in that engine. Looks like there were still a few engineers left at Lotus after the LT5 was done.
They say this engine had the same design team on it, and it was only a few years after the LT5 design was complete. I would be surprised if the head engineers on this weren't involved with the LT5 project, but at a minimum there was still institutional knowledge at Lotus from the LT5 design that was applied to this engine.
Great video, are you not making video's any longer? I am looking at a twin turbo V8 Esprit and would love more info, or to chat if you are available.
email me at gmendoza97 at yahoo dot com
So how much more power does it make?
Depends on what ECU you run and how much boost. A build like this Stock ECU will make about low 300s to the wheels. High Torque/Red ECU will make about mid 300s to the wheels. Red ECU with 15-16psi boost, modified stock turbo housings (t28 wheels) & intercooling will be about mid 400s to the wheels. Thats about my limit with stock sleeves. Add sleeves to the build, stand alone ECU, larger turbos & intercooling and 600-700hp is not unheard of. Look up bespoke_esprit
Nice work, Mate! You clearly know your shit. I've done a lot of work on one of these bad boys over the years (although not quite to this extent, engine-wise). For all of their inherent flaws, there really is something quite special about the V8 Esprit, and its performance is still as impressive today as it was upon launch. It's a bit of a monster... \m/ (:o)
Thank goodness this is a recent video.
When it comes to tuning the Lotus 918, what are some ways to bring it to 600hp? Obviously, 570hp is easily attainable, but 600+?
Secondly, I was always told that flat-plane crankshaft V8s are rev gods, but this one has a low redline which doesn't make any sense in my head with the twin turbo setup... Is there any possible way to tune it for 650hp at 8,600rpm? (redline 8,900rpm)
For 600-hp, you need pistons, liners, big turbos, lots of boost, head work, and tunning. Tunning is probably the hardest part,.
Redline with the High Torque ECU is about 7,400 rpm but the engine stops making power at about 7k rpm. This is limited by the heads, specifically the cams.
How would one go about tuning or improving the power of that engine? I'm really into optimization, but I don't know the first thing about engines...
My thoughts would be increasing the quality of materials (higher quality steel/carbon, rubber etc.), bigger/better inter-cooler, better startplugs, and bigger turbos. My guess would also be to get a racing gearbox (I seem to remember the origional being crap)...
But what specifically could be done if you wanted lets say to increase the output with 100 hp?
Better exhaust, bigger turbos, a little more boost and some sort of intercooling like water injection will give you more than 100hp more. There's no intercooler from the factory.
@@panchosspeedshop8576 Thank you for your answer. That really cool!
The engine was de-tuned because the transmission couldn't take the power.
@@joevarga5982 Would it be possible to change the gear box and clutch? And if so, what kind of gear box would work? Cheers!
Freaking awesome
Why did you fit standard exhaust headers? A custom set would flow much better than the restrictive stock versions.
Stock flow well enough. Plus aftermarket manifolds would probably require custom charge pipes also.
hey when are you going to make v8 engine removal video
Hey Pancho! I'm located in Northern California and found a esprit that has been sitting for 13 years. Assuming the motor cranks and is not seized, how much would you estimate the cost would be to restore the drive train? I'm guessing it's a 2002 or newer because of the tail lights.
If the car really had been sitting for that long and was properly stored, wasn't exposed to the elements, it shouldn't be much to get it running again. If it was exposed to the elements and it needs full rebuild of the drive-train, it could be as much as $25k
@@panchosspeedshop8576 Stunned silence, lol.
Really enjoyed watching the assembly of the V8 on this video....Is there a transmission upgrade from the original that you would recommend to match us with the V8...I have aways heard the one provided by Lotus, was not up to the task of the V8. Great Job! ~ Sailing Catamaran Element ~
Thank you. There is a kit that upgrades some weak transmission internals like the GTO kit, Holloway, or EMCO, All basically the same kit. That and a Quaife limites slip diff makes for an expensive but worry-free trans
@JCT Very nice! Does that kit change the angle or raise the engine?
@JCT Looks good. Looking forward to hearing your driving impressions
@JCT Very cool! Thank you!
I'm trying to find how to contact you direct... where are you? (Sport 350 in LA)
I'm in Rancho Cucamonga/Ontario, about 40mi east of LA. Email me a gmendoza97 @ yahoo.com
Great Video Pancho. How did you paint the rocker covers and plenum chamber
No paint, just cleaned original paint
Great video! Do you have more info about what you did with the intermediate shaft bolt? I'm about to start on my own V8 rebuild and this would be really helpful. Many thanks! 😊
Thanks. Here's more info:
www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/52710-thoughts-on-keying-intermediate-shaft-and-pulleys/?do=findComment&comment=424286
That's fantastic! Thanks a lot man. Much appreciated. 😊😊😊
I had heard that the engine is capable of 500hp but it was detuned for the Renault transmission. True?
The design was meant for 500-hp. The bottom end is very strong. The heads are great. Unfortunately since it was detuned, some low quality parts were installed like cast pistons, cheap cylinder liners, tiny turbos, small cams. With some upgrades, it can be brought up to 500-hp easily.
Thanks. The car aesthetics still hold up but my god, so many mechanical issues. Troubling to think how many corners were cut in production, as you mentioned. It would be a major project car to get it right, or just hire your services.
How much does it cost to rebuilt that engine?
A basic rebuild starts at about $10k
Do you also work on the Lotus 4 cylinder motors?
Do you still work on Esprits? How can I get in touch with you? In Los Angeles
Yes, email me at gmendoza97 at yahoo . com for contact info please.
I thought erector sets were hard to put together
Looks like the camera lense was greasy or something
You guys need a sound tech.
Great information and well done. Were is Pancho's Speed Shop?
I'm in southern California
Sooo cool😱
Do you need to strengthen gearbox when you increase power?
No, not yet. Eventually this car will get an upgraded trans.
I have esprit 2003, coolant been disappearing for a while, replaced hoses and still disappearing, I think might have the liner problem as the car did overheat a while back.. do you have any idea on where I can get the liner or how to replace those, or sealant to according to what I read need to be 3400 vs Loctite, if my car overheated and this is the problem, where can I get this fixed, .. I live in las vegas, where is your shop?
My shop is in Ontario California, about 3hrs from Vegas. This is something I can take care of. If you want to be 100% sure you have liner failure, you can send an oil sample to Blackstone Labs. They'll tell you if you have any coolant in the oil. I personally, don't use any of the two factory sealants. Email me at gmendoza97 @ yahoo . com if you like.
great I will
Ditch the lotus v8 and put in a LS3 engine. You will drop 200 lbs and gain horsepower.
Not at all, fully dressed the LS3 and Lotus V8 weigh basically the same. As for more power, that's debatable. Lotus ECU is what limits the engine output. With modern standalone ECUs, the Lotus can make HP easier than the LS3. Plus, the LS3 doesn't have theatrics the Lotus has; flat plane crank, turbo whistle, turbo spool, exhaust tone, belt whine, etc. In the end, LS3 is a great powerhouse, a Lotus V8 is an experience. Sure, you can turbo the LS3 and at that point it doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure out that a 6.3 will make more power than a 3.5 but that's a different discussion.
How can I learn how to build engines like you
I recommend learning on something cheap and simple like an aircooled VW or a Chevy 350. That way you get to learn about tolerances, gaps, cam timing etc. Then you can build on that knowledge and move on to more complicated engines.
I thought you said you fixed it...?
I see no LS.
hahaha! No LS!!
Have you put it on the dyno yet?
Not yet but given the exhaust setup and boost level to preserve the trans, it should be at ~ 375rwhp.
gee whiz there's alot to that engine!!
Who makes the V8?
Lotus designed and built the V8 in-house.
Nice work and hes hot
Carman Harris unfortunately,due to bad investments, he's broke Carmen..no money..hello...Carmen?....CARMEN...HELLOOOO?
Carman Harris $$
Hey can you take out that pep boys spoiler of the car. It looks cheap really cheap. It's a lotus not a honda civic
While it does look like an add-on, it's actually a factory spoiler. That's a Sport 350 spoiler and this car is 1 of 2 orange cars to have this spoiler from the factory.
Pancho's Speed Shop well I think the wing got added to the vehicle because when the 350s came out with the wing. They were not painted to color match they were just aluminum unpainted and have the logo 350 in blue. If it was me I just scrapped the wing and a nice GT wing for it
Now another thing you could do is change the transmission to a toyota transmission thats a Renault trans and they suck. But if you want to updated completely get a 2015 Toyota Mark X gearbox it will handle a lot more power and you can actually launch with car without braking it. It is a shorter gear ratio but are you really planning to go 180 on they car
DUDE, SPEAK UP. Can barely hear you!!
LS swap!
Whack!
J/K. Sup mang
I think you hit the nail on the head bro, I live I San Bernardino Calif., If you were closer, I would have you do that to mine. Shit, I may just ship it to you and it runs fine. I do want the 500 hp from the motor and want that shitty weak ass Renault rear end gone. Do you recommend a rear end that can handle the power? please advise, my name is Jacob and I am at anthonijay@gmail.com. Thank you man.
Oh no not again this remind me of someone talks like that yellow diablo owner rob dahm vr trust me don't take his example. Don't talk like him.
to close to the car....
robert todd It's just looks like it; movie magic. 😉
Pos
Hola Pancho!
Great work brother! I wanted to ask you if you know about any Esprit V8 for sale in good condition... has been my all-time favorite car and I'm looking to buy one this year, you know, the dream!
Thanx!
Carlos.- (@csramirezr)
Carlos, unfortunately I don't know of any good Esprits for sale at this time. Although, it has been said, no one lists a good Esprit for sale. lol
If i do hear of one, I'll let you know
Pancho's Speed Shop thank you so much!!!
Not sure if still looking but I know this car. It's well sorted car with good mods.
www.lotusforsale.com/ads/2000-esprit-se-v8/.
Brother, unfortunately I saw this message a bit too late :( I'm still on the lookout for a nice Esprit V8 latest gen in good condition.
Thank you anyways!
Pancho's Speed Shop hey Brother!
I would love to get in contact with you, I finally found a good Esprit V8 that I’m flying to check out on the Houston area.
Could you give me an email or any other way to contact you? Thanks!
2 things bothered me while watching the video. First, please put some wheel chocks under the engine stand - it kept creeping away. The 2nd is personal preference I know, but why ruin what looked to be great condition silver paint nice wheels and factory spoiler with something that a 16 year old would build if they had the money?
Good call on the wheel chocks, The silver car and the orange are actually two different cars. The orange one actually has those wheels and spoiler from the factory, It one of two cars built that way; very rare. It also used to belong to Nicolas Cage.
Got it. Thx.
Jeff inToronto lol if you wouldn't talk shit first and do some research you would know those "16" year old wheels are the factory oz wheels which are extremely nice wheels