Homemade V8 Espirit

Scott Calabro · 05-27-07, 08:07 PM

Well here's another oddball idea I'd like some advice on.

Take one 76 or 77 ish Espirit S1 OR S2 and drop in the SBF/UN1.

Checked out 2 today at Lime Rock Park, and it looks very do-able.

I have seen one on the web, but done with a Rover V8.

Would its backbone chassis support this, say 350 HP ?

The cars are relitively cheap as a basket case.

ALL OPINIONS WANTED GOOD OR BAD !!!!!!

Thanks Much,
S

JohnC · 05-27-07, 10:02 PM

What about the DOHC aluminum 4.0 litre Lexus motor like Fran has in his RCR-P? Sometimes they can be found on eBay for less than $500.

You should be able to get 300 BHP NA out of it with a set of cams and extractors, and of course more if you SC or turbo it.

raca · 05-28-07, 12:15 AM

and they are reliable to !

Kristian Wraae · 05-28-07, 01:56 AM

Homemade Esprit?

Look at this: motorgeek.com :: View topic - 4.2 V8 ABZ conversion of Lotus Esprit

Scott Calabro · 05-28-07, 08:24 AM

Kristian,

Thanks for the link !!!!!

Cheers,
S

Ron Earp · 05-28-07, 08:58 AM

Hi Scott,

I am a former turbo Esprit owner and think they are very doable. In fact, I know where the first year turbo car sits in pieces waiting assembly. It is owned by a FBO owner here in NC and is stored at the airport. You might be able to get this thing for a good price - it has been there for 10 years or so. If you wish to have details PM me. Maybe you could could strike up a deal.

You could use the UN1 as is, many GT40 people do it, and pick a V8 that mates up. You'll have plenty of room. The 9XX motor was bulky in some dimensions, and suprisingly it weighed a good amount with the head and heavy hardware that was attached to it.

Ron

Miles · 05-28-07, 09:09 AM

Scott,

There was an article in one of the UK magazines on this conversion and here the suggested route was LS. Obviously the weight advantage is a major plus but the power would probably trash the UN1. The editor however is following the v8 route but with a ford v8 as he had one lying about.

A few people over here fit the rover v8 and this fits easily. As the rover is larger than both the ford or Chevy/LS these will clearly also fit.

Have you considered a Europa! I have an article also on a 500bhp ford engined europa homebuilt which many of the UK GT40 enthusiasts members will know as "HOE1D"

If you pm me your address i will copy the articles and send to you.

Kind regards,

Miles

Scott Calabro · 05-28-07, 09:15 AM

Thanks Ron & Miles !!!!!

Best,
S

Joz · 12-12-07, 10:15 PM

Back on 27/05/07 JohnC wrote,

What about the DOHC aluminum 4.0 litre Lexus motor like Fran has in his RCR-P? Sometimes they can be found on eBay for less than $500.

My question is how expensive is the Lexus V8 to keep up and
to modify for more HP

?

Joz

David Morton · 12-13-07, 02:15 AM

The Esprit that was sold for 50p (about $1) is for sale on ebay UK.
1994 LOTUS ESPRIT TURBO S4 BLACK

FAMOUS CAR - Was Sold on Ebay for 50p by wife!

Item number: 260191869523

TOBES · 12-13-07, 02:57 AM

For all you need to know about the Lexus 1UZ...

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