3.5 liter Buick engine in Esprit

[Martin]

So what are your thoughts. I would want to drive it before I passed too much judgement, although I have to say I'm saddened by it not being original :(

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Cars-Trucks___1977-Lotus-Esprit_W0QQitemZ320259806572QQddnZCarsQ20Q26Q20Tru cksQQddiZ2282QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item320259806572&

http://i12.ebayimg.com/08/i/000/f5/2e/a169_1.JPG

[Autocross7]

Well, like you, I would like to drive it. If the original motor was damaged or blown up I think this would be a decent option. These Buick motors are strong and used to be used in formula cars back in the day (not the full blown Indy rides but the Formula Jr. stuff). Parts are easy to source and cheap... and it gives the Esprit the V8 everyone always wanted...

Might be a really good driver and one way an Esprit was saved that would have otherwise been left out in the weather due to a bad motor?

Cameron

[Martin]

Good point. Way to think outside the box, I didn't even think of those possibilities.

[WayneB]

The Rover/Buick 3.9 in my Range Rover isnt a bad engine, it moves that thing around pretty good!

Now the same engine in an Esprit, well I dont think it would have the performance of the 910 Turbo, and would deliver the power at lower RPM (more bottom end torque) which would stress the Citroen transaxle and the lower rpm potential of the Rover (at least a 1500rpm less than the 907/910 would lower the top speed of the thing).

The exterior of the car (an S2) appears to have alot of Turbo /S3 add ons (front spoiler, bumpers , side skirts, louvered hatch etc)

Its not a bad car, but I would rather have either a stock S2 or a Turbo Esprit instead(especially taking into account the $14,000 asking price)

[Martin]

Agreed, there is no way I am spending 14K on a Esprit that is that unoriginal.

[Autocross7]

I must agree that the buy now price is a bit steep for a car like the Esprit that has been modded so much. I might go 7 or 8... but certainly not 14! I can can a nice turbo for 14-20 these days that is original.


Cameron