QUESTION
I am contemplating buying an Esprit S5 at the moment, and would like to get an idea of the cost of having the engine rebuilt.
It is running beautifully at the moment, but it has reached 102,000K's and I would feel better if I had it rebuilt before I started driving it.
I understand that the price can only be a ball park figure, but at least it would help me make a decision.
A.R. - USA
ANSWER
Providing the Esprit you are looking at has been properly maintained, the engine will not need rebuilding at such a low mileage.
From experience of operating a Lotus only workshop, the core components such as crank, rods, block, head, pistons and liners give little trouble.
The key components that promote longevity in any turbo-charged Esprit engine are the Mahle forged pistons and forged aluminium - Nikosil coated liners.
To ensure these components are in good condition, a cylinder leak-down test should be carried out.
The cylinder leak-down test is a non-invasive test that can determine if the piston rings, liners and valves are in good condition.
If you are contemplating purchasing an Esprit then its wise to look carefully at all the servicing history.
The overall condition of the vehicle will be dictated by the previous owners method of ownership and maintenance.
In other words, the condition (and on-going reliability) is a reflection of who has carried out the rectification tasks and their level of expertise.
Make sure you do not inherit work that has not been carried out to a high standard or has been deferred.
Check the owners handbook has been stamped at the correct service intervals by a qualified workshop.
If the engine needs a full rebuild - crank grind, balance, new pistons, new rings, new liners, new cam followers, new valves, new valve guides and seats, all new bearings then the cost can approach AUS $20,000 (depending on what new components are required)
It can take up to 40 hours to assemble one of these engines from scratch as there are so many moving parts.
Please make sure you obtain a pre-purchase vehicle inspection carried out by a qualified technician who has significant experience with Esprit's.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
I am contemplating buying an Esprit S5 at the moment, and would like to get an idea of the cost of having the engine rebuilt.
It is running beautifully at the moment, but it has reached 102,000K's and I would feel better if I had it rebuilt before I started driving it.
I understand that the price can only be a ball park figure, but at least it would help me make a decision.
A.R. - USA
ANSWER
Providing the Esprit you are looking at has been properly maintained, the engine will not need rebuilding at such a low mileage.
From experience of operating a Lotus only workshop, the core components such as crank, rods, block, head, pistons and liners give little trouble.
The key components that promote longevity in any turbo-charged Esprit engine are the Mahle forged pistons and forged aluminium - Nikosil coated liners.
To ensure these components are in good condition, a cylinder leak-down test should be carried out.
The cylinder leak-down test is a non-invasive test that can determine if the piston rings, liners and valves are in good condition.
If you are contemplating purchasing an Esprit then its wise to look carefully at all the servicing history.
The overall condition of the vehicle will be dictated by the previous owners method of ownership and maintenance.
In other words, the condition (and on-going reliability) is a reflection of who has carried out the rectification tasks and their level of expertise.
Make sure you do not inherit work that has not been carried out to a high standard or has been deferred.
Check the owners handbook has been stamped at the correct service intervals by a qualified workshop.
If the engine needs a full rebuild - crank grind, balance, new pistons, new rings, new liners, new cam followers, new valves, new valve guides and seats, all new bearings then the cost can approach AUS $20,000 (depending on what new components are required)
It can take up to 40 hours to assemble one of these engines from scratch as there are so many moving parts.
Please make sure you obtain a pre-purchase vehicle inspection carried out by a qualified technician who has significant experience with Esprit's.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
