By Barry Spencer
Chapman Report – January 1995

At the 1994 International Lotus Convention Barry Spencer of Spencer's European Motorcars presented a technical seminar which covered the post '77 Lotus models. These included Esprit S1 & S2, 907 powered cars - Elite and Eclat, and Pre-'88 Turbo Esprits. What follows is the outline of the topics that Barry covered during his tech seminar.

S1 & S2 ESPRIT SERVICE POINTS

Check the front suspension lower link bushings to sway bar, and the inner bushing to the frame.

Check tightness of body mounting bolts once per year.

Make sure all coolant hoses around the cam belt have enough clearance. If you are having problems check the engine mounts.

Themostat, 74° with Valve flap at the bottom.

MODIFICATION TIPS

S1 - Modify radiator to a 4 row staggered tube.

S2 - Modify radiator to a 3 row staggered tube.

S2 with 11" fan blade modification - Install Turbo Esprit fan motor with plastic fan.

Modify cooling fan fuse circuit so there is a fuse for each fan.

Check engine mounts often.

- Install heat shield on left side.

- Install stay rod kit attached from the bell housing to the frame to help the mounts to last longer.

Latest clutch slave cylinder. Make sure it has a yellow tag on the bleed nipple. Very important that the adjusting screw doesn't turn too easy.

When installing a new windshield remove the metal clips that hold the bright trim on.

SERVICE POINTS

Check clutch cable near pedal above pivot wheel.

Check for cracks, front lower links near trunnions.

Check for broken body mounting bolts, located front inner fender to shock tower.

MODIFICATION TIPS

Modify radiator to a 3 row staggered tube.

Drill 3/8" hole in rear brake drums to adjust brakes.

Black vinyl covers for your front and rear bumpers are available from Spencer's European.

SERVICE POINTS

Check for gas and oil leaks.

Check brake vacuum line at intake manifold - remove line from manifold and look inside for a potential collapse.

Check belt tension every 6,000 miles.

Change oil and filter every 3,000 miles.

Replace cam belt and tensioner bearing every 25,000 miles.

Change the Prestone anti-freeze once per year. (Spencer's rebuilt a '84 Turbo Esprit engine that had 110,000 original miles. This service was done once per year since the car was new. The inside of the engine was like brand new.)

MODIFICATIONS TIPS

Modify 907 cam belt and tensioner set up to the 910 fuel injection cam belt. Less chance of jumping cam timing.

Replace Stromberg plastic fuel tee with a metal tee piece using a good quality fuel line.

Install Dellorto Carbs - Possibly the best change you can make to the 907 & 912 engines (be sure to check your local smog laws).

- Runs smoother

- Runs cooler

- Increases performance

Kits are available to convert your 907 (2.0 liter) to a 912 (2.2 liter). Highly recommended with a 104 intake cam and a 107 exhaust cam. Both cams timed at 104.

907 cam timing: Set intake to 110° and 110° exhaust. Line the red dots up on the front side of the sprockets.

SERVICE POINTS

Check for cracks, waste gate valve seat in intermediate exhaust manifold (Spencer's has the answer).

Fuel injection engine must use oil filter Part #B907E6000 NOT a 907E6000.

MODIFICATIONS TIPS

Modification to distributor 1983 to 1985.

Modification to carburetion 1983 to 1985

Modify cam timing, install 104 sprocket on intake cam - stay with the 107 cams.

Goodyear NCT rear tires wear out in the middle of the thread if air pressure too low. Raise tire pressure to 28 psi.

Problems with the NCT tires being our of round? Alternative is Goodyear Gatorback 205/60x15 front, 245/60x15 rear.

Ever have to use the jack & handle? Have a large nut welded on the treaded shaft of the jack and buy a 1/2" drive rachet and socket.

Too much negative camaber in rear? Adjustable upper links are available.

Ever hear a chirping sound at idle? Could be the mechanical vacuum pump. If your pump goes bad, or you are tired of that noise, Spencer's has the answer.

Turbo saver kits lubricate engine and turbo before start up and after shut down.

Intercooler kits (air to water) are available from Spencer's.