Ecosprit, Lextrit, Or Nissprit?I've always been fascinated with Lotus Esprits, possibly because the first time I saw one, Julia Roberts was in it riding shotgun and wearing a miniskirt. I want an Esprit so badly; I'd sell my ears for one. And because of questionable mechanical and electrical quality, Esprits often sell at bargain prices. I'm looking to get my hands on one within a few years, but I want a backup plan if the expensive Renault transmission takes a dive or I decide to replace it beforehand.
The Lotus engine is also a handful. I'm thinking of ditching them both and selling those to someone who wants their Lotus to be original. I want a great handling, great looking and reliable vehicle. So in the spirit of the Porscheroo, I'm looking at an Ecosprit.
To keep the Lotus balance pretty close to factory, I think I should stay with a small turbo 4-cylinder for power. The stock turbo four made 275hp, so I don't want to make less than that. I thought about Subaru's STi powerplant, but I don't think it will fit in the hole designed for an inline-four engine (I don't want to hack up the body too much.)
I know that GM Ecotecs can be built to make serious power, so the Ecotec seems like a possibility. Plus, Lotus and GM are in bed so much I don't think God would flood the Earth if a GM engine found its way into a Lotus. I figure 300hp would probably be obtainable with an Ecotec, possibly more.
Where I'm stuck is the transmission. This is the Esprit's biggest weakness. I could use a 911 or VW tranny and flip-flop the ring and pinion to make it work in a mid-engine setup. I'm pretty sure someone must make a plate to attach a VW to an Ecotec. I could probably use the shifter setup from a 914 to finish the setup off. But in staying with GM products, I was wondering if a C5 transaxle would be a possible approach? The shifter system would have to be fabbed or the original modified to work, but the end product would be pretty trick.
The car is still a daydream, but probably not the most insane thing someone has asked you about. So what do you think about the Ecosprit?Jerred WeingartenAlbuquerque, NM
God doesn't care what brand engine finds its way into your Lotus, and neither does Colin Chapman, for that matter. Lotus has used Ford, Isuzu, Toyota and Rover engines in their cars with varying degrees of success. Even if they hadn't, who cares what the Big G and the late Mr. C think of your car anyway? You already said all you want is great performance and Esprit looks.
Choosing a drivetrain is a huge decision; don't make it on a hunch. Sure, you've heard the Ecotec can make big power, but from whom? Did you pick up this hunch from the marketing blitz GM used to turn tuners their way, or did you hear if from someone who actually made 300hp themselves?
Step back from your engine decision and do some research. How much does an Ecotec cost? GM is cranking them out by the billions, but they still aren't that old, so prices might not be that low yet. Next, what exactly will it take to make the power you want? Price everything out and add it up.
Now do the same thing with a few other options. A 1UZ from a Lexus LS400 will only set you back $250 to $400, but making 300hp will take cams (at least $1,000), custom headers (I don't' even want to guess), new engine management (maybe $2,000, once you add in the tuning), and a custom flywheel and clutch, since the engine only came with an automatic.
An SR20DET costs more up front, maybe $1,500 to $2,500, but you only need a better turbo ($900), a tuned ECU ($550), and some kind of air-water intercooler to get your 300hp.