brianc

Sold my 1988 NA X180 Esprit a couple of years ago but have only recently found the following parts in my garage which I would like to offer up for sale: Headlamp switch - New £20 Wash/Wipe steering column switch assembly (new) £30 Indicator side repeaters (I have both sides) - new £20 each or both for £30 2 x Dellorto service kits - new & unused £20 each or both for £30 Complete primary door seal - universal so does either side - new £30 Gearbox filler plug removal socket - the correct size rather than a bodge using a std socket £5. Postage will be at cost and I can send pictures if required. I do have various other items including a fuel gauge (used), a starter motor - believed working, the rear quarterlight glasses (both sides) which will require the black surround to be repainted and a few other small items including a home printed version of the service manual. If somebody were to come and pick everything up as a job lot to save me the hassle of posting and pressed £100 into my hand then I'd be happy. Location is Sandhurst in Berkshire. Brian

Thanks for the tip on the Excel manifolds. I'll check the part numbers against the one for my Esprit but I have a nasty feeling that they are slightly different.

Managed to make a temporary repair using some high temperature JB Weld putty until I can get down to Malcolm and pick up his 2nd hand manifold. Not given her the full beans yet but it's held up for the last 30 miles or so of 'normal' driving.

Sorry for the delay, busy weekend with family commitments etc. I managed to get a look last night from underneath using a mirror. Looks like it's actually a small hole near one of the mounts on the rear cylinder and not an actual crack. Couldn't get in to take a picture of the actual problem area but managed to get one taken of most of the manifold from underneath (attached).

Malcolm, Your replacement system looks great but the rest of my exhaust is in pretty good shape so not sure it's worth replacing the whole lot. I would be interested in what was wrong with the SJ manifold with regards to fitting. Could well be interested in your old one if I cannot sort out something new so if you can PM me a couple of pictures that would be great and I can make an offer as necessary.

Thanks Choppa, can you PM me your details as I'd like to take you up on the offer of a look at the SJ manifold? Brian

I'll take a couple of pictures and post them tomorrow.

Hi Sparky, no problem. To be honest I'm having problems sourcing a manifold. SJ Sportscars do a stainless one for the NA but apparently people sent them back as 'does not fit' despite the fact they were used. So maybe they fit but rub against something. SW Lotus do a cast manifold but apparently the flange to the downpipe is inverted so I would need to have the downpipe modified. I have also been told that a new NA manifold is made of unobtainium anyway so my only option is used or the SW Lotus one and get a custom downpipe made. Not having a good day!!!

Thanks for the detailed description Jacques, still sounds like an absolute bugger of a job. First thing to do before starting is to gather all the bits together. You mentioned the Alunox manifold - can you give me a couple of pointers on who can supply? I have seen some non cast manifolds listed but they are for the Turbo cars and as mine is normally aspirated I guess they are different. Is there an Alunox manifold available for the NA cars?

Thanks Sparky, speak later. Brian

Interesting reply Bibs... If Sparky was willing to do it in return for a suitable payment of coin of the realm and large quantities of suitable refreshment, than I'd be more than happy to take up such an offer - Think I'm getting old and past it these days to be trying to contort my less than nimble fingers into tight corners on my own. No pressure Sparky, but if you were interested in helping me, please drop me a PM.

Thanks for the replies guys. Sounds like it's worth trying in situ with the exhaust cam tower removed but being prepared to pull the whole lump if necessary. If I do have to remove the engine & gearbox, can it be dropped out from beneath or does it have to come out the top? The reason for asking is I have access to a scissor lift so could raise the car to remove the engine/gearbox assy once unbolted and supported.

So after a fab day out at The Lotus Festival on Saturday, i got home and noticed that there was an 'exhaust blowing' sound coming from my NA Esprit. Closer inspection and a feel around (and a couple of burnt fingers - ouch) shows that the exhaust manifold has developed a bit of a blow near cylinder number 4. At the risk of sounding stupid, can anybody confirm if I can replace the manifold without taking the engine out and does anybody have any useful tips covering the process? I'm particularly worried that the nuts / studs will be seized solid making the job even more difficult. TIA

Sparky, I will be first in line for your services when the next change is due.

I must admit I was a little surprised at how much is being charged. If I hadn't needed the C Service and I wanted a professional to look over my car to make sure all is ok overall, I might have had a go myself. My main other concern though was getting the tension right without the proper tools.