A Real Dilemma

[rizla603104]

I really feel for you. To have the possibility of giving up the car you love - due to health. I sincerely hope you find a solution. I think the hand clutch sounds like a better - and a higher chance of success....

[MrDangerUS]

Install an automatic transmission. Contact Harry, he can tell you what is available

http://ds-vitesse.com/en/contact.html

Edited September 18, 2012 by MrDangerUS

[sailorbob]

From the link Günter provided is this an option? http://www.fte-automotive.com/products/kupplung/kupplungsverstaerker.html

[V8 FOU]

From the link Günter provided is this an option? http://www.fte-autom...erstaerker.html

Possibly.But as i said before, it's not just the effort, but the problems with flexation. But I will have a go soon at the hinge idea,....

However, been to the Boat show today and looking at a couple it could be sell everything and buy a bigger boat!

[Vulcan Grey]

I know Ikeya of Japan have a kit for the Elise...

They offer a paddle shift system that has automatic clutch actuation.

http://www.ikeya-f.co.jp/en/mfps.html

Maybe they have something that can be adapted to the Esprit?

[sailorbob]

What caught my eye about the FTE clutch booster was the last sentence that said "In the simplest of cases, electrical actuation can be performed via switches in the clutch pedal and a relay.". That opens up a whole load of possibilities for control.

[mr.oogieboogie]

Put an auto box in it

[V8 FOU]

Put an auto box in it

The only 'box that will fit easliy is the R25 and that is a horrible unit. Only 3 speed and no lock up. Yuk!

Drove the car down to the boat today.

Got caught in traffic - my ankle is horrendous, I can barely walk.

So it may be that the Esprit has to go. Sob!!

[arbell9]

This may be an out of the box idea, but have you thought of writing to lotus, to see if their engineers might have some solutions or ideas?

[MrDangerUS]

Paul,

As far as I remember, there were some Elans with automatic trannys. May be you could fit one in there?

[Bibs]

You're more than likely thinking of the Excel SA which used a Lotus customised version of a ZF gearbox.

[Günter]

as I have said, the simplest thing would be an hydraulic-slave that is activated via electrical signal.

..if you fear the work with clutch forks and lever systems there to add an 'external' slave, just fit one of those 'center action' clutch slave who sit in the bellhousing directly on the clutch-shaft (available even from AP) ..of course, you would need to change for an 'push type' clutch, but that should be a small problem to sort out.

If you actually plan to sell the car -do so, sell it and drive an ordinary 'daily driver' type of car with auto-box ..like every old man has to do

Edited September 26, 2012 by Günter

[sailorbob]

Drove a SMT MR2 roadster today, basically the standard manual gearbox but with hydraulic actuators for the shift selection and clutch. Made me think that the Esprit clutch could easily be converted.

BTW, the BMW SMG gearbox uses a FTE hydraulic actuator for the clutch slave cylinder.