Esprit Gearbox

[996gt3rs]

Hi guys

I recent read some where on the net about a guy in the US installing a 6 speed box into his esprit.

Does anyone know where the box was sourced and what sort of work is involved in the upgrade?

After watching the 5th Gear disasters I really have my doubts in the standard box.

Cheers

[scoule]

Quaiffe 6 speed sequential gearbox for the Esprit ... handles up to 500bhp

http://www.quaife.co.uk/catalogue/download/43.pdf

http://www.quaife.co.uk/catalogue/download/10.pdf

The bonus is it includes Quaifees ATB diff ...

The downside is spending

[nicksoldies]

Yes, you can fit one out of the latest Suzuki van. Colin Chapman wanted to do it because he knew it was more suitable really, what with the limited rev' range and tourque spread, but Suzuki wouldn't sell them to him so he had to settle for that Renault box. Pity really as changing gear more often would have been fun.

[B33 ENN]

I understand that for the V8 Esprit prototype, Lotus were looking at a box from the Audi Ax? (not sure wha model exactly) diesel 6 speed.

The reason for this choice was the fact that the box was designed for a high torque motor and had close ratios.

Ideal for ye olde esprit...

I believe it was meant for a 4x4 car and was longitudinally mounted which is rare nowadays.

I looked into this when The Dynamic Engine Guru and I were building normally aspirated version of the Lotus V8 but upped to 4.0l and using a crossplane firing order.

The Guru said in the end that we could get away with using the standard box to save money as the torque would be delivered smoothly without the punchy impulsive force turbos do, which causes the Renault unit the major stress.

Before we sacked off the idea, we attempted to get hold of a box from a scrapers... never panned out, but who knows... maybe there might be life in the idea still?

Lotus killed the plan because they couldnt resolve a deal with Audi in time for the V8 launch. Lotus only made the V8 TT Esprit as a showcase for the motor, and to increase US sales that were suffering because of the image of a 4 pot supercar no longer competing with Italian marques.

Rumour has it that Lotus did however have a prototype Esprit running with the Audi box. So it must have fit...

Guru and I decided that the cost to produce a bell housing plus the actuation of the shifting and the drive shaft adjustments would add up to money I wasn't sure I could afford.

Project "Black Betsy" is currently on hold but once the engine is nearing completion, I'd be interested in trying again if I can afford it, simply to see if it can be done the right way, the way Lotus engineers wanted the car to be...

BN

Edited May 13, 2005 by YeOldeEsprit

[ukrocketcar]

Hello,

have you more information about the sequential gearbox for esprit

good for an s4 ?

better in work and quality than the renault gbox?

to change how many hours of work?

Price for a complete item?

where this product comes from :country and the builder is wellknown for his quality product?

Lotus said something about this sequential gbox?

thank you for your info because my english is nor good enough to understand or find these informations.

Regards

Patrick

[Advantage]

Patrick, have a look at this: http://www.quaife.co.uk/products/gearboxes.htm#transaxle

It is expensive, though.

[ukrocketcar]

GKP thank you very much for your help.

Patrick

[B33 ENN]

Patrick, have a look at this:  http://www.quaife.co.uk/products/gearboxes.htm#transaxle

It is expensive, though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Since it says on there that there is a syncromesh OR dog engagement type, I assume the syncro version is suitable for road driving?

And also that it hasn't been adopted by us lot more is because of the cost?