CarBuff

You need to verify that the Bosch Frequency Valve is working. This is what adjusts the mixture during a run. The FV should emit a BUZZ. If it works, then you can monitor the mixture Duty Cycle with a dwell meter. Should be 45 - 55 duty cycle, with the lower number = rich. Everything is spelled out in Section LD of the Service Notes.

Just as a reminder, Stevens Esprits need to have a positive airflow through the cabin, otherwise they will suck fumes in through the engine bay. That means, ALWAYS travel with the HVAC fan ON. And be aware that flipping up the rear of the roof panel will bring in engine bay fumes. Otherwise you and your passengers will need this accessory: 😇

As Scott said, check with RD Enterprises in PA or JAE Parts in CA. Tell them you want the braided look. I found some vendors with an Amazon search for 'braided fuel line' but I don't know the diameters you need. Or, if it looks authentic enough for you.

An '84 USA spec would have carbs. If the car was sitting a long time before sale, you may need to open the carbs and inspect. Often, the jets clog up and the mixture at various RPMs becomes wrong. I have also seen bad carb floats, even broken float pivots. Verify that the carbs are clean, then have a specialist balance them with a manometer. ALSO check or replace the fuel pump. If original, replace it with an original from SJSportscars. There are Service Manuals floating around the ether if you don't have one.

If the cap is old, I'd either test it (auto parts stores in the USA offer free loaner cap and cooling system testers) or just replace it. Of course, have a good look at the mating surfaces of the cap where the rubber contacts them.

I wouldn't pay extra for a 'classic' battery. Instead measure the available depth, width, and height, and note the orientation of the terminals. Then look up the dimensions on a battery supplier site (I use Interstate Batteries, below, in the USA) and find the equivalent size and CCA rating that you desire. (The more CCA, the better, of course) I don't know if the UK has their own size or group designations. But, I do know that most varieties of G-car place its battery in that smallish well in the boot floor. That is why I didn't just tell you which battery size I use in our 1988 Stevens. https://www.interstatebatteries.com/ I found this UK site that shows the dimensions of your present battery. Apparently, the LP075 is equivalent. https://www.tayna.co.uk/car-batteries/lucas/lc075/

Sorry for the late reply... Later Stevens 4-cyl Esprits had two piece cables (with an extra 'joint' halfway in). Not sure of the timeframe, but I bet that an '89 SE would have a single core from the trans to the binnacle, as our Citroen-trans '88 does. Maintenance simply entails pulling the core out (best done on our '88 from the binnacle end). Assure that the core's ends are 'square' and not rounded. Wipe the core clean. Obtain some drip type graphite lubricant (Lock-Ease is a common brand), wherein the liquid carrier evaporates after a while, leaving the dry graphite that will not attract more dirt. You can use any leftovers on throttle cables and door/ignition locks. Cover your instrument panel leather (the lubricant will stain), then coat the cable as you insert it, turning, pushing, and pulling it as you go. On the Citroen trans , best practice is to connect the cable to the instrument FIRST, then the transmission.

Since you are pulling the transmission, don't forget to install the heavy duty input shaft circlip. Call JAE and ask. I would also recommend replacing the crownwheel bearings (output shaft). The original 'Polish Bearings' are decidedly weak.

We broke our original HT leads soon after we got the car. That was around 1994. 😙 At that time we bought Magnecor leads (they had different lengths depending on year of Esprit IIRC). They are still running fine, amazingly enough. 😍

In our polluted neck of the USA (NYC area) we have only been able to buy E10 since around the mid-1990s. As mentioned, USE YOUR CAR enough and you won't have any worries. (We haven't, and our Esprit is set to turn 100,000 miles soon) Any NEW rubber that you buy will surely be resistant to Ethanol.

One thing to remember is that whatever coolant you use needs to be compatible with both aluminum (aluminium) 😇 and brass (used in the original radiators) I lie awake at night thinking about these things, too....

Still no main beams? You either need to flash or honk at slow traffic to get them out of the way...☹️

And...that no one has tried to swap the dual-contact for the single contact relay fitments?

No personal experience, but Barry Spencer, the well-known Esprit expert on the west coast of the USA likes them (as do some other owners). http://www.spencersmotorsports.com/ Barry did a Group Buy of the 123 dizzies s a few months ago, and set them to his 'best specifications' for whatever Esprit/Jensen they were destined for.