mwmackenzie 3 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Well with my car running a bit rough lately and overheating showing some white smoke on start up my worst fears were realised and I am now faced with an engine rebuild again after just 6 months on the road and minimal mileage.. I'm gutted but it needs to be done right! Last time the engine was given to CRD, Calder Racing Developments in East Calder to build and the really did a CR*P job of it as they didn't even put the white plastic ring on top of the oil pick up pipe, had I not checked this my engine would have been screwed from start up with no oil pressure..... The engine was built there 7 years ago so no comeback on them and I'm sure the jackass who built it is no longer there anymore. I don't think they torqued the head down right of sealed the liners properly but I'll find out once the engine is opened up.... Well a week on tuesday she's booked into SLS, Scottish Lotus Services in Edinburgh, Ali there is a Lotus guru with a lot of work on due to the high standard of his work! his number is 07961445483 if anyone in Scotland needs anything doing. Ali has already done my fuel tank, water pump and brake pads at very reasonable prices and he is now taking on my engine rebuild. I can't wait to get her back all fresh and properly built to last but that will be a little time away.. I'm going to tidy the engine bay up and various other bits and bobs while the car is in there so she should be good as new on her return. I'm so gutted that I have to do this but it means the new owner, whoever buys it will have complete peice of mind. Cheers Mark P.S I had my roof done in black last week and it looks great!!! Quote Mark MacKenzie Elise S2 135 Sport Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
islandbloke 1 1 Vehicles Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Hard luck Mark. It's at times like this that I wish I was handy with spanners - I really envy the guys here who have the skills and facilities to do lots of work themselves. I have neither, so like you I have to pay others to do jobs on Lottie for me. Last year she was in the workshop here for months on end having the top end overhauled - head gasket had gone and she leaked oil from every joint. In fairness, I think my guy did a great job, but it cost a small fortune I could barely afford. Driving an Esprit on a tight budget can be a bit of a trial... Quote Proud recipient of the LEF 'Car of the Month Award' February 2008"Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming: "Wow, what a ride!!" Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Mark Blanchard 1,382 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 Sorry to hear this Mark. I was on the understanding you had a buyer a while back. Quote Mark www.lotusespritturbo.com Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
superdavelotus 122 Report post Posted June 10, 2008 That's a real bummer Mark! Now even more money to spend. Any way to cut the costs or recope any money? Do you have any parts left from your original build? Regards, Dave Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mwmackenzie 3 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 11, 2008 I do have a buyer but he's been in hospital after crashing a car while setting up the suspension and a ferrari engine went pop in front of him laying a coat of oil on the track leading to a 140mph crash in a 911 convertable, what a mess the car was and he's a very lucky man to be alive!! I spoke to him yesterday and told him about the problem and that I was going to sort it out for him and he still wants the car.. Phew but there is no way I would sell a car that wasn't 100% so I'll have her stripped and rebuilt and get the engine as new and clean up the engine bay and also the chasis to it's all clean and pretty for him, God knows he needs a bit of luck on his side so I hope after the rebuild he'll have years of trouble free motoring. This time it will be done right!! hahahaha no cowboy jap specialist ever touching my car again. that said the guy who built the car up was a citroen guy who was amazing and knows everything about the combustion engine, and the electronics to make them work very well!!!! very switched on guys at GMC Motorsport (highly recomend) they're in Newton Stewart in Scotland. I don't think I do have any bits floating about Dave but I'll have a look round at the ex's place as that's where my bits are/were. Cheers Mark Quote Mark MacKenzie Elise S2 135 Sport Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 357 2 Vehicles Report post Posted June 11, 2008 Hi Mark, On the bright side, just imagine how much power you will make with a healthy engine. I always expected your engine to make over 330bhp given the quality of the cylinder head. Some lucky bugger is going to get a cracking car. Cheers, Mike S Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
