Wanted: Esprit Turbo Undertray

[markt]

Hi all - I'm looking for an engine undertray for my 84 Esprit Turbo.

These seem to go missing over the years for some reason - mine's long gone. Can anyone help or know where I can get one?

Looks like this:

Thanks

[Andyww]

SJ Sportscars:

 

http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/index.php?mod=10

[eeyoreish]

Or just leave it off... Which is what I've decided to do since mine is also AWOL

Apparently it is only there to reduce 'drive by noise'. My sports back box negates any effects so I've decided to leave it without. Besides, I'd be constantly removing it to get access to regular 'service' parts 

[markt]

Thanks - didn't think to check SJ's Have enquired about availability.

It's one of those items that would be nice to have - know what you mean about constantly having to remove it 

[910Esprit]

That's different from my 84 - Mine is solid with no central aperture 

[markt]

The one listed on SJ's website is solid too (which I'd prefer). Maybe the one in the pic I posted was cut out for access.

There's one on eBay from our dear friends Douglas Valley Breakers, but it's damaged, off an S4' and the cut out is different again.

[Andyww]

I remember the blurb from Lotus said the undertray was part of "Advanced under-car air flow management". 

Not sure how realistic this is, but its not like Lotus to fit unnecessary parts. "Add lightness" and all that. Then again its easy to be sceptical when at the time they also tried to claim that solid brake discs were superior to vented!

[Bibs]

14 hours ago, eeyoreish said:

Apparently it is only there to reduce 'drive by noise'.

This.   

[Andyww]

Not heard of this before. What exactly is "Drive-by noise" ? Surely the loudest sound is the exhaust and this is quieter on a turbo car anyway. The undertray only goes back to halfway along the engine.

Is there anything documented on this reason? I definitely remember at the time of launch, they claimed it was for air flow reasons. 

Did the S3 N/A cars have the undertray?

[PhilW]

I would fit one if possible.  For me it could be argued it protects to a point the belts, especially the cam belt from stones.  Imagine a stone getting caught between a belt and toothed pulley.

 

Mark

 

Drop a line to Stocks Coachworks.  He may be able to help.  http://www.stockscoachworks.co.uk/

[Bibs]

Brian Angus from Lotus told us this. He ran the Esprit platform for 26 years. To be type approved,  there a test for drive by noise and this undertray made sure the Esprit passed. 

[Andyww]

1 hour ago, Bibs said:

Brian Angus from Lotus told us this. He ran the Esprit platform for 26 years. To be type approved,  there a test for drive by noise and this undertray made sure the Esprit passed. 

OK he should know what he is talking about! It must have been some marketing guy who came up with the air flow reason.

Its also good for catching oil and any bits which fall off

[eeyoreish]

3 hours ago, Andyww said:

Its also good for catching oil and any bits which fall off

Maybe I'll get one after all.

[Escape]

I'd be willing to sell mine. Can't see me ever putting it back on for any other reason than to bring it over to UK for a sale. :-)

[Chillidoggy]

I never refitted mine since I took the engine out. As for drive-by noise, the sports exhaust is so noisy, I can't imagine it would be much quieter with the tray on.

 

[Andyww]

I was pondering this while under the car yesterday. Looking at the general arrangement this was definitely designed with airflow in mind.

The undertray extends to just behind the locations where the sill ducts enter the engine bay. The tray has lips on each corner set at an angle which would direct air entering through the ducts upwards. This ties up with the diagrams Lotus published when the Turbo was launched which showed airflow entering the sill ducts and flowing through the engine bay and out through the rear slats.

With the undertray not fitted the sill ducts would simply discharge under the car as they are quite close to the bottom of the car and that would the easiest path without being blocked by the undertray.

 

[Tocus]

i also have one, a nice example. so if you still searching...