Turbo Esprit Fact Repository

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====== Front Suspension ======

Lotus changed the suspension & brake design for the front of the Esprit for 1985. This means that spring/shock/brake solutions for the 1985 Esprit will not work for the 1984 Esprit, and vice versa.

Also, take a look under the wheel wells of your Esprit, you will notice that there isn't much/any room for the tires to be "tucked" under the wheel arches. There isn't a lot of room for upward wheel travel. By reducing the ride hight you also reduce the amount of room for wheel travel (so you must us a stiffer spring.)

==== 1980-84 Esprits ====

The early Turbo Esprits have the lower spring perch integrated with the lower arm. Based on research from users there is no aftermarket height adjustable suspension for the early Esprits.

==== The Red/Red springs ====

It appears that Lotus installed a taller spring on North American Esprits to comply with bumper hight laws in the US. This taller spring is referred to as the Blue/White spring (part A082C4057F). In the US parts list there is also a Red/Red spring (part B082C4057F), which is noted as: Shorter than 'A'.

The Red/Red springs were originally thought to no longer exist, but they can be found (most likely in the UK.)

==== Other options ====

The lower arm is not a complex part. A few members are considering paying for the design of a new lower arm and upper frame adapter so that we can mount an adjustable coil-over suspension to the front of the early Esprits.

==== 1985-87 Esprits ====

The later Turbo Esprits have the lower spring perch integrated with the shock instead of the lower arm. GAZ makes a hight adjustable system (not listed in their catalog,) for the later Esprits.
Lotus springs

Lotus installed three different springs on the 85+ cars. Most cars probably came with the Yellow/Yellow parallel spring. Also available is a Yellow/White conical spring and a longer Yellow/Purple conical spring. In general, 85-87/88 spring rates were approximately FR/RR=125/155 lbs/in.

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