Esprit Engine Numbers
Where is it and what does it mean?

We had a few questions about engine numbers in the past, so thought it's about time we sorted out a short guide for Esprit owners to clear up all the information about engine numbers on the different Esprit engines. This information is taken from the service manuals of each model. Unfortunately the early manual weren't as informative as the later ones. So here we go.

V8 Engine Numbers
Before commencing work on any Lotus engine, first check the engine number and prefix letters to establish the engine specification. This number is stamped on a vertical flange at the left hand rear of the cylinder block alongside the clutch housing jointface, and is most easily viewed from beneath. The number is duplicated on a bar code label fixed to the bulkhead in the front luggage compartment.

Market L = Worldwide

Engine Equipment B = PAS N = PAS + Air Con.

Engine Type Number 918 = 3.5 Litre V8 twin turbo.

Engine Number coding

4-Cylinder Engine Numbers
Before commencing work on any Lotus engine, first check the engine number and prefix letters to establish the engine specification. This number is stamped on the right hand rear of the cylinder block, above the starter motor, and is duplicated on a bar code label fixed to the bulkhead in the front luggage compartment. The five digit serial number element of the engine number is duplicated on the rear face of the cylinder head.

'S.E.' engines are identified by the letter 'C' stamped on the cylinder block following the engine number.

On cars with printed VIN labels, the separate engine number label includes the suffix C.

Market C = Domestic F = Sweden/Australia/Switzerland H = Canada/ USA 49 States J = California L = USA 50 States/91.441.EEC/Japan

Engine Equipment B = PAS N = PAS + Air Con. Engine Type Number 910 = 2.2 Litre Turbocharged 920 = 2.0 Litre Turbocharged

Variant C = Chargecooler s = sport 300 T = S4S (285)

Giugiaro Turbo Engine Numbers
Before commencing work on any Lotus engine, first check the engine number and prefix letters to establish the engine specification. This number is stamped on the right hand rear of the cylinder block, above the starter motor, and is duplicated on the vehicle identification plate fixed to either the right or left hand inner wheelarch under the front bonnet.

Giugiaro 2.0l Engine Numbers
Engine number location on top rear of cylinder block adjacent to starter mounting

Buying the Manuals
Worth Every Penny
Esprit Service and Parts manuals can be found at our shop www.esprit4sale.co.uk and discounts are available for ClubLEW members in the discount section of www.clublew.co.uk