LOTUS ESPRIT S3 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Service Repair Manual

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🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Lotus Model: Esprit S3 Model Years Covered: 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987 Codes Chassis Code: Type 79 (early production), Type 85 (late...

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Type: Car

Vendor:

Sku: 463603

Tags: 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 Car Cars Esprit ESPRIT S3 Lotus

Product variants

Description

🏷️ Basic Information

Identification

Make:

Lotus

Model:

Esprit S3

Model Years Covered:

1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987

Codes

Chassis Code:

Type 79 (early production), Type 85 (late production)

👋 Introduction

Market Position

Target Audience:

Technicians, mechanics, enthusiasts, and owners seeking to repair or learn about the Lotus Esprit S3

Competitive Analysis

Value Proposition:

Provides essential factory-level information at a low price with instant access, saving time and effort compared to sourcing physical manuals.

Key Features

Instant Access:

Quality Of Information:

Official, complete factory service data

Customer Support:

Contact available for concerns or download issues

📋 Manual Details

Coverage Areas

Primary Coverage:

Comprehensive service, repair, and maintenance

Page Count

Estimated Page Count:

Hundreds to thousands of pages (printable at great quality)

Manual Type

Type:

Factory Service Repair Manual

Language

Language:

English

Format

Digital Format:

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems Covered

Engine Service Repair:

Transmission Service Repair:

Brake System:

Wiring Diagrams:

Electrical System:

Suspension:

Steering:

Cooling System:

Fuel Injection System:

Fuel System:

Emission System:

Heating Air Conditioning:

Engine Control System:

Chassis Body:

Restraint System:

Interior Systems:

Differential Drive Axle:

Procedures Included

General Maintenance:

Troubleshooting:

Periodic Lubrication:

Component Diagnostics:

Repair Procedures:

Installation Procedures:

Technical Data Sheets:

Technical Depth

Depth:

Complete factory-level repair and diagnostic information

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format

Compatibility:

All Versions of Windows & Mac

Required Software:

Adobe PDF Reader & WinZip (for larger manuals)

Print Quality

Quality:

Great Quality (printable)

Binding Type

Binding:

Digital (Instant Download)

Paper Type

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital Format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Primary Engine

Engine Type:

Lotus Type 912 - Naturally Aspirated Inline-4

Engine Type

Engine Code:

Type 912

Displacement

Displacement Cc:

Displacement Ci:

132.7

Bore Stroke

Bore Stroke Mm:

95.25 mm x 76.2 mm

Compression Ratio

Compression Ratio:

9.2:1

Performance

Horsepower Ps:

160 PS (158 bhp; 118 kW) @ 6500 rpm

Torque Nm:

224 Nm (165 lb-ft) @ 5000 rpm

Fuel System

Fuel Delivery:

Delco-Remy Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI)

Ignition System

Ignition Type:

Electronic Ignition

Engine Components

Cylinder Head:

Dual Overhead Camshaft (DOHC), 16 valves

Block Material:

Cast Iron

Head Material:

Aluminum Alloy

🔧 Transmission

Standard

Type:

5-speed Manual Transaxle

Optional

Type:

None offered for S3

Features

Gear Ratios:

Refer to manual for specific ratios

Fluid Type

Fluid Specification:

GL-4 or GL-5 Gear Oil (refer to manual for exact viscosity)

📐 Dimensions

Exterior

Length Mm:

4137 mm (162.8 inches)

Width Mm:

1864 mm (73.4 inches)

Height Mm:

1160 mm (45.7 inches)

Wheelbase Mm:

2438 mm (96 inches)

Weights

Curb Weight Kg:

Approx. 1200 kg (2645 lbs)

Gross Vehicle Weight Kg:

Refer to manual

Cargo

Trunk Volume Liters:

Limited (typical for sports cars of the era)

🛡️ Safety Features

Ratings

Crash Test Data:

Limited public data from this era; manual provides structural and safety system details.

Active Features

Braking System:

Four-wheel Disc Brakes (Ventilated Front)

Anti Lock Brakes:

Not standard on S3 models

Passive Features

Seatbelts:

3-point seatbelts

Body Structure:

Fiberglass monocoque chassis with steel backbone

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment

Audio System:

Basic period-appropriate radio and speaker systems, often aftermarket upgrades.

Driver Assistance

Features:

Minimal; focus is on driver engagement and mechanical feedback.

🔧 Maintenance

Service Intervals

Oil Change:

Refer to manual (typically 3,000-5,000 miles or annually)

Major Service:

Refer to manual (e.g., timing belt replacement, valve adjustment)

Fluid Specifications

Engine Oil Type:

Refer to manual (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or similar for classic engines)

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (refer to manual for ratio and type)

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 (refer to manual for exact specification)

Known Issues

Fiberglass Body:

Potential for stress cracks, delamination, and impact damage; requires careful repair.

Electrical System:

Can be complex and prone to corrosion or degradation of wiring insulation over time.

Cooling System:

Radiator efficiency, hose degradation, and potential for overheating if not maintained.

Fuel System:

Fuel pump reliability, injector clogging, and fuel line degradation.

Part Availability

Notes:

Some specific parts may be scarce; the manual is crucial for identifying correct replacements.

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Heritage

Manufacturer Origin:

United Kingdom

Founding Philosophy:

Lightweight sports cars, advanced aerodynamics, and performance

Model Evolution

Predecessor:

Lotus Esprit (Series 2)

Successor:

Lotus Esprit Turbo (later variants)

Key Design Influence:

Production

Manufacturing Plant:

Hethel, Norfolk, England

Production Span For S3:

1981-1987 (as S3 designation)

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Recognitions

Design Awards:

While not explicitly listed for the S3, the Esprit line is renowned for its iconic wedge-shape design by Giugiaro.