How to get a tall driver into a Lotus Esprit

[@MarioRossi-xo6im]

Hi! Simply amazing man!!... You had a simply sensational idea!!! Thank you for solving the problem! Congratulations!

[@SportsandGT]

No problem

[@kurts2650]

Brilliant tip about the steering wheel. I’m “only” 6’2” and had an S1 and while I loved the car’s looks and decent performance, it was just too tight. It made a Countach seem roomy by comparison. I did buy Puma driving shoes which helped immensely in the pedal box. This adustable steering hub and bolting the seat to the floor makes me want to try another.

[@SportsandGT]

Thanks. I’d thought of it before but had to make sure the wheel was an easily removable one. The Momo wheel on these is perfect for it.

[@jackthehatphoto]

Some great tips. I am 6' 3" and have a 1984 Esprit Turbo. I can just about manage, but removing the rails from the driver's seat sounds like it will make a nice difference. The resulting lack of seat adjustment doesn't worry me as NOBODY else will be driving my car, LOL.

[@SportsandGT]

I haven't removed my rails yet - too much else going on with it at the moment - but I've got the seats out for fabric repair and the rails are very stiff so it might be a good time to do it.

[@asennad]

I'm 6'2" and own a 1983 S3. Removing the tracks and mounting the seats to the floor made a huge difference. Also finding a replacement for the aftermarket sunroof gave me more head room. And I need to wear the smallest pair of shoes I own. I'll have to see if a steering wheel spacer will help me.

[@SportsandGT]

Spacer was vital for me. I’ll be trying the seat trick before too long. 👍🏻

[@firegardenau]

I have the same issue in my 1990 esprit SE, although im only 6'2 I also have long legs and size 15 feet. I will definitely be getting a steering wheel spacer, for the time being I am driving barefoot so that i can feel the pedals while i drive, im a little nervous about bending the pedals in case I ruin them.

[@SportsandGT]

I've not bent mine - although they look a bit like someone may have already done so - the narrow shoes really help though

[@bigjimny]

Velcro the padded centre on. Good old Screwfix Velcro fixes anything!

[@SportsandGT]

Exactly what I tried - although the self-adhesive wouldn’t stick to the underside of the pad. I’ll try and stick the Velcro with different glue. I may need to take it off again to realign the wheel. Not sure yet whether the boss was put on misaligned by a previous owner or if the steering alignment needs adjusting.

[@Gonch666]

Are you still happy with the spacer? I'm thinking of something similar for my Excel. I fit and can drive OK, but it could definitely do with some tweaking to suit me better.

[@SportsandGT]

Yes, although I’ve swapped it for a fixed 70mm one. The adjustable one was great to figure out how much more space I needed, but the fixed one is a bit neater.

[@Gonch666]

@SportsandGT Thanks for that. Did you go for a different brand or the same? I know there's a few options but you do wonder on the quality of some.

[@SportsandGT]

@@Gonch666 it was this one www.rhdperformance.co.uk/rhd-universal-steering-wheel-boss-spacer-hub-extender-black-anodised-75mm-78060-p.asp they also do a 50mm spacer.

[@33ordie]

Is it true the later redesigned interiors are not as good for tall people and do you think they implemented a telescopic steering column?

[@SportsandGT]

In theory the later designs increased the space inside but not by much. I’m not aware of adjustable steering being implemented but it was that kind of thing they did to modernise the Esprit during the 90s.

[@BrownCarGuy]

Great info thanks! Your Esprit? Jealous!!

[@SportsandGT]

Cheers. Yes, I’ve wanted one for more than four decades and bought it a week ago.

[@BrownCarGuy]

@@SportsandGT me too!! One day… one day… ☺️

[@richf7148]

What was exact name of your adapter and where did you get it?

[@SportsandGT]

Hi Rich - it was this one www.mcgillmotorsport.com/adjustable-steering-wheel-alloy-spacer-40-70mm-c-337-p-2420 - I also ordered some appropriate bolts to attach it.

[@RA-uj3nm]

When you love your car, there's always a way......👍

[@SportsandGT]

Absolutely!

[@LMCWUE]

Its still going to be too uncomfortable for you ha ha.give me a shout when you are selling it!

[@SportsandGT]

Don’t worry, I’ll endure it for a while yet 😂

[@LMCWUE]

@@SportsandGT of course you will..it's a beautiful car I hope you enjoy it.