Lotus LS V8 Renegade complete overview 2022

When you hear the name Lotus, the typical enthusiast envisions a quick, lightweight, iconic supercar with deep roots in racing. The lines of the Esprit were coveted by dreamers and celebrated on the silver screen for decades. However, the performance was always behind the curve...until now! Renegade has ditched the heavy, expensive, unreliable and slow Esprit engines and transaxles, and found a lighter, cheaper, more reliable, and MUCH faster alternative. The all-aluminum LS V8, coupled with the Boxster S transaxle, is magic in this remarkably balanced chassis that begs for more power! This deep-dive into how Renegade merges the GM power with the Lotus prowess helps give the viewer confidence when it's time to consider our conversions!

[@rodwood693]

Add lightness. Somewhere up there, Collin is smiling.

[@local701]

You had me at just getting rid of that Renault transmission for a sturdy gearbox let alone the LS in front of it. Colin also would have granted his seal of approval on anything that would shaved 200 pounds off of that Esprit any day of the week. Keep up the good work and thanks.

[@robertballenger3806]

Makes me wander about the top speed with lower redline

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@robertballenger3806 Did you even bother to consider the Boxster S transaxle may have taller gear ratios, and the LS engine certainly has to torque to pull the taller gears? Or, maybe, just maybe, the Boxster S has an optional tall ring and pinion available, and even a taller 6th gear. Paired together, you might be knocking the door on 215MPH depending upon your tire diameters and your pucker factor!!! It's all in the cards Robert! (-:

[@Syntheticoilprotection]

Pure genius Scott I love your videos and I love the way you do the full review of the vehicle and I'll never forget the ride you gave me in your boxer S with the LS3 just awesome!! Let's do a new video soon!!😃

[@mac1mike]

great work, I was in your shop with the wife about 4 years ago. Talked about my V8 Lotus and how I was about to rebuild. Happy to this v8 to v8 conversion.

[@helicart]

Yes the Esprit is in the top 3 designs of the last 70 years, along with McLaren and Ferrari. If I was going to get a dream car, it would be an Esprit LS swap. Congrats on a brilliant achievement. Respect+++

[@dannoyes4493]

Great car, Great engine, Great Job! The Lotus Esprit is a natural for the Renegade conversion. Well Done! Thank You.

[@josephragsdale266]

Amazing Scott, great work

[@vivianwilfred1768]

You are doing what I always wanted to do. Love your work

[@zekelucente9702]

Great presentations of your products and services.

[@vincentlau8876]

Scott- ya did it again! Nice brother!

[@MrRawnch]

Lotus decided to use a Toyota Camry engine in the Elise with outstanding results. Putting a balanced LS in an Esprit should be a no-brainer.

[@MTXSHO9732vV8SHO]

I've heard that lots of people complain about LS Conversions. I say.. SO WHAT. What a great idea to lean into the idea and take it different places 👍😁👍

[@dhmallet]

Since lightness is such a paramount virtue of Loti, Colin should like it. Your speech seems as though you are a Brit with an American accent. Kudos!

[@ThePaulrmcadam]

Amazing work! New subscriber from Guyana, South America. A few of these Espirts and Elises roaming around here, and they are fantastic cars!

[@georgegavrylenko1031]

Can`t wait for my kit to be built and shipped to install my about to be finished ls 382 stroker to put it into my 911!

[@vegascarman]

Awesome Scott class job wow I want a lotus

[@stokerdon1020]

Another Awesome Video Guys! I'm more of a Porsche guy but I do appreciate the Lotus sports cars. As we all know, all sports cars are more fun when you add more power!!!

[@GaryRudolph]

Love it, know what I'm doing when I need engine work!

[@lornekofman2163]

WOW Excellent! bring this car back into production!! 😊

[@jaystew6268]

Ever since I toured your shop, all I can think of is finding anything that I can do an LS conversion too.

[@marks2551]

Love it, nice job

[@adriansear3518]

Great build!

[@tomthompson7400]

thats just so tidy , it looks factory fresh and no one could ask for more.

[@donaldkaye6736]

What a Great Car, Great Idea, Everything Lotus with American “Muscle and Dependability!” Another “British Cobra” of sorts! Great job guys! 👍

[@RenegadeHybrids]

British Cobra! I like that!!

[@davekennedy6315]

The AC part of AC Cobra IS a British company?

[@johnnyboy1586]

Yes​@@davekennedy6315

[@giannicarlo]

This seems like an awesome swap.

[@SoCalFreelance]

Very nice 👌

[@funkyfurballs1078]

Great work! I will have to choose between rebuilding the R16 Renault in my '67 Europa or doing the 4AGE swap. No V8 but I'd love to have your shop and expertise!

[@hockeymann88]

Oh, that is a lovely application for an LS swap and better gearbox. Wow.

[@kosmashionidis]

I have an 1988 lotus esprit, would love to do this!!

[@pjs9346]

Badass, rock and roll.

[@lwoodt1]

An intelligent solution for this lotus problem.

[@SRTrollinz]

Im sold and i need it!!!!

[@johnwalter5875]

Good Points !

[@gary7moore]

Great to see shops making parts for these old Lotus cars. I was so close to getting a Esprit however as you know, the weak Renault trans was the biggest reason I stayed away. I wanted a S4S due to less weight and less costly repairs, one of these days if I can find a worthy esprit (one with a bad motor/trans) I know where I will take it. Until then, I will continue to enjoy my evora GT,

[@ravetilldawn]

Very cool.

[@zekelucente9702]

A Ferrari 308 with that drivetrain would be awesome.

[@glennoropeza3545]

Not a bad idea! Best of all you won't have that $1000 monthly maintenance cost!

[@bernardwarr4187]

Might be a bit tight?

[@wesgrey8302]

You would need to lengthen the wheelbase about 4 inches. Having owned a Ferrari 328 for 10yrs I couldn't imagine that car with an American V8. One of the reasons you put up with the ridiculous belt changes is that sound that only a Ferrari can produce. I love American V8s, have owed many, and the LS is a great one. Ford's hi-po 289 is my favorite as I have a preference for Ford. Never owned an esprit but would love one with an LS 3. Now I need to find one with a blown engine/gearbox.😂

[@1chrisrowe]

Now hunting for a late Peter Stevens with a blown engine...

[@alphafort]

you fellas sure know ur shit !!! 👍👍👍

[@Jenna08848]

The Lotus V8 engine was tuned down because the frame and the glass trans could not handle high torques. The trans is now resolved but the frame is still a limiting factor for anyone who would thrash the car. I have a 2nd transmission Citroen for my 83 Turbo Esprit. I like what you have done here.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Interesting, but partially incorrect. Your reference to "the glass trans" is spot-on, but the Lotus tubular chassis is not sub-par, especially with a connected engine-transaxle design. There is a distinct reason why we can install a 500+ HP LS into a far more delicate chassis (Porsche 914) and have phenomenal success. It has to do with the torque twist, or lack thereof. In a conventional car (ex. Mustang); engine in front, followed by a transmission, a drive shaft, then a differential at the rear, the torque twisting forces of the engine through the transmission, are supported and resisted by a heavy frame sitting right and left of the power plant. Those same frame rails also extend to the rear and have the same responsibility when holding the differential in place. In extreme accounts, these frame rails are unable to remain rigid and parallel allowing the engine assembly to twist the entire chassis. Examples of this can be seen often at your local Saturday Night Drags. "Window Poppers, or "Triple Leggers" are common names for these tristed relics. In the case of a transaxle-style design, this twisting problem does not exist! Lotus knew this, and so did Porsche, Ferrari, Lamborghini, McClaren, and others. Corvette caught on in the late 90's by using a torque tube and shaft similar to the Porsche 924, 944, 968, and 928. The idea was simple. Connect all three components into one assembly (engine - transmission - differential) and then feed the torque at a 90° angle directly to the axles. This essentially removed the responsibility of resisting twisting forces by the chassis and allowed the engineers to develop lighter, more agile, compact yet powerful, sports cars. Some say, but there are still torque forces ripping through the chassis at the engine mounts and tranny mounts. Yes...a little. However, a transmission output torque has yet to go through the differential gearing, where it is multiplied 3:1 as an example. Post differential as indicated in a true transaxle design, your torque potential has been reduced at least by two thirds or more depending upon the ratio. Furthermore, the origin of the twist is not 7 feet away from the differential, like in the case of a Mustang. Thanks for the opportunity to clear the air. This has always been misunderstood by many. I will mention, there is another force recently introduced to the vintage world that is sadly and catastrophically missed. I should do a white-paper on huge advancement of tire technology (grip) and how suspension and brakes are often overlooked by these enthusiasts owning 40+ year old museum pieces.

[@DarkstarDarth]

Reliability always wins bro.

[@SGTJDerek]

Bad mouth GM and their adherence to the OHV V8 all you want but there is no denying the beauty of the LS. A worthy successor of the SBC.

[@mattking7174]

Great video and conversion. Wondering about the power steering? No mention of the pump? Also wondering whether a complete kit will be available - as is everything needed except say the engine and ECU?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

We failed to mention the power steering by mistake. The electric hydraulic power steering unit is in the trunk opposite the fuse relay box mentioned in the video. It worked perfectly and it felt like factory! Everything mentioned in this video is available if you'd like to call us to discuss. Thank you for your comment!

[@mattking7174]

@@RenegadeHybrids Thanks for the additional info. I'm a long time Lotus enthusiast and owner and have been tempted for a V8 Esprit but was a little put off because of the issues you mention. Your kit offers a very good alternative. Do you use new crate motors and ECU or from the wreckers yard? I'm based in Melbourne, Australia. Could a complete kit be sent downunder including the transmission? Also the shifter - I would want the standard look. Possible?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@@mattking7174 Hey Matt. We often use GM Performance crate engines like the 495 LS3. Yes, we could certainly send a care package with everything you'd need to do the conversion including the engine. There is a substantial wait for the engines, but once we received it, we could ship it straight to you. Or even one better. Drop ship it from GM Performance to your door!

[@lauriedooker1031]

Off cause as we all know lotus uses many engine combos . It’s all about how they feel 👍🇦🇺❤️

[@Crushercurtis702]

DMC next!

[@randallcf]

Where I live they are REALLY picky about emission stuff. In the twenty plus years I've owned my V8 it's probably been through the test lane something like 40 times. Wondering that if I did the conversion - would it pass emissions here when they plug into the computer? They have even refused to test it sometimes because the computer access connector is in the engine bay.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

The 430HP ERod LS3 is remarkably clean. It will even pass California emissions here in the states.

[@chesspiece81]

A LS3 with forged pistons and rods and fresh bearings with a pair of 62mm or so Comp oil less turbos mounted where the cats go or APS style twin turbo kit with an intercooler setup on E85 making 600-700whp would be a blast.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Do it!

[@guyforlogos]

Why add the weight of the turbos when with the proper cam/cyl head/intake choice on a 6.2 you can have nearly 600hp n/a?

[@davekennedy6315]

@@guyforlogos very well said AND an NA engine is always a better drive and soundtrack! I think the Ford Mustang 5.0ltr Coyote or 5.2ltr Voodoo engines would suit the Lotus even better than the GM engines. The Ford engines are higher revving and way more suited to European supercar tastes. The Coyote has 480bhp standard, the Voodoo 526bhp or the supercharged version 760bhp. I think either of the NA engines would be more than enough for 200mph and 60 in the 3`s, yet the chassis shouldnt end up as overwhelmed which would most likely ruin the car. Huge power is only worth it if you have control, unless you just want it for the quarter mile (and that would be such a waste of a great chassis. Lotus were initially planning on 400-500bhp for the Espirit V8. They were previously getting 300bhp out of a 2.2ltr 4 pot turbo, so 350bhp out of a 3.5ltr V8 twin turbo was pretty shite considering all that extra capacity, double the cylinders and double the turbos! But they potentially wasted all their money on creating that engine and were then lumbered with a shite gearbox that just wasn`t up to the job of handling the extra power and torque. So sad as a very quick sportcar would have became a true supercar (even hamstrung by the lower power it is still VERY quick) In case you`re interested you should read up on the 1990 Lotus Carlton which Lotus modified to be the fastest saloon car in the world for a decade or more. Back in 1990 Lotus converted a GM/Vauxhall 4 door saloon into hitting 60 in under 5 seconds hitting 100mph in under 11 seconds and onto a top speed of at least 177mph! (it was actually believed to exceed 180mph if a certain procedure was carried out on a run) These were Ferrari level accelerations in an everyday very practical saloon car!

[@guyforlogos]

@@davekennedy6315 I like your thinking, not sure a coyote will fit in that Lotus, those coyotes are wiiiiiiiide…… the great thing about the LS is it’s a relatively small package. But if the ford fits, absolutely!

[@ryanpatterson9526]

I wouldn’t swap out a perfectly healthy stock engine, but in a case where the engine was already grenaded, this is a great option!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Another way to consider the conversion would be to factor value in a good engine and transaxle, -vs- a damaged unit. If you wait until the inevitable happens, you've used your meal-ticket in the stock components. I suggest selling the stock bits when they are still at full value in good working condition.

[@mro9466]

Depends on the car. We all know now that the Lotus Esprit V8 was a compromise (crappy gearbox, average sounding engine). It's not like a BMW M3 (E36, E46) with a straight six where you want to keep the straight six experience and these cars already have enough power. If Lotus had access to an LS engine and a reliable gearbox, they would not have bother making their own V8 and putting turbos.

[@lebojay]

@@mro9466Lotus has the same access to GM crate engines that everyone else has. They made their own because they wanted to.

[@ewoexpert]

Ok. Saving $ to do this. On an old 007 submarine model..

[@kevinmiller1023]

My Esprit v8 motor blew on Christmas Day last year at 65k miles. I am not waiting years to find a pair of cyl heads to buy. Thanks for the video. How do I contact you guys to for all those manufactured parts?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Renegade Hybrids - 702-739-8011. Hope to hear from you soon!

[@stevedekorte]

How difficult is major service on a build like this? Does it require engine out?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Absolutely not. Actually, it's quite easy in this chassis. The only thing that you can't remove without the engine out, is the entire oil pan. The oil drain plug accessibility as well as the oil filter, are without obstructions. You can see down both sides of the engine much easier than if the stock TT engine was in place, so plugs and wires are a breeze.

[@shawndaugherty36]

How do you think an LT1 engine would fit?

[@tread73]

What is the cost of parts and conversion for a lotus done by renegadehybrids?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Give us a call!

[@0my]

Forgive my ignorance (l don't know boxter or mid engine), but where is the linkage between the shifter/clutch and the transmission? It's electronic? It can't be electronic.

[@randallcf]

On my still running 97 stock V8 the clutch utilizes hydraulic linkage (don't see why that wouldn't continue in this swap scenario) and the shifter cables are large versions of cables as used on my mountain bike derailleur with a bell crank type assembly / translator like on my old string controlled flying motor planes. Hopefully the conversion would improve operation of the sometimes imprecise shifter cable system.

[@aaadam999]

The 918 engine is a really special engine in itself. Unique to this car. I feel like you've downplayed it a lot to 'sell' what you're doing. Also, where are they turbo whooshing noises??? I get it.. But you don't need to do this conversion to enjoy your car, spend the same money, keep your car original and maintain it. Owner of a V8 with 77k miles.. It's possible. By all means please convert as many as possible and send me the spares😂

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Unique doesn't make it better...especially with the racing heritage of companies like Lotus. Striving and succeeding to come first means you need to first finish. Having a performance car powered by an engine that has a pretty profound reputation for being heavy, slow and unreliable, can't possibly be the better side of "unique." Sure, we are selling a product... But are we not also selling our own BETTER brand of "unique?"

[@aaadam999]

@@RenegadeHybrids I think you've latched on to unique there, also as other users suggest here.. I don't think you've driven a well-kept V8.. They are definitely not slow 😂 The engine (albeit modified) featured in the GT1 version which raced against McLarens and Ferraris in the 90s. That is incredible heritage. Here's a clip if you are actually interested in learning about the history these cars carry kzbin.info/www/bejne/gXa9qJV4jraWrrM As for reliability, I've driven my car across Europe in the height of summer with no issues. Take care of any vehicle, and it will reward you.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@aaadam999 I've driven numerous well-sorted 4 and V8 Esprit on streets and on track. I'm a big fan of the history of Lotis F1. I hold two current racing licenses and compete in multiple series in various cars, including a K-swapped Exige. I can appreciate your position of affection with the V8 twin turbo cars, but I can say the same thing regarding the LS swapped Esprit. Until you drive one in anger and feel how much lighter, more responsive, better balanced, and way more powerful the LS Esprit can be, you are missing out. I do have the experience and truly love these cars. This is why I made them better drivers and improved their reliability. We live in a world where the discipline to maintain a car like this is almost non-existent. Most sports car owners want to flog their ride then put it away. I've made this possible with a stunning vintage car that could not handle the typical modern-car owner. If you say "you get it", you may want to drive it so that point actually applies to you!

[@aaadam999]

@@RenegadeHybrids plenty of experience on my side with race cars and road cars alike(I won't fill the comments with my CV) . I think the cars get a bad rap for no reason (Italian/German just as bad), and it's easy to jump on the band wagon. I wonder if you've driven an esprit with the late ECU calibration.. Best of luck with your ventures in any case

[@shawndaugherty36]

How much HP is the Boxter trans good for?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

We've done 600hp and it was fine!

[@d.j.9961]

With the oil filter being directly next to the exhaust, That Lotus would greatly benefit by using a oil filter relocation kit along with a oil cooler, oil temp, & pressure guage!!! I would demand a oil filter relocation kit if it were mine!!! It is very nice!!!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

It's certainly very easy with the LS conversion!

[@mjv1967]

Very good build. Do you think an automatic transmission could be part of the Renegade package too?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Unfortunately, no. Just the 6 speed.

[@mjv1967]

@@RenegadeHybrids Is the issue fit of the bell housing/space or electronics/communciations?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@mjv1967 The torque of the LS is twice that of the typical Porsche...especially at idle. The torque converter would need a major re-design to even come close. Then the electronic integration of the trans to the engine though CAN would be another significant challenge. Finally, the gear ratios of the slush boxes are not as wonderful as the 6 speed manuals. There has been very little interest in trying to make the delicate Porsche auto box survive as well with that much torque. So, it's not been an option for us. Sorry.

[@mjv1967]

No worries. I just thought you would use a Corvette auto transmission to match the LS3 and it would all work. Again the devil is in the details. And if there is no demand and present, it's a moot point. Job well done on that Esprit.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@mjv1967 The Corvette trans is much to long for this mid engine conversion. It would put the engine forward about 2 feet which is obviously not possible.

[@glennoropeza3545]

This is what Collin Chapman would have approved of because if a car is not reliable it doesn't win races! Unfortunately most Lotus off of the race track were anything but reliable! Yeah! Ditch the Renault transax in favor of a Boxter S and that dohc 3.5 liter twin turbo V8 for a mass produced reliable and durable pushrod LS Chevy 6 liter V8 and no turbo! I know your customers are happy because i almost never see any of Renegade Hybrid cars pop up on the used car market! I guess I'll have to build my own!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Thanks for your great comment, yet so many purists would never see it our way. "It was not how it was intended." or "You took a great car and ruined it." My favorite is, "Why would you put that heavy Chevy engine in that perfectly balanced lightweight Lotus?" 🤔 Well, we have a horrible reputation to uphold I guess...that's why!

[@glennoropeza3545]

I also like to add is the power-to-weight-ratio! That Esprit now has the p.t.w.ratio of 5.5 pounds per horsepower! That's in the league with some of the most expensive Supercars! Add a supercharger and you can pick races with a Bugatti Chiron or a R-1 Rice Rocket! Heck just the way it is you can pick a race with any Rice Rocket on a rolling start above 75mph!

[@robertballenger3806]

Is that an ls3? I thought you said somewhere in the video but i cant find it now

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Yes, GM Performance 495 LS3.

[@robertballenger3806]

@@RenegadeHybrids which transmission? Did it come with the engine? Also i wander about the gear ratios and what speed its geared to top out at 6600 rpm. Is it 5 speed?

[@1jiveturkey1]

Are you guys going to sell that UN1 transmission? Asking for my broken 2003:)

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Call JAE. They have it.

[@1jiveturkey1]

@@RenegadeHybrids thank you so much.

[@desmomotodesmomoto2033]

Mid engine 911 with LS and Corvette transmission. Any one?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Some day maybe!

[@mikepaul396]

looks great

[@Trapper50cal]

If you have a museum piece, sure...leave it alone as an investment...otherwise, anything breaks or needs attention...do this. Same with 928's

[@woodlandsetters]

99 lotus how do I contact you about getting an LS swap

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Renegade Hybrids 702-739-8011

[@caddy8436]

4.8/5.3with a cam valves&springs Ls7 or ls9🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯🤯

[@dh1474]

I've put an LS3 in mine, but used the Audi A6 gearbox, way cheaper ($150) and defo up to the job.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Didn't like the gear ratios nor the strength of the transaxle. Running almost 4000rpm on the highway was just not cool to us. Plus, the torque of the LS is way more than the Audi box could handle.

[@Eddieboote]

Nice job. That LS engine set up fits well..On my Esprit I’ve got a 3.0 litre V6 Jaguar S type engine, same used on the Lincoln’s. My engine has forged internals and is twin turbo’ed (Audi RS 3 turbos). Transaxle is also from an Audi A6 (very cheap) Gear shifter is from the Boxter, with homemade mechanisms onto the trans.

[@eddiefalcon8316]

Never been a fan. I’m sure they were great back in the day. I’m in Miami and we have pollo tropical

[@joebolick112]

Nice work… but again, I’m a buyer when you can swap a 5.2L Ford Voodoo engine (Shelby GT350) engine into it. Thanks again!

[@user-tr2cx7kb1l]

Fuck it ,yeah Lsssss

[@noonehere1793]

Now if you could just make the cockpit about 8 inches longer so i could fit more comfortably ….. sigh

[@vidodaluca5828]

Porsche box ,Chevy cross plane crank engine ,lotus body, very impressive engineering, meticulously put together, brilliant reliability but no longer a lotus esprit V8

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Yup! It's better!!!

[@user-tr2cx7kb1l]

Lookdat,loookdat

[@vasantos-re4hb]

Fasten your seat belts. I am taking you for the ride of your life. I'm gonna show you what this car can really do. Are you ready ? Hang on. - Okay. - Here we go.

[@enotred2636]

For the price of a C8 you could have a C8.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

...And then you see yourself in the mirror everywhere you go. Where is the passion, the enthusiasm, and the individualism?

[@remonuprek1315]

I like purist but not that crazy, some car is better to be driven and maintenance easily... i still keep the original engine in garage

[@remingtonsepp189]

You make some good talking points but i feel like you’ve never actually driven a stock v8 car. These cars are super reliable as is and parts are not expensive. Sure you blow a motor up there wont be spare blocks or cranks and thats what makes this make sense. Selling stock working driveline parts is comical in a v8. I guess you missed the 100k+ sales happening now.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

I would say the same for your experience, or lack thereof. If you haven't driven a converted Esprit, how could you make an accurate comparison? I have driven several stock (4 and 8 cylinder) and converted Loti'. I have even raced them as recently as 6 weeks ago at Road Atlanta with video to prove it. Shifting is not a strong suit in almost any model Lotus. Reliability in the Esprit is also somewhat poor. Parts are not cheap in comparison to Chevy, and Lotus parts availability is quite difficult. Try walking into a local chain auto parts store for a Lotus alternator. A GM alternator is easy. Lotus...not so much. I would agree, the Esprit got better over the years, but it never checked all the boxes. The styling certainly evolved nicely both inside and out...but even with engine and transaxle upgrades, the Esprit seemed to look better than it drove. By maintaining the desired stock styling, dropping the overall weight, and increasing the reliability & performance, I think the conversion is a very sound alternative! Thank you for your comment!

[@remingtonsepp189]

@@RenegadeHybrids fairpoint, i havent driven a swapped car. Im sure the diet is an improvement. Is it 200lb drivetrain loss in total or is that just the motor? Whats the transmission weight difference? I’m Running a generic gm alternator in my lotus. lots of gm parts bin things on these cars already. yes hard to beat service costs of an lsx in general they do rival a civic in reliability. I suppose some of the snarkiness is from being a purist. Im all for lsx swaps in cars that arent special and are vast improvements over stock, i just dont see the stock v8 3.5L as a handicap, more as the personality trait. A 4 cylinder non turbo one is definitely the right candidate. whats the overall kit cost without motor and trans?

[@966396631]

Wow. That’s like kicking a 200 pound chick out of the car!!! Sooooooo cool. Such a clean install. What pros!

[@nobodyinparticular1093]

What do you mean you improved a 30-year-old car by using a modern engine? Lotus should be ashamed of themselves for not calling you earlier.

[@RenegadeHybrids]

LS engines were available in 1997. In theory, Lotus could have made a better choice of V8's.

[@bjrgjohannessen5184]

Is the "crappy" Lotus gearbox for sale with a crappy price I am interested.......

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Already sold...

[@bjrgjohannessen5184]

@@RenegadeHybrids Ok, if I get a Boxter transmission can you deliver the control wires and what else needed for the shifting?

[@RenegadeHybrids]

@@bjrgjohannessen5184 Boxster S six speed is what is required. Yes, we can provide the kit, the cables, the axles, etc!

[@RenegadeHybrids]

Please make sure the Boxster S is from a 2000 - 2004.

[@bjrgjohannessen5184]

@@RenegadeHybrids Ok thank you!