First Run Report 21.11.10

Impromtu first test run today - a bit slippy - on green semi slick R888s (not run, 3yrs old so harndened, and road cold and damp but I persevered. I need to run the car to recharge the battery due to the alternator set-up.
Firstly I managed to get over the speed bumps - hooray! Then to note rear traction was immense - very shocked at that given condition of tyres, secondly front end was lively and tracked everything so a bit front to rear bias weight adjustment may be neccessary. Brakes glazed but started to come back - no servo so felt typically wooden like an Elise.
Grunt is quite shocking after a few years out of a v.fast car.. never used much more than half revs but every gear from say 30 was brutal bar 5th which needed a but more speed but from 50 also relentless.. thought I was in 2nd but I was in 4th etc etc// No idea of speed (no speedo) but the way car would pull up and leave cars was comical on a short run.. very exrteme experience tho for road use and roundabouts taken with extreme caution. steering lighter than expected but will hopefully weight as grip comes to the tyres. Engien very cammy low down and doesn't like to doddle, stop or go -
Initially scary but gradually started to get into it, nice n easy,
Most gauges working okay bar fuel gauge which stopped working this weekend and suspect bad connection at sender or gauge as electrics all new - worrying given engine's likley thirst but easy enough to fix. rear camera is very good and aids the tiny racetech mirrors.
Rear hatch needs more vents - just not enough ways for heat to escape engine bay.. engine running >100 deg F.even on a short run. Good oil pressure >40psi, water temps around 110 degrees and voltmeter was showing only 12 volts, now looked closer to 13 so alternator seems to be doing its thing.
Made a little boy fall of his push bike and a 7 driver almost swallowed his toungue when he went past in the other direction - I gave our fellow loti brethern the typical nod.
LOUD!
JB

P.S. Will post vids as soon as I can get hold of my mount/clamp.

Esprit finally arrives!!

Words can't describe the feeling of seeing the 'phoenix' turn up at the door.

Everyone was very happy - can't thank Martyn, Mandy and Merlin @ MVS enough for all their efforts. A very happy Jon standing beside his 'beast'.

Ignition on... She lives!!!!!

Rear TFT camera in place

'Stealth' - Merl has done a great job to blend the rear tft camera in. Not much left to do now.. :)

Latest from the shop - almost there!!! lights and doors

Lights really suiting the le mans look - (amber film). Merl has said they are clearer now with a wash down.

Wheels fill the front arches beatifully, which required some 'modification'.

Nice to see the front screen back in.

Liking the carbon door cards and simple door pulls.

Wheels and front diffuser

Front wheels on, looking good tho no doubt a front brake upgrade is now possible.

Rear spoiler... ooh carbon!!

6' rear wing finished, carbon, carbon supports, yellow painted end plates.. lovely!!

Only 4 jobs left to go... the final sprint to the finish!!

Latest pics from the shop.. nigh on 4 years later and the Phoenix Esprit is almost finally finished... a huge thanks to MVS for picking up the mess left behind by Phoenix Honda.

There are those who talk the talk when it comes to projects and then there are those who 'can'.

http://www.mvsracing.co.uk/

The mother of all front diffusers.. detail shots from interior

To help off-set the Group C rear wing and diffuser

Alfa ti super-tourer meets Prodrive Cataluyna Impreza WRC meets terminator

And more interior shots

Latest pics from the shop.. colour coding!!

Last list of jobs being finished off, more colour coding.. looks great> Mirrors, side sills, headline, wheels

Latest from the workshop (23 April).. front end, lights in!

Getting closer... tick tock.. latest pics in from the shop, body, paint etc pretty much all done!!

Front end is crazy.. hopefully we'll find a way to sort the front cover which has an annoying habit of turning up at the corners and spoiling the line but other than that I think the effect of the ZX lights and the Esprit is awesome! Lights look in great condition.

It'll look even more bonkers with the lower front splitter attached.

JB

Latest from the shop.. nice ass!

Pic of the rear (wip) minus bumper, diffuser and wing etc.

First impressions - 90s IMSA/GT-P car, very Le Mans..

New Lotus F1 cars hit the track - new livery takes shape on Esprit..!!

For anyone who is watching the new F1 Lotus cars hit the track.. the Esprit will celebrate the occassion with this new livery... I was just blown away by this picture recd tonight form the shop.

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March 2010: Latest from the workshop

The removable lower splitter assembly is awesome..

colour looks great; panels look spot on

can;t wait to see final result