The 1981 Lotus Esprit has 7 engine parts with verified fitment on this page — 1 part type and 6 brands, covering both the 2.2L L4 and the 2.2L L4 Turbocharged. Each part includes a manufacturer part number and application notes.
On the 1981 Lotus Esprit, the engine covers the internals and hard parts that build compression and keep oil where it belongs — gaskets, bearings, camshafts, lifters, seals and timing components. Every listed part is an Oil Filter.
The 1981 Lotus Esprit was sold with both the 2.2L L4 and the 2.2L L4 Turbocharged. 6 parts fit every engine; the other 1 is engine-specific. Each part shows which engine(s) it fits.
The most listed brands for 1981 Lotus Esprit engine parts are BOSCH (2 parts), FAMOUS BRAND (1 part) and PRO-TEC (1 part), plus 3 more brands. Quality grades include Economy and Standard Replacement.
2 parts on this 1981 Lotus Esprit page carry a "Popular" badge — the source catalog's flag for options frequently chosen for this vehicle — including ACDELCO PF53 (Oil Filter) and WIX 51068 (Oil Filter). Click any part number to see every vehicle that part fits.
Oil Filter
Economy
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOSCH Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | 72137WS | 🇺🇸 US | Workshop Oil Filter | View on Amazon |
| FAMOUS BRAND Fits: 2.2L L4 | R85068 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | View on Amazon | |
| PRO-TEC Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | PXL51068 | 🇺🇸 US | Height: 4.338 InOuter Diameter Top: 3.66 In | View on Amazon |
| VARIOUS MFR Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | PG5195 | 🇺🇸 US | View on Amazon |
Standard Replacement
| Brand | Part Number | Markets | Notes | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ACDELCO Popular Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | PF53 | 🇺🇸 US 🇨🇦 CA | Gold / Professional or Gold / Professional DurapackSpin-On | View on Amazon |
| WIX Popular Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | 51068 | 🇺🇸 US | Height: 4.338 InOuter Diameter Top: 3.66 In | View on Amazon |
| BOSCH Fits: all 1981 Esprit engines | 3402 | 🇺🇸 US | Premium Oil Filter | View on Amazon |
This table covers the oil filters that screw onto this engine's filter mount. Typical signs include low oil pressure after a service, or a filter that will not spin off because the old gasket stayed on the block. Lube the new gasket and tighten to the spec on the box; a double-gasket install dumps the sump on the first drive.
7 Oil Filter parts are listed for the 1981 Lotus Esprit, from BOSCH, FAMOUS BRAND, PRO-TEC and 3 other brands. ACDELCO PF53 carries the "Popular" badge. 6 parts fit every engine; the other 1 is engine-specific.
In the Economy grade, BOSCH, FAMOUS BRAND, PRO-TEC and 1 other brand supply 4 parts: the catalog's value-priced group. A representative part number is BOSCH 72137WS.
The Standard Replacement section lists 3 options from ACDELCO, WIX and BOSCH — built to original-equipment specification. ACDELCO PF53 is listed in this group.
Part numbers include ACDELCO PF53, BOSCH 72137WS and FAMOUS BRAND R85068, among others listed above.
Buying Engine Parts for a 1981 Lotus Esprit
On this vehicle, the engine covers the internals and hard parts that build compression and keep oil where it belongs — gaskets, bearings, camshafts, lifters, seals and timing components.
- Match the engine first. Some engine parts fit every engine; others are engine-specific. Each row shows which engine(s) it fits.
- Read the notes on each row for position, trim and spec qualifiers before you order.
- Where labor overlaps, replace the seals and gaskets for anything you open up; a timing job should always include the tensioner and guides, not just the belt or chain.
- Cross-reference the manufacturer part number against your old part or a service-manual listing.
Start with the largest groups on this page: Oil Filter .
Frequently Asked Questions
How many engine parts fit the 1981 Lotus Esprit?
Our catalog currently lists 7 engine parts for the 1981 Lotus Esprit across 1 subcategory and 6 brands, covering both the 2.2L L4 and the 2.2L L4 Turbocharged. Each part is matched to the engine(s) it fits.
Do engine parts differ between 1981 Lotus Esprit engines?
Some do. 6 parts fit every engine; the other 1 is engine-specific. Each row (and the filter at the top) shows which. If you're unsure which engine you have, check the emissions label under the hood or the 8th character of your VIN.
What are the signs of engine problems on a 1981 Lotus Esprit?
Common symptoms include oil spots under the vehicle, blue or white exhaust smoke, ticking from the valvetrain, or coolant mysteriously disappearing. If you notice any of these, identify the affected subcategory above and cross-reference the part numbers listed.
What should I replace at the same time?
Where labor overlaps, replace the seals and gaskets for anything you open up; a timing job should always include the tensioner and guides, not just the belt or chain.
What do the market flags (US, CA, MX) on each part mean?
They show the market for which the manufacturer published application data for that part — where the vehicle was first sold, not where the part was made. If your 1981 Lotus Esprit was originally sold in the US, the safest choice is a part marked for the US market.
How do I make sure a part fits my 1981 Lotus Esprit?
First match the engine — each row shows which engine(s) the part fits. Then engine hard parts are unforgiving of guesswork — confirm the casting or engine code before ordering, because one model year can hide two different blocks. The notes column carries position and trim qualifiers where they apply.
Other Parts for the 1981 Lotus Esprit
Engine Parts for Other Lotus Esprit Years
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