Kitcat

Now that's a GARAGE!

Ditto. I think it stacks up well against any se7en out there. I really like the contrast with the single bright color and all of the black. Is the engine-supercharger combo operational, tuned the way you want? How much power? Any idea what it weighs? What abt some more engine bay photos:)?

Steve, same issue here. I don't like to use A arms, so I use the center point of the rear A- frame for BOTH rear tie downs, and crisscross the straps. In other words, both straps are hooked around the same spot at the rear of the car. It's probably not ideal, but it works. Other trailer thots. Get a spare tire/wheel for the trailer and a lug wrench/socket for that lug size. Check air pressures (mine were 14 & 50 lbs on one side, 37 & 28 on the other -I guess the dealer thot if total pressure was the same, per side, it was all good). Make sure hitch is hitched, even tho mine was, and safety pin was in place, I hit a huge bump and it off it came-turns out I had somehow clipped it in place on top of the ball, not below. Impossible? Apparently not. Fortunately it just made huge noise, trailer bounced violently, I stopped, saw problem (bump had knocked safety pin 1/2 way out), and re-hitched. So now I do a short, but sharp start-stop after hitching to see if there are hitch issues.

Hey Bob, that's some dedication to se7ens! Car sounds great (once it reaches pavement). I didn't realize Texas had any hills over coupla hundred feet(:. Hopefully, the BBORR is mostly curves, from one X-flow owner to another! Mike M.

Croc: You took the words right out of my mouth:). As I read you, we all need to invest our spare change in solid, inflation proof items. I am thinking a nice, perfectly restored Porsche 356, to supplement my already sizable investment in my se7en(s).

Dick Brink told me that a Duratec costs him $750! They hop it up and sell for $1,400. He sells an over-the-top 300hp version for $7.5K. By comparison, a classic BDR engine making 185 hp costs abt $14-16K, if you can find one.I talked to a high end-builder abt adding some hp to my X-flow last month. Cost was $16K for 180 hp, reliabilty not guaranteed, drivability off track, limited. New tech is definitely better/cheaper.

As to weight of the supercharger set up, Dick seemed surprised and said, no, they hadn't weighed it but he "guestimated" 30 lbs. Danillo, agreed. So many inflated claims are laid down for various hop-up tricks, not to mention OEM set ups. All you have to do is look at the 220 hp claim for Caterham's Zetec and the 145 hp actual results when dyno'd. I think a key to the supercharger will be reliability, noise, effect on handling, and accessibility of the power.

They will also build a naturally aspirated Duratec for abt $7K that makes 260 hp on pump gas but 280-300hp on 100 octane fuel. As he pointed out, if that engine goes it's another $7K. If the supercharged engine goes, just buy another low-buck Duratec and transfer the supercharger.

At Texas Motorworks, US Birkin dealer. Among other things, they are putting final touches on a supercharger option for their Duratec. Cost will be $1.4 for Duratec, $5.6K extra (approx) for supercharger, installed. Will make 300 hp on pump gas. First one is installed and they are working out the kinks. The base car has IRS, LSD, 4 pot front brakes, wide track suspension, many other goodies. A turnkey w/superchgd Duratec engine is abt $45k. Not too shabby.

Duratecs are lighter, more powerful, have more abilty to make more power and cheaper. But, once the Zetec is there, I agree, it wld make little sense to try a swap.(Intake/exhausts are on wrong side of hood, etc).

I'm with Two-bone. But, my 60 y/o brother has an interesting solution. He has been dating an overly large breasted, incredibly beautiful 28 y/o woman who has 2 small kids by an long absent father. Best of both worlds? And it's not a 1-way street, the 2 boys went from last in their class in school and bottom percentile on grades/achievement scores, to the top, since his arrival. And were off all behavior meds in 6 months. Nothing like a bit of financial and emotional stability.

Wow! Whole lotta car. Will be interesting to see how much $ it goes for. Seems like a $28-$33 car???

You were flying Karl, using all the track, and hitting your apexes. I really got a sense of the amazing amount of elevation change there, what a cool track. I am headed there Sept 5-6 w/Chin Motorsports, and looking forward to it.

I think you just kicked back, relaxed, and enjoyed the scenery and the throttle relaxed along with you:).

Having owned a Miata, I concluded it was a french term for what we Americans call "upgrade-itis".

Martin: It looks like "The course from H*ll":). Not surprised the pro wasn't fastest. Roadracing skills are different than auto-x. Good for you for helping w/this event. Your time, on street tires, was excellent.

Good job(a person can never have too many se7ens)! It is a lovely color combo. I will be interested in how it compares to your Caterham.

Way to rub it in Karl!

Like the NASCAR guys say:" That thing is all ate up with motor"!

Ryan: Congratulations, I am sure it is a relief! Enjoy your new life. I suspect another se7en may be lurking off somewhere in your future. Mike M.

The attached (actual) court order was sent to me by a fellow local attorney. (BTW, don't skip paragraph 4). Who says judges lack humor? Mike 20110729074905499.pdf

Good stuff! You really "climb the curbs" (use all of the track). The camera set up is great and the rear camera is wonderful. When you pass the 996 Cup car I can see his anger at first as he chases you, then his resignation after he realizes it's hopeless. The KTM is the only car that seemed remotely competitive. What spec is your R400? Totally stock, or have you made some improvements?

You say backfiring like it's a bad thing:)! If my X-flow doesn't backfire when I get off the throttle, I feel like I have failed:). And I do NOT want to hear abt gas mileage over 20 mph. Anything over 15 mpg, and I say you are not trying:)! (And now I have used up all my smiley faces for the week(:-in fact the system here says I have used 5 images and I only get 4 per message-smiling is to be discouraged I guess-hey I am good with that(imagine a forbidden smiley face here).

Lol:)!

Nice car, extremely reasonable price (IMHO).