Kitcat

As our local auto-x hotshoe and multi-time solo champion, Danny Popp, likes to say:"How do you know where the limit is unless you exceed it?" He also constanly asks:"Are we having fun yet?" Sounds like you just needed one more run to put it all together and that you were definitely having fun! Mike

People talk about saving money building or assembling things themselves, then mention the scary hours of time invested in scratch building, or even assembling something. I understand the investment of 1000's of hours from the I-built-it-myself perspective. It's the journey not the destination. But, if what you want is a car to drive and the fun of screwing it together is attractive, but a luxury you cant afford, then buy something someone else has made. From a purely dollars and sense perpsective, you can make a great deal capitalizing on some one elses tireless efforts. I am not sure what Martin is hoping to get for his amazing scratch built Se7en. But if his hours invested were fairly priced (let's say $100 hour for his talent and skill at car fabrication) then he will probably take a loss when his car sells. If you just value the car by the cost of its components, then he will make a killing. But the components didn't build themselves. When I factor in what I make an hour in my vocation, then it makes sense to have some one else do the construction. My dad used to spend hundreds of hours trout fishing. For him the occaslional trout was incidental to the effort, which was the point of the enterprise. If building a car is something you have the passion and talent and time for, do it. I think the happiest people on this site are in this group. But not because they saved money. Instead it's the love of creating something with their own hands. I think the next happiest group are the folks, like me, who think that just driving the car is reward enough, regardless of who built it. So, you decide.

I can just see the top of my car's roof for about 2 seconds. An unforgettable moment tho, especially after a little more than a month of se7en ownership. Car broke down on the way to the Dragon from Cincy, broke down at the photo site, and then barely made it home, covering the passenger side wind screen with oil. No mechanical issues in over a year, however, after finally getting the car sorted. Mike

Craig: Yes, that is a speedy Caterham! In my Caterham I was able to hit 95 mph where you hit 141 mph at N Ledges, and was lapping in the '19's. When I was there 4 weeks ago in my '08 BMW M3 w/414 hp, I hit around 130 mph there. The track is so bumpy it doesn't really reward a stiffly sprung car either, making your times that much more impressive. Mike

I think an Ultralite is a lot of vehicle for the $. I think the Miata powered Westfield is also. And you can get a turbo-powered one from Flyin Miata that will have a bullet proof engine and more power than you could ever really use. Texas is home to Dick Brink's Texas Motorworks (go to Google). He sells a new IRS Birkin se7en that wld be near the top of my list at the moment. The "Fastest Caterham" in the states is also for sale for around $50K-pretty tempting IMHO. So many choices. That's part of the fun. Mike

Robert: My pet peeves w/"racing" compound brake pads include: extreme squealing (x 4 wheels), and brake dust that can scar and pit the wheel and also ruin the paint, especially if the dust gets wet and then dries in place. The Porterfields on my Miata were guilty of the above. So I will be interested in how your new ones do. Mike

I just replaced my stock Caterham brake pads after 24K miles w/maybe 15 track days on them. They had 20-30% life left. Light car + modest top speed + built in air brake = excellent longevity. I used to replace pads on my Brembo-shod Evo every 3 track days and front rotors every 7-10 track days. Wasn't cheap. My stock pads work great on the road-light pressure is fine, and I have never had a braking problem at the track.

Awww, who would want the "fastest Caterham in the country" anyhow? What is your lap time at N Ledges in this car Craig? I have been there in my Crossflow a few times and love the track. Mike

Can I apply, I have changed a ton of diapers in my time?

The 260 CSR at Sevens and Elans is now listed as "sold." Sigh. Another car fantasy bites the dust. I understand that Caterham USA is putting together a Roadsport 500 tho. As they say:when one car-fantasy door closes, another opens....

OK, shift and then get back to us, we can wait:)!

Try putting your left foot/leg in first, then sit on the side of the car, then duck your head and upper body in, then drag your right leg in after you. Sort of a human jackknife. Let's face it, tho, there is no graceful way in or out with the top up.

Classic looking Se7en, right down to the color scheme. It looks like an actual Lotus 7, or is it a clone?

Great first post escon!

I haven't had a problem, in spite of the dire predictions abt clam fendered Se7ens. I was able to drive mine at an indicated 118 mph (probably more like an actual 113 mph ) with no dartyness. Perhaps a function of alignment (lots of self-centering caster)? I was holding the driver's side Brooklands screen up w/ one hand and steering with the other so it was pretty stable. But extremely noisy/windy. etc. Mike

I remember when it came out also, not to date myself. It was a hit.

What is the fastest you have ever gone in your Se7en? I recently swapped out my stock Caterham windscreen (the barn door) for a Brooklands screen with the idea that it would improve high speed performance. It definitely makes the car livelier over 65 mph. Anyhow, while my former top speed was about 108, I hit 118 mph-with the help of the new screen (and a nice down hill slope). Wow! 118 mph in my car felt like 300 mph!!! When I finally pulled off the car was literally cross-eyed (the headlamps had twisted inward and were almost facing each other). My hat blew off around 85 mph, the driver's side tonneau blew off around 105 mph down into the passenger area, the driver's side areo-screen bent back around 112 mph (I then held it up with one hand). I know 118 mph is no record, tho no too shabby for a stock Crossflow. I know WestTexas has probably set the bar at its highest level (168 or so?). What was your best, and what was it like out there? Mike

"The front seat of the roller-coaster"

Finally: A Caterham kit that even I could build!

Good work! After my Se7en, my next favorite car was my Miata. An '94 R package that I bought new and drove for 10 years. As I recall, there are a lot of former/current Miata owners on this site.

BTW-Catracer is a Caterham dealer wh/I think gives his observation some additional credibilty.

The heat problem is something we all suffer from. It relates to a poorly sealed engine compartment and zero insulation. The driver sits right behind that engine bay/furnace and is sandwiched between the transmission on one side and the exhaust on the other. It does get toasty. I recently switched to a Brooklands screen set-up and it has been noticeably cooler in the driver's seat. It allows the heat to escape faster. The standard set up with a full windshield seems to create a vacuum that holds the heat in the car for a bit. Just don't get caught in the rain! Mike

Of all my many car fantasies, the Se7en is the only one that lived up to expectations. It is unlike any other car experience, altho a whole like the motorcycle experience (elbows in the wind, engine roaring, glued to the road, etc.). I drove mine into work today. I stayed mostly in 2nd the whole way, just to listen to the engine and to zoom up and down the RPM range. Fun, fun, fun.

I thot 210-220 was normal for most engines, no? People use synthetics because they can withstand even higher heat (240-280) with no ill effects. Your temps seem low.

I carry a spare tire at the back of my Se7en. Realized recently that I don't routinely carry a jack or a lug wrench. Hmmmm.