Kitcat

Yes, second full row from the bottom of photo, second car in on the left (bark blue with a red "lipstick"stripe on the nose). After photo was over everyone left but me. I had an mysterious electrical short that grounded me (pun intended) for an hour.I barely made it to the banquet 1-2 hours later, after the car spontaneously healed itself, independent of my futile efforts to problem solve it. Ahhh, the memories:). Hard to believe it has been 12 years!!!

Been there one time in 2007 (for the USA7S celebration of the 50th birthday of the Lotus 7). I think that event set the record for the highest number of se7ens in any one spot in the U.S. to date. As I recall we had around 50 7's of every stripe and mfg. Not sure who else is still around who may have attended. All of the nearby roads, not just the Tail, were awesome. And I never saw a cop car.Zoom, zoom.

Tire Rack doesn't recommend Toyo R888R's for standing water. My Toyo R888's were ok on moist roads, not in downpours. They were really the worst of both worlds, a so-so track tire and a so-so rain tire. I think the R888R is supposed to have fixed the track day problem, but not the rain issues.

I once reasoned that, since I did not have a catalytic converter, I could run leaded gas in my Zetec(:. That messed up the O2 sensors and performance went away. Maybe just replace the O2 sensors and see if that helps?

Very nice looking Caterham! The Rover engine is unusual for a USA Caterham. Back then, it was mostly X-Flows and BDA's. It makes roughly the same hp as the X-Flow. Probably weighs a bit less. Any thots on how it came to have this interesting engine variant?

I have been asked a coupla times by my local track group if I'd like to be an instructor (they are that desperate!). Yikes, strap in with a clueless newbie who is a born driving genius and plans to break the track record? And for risking my life I get 50% off the price of the track day? I have always found it easy to say no. I am amazed anyone does it. Surprised the Tesla brakes gave out so fast. I thot they were surprisingly good track cars? Lotta weight to haul down I guess?

I mostly run Hoosier R7s which I get from Tire Rack. They also ''heat cycle" them for $10 a tire, which I have done. Purely for track use tho. Toyo R888R's are supposed to be a good street/track tire tho are sticky enough that lots of road debris gets tossed in the cockpit. Like oil choice, tire selection is a favorite forum topic of discussion (maybe because there is no clear choice?). Certainly various Avon tires are great for Caterham track and road use as they are designed specifically to work with that vehicle (or visa versa?). Not available though Tire Rack and very expensive, historically, even compared to Hoosiers, tho the pound dive may be helping? Roger Krause has been a reliable source for Avons. Typically tires on these light weight vehicles last forever so choose wisely. Or, do what some people do and have multiple sets for various uses. Tire Rack has been consistently fast, dependable, professional, etc. I have used them since the early 90's.

Beautiful car (and great price)! And that's a lotta hp for a Zetec, but consistent with your mods. What is engine's redline? I'd love it if mine made that much power! Good luck with the sale. Ideal time of year to do so.

Ugly but affordable. They have sold around 30K of these in 3-4 years. Gives you a hint at the potential for se7en clones, if only they were more affordable and the price was for a turnkey vehicle, not boxes of components. The Slingshot pictured here is the "Grand Touring" version with a top & doors and an extra dose of fugly:). Still, the driving experience has to be v close to that of a se7en. When tested by one of the car mags, they said it put most sports cars to shame.

JC: there is a new thread on installing belts that should answer your question. Incidentally, I also use a HANS hybrid device that is supposed to help keep my neck/head stable in a collision. Imagine driving your car head on into a concrete wall: the belts will do their job and everything will be restrained, except your head. And with its heavy helmet it will snap forward and that can cause severe injury/death, as evidenced by the tragic death of Dale Earnhardt. It is a total PITA to put on, and restricts head rotation but once buckled up and on the track it becomes, to me, unnoticeable. I am not saying folks all need to get this, it is expensive, optional, etc., just mentioning it as another safety feature for those interested.

What engine and what transmission? My 5sp. was much smoother than my 6sp. The top should be very secure. Mine was very tight, even at high speeds (80+mph). It took real effort to stretch it to button it up, but then it was very secure. The windshield bolts in (doesn't screw) on each side and the bolts should have a backing brace (made by Caterham) that fits on the inside of the aluminum skin/scuttle so they bolt to something solid and that spreads the load. I think my Birkin used huge washers to the same effect. The Flying Hood is a well known se7en phenomena, unfortunately. Right up there with the burned bare calf:).

Croc: Yes, there is a reason I have a full cage, fire suppression system and a FuelSafe tank w/bladder and foam:). And back to silly rules: out of staters should know that NJ does not allow gas stations, including the fuel stations on site at NJMP, to sell extra gas for storage in your fuel jugs IF the jugs are not red! Mine are white, so I can't buy gas there to store in my trailer.... But that's it for the BS, this event is so cool it's worth the tiny bit of inconvenience.

The rules changed. Best to do in advance rather than at the track. I remember a team of mechanics working unsuccessfully last year to swap out belts in a Caterham at the track. Bottom line, you need to take the seat out. Also, the "anchor" belt can't just bolt to the floor, as it is flimsy aluminum. Instead there has to be some solid bracing there or reinforcement (beyond a washer) or some other system to ensure the anchor belt doesn't pull out. The whole point of the anchor belt is to keep the lap belt over your hips (your body's hard points) and to not ride up into your more vulnerable stomach area. The belt typically comes up thru a cut-out in the seat cushion and your seats do not have a belt cut out (not that hard to add). If, instead the belt folds over the front of the seat cushion before it buckles in, that typically is not compliant. In a wreck, the seat cushion compresses and the anchor belt stretches out and allows the lap belt to ride up, defeating the purpose. PITA, I know, but it is your health that is at stake.

Vov: Short answer is "no" to motorcycle helmets as they lack the fire proofing required of car racing helmets.

A 5 point system is ok. I think they want a so-called "anchor belt". Remember, you will also need a current-issue helmet as well. I think 2017 and later, but Croc can correct me on that. Helmets are for sale at the track's amazingly well stocked, well run "general store", as is virtually anything else you need to race, (arm restraints?), oil, Go-Pro, drivers suit etc., etc. Not cheap, but at least available.

I'd add Bring-A-Trailer (BAT) as a site to possibly market a se7en. The prices for Caterhams, in particular, have been very (very) strong there. IF I were to sell my se7en, I'd start there, then head here and then, E-Bay.

NeilJ: I am looking forward to seeing the S1! I just watched a video of a red S1 racing at the Schenley Park event in 2013. It was surprisingly fast, esp on those skinny tires and dubious drum brakes. And the event seemed a lot more like serious racing than parade laps by gentleman racers!

Croc: I may have been their first official customer as I bought the only uprated rear brake rotor in existence from them 2 months ago:). I added a backup pair from Beachman Racing recently, since Caterham had a new supply. Josh has also been very helpful in ID'ing sources for my defunct clutch/flywheel assembly.

Beautiful high spec Birkin, Tom. Great graphics and color! Cant wait to see it on the track at NJMP harassing Caterhams and Stalkers:). I wonder who the lucky buyer is? How much $ for something in this ball park-if that's not an impolite question?

Great looking cars! Love the evil black se7en (a Westfield?). Don't overlook Birkin Direct USA when searching. Not only is the owner, Tom Carlin, an active member on the forum, he sells a great version of the 7. And the Stalker is the USA version of "adding lightness" (to a hulking V8). I am not sure how much blame the USA dealers of Caterhams deserve. My impression is Caterham UK considers them to be the proverbial red-headed step-child. So they get little support (just my connecting the dots after 12 years of ownership, no specific knowledge).

Thx Paul, the combo of SVT and 6sp Caterham transmission seems to create a bit of a unicorn system. And your T9 compatible clutch, etc., definitely doesn't fit. Josh, at the newly reconstituted Rocky Mtn Motorsports/USA Caterham suggested Raceline in the UK. So I contacted them and they are checking their stock, etc. They at least knew exactly what I needed. Yes, I am afraid my driving style takes a toll on my car.... The fact that replacement clutches are a seldom visited issue seems to be another example of how these light weight cars are easy on "consumables" (tires, brakes, etc.).

I guess what I need to know is what clutch/flywheel spec the Caterham 6 sp uses? It does not use the Ford Focus Zetec SVT spec clutch. Since the T9 transmission is popular in Caterhams, is the Caterham 6 sp a compatible spec with that (interchangeable)? If so, I should be able to Google an up-rated clutch/flywheel for the T9 and use it.

Thx Tom, if I can't find what I need stateside, I will check Burton out. I was advised by RMMS that the standard clutch can handle 140 lbs torque tops, and my engine puts out a bit more than that. And please, never use the word "dead" when referencing my driving style:).

Not sure if we had the correct clutch to start with. I know we were desperate and found one that fit. I suspect my driving "style" is tough on clutches (and other car parts:)). Anyhow, we have had no luck finding a replacement clutch, lightened flywheel and throw out bearing. These would seem to be standard replacement parts, no? But nothing at Beachman Racing, Sevens and Elans may have a lightly used semi-competition clutch available soon, I just emailed the newly resurrected Rocky Mountain Sports car place. Am I the only one wearing out clutches?

Raceline in UK purports to sell Zetec engines and some components. Maybe start there? In the U.S., FocusFanatics is the forum for Ford Focuses and their various iterations. Maybe ask there? They have sub-forums on Zetecs and, separately, SVT Zetecs.