Kitcat

I remember that photo. Al an Mazda brought in a large truck with a huge cherry picker and up, up it went. We all smiled, the camera clicked and what you see above is the photo that appeared in Automobile Magazine, as I recall. I esp remember it because, when it was over, every one left, and my car wouldn't start, but that's a different story:).

I checked NJMP's website just now and saw that they also rent "villas" on the track. They look much nicer than the suites, tho they cost proportionately more ($300 vs $100 + tax). After being shut out at the Marriott Fairfield, I booked a room at H Inn Express, but now have changed my mind and signed-up for the on-track Suites instead. Costs a few pennies less than H.Inn and is certainly more convenient-tho much plainer.

Croc: yes the aluminum scuttle bracket to wh/all is attached, is part of the deal. I will sell for half of what I paid Caterham (an amt so large I am unwilling to mention it on a public forum and have my sanity further questioned).

Andy. Some of us X-flow owners experienced many mysterious problems, esp at the track, before this was diagnosed. Of course there was the occasional loud clunk, but also the motor would splutter on turns. Seems that as the engine worked loose, that the carbs' air filters wld be shoved so hard against the bonnet cutout that air wld leak into the intake system and screw up the A/F mixture. I had all sorts of theories, and a bad motor mount was not on the list. But when I fixed it, all the mystery problems were gone. I was surprised abt 5000 miles later when the problem returned. Again, the mounts were already shot.

As folks know, a bunch of se7ens owners are getting together July 3-6 at New Jersey Motor Sports park. Since so many of us will be there at the same time, its seems like an excellent opportunity to sell/swap unneeded accumulated parts. Here are a few things I have, if anyone is interested: 1] Complete set of official Caterham Brookland screens. This includes the aluminum mounting plate that bolts right into the existing holes for the windscreen. Also included are three CF mirrors that attach to this and the two, fold-able, windscreens. The pluses are that less wind resistance means more speed, and the airflow does a much better job of venting heat from the cockpit. Plus it transforms the cars look from jeep-like (sorry Cat fans) to sleek and low slung. Disadvantages, less protection from flying bits (need to wear goggles or, preferably, a helmet). Also, as is probably obvious, you can't use the top w/a Brooklands. 2] Standard Caterham roll-over bar. 3] Other stuff will be added once I do an inventory of what I have piled up in my garage. I think I have a set of X-Flow radiator hoses and a coupla X-flow engine mounts. If I cant unload (er, sell) this stuff at NJMP, I will re-list it here. 4} Wheel tire combo is a possibility, contingent on getting Blubarisax to sell me his yellow "street" wheel/Avon tire combo, or raising enuf $ with what I sell to buy such a combo new. ASSUMING that happens, I have previously purchased his 4 like-new 8-spoke anthracite Caterham 15" wheels with brand new Toyo R888 rubber 235/50/15 and 195/50/15 and I can sell those. I think the wheels MAY have 1000 miles on them but are perfect. The tires are mounted and 6 months old but have just rolled around my basement. Due to an "error of judgement" I discovered that dont fit on my S3 Caterham. The 195's will fit on the back, not the front, the 235's are both too high and too wide for the back. I also have a spare set of Caterham 13" Minilite-like wheels in so-so shape, with old street tires (perfect for using to store your car in the winter so your precious high-end race-rubber doesn't catch a cold).

FWIW, I replace all rubber bushings on my Caterhams every 10K miles, or 5 years, whichever comes first. I just did this for the first time on my current Caterham and will be interested to see if it makes a noticeable difference on the track. Similarly, I try to replace engine mounts on the above schedule as well. For some reason they dont last long and once the engine starts moving around out of spec, you have real problems. Some of my used ones have looked like the remains of those blown truck tires you see on the highway(:.

Wow, what a video, and people say I'm aggressive:)! That driver is fearless and has such a colorful way of expressing his feelings with his hands! I'd sure love a Caterham with a top speed of 150 mph. He could almost hang with the megabuck Porsches on the straight, and was killing them in the braking zones and corners (when not being blocked).

I like the title of the video-but cant get the video to play. I think I will buy one of everything you listed above:). As noted elsewhere, if one clicks on the British flag, the website is in English, which helps.

Welcome aboard Vicguz. You guys are the real deal! I enjoyed your website (after i clicked on the British flag for the English language). Good luck racing: it will be fascinating to see how the new 620R does in competition.

Here's an idea for those bringing wives: why dont you all go in on a single room (aka "suite") for day use. So if it is raining, sweltering, too noisy, etc., the wives have a much quieter, air conditioned place to hang out. Complete w/ a nice fridge, tv and wi-fi. And they wont have to submit to public toilets.

I suspect all of us se7en fans, of every iteration, would like to see Caterham succeed: the more the merrier. The direction that Caterham pricing seems to be going causes some concern about the viability of the Caterham company tho. In many ways, it is pretty amazing that Caterham has gotten this far. I have been enlightened by the discussion on this thread, esp the substantive info Randy has posted. I have no doubt that Caterham and Superformance have had this same discussion amongst themselves, many more times than we have here and have the same concerns/fears (and many more sleepless nights) that we do over it. And since they are gambling their own $ and time, I am at least semi-optimistic they have a viable plan. I am hopeful that these magical little cars will keep being made, somehow, somewhere. I hope w/Superformance at the helm. But if not....

Xcarguy: Rent one of the on-track rooms, euphemistically called a "suite". These bare-bone rooms are basic but do have a small kitchen (complete w/sink). Their main advantage is the short trip from the clubhouse back to your room is all within the track property, and all at 20 mph on deserted service roads. Perfect for the se7ener who "may" have celebrated too much at dinner.

First timers will be impressed by this mammoth, totally professional facility. in addition to 2 first rate tracks, and a awesome kart track, they have a large "clubhouse" with a first rate bar and restaurant. You want a Hendricks gin martini, you got it, microbrews on tap, food is great (brewpub fare, but excellent). They have garages for rent, a shop that sells everything from Redline racing oil to helmets, drivers suits, gas cans, GoPros, you name it. You want a video setup w/track map and multiple cameras, they got a guy who will rent you a system and set it up. Huge flat paddock areas, loads of parking room for cars/trailers, etc.

Hydraulic valve clicking on start up is characteristic of your engine. Go to a Miata forum and do a search for valve click and watch your computer explode. Evey new Miata owner posted about it:I love my car but when I start it....

What year, long cockpit/short cockpit, drum or disc rear brakes, 13" wheels?

A comparable Caterham ('83, 4sp, 1600 cc X-flow, solid rear, short cockpit) mite go for around $16K-ish. I doubt a Donkervoort is worth that much, but really no idea. A lot depends on condition, how it drives, how it sounds and whether you are smitten.

My 97 X-flow ran fine on 91 octane.

How about "Lighting Strikes Twice," in honor of my multiple lurid slides into the grass:)?

Croc: Ya took the words right outta my mouth:). I esp agree w/pt 3. It has to be unrequited puppy love that is driving up the prices of those cars (Saw it at age 14, said "Some day....", then 50 years later the rich boomer can realize his dream). Without the youthful fantasy propping up prices, the value of most of these old gems will slowly fade. They cant hold a candle to, say, a new Ford Fiesta ST in terms of handling, speed, steering feel, braking, reliability, gas mileage, safety (not to mention $21K cost of purchase along with a nice warranty). As to se7ens value, unlike the other collector cars, they have been continuously made, improved, refined. So rarity is not a factor except for the Lotus iterations. An excellent original example will likely appreciate. But, again, why buy one when a new Caterham/Storker/Birkin/Westfield/etc., will run circles around it- except for puppy love?

That windshield sure makes me nervous: it looks like it could detach and slice off the driver's head! Otherwise, an amazing resurrection.

180 Hp (more likely 160 at the rear wheels), for $14,500? I paid $1K for a junk yard Duratec that made 160 hp at the rear wheels with the throttle bodies from my blown engine.

The stock Caterham oil "guage" (Thx jfgw!), is more of an "off-on" gauge than a measure of oil pressure (It tells you there is oil pressure, just not how much, with any accuracy).

Look forward to reading and seeing more abt this car. I find it very tempting.

K-69: Tom's headlights are all part of an sophisticated engineering effort to keep his car from going too fast and scaring him:). Look at those pontoon fenders and double wide front tires, plus as you have noted, raising his mirror so it sits right in the middle of the strongest blast of air. Each is an integral part of his subtle effort to slow down!

MichaelD: Yr se7ens partner in Zetec-engined crime, Folis Jones, had an oil pump go at high rpm (7400+ rpm) and it cost him his (v expensive) engine. My Zetec maxes out at 7000 rpms, which is considered a safe # for the stock oil pump.