11Budlite

I had the same experience as Bernie. I cleaned up the boss very carefully and still was unable to read the s/n with complete certainty. If you want to see how the s/n relates to the date of mfg, you can try this link and see if it matches up. Go to "Zetec Resources" then "Documents" then "Ford Engine Age Table": http://www.zetec-cat.co.uk/ Not sure how accurate it is for US engines because it's from a UK site, but it's worth a shot. I looked for the date on the original Ford ECU and went with that one because I already knew the engine was a ZX1 that was used between '95-'97. Bruce :7drive:

Had a real nice day yesterday! Eric R(CS) rode shotgun with me on a brisk Saturday morning so I decided it was a good time to get out the side curtains. Made the drive down on the highway in low 40 degree weather much more comfortable...I just might use them again! We met up with Doug, Paul, and Eric W for breakfast. Jeff had come down with a bug so was unable to attend. Had a nice breakfast, discussed some possible routes for the drive, the day was warming up nicely and we were ready to go. Eric W led the way over some nice local twisties, many of which bordered the scenic Saugatuck Reservoir. It had been a long time since I had driven the back roads in this part of the state and I had forgotten how nice they really are! This was also the first time I had been in a group with other Sevens so that was a treat as well! Had a very enjoyable day with some other Seven nuts and I can't wait to do it again! Here's a photo I borrowed from Eric R of the four cars/drivers before leaving on the drive: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/60753159_2913393680_28c74e977c_o.jpg From the left, Paul in the ex-Steve T/Sandy W Caterham (still looks beautiful), Eric W in his hotrod x-flow Caterham, Doug in his BRG Caterham, and me in my Birkin. Big thanks to Doug for his efforts in organizing the event, and to Eric R for riding shotgun and being the event photographer....you took some really nice photos! Bruce :7drive:

Nice vids, thanks for sharing. Looks like a fun drive! Bruce :7drive:

Geoff - First off, welcome! On my '96 Zetec ZX1, the s/n is located on the flat boss above the starter and behind the black engine mount cap screw in the following picture. Mine was barely visible because of rust when I first got it. I'm not sure if it's in the same place on your ZX2 motor. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/407288543_IMG_0035.JPG Hope this helps, Bruce :7drive:

CS - It looks like I'll have an open seat for tomorrow. Please PM or give me a call after 6pm to finalize details. Bruce :7drive:

I use to see one of those harlequin Golf's driving around in the next town over. It looked pretty cool! How about this one that was for sale a while back? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/744359553_661706-1.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1417868851_661706-2.jpg Bruce :7drive:

Scot - Here's one for a start: http://www.californiacaterhamclub.com/chat/archive/index.php/t-133.html And another: http://www.blatchat.com/T.asp?id=45386 You can google "zetec vs duratec" and find lots of info. I think the general consensus is that the Duratec is a more modern design that is lighter because of the alloy block, has more power potential because of the better flowing head, but has the intake and exhaust on opposite sides to the Zetec. Most of the guys that are upgrading crossflows go with the Zetec because it's an easier conversion because it keeps the intake and exhaust on the same side. Those that have a new build and have a choice between the two would prefer the Duratec...I know I would! That said, I'm very happy with the Zetec in my Birkin. It's a great motor! Bruce :7drive:

I'm sure the Ford Fiesta from the late '70s also used the 1600cc Kent motor. I know it was front wheel drive, but I bet some of the parts are interchangeable. Bruce :7drive:

David, I have read that some of the Caterham guys in England use Brise alternators and in checking out their website, some of the alternators they carry are Denso. Here's their website: http://www.brise.co.uk/index.html Check out the p/n 5021 spec sheet here: http://www.brise.co.uk/documents/NDA02110055.pdf This seems to be exactly what I have other than this one has the v-groove pulley (like the '87 Samurai) and it's only a 3-wire alternator rather than a 4-wire like I have (the 4th wire is the sense wire). If you look at the dimensions the main body diameter is 106mm which is just a little over 4". If that would give you enough clearance you could make up a bracket to keep the alternator where it is and just wire it up according to the Denso instructions. You might even be able to use the original bracket with some washers or spacers. Brise also carries a mounting bracket p/n MTK002 to give you an idea what it could look like. Here: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/865702753_mtk002.gif The Denso alternators are available at most of the local auto parts stores. I got mine from Autozone with a lifetime warranty. Bruce :7drive:

David, check out this link: http://www.f1-rocketboy.com/alternator.htm It looks like an alternator from a '87 Suzuki Samurai is identical but comes with a v-belt pulley. Bruce :7drive:

There's one in every crowd... :nonod: Bruce :7drive:

CS - You have a pm. Bruce :7drive:

David, Chuck is correct. A lot of the Birkin owners have swapped out the original Bosch alternator to a compact Nippondenso alternator from a Geo Metro. If I remember correctly mine came from a '92-'94 Metro and has a ribbed belt/pulley system. You could either change out the pulley or look for an earlier alternator fitment that has the v-belt arrangement. We also mounted the alternator on the intake side to get away from the heat of the exhaust. Here's a pic of my set-up: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/303659047_721282905_IMG_0861.jpg Bruce :7drive:

Good one Tom! :thumbs:

I also have the SPA GT mirrors and have been very happy with them. What I did to mount them to my Birkin was remove the original mirror mount from the stanchion which leaves a pretty good sized hole (1/2" - 3/4"?) in the stanchion. Here's a picture that I borrowed showing the original Birkin mirror mount: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/600297923_BIRKINI.bmp I then removed the lower of the (3) stanchion to windshield countersunk screws, installed a longer countersunk screw through the upper mirror mount of the SPA mirror, through the stanchion, and into the windshield frame. I then drilled through the lower mirror mount hole, through the stanchion and secured it with a second countersunk screw and nut. The set screw that locks the mirror arm is now accessible through the large hole that remains when the original Birkin mirror mount is removed. Here's a couple crappy pics of my mirror set-up: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/214740678_20080925_0002.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1885687760_20080925_0003.JPG I still have to install the sidescreen pivots, but they fit without a problem. Bruce :7drive:

According to Caterham USA: "Caterham USA is proud to announce the release of the Ford Zetec SVT engine package for the US Caterham market. The release of the SVT supersedes the previous Zetec engine line-up. The Ford Zetec SVT engine package is derived from the Ford Focus SVT. The package uses the same robust Ford Zetec design, but with the addition of a Cosworth designed cylinder head, larger cams, variable intake runner lengths and a variable injector system. The SVT package produces 185 hp at the flywheel in stock tune and over 205 hp when fitted with the optional Kent Cams / Caterham USA uprated cam package. Caterham USA also offers a performance enhancing lightweight flywheel." What it would show on a dyno could be different... Bruce :7drive:

http://cgi.ebay.ca/Lotus-Lotus-7-Birkin-High-Perf-Street-Track-1-owner_W0QQitemZ290262755337QQihZ019QQcategoryZ6312QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem Bruce :7drive:

"Ironically JJ's partner is none other then Graham Hill! " - Didn't he die in a plane crash back in the 70's? Bruce :7drive:

CS - If Nancy isn't able to go, you're welcome to ride with me. I can PM my contact info if you'd like. Where in Ct are you located? Bruce :7drive:

Does seem a little over-priced considering the spec. "Tan Seats with a black interior is strange looking to me." - I agree, and would add that I never liked a tan interior with a yellow car. To me it would look much better with black seats. I do like the green nose band on a yellow car. Bruce :7drive:

I'm sure it smells better as well...

I changed the last one! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/971495603_pic16827.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/499310588_pic09961.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1005861828_pic00491.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/817096445_pic02995.jpg Bruce :7drive:

I think on "normal" manual transmission cars it's used in conjunction with a switch on the clutch pedal to keep from starting the car in gear with the clutch engaged. Bruce :7drive:

"food on the brake, car in neutral, foot off the clutch." :iagree: - except for the "food" part. Bruce :7drive:

Good luck Geoff!!