MudHut

71* here is Roanoke, Va. Managed to drive the Seven for about three solid hours through the mountains on the outskirts of Roanoke. Man, this thing is a blast. As you drive through the mountains and passes, you can tell when you get near a stream or drive through large rock formations as the temperature drops significantly. Can not wait to autocross this upcoming year. Jay

After much research, I have found that this car was built by Backdraft motorsports (http://backdraftracing.com) out of Florida. They normally build Cobra replica cars. I bought this car out of Chicago early in November and have been making it mine, as far as style, for a bit now. It does appear to be very well built, although I haven't been around others to compare, with many thoughtful additions. Coming out of a supercharged BMW M coupe, which wasn't a slouch as far as acceleration, this thing is on a whole different level of quick. Are all the Seven type cars this quick? Jeez. I'll post some pictures in the near future. I can pretty much guarantee this car is going to get dirty and be driven. It will never be as clean as it is in the pictures again. To me, that is a good thing. Jay

Just wanted to do a follow up and say "Thank You" to those that offered advice and direction. I now have a my car tagged and titled, the computer system for the VA DMV would not let the nice employee issue an antique title for a "Replica" although it is titled as a 1967 Lotus. Jay

Thank goodness for leaky valve covers, that looks expensive. Probably made quite the ruckus too. Jay

I'm not sure of the initial origin of the engine I currently have. I do know that last year it had a small valve cover leak because of an, ahem, mechanics error, and when I pulled the valve cover I found several of the aluminum valve spring retainers had cracks and were ready to give up and drop the valves into the hole of destruction. http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/Dulon%20repair/Iphone%20photos%20918_zpsrd8268yi.jpg I was going to use compressed air, but sometimes the old way is the best way. http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/Dulon%20repair/IMG_2819_zpsokm4tbfe.jpg Thank goodness for the oil leak. Do these engines come as standard equipment in any Lotus type cars? (This could be a stupid question, as I am still learning all the various iterations of Loti) Jay

Yes, it has a sump. What's the primary car that has the Ford crossflow engine installed?

Off topic fodder: Thought I would share a video of my modified Formula Ford. It's powered by a 1600 Ford, so possibly related to some of the car represented on this board by engine. Not sure what flavor, but I've seen the engine mentioned. http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/ready_zps0e64e7d5.jpg Video of the car on a small course.

http://www.nbc.com/jay-lenos-garage/video/2015-drakan-spyder/2949356 Jay Leno drives this thing. Pretty rowdy. Suspension is beautiful. Jay

Did you guys know that you can order personalized valve covers for this engine? I got tired of fighting with the stamped steel cover on my modified FF Dulon and found a company in Ireland that will make a valve cover for cheaper than you can buy a Ford Motorsport one in the US. www.jrcast.com http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/53f3297b-0e19-460a-917d-7dc3e21e3142_zpsc43ee745.jpg I'm not affiliated in any way monetarily, but given an opportunity to get my name cast in aluminum, well, I just couldn't pass that up. Jay

I'm new to the whole Seven way of doing things, so don't judge, but wow, with that itty-bitty tire the cars must be absolutely tossable! Talk about unsprung weight. I'm from the other side of the tracks, so to speak. http://i356.photobucket.com/albums/oo1/JHogan/ready_zps0e64e7d5.jpg 15 x 10 with 23.5 x 9.5 x 15 Jay

http://www.rimsntires.com/specspro.jsp Take a minute and play with this tire size calculator. It's an excellent visual aid for getting to know the differences in sizes and how they compare. Try a 205/45/15 and compare to the wheels and tires you currently have mounted. On edit, knowing the width of your current wheels will help with fitting the tires you are looking for. Jay

i think it's great that it was built to be not only a sleeper, but deceptively as far as sound and visually. a lot of time was put into that machine.

Spoke with the DMV "branded" title dept. yesterday, they have a two week backlog and are currently processing paperwork from Nov. 3. My optimism is waning a bit. My only conciliation is the weather. It's between 20-40* outside right now. So I wouldn't be driving it anyway. Getting to tinker and scheme while I wait. Jay

Since it's getting colder here in Virginia and I'm still waiting on the DMV for a proper title for my S2K, I've been tinkering with the car a bit. The previous owner cut an access panel in the driver's formed, plastic foot well covering. I'd like to purchase another if possible to replace this one. Does anyone have knowledge about this still being a possibility? I'm not opposed to fabricating another out of light gauge metal, but the original would be nice. Thanks, Jay Hogan

I live in Roanoke, just purchased a WCM Ultralite S2K, and am awaiting the title so I can tag it. The passengers seat is 14" wide so a ride along might be a bit tight. Definitely a driver focused vehicle. PM me if you like. Jay

This level of detail and cleanliness is why people trailer cars to shows and events. I'm a firm believer in driving everything everywhere, but this would give me pause. Stunning detail. Jay

I'm hoping for the same Antique plate question, once I get the title. I spoke with the State police about the legality/street-ability of the car before purchase. That shouldn't be a problem. Well, the title wasn't supposed to be a problem either. I'm guardedly optimistic but prepared for a battle. Glad it went well for you and that possibly bodes well for me. Jay

Roanoke, Va. I picked up a WCM Ultralite out of Chicago this past weekend. Drove it around on the travel permit for several days until it was absolutely illegal. Couldn't help myself. Jay

I'm currently in the process of getting a WCM previously titled in Florida as a 1967 Lotus Replica titled in Va. So far, I've learned that in the state of Va. If the title has the words replica, rebuild or reconstruction on it anywhere, it is considered BRANDED and the title process must be done through the mail to the DMV headquarters in Richmond, VA in the 'branded title' department. Just sent it off certified mail. Awaiting an answer. Jay