John B

Kitcat, Thanks for the Helmet info. I've experienced helmet lift in open wheel cars, but it's probably going to be worse in the Caterham as the driver is more exposed. I'm currently using a Stilo helmet designed for open cockpits, we'll see how it goes.

Well look what I found in the parts classifieds! Replacing my billboard windscreen with this SV Aero Screen should add 10-12 mph for my next track day. http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?12342-Sv-csr-carbon-fibre-wind-deflector

Connor and I had a wonderful time at our first Sevens event. We made new friends that share our affliction and had a lot of fun both on and off the track. Thanks to Tom and Croc for arranging everything.

R500! Nice catch, Not many of those in the country,

I'm really looking forward to this weekend. As Croc mentioned I'm also an instructor with NJMP and am happy to take a "ride along".

Good point Croc!

Windscreen question: I was trying to get my SV set up with Brooklands screens prior to the event, but I'm having trouble with that. I would rather run without my big billboard of a windscreen and am thinking of just removing it and going Formula style. Can I run without a windscreen at all? It wouldn't be much different than an R model really, and I don't see anything in NJMP's rules preventing it. https://www.state.nj.us/njsp/info/pdf/racing_regulations.pdf

I think you nailed it

Thanks Graham, I think I'll try putting a spacer in the bottom mount but I'll also have to make the hole the ball joint bolts though in the fender bracket into an open slot as there's not 3/8" room left there and that's closer to where the tire hits the bracket. It looks like that might be ok as that's how the CSR brackets are anyways although they may have another mounting point as well, I'm not sure. Worst case I can just just weld it back up.

Registered, room, & trailer. I'm really looking forward to it! I'm still trying to resolve some last minute tweaks for the track though. 6 point harnesses - Done. 2 degrees front camber - Done. I'm trying to fit a set of Brooklands screens on my SV but Caterham doesn't supply the scuttles to mount the Brooklands on SV's, they only supply them for the narrower S3's so I purchased a narrower one and will try to have a section welded in to make it fit. Then mirrors... I picked up another set of VTO wheels to mount identically sized 205/50 15 Hoosier A7's as the Direzza's that were on for the street, but although the Hoosiers are the same "size", they apparently aren't the same "dimension". The inside of the tires hit the front fender stays. I need about another 3/8" of clearance. I may try to modify the stays, or go fenderless on the front. We'll see Nothing is easy, but we'll be there!

My 2c http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15354&stc=1

Mcmaster-Carr should have everything you need. You just need to know the size and pitch of the threads. https://www.mcmaster.com/threaded-rods One of these is very handy as well. https://www.threadtoolsupply.com/wall-mounted-thread-checker.html

CBS Sunday Morning is doing an hour long Primetime special hosted by Jane Pauley on Transportation on Friday, May 17th, 9:00pm EST. They will feature a variety of cars both old and new, with segments from Leno, Jim Gaffigan, and others. They were shooting locally to me and requested the use of my Ferrari BB512 in one of their segments. The producer came over the evening before the shoot and saw my Caterham and said "Ohh, we'll be needing that one too!" It was Jane's Favorite http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15336&stc=1http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15337&stc=1

That's really "Cool"! :driving:

That Griffith is cool!

It's hard to part with a 7, but a Griffith will certainly help ease the pain. How 'bout a Griffith pic

Mine is built with all the race goodies, but 11.5 compression instead of 13 to run on 93 pump gas. It dynoed 273 at the crank and puts the power down reasonably well... in 3rd-5th

That's very helpful guys, thanks. I did get the bolt ins, but grabbed the wrong pic.

I have a Cosworth/Duratec 2.5 MZR in my 2003 Caterham SV and it fits fine, no hood bulge required. I don't know about a Birkin, but if anything I suspect it has more room for an engine than my car does. I would say go with the extra displacement, you pick up about 25 hp over a 2.3.

4-point harnesses no longer pass tech at NJMP where the 2019 7's HPDE event will be held, and my belts are out dated anyways, so I've ordered two sets of 6-Point Sparco racing Harnesses. My question how have you guys mounted the anti-submarine belts (the ones that go between your legs)? I don't think mounting them to the thin aluminum floor would be a good idea, nor pass tech. The cross bar that is in front of the seat? The same bolts the lap belts are secured to? Any other ideas?

Here are a couple pics of the sticker on my 7

Croc - Did I read correctly, this year we need 6 point harnesses and arm restraints? - And four pistons with no holes in them

I made up a sticker like the one in the Caterham Airways ad for the dash on my Caterham and ordered a few extras. If anyone would like one for $5 send me a PM.

Brightonuk. - I've been down this road many times myself and I understand your angst. But in my last 30 years of probably doing over 100 rebuilds of race and street engines, a slogan from a sign hanging in an engine shop sums it all up. "Fast, Reliable, Cheap - Pick any two" For me it's boiled down to Fast and Reliable. Based on that, in my experience I think double your $8k budget is a deal. Trust me, if you're hard on your cars like I am recycling "OK" parts is a losing game. While you have it apart replace everything that is remotely questionable. Otherwise, you will be looking at a string of failures down the road. Ultimately that costs more for mediocre performance. I just spent $30k on my Caterham engine. Tell that to your wife and you'll look good : )

Here's a temptingly cheap project for somebody... https://www.facebook.com/groups/394747090593372/permalink/2210660095668720/?sale_post_id=2210660095668720