bball7754

Came across this today. Enjoyable read. Don’t think the author is a member of USA7s? http://www.lotuscorps.org/wp/how-to-build-a-caterham-seven-in-38496-easy-steps/ Steve

Mike - We were in Peru 4 weeks ago. Great dinner (and Pisco Sours) at Maido. And Chicharron sandwiches (pork and sweet potato) at La Lucha Sangucheria. And ceviche pretty much anywhere. Staying in Lima, or plans to get around a bit? Machu Picchu? Nazca lines? Steve

Rocky Mountain used to have Caterham add individually ordered items to the crates for the car delivery to save shipping costs for their customers. Basically, it meant shipping from the UK was free, then you would pay for shipping from Denver. Worked well when you weren't in a hurry to get the item. Maybe something similar might be worked out with one of the dealers? Steve

Hmmm... according to this listing on Pegasus, the cork ends are better for dry sump engines. https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=3576 As usual, I guess it depends on who you ask, and what their experience has been. Steve

And FWIW, the wet sump Crossflow in my Seven also leaked like crazy when I purchased the car. Since I had the engine rebuilt, it's been dry as a bone. So, I think you can get these sealed up. Steve

The dry sump crossflow in my Mallock leaks like a sieve. I pulled the engine to replace the sump gasket, but it didn't really help. I think it was a combination of my skill (or lack thereof) and using a cork gasket. It has a steel pan, and I've purchased a competition sump gasket set from Burton, which I'm hoping will help. https://www.burtonpower.com/competition-sump-gasket-set-ford-x-flow-ohv-kent-711m-bda-fp713kc.html I've also had an issue with the sump pan bolts loosening up, so I check/tighten them up between sessions. I think for some or all of the aluminum sumps, it's suggested that you only use silicone gasket, like "The Right Stuff". The distributor is also a potential leak spot. Steve

This was likely posted previously, but was new to me so thought I’d share. https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-culture/a19436721/analog-cars-are-more-meaningful-in-the-digital-era/

Vlad- it actually was an XC60, but also had a tow capacity of 3300. My trailer is a Montrose, and weighs 1700. My Seven is 1200, so I was under. The Volvo had no issues towing it, and usually averaged around 12-13 mp. And that was averaging 75+mph. I used (still do) a Tekonsha wireless brake controller. The Volvo wasn’t set up to connect a brake controller, and I’d read horror stories of owners who had their wiring systems hacked into causing all kinds of issues with the car’s computer systems. I now have a Grand Cherokee with a 5000 lb. tow rating. In some ways, though, I think the Volvo did a better job towing. Although I love my Jeep. If I find a pic with the Volvo and trailer I’ll post it. Steve

Andy- it sure looks to me like you have both a front and rear ARB. My ‘98 did not have a rear ARB, and I installed what I see in your picture. The bar in front of your upper wishbone is the front ARB. Steve

I’m set for accommodations (staying at the track again), but that’s about it. Plan is to take care of mechanicals this week. Try the new cooling arrangement again, new brake fluid, check brake pads (have an extra set front and back), figure out why Mike’s Brooklands don’t fit, install new 6 point harness. Easy, right? The following week is for polishing. Steve

You were probably planning on this anyway, but bringing a Lotus 7 book, or something similar, to the registration to prove they never had bumpers might be a good idea. Steve

Tom - you can also add me to the list. One last chance to solve my coolant issue! Steve

My Caterham has these: https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/productdetails.asp?RecID=756 Steve

Thought some might find these helpful: https://www.windingroad.com/articles/blogs/speed-secrets-free-track-maps/?utm_source=Winding+Road+Weekly+Email+List&utm_campaign=0619abed03-WR_Racing_News_10_10_2018_COPY_01&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_f40212f51a-0619abed03-58079997&mc_cid=0619abed03&mc_eid=f194e8c735 Steve

Have my 65th next year, and combining a track day or two with a trip to Europe was near the top of my list. Seems like BaT would be the easiest, as you're only dealing with one company. Steve

Maybe contact Stewart and find out where he got the tank? Then you can be sure what size fitting to get, and eliminate the guess work. I have a number of "spare" fittings from trying to guess the correct size. Steve

Mike - actually thought about you and your track day excursions this morning when I read the BaT November newsletter and the announcement of their sale to Ginetta. No Caterham’s in 2019. Will you continue with them driving a Ginetta? Oh, and Brands Hatch looks fantastic. Bit nippy? Steve

Mike - was catching up on this thread, and had gone through the pics when I thought “wait, that’s me driving Mike’s CSR!”. And yes, I loved the extra HP! Engine is incredibly responsive, and seems happy to rev. Thanks again for for the opportunity to drive a great Seven. Steve

It’s been a long weekend and particularly long Sunday, but I registered at 11:55 ET, thus avoiding the late fee. Still have more stuff to complete than I’d like, but should be leaving noon-ish Tuesday with the plan being to arrive prior to karting on Wednesday. Steve

I used Passport to ship my Caterham from Denver to St. Louis, and was happy with their service. However, it was 13 years ago so not sure how useful a recommendation it is. Steve

Guilty as charged. Steve

Stewart- glad to hear you’re recovered, but sorry you’re selling the Seven. PM sent. Steve

Bill - welcome to Seven’s ownership and the wonders of the Crossflow. You probably have either a 233 or 244 cam, both of which I think result in an idle more around 1000 rpm or so. I have the 244 and my idle is usually around there. I just use Fram filter PH3614. Any equivalent should also fit. I use natural Valvoline VR-1 High Zinc Racing oil, 20w-50. It’s obviously on the heavy side, but lots out there about how pushrod engines like zinc. Hope pe that helps. Enjoy! Steve

Pull the grommet. It will easily fit through the hole then. It’s not hard to refit the grommet. I do this every year when I polish my Seven. Steve

There also should be multiple mounting positions for the pedals. Believe my 1998 has two, but seem to remember also reading of three positions. Steve