R1 Seven

If we meet up anywhere, it will have to be at either an autocross or at a track event. Unfortunately, my car will not get registered. I made the choice a while back that it was just going to be mainly a track toy with an occasional autocross here and there. That helped to simplify the build somewhat and made me not be such a perfectionist on every detail. Otherwise I would bee working on it this time next year. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Powderbrake - Should should hear it when I get on it (unfortunately not on the video). It sounds like the devil. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/reddevil.gifR1 Seven2007-02-11 18:52:13

I really did not think it was going to be an issue. I figured I put about a gallon of gas in last weekend and have not run the car that much. I guess I did not put as much in as I thought. Oh well, it will make for good laughs in the future... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

Another big step today...the car made it's first drive. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Although it ended on a bit of a let down when the car ran out of gas about 1/4 mile from the house. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/blush5.gif That had me jogging back to the house to get my wife, the truck, and some gas. Once I got the car going again, I made a short jaunt back to the house. This is where I discovered that first gear is going to be just about useless. Once above 5K rpm it was wheelspin city (both of them). I can't wait to get the thing buttoned up and to do some driving in anger. Video from today: http://www.project-seven.goof.com/videos/LocostFirstDrive.wmv And a pic: http://www.project-seven.goof.com/images/DSCN2522s.jpg

They ebay stock cans for every bike known to man for dirt cheap all day long. That might do the trick.

They used to have it on their site until a couple of months ago, but GT Classics in VA put together a Fireblade (Honda) BEC Caterham for a customer in the last couple of years. It was purdy! They had a little build log on it with pics, but not much more info than that.

Mazda, We need to get you to a track event... There are several at VIR this spring that you could do. I will likely be at most of them. Then you could realize the "full potential" of the Rotus. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

No doubt! I have a few other items on my wish list as well. Power Commander engine management piggy back, flatshifter, gear position inicator, multi-led shift light... That should do for now. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/eek6.gif

In just a few more weeks (or less) there will be a steady stream of videos from me as the car makes it out to some events. I asked for a bullet cam for my B-day so there will be LOTS of interesting shots and angles coming in the future. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yesnod.gif

Alright Mr. "Real V8 Trash Talker". http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif You just better bring your A-game to the autocross in July... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gifhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/ack2.gif

Andrew, I will do my best to keep you company, man...no need to get all buddy-buddy with the emoticons. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/lol.gif

Well, I signed up at least...just waiting for that link to the shopping cart. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yawn.gif My wife is looking at the area accomodations (she likes that sort of stuff) Looks like we are a go. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/willy_nilly.gif This is going to be fun!

Cool deal! That should be a good tire for your car.

That about sums up how I perceived the car show to be. To me that informal event is almost as important as the autocross. Being able to check out all the various sevens and meet folks that I only know from our discussion groups would be great. I'll have to give it some serious thought over the next few days and decide to sign up or not (if there are still spots left).R1 Seven2007-02-05 12:15:27

Al, Thanks. I am really on the fence about TOD in July. I really want to go and hang out with probably the biggest assembly of sevens in the US. My major concern is that since my car will not be registered, it is going to be a huge hastle getting it to and from the various events. Obviously, I am out for doing the Draggon in it, so the autocross and the car show would be the only things I could participate in (I am ok with that). Since there is no room at the main lodge even making the car show would require loading the car and finding a place to keep the trailer while I am there. Maybe you guys that have been there could tell me that I am worried about nothing. Honestly, I was just hoping that the weekend could be nice and relaxing for the wife and I. Sowhatdoyathink? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif

http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yesnod.gif I can relate to this sometimes...

rv-4mike, If you click my signature, there is a link to the build diary with the whole build documented. Unfortunately it has taken me five years to get to this point. Honestly, it should have taken about two. Life in general, (and all the things that go with it) is what has kept progress slow. My new year's resolution for 2006 was to finish the car. For the last year, I have been very dedicated to it and the progress shows. The R1 was chosen purely for economics. My engine is fuel injected, and makes 160 hp. I bought it complete with 900 miles on it and everything needed to run it for $1600. A 'busa motor would easily be double that and most of the bike engines over 1 liter require a dry sump system that adds even more $$. A small compromise for a big savings. Mazda, Most of the UK bec guys are runing a 3.36 or so rear end ratio. Since mine uses an RX-7 axle it has a 3.90 ratio. That basically limits my top speed to 120mph. It is going to be interesting to see whether I run out of revs on the straightaways. I rode in an R1 locost a few years back that had a 4.10 rear and we were just running out of gear on the long straights. We will see once I hit the track and get the car a little sorted. Edit: I can't spell or use grammar...R1 Seven2007-02-05 05:02:13

After a few years of working on it, my R1 Powered Locost roared to life today. It should be just a few more weeks until I am driving it and shaking it down. Here are a couple of vids from today: >First Startup >First Run Up

Thanks for posting the list! Another that might need to be added is Hankook. http://www.hankooktireusa.com/product/tire_race_list.asp?id=racing&t_img=race2&sub_t=dot%20r%20compound

Just to throw something else out there...most dampers are pretty much a linear rate. Since the damper and spring should be tuned to work together, wouldn't it make more sense to use a linear rate spring? I had some progressive rate springs in my CRX once. I actually prefered the ride of the linear rate springs that were slightly higher rates. The same adjustable shocks were used for both. The progressive springs seemed to make the car bouncy and less settled especially over big dips and transitions. That is just one data point though.

Most of the DOT R compound tire mfgrs. sell a couple of 13" sizes that might work. Hoosier, Toyo, Hankook, and maybe Kumho all sell 185/60-13 and 205/60-13 tires. They range in price from $110-150 each. The 185 should work fine on the 6 inch wheels. The 205s, although not ideal, could be made to work on a 6 inch wheel as well. If you are looking for just street tires, then Sumitomo has some various 13" sizes (for cheap). >Tire Rack Site HTH

I am not sure if you guys know of him or not, but that video was made by Greg Wellwood who is a regular on the Locost forums. He has a build site for that car. A really nice Locost effort IMO. http://www.geocities.com/g_wellwood/automotive/locostchassis.html

I'll bet he was sore and bruised a little in the morning, but otherwise fine...unless you know something that I don't know.

So...that is what the bottom looks like... In all seriousness, that car held up well considering the severity of the crash and the number of impacts.

Very nice Locost "by the book" you have there. Even with the low HP numbers, it still has to be a lot of fun. I remember reading about a guy a few years ago that showed up at Run and Gun with a corolla based Locost with the 70 hp 3TC motor and pretty much cleaned up at the autocross event.

You don't need to shift much anyways...you've got MONSTER TORQUE! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/yesnod.gifhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif There are plenty of cool gadgets that I intend to put on my car as well. Like you say though, the bleeding has to stop at some point. Right now my focus is just on getting it running and driving for spring.R1 Seven2007-01-10 11:57:39