Al N.

I think Pectel sells a "standalone" ECU unit...that is what you're looking for, right? A few of us have the T2 model controlling our Zetecs. I'm pretty sure they are referred to as "stand alone" units. The UK folks talk a lot about the Emerald set up.

Bart- While we all have our particular preferences and prejudices, the spirit of the forum and club is to be "marque-inclusive". Most of us don't fret so much about what a "real" 7 is...although there is definitely respect from all camps for the original Lotus cars like Dean G.'s and John G.'s. The cars are fun, they're fast, and the people are great. If you truly plan on bringing it into the city with any frequency, I'd probably opt for something other than a live axle car...also, you might want to consider a car that already has a patina on it. Too mint a car and you'll probably choose to drive something else into Manhattan. I used to live there and still go in with some frequency...but never in the Seven. Not to say I wouldn't, but the conditions would have to be right. Another thought is to get a car that isn't too high-strung/highly tuned. For Caterhams, that means a normal Zetec with 5 speed or even a Crossflow.

My "other" dream car at this point is a Westfield XI....though those Ginettas are cool.

A Lambo, Maser, Ferrari, Lotus, British Classic or Esoteric (like a TVR or Marcos) or other exotic? I'm trying to coordinate some events in my neck of the woods for the winter/spring, and want to know the best forums to spread the word. An introduction to some of these forums would be nice too, so it's not like I'm gate crashing.

Way to spread to help "Sevangelize" Mike and Jen. Of course you did tell them that not every car comes with an expertly built Tamiya JPE model, right?

Well, one could always buy it as a track car, right? Or get someone in a very liberal (in terms of restrictions) state to buy it....keep it for a little while...and then buy it from them. Does anyone know if border states have any easier time with buying canadian vehicles?

Seth...what do you know about the do-ability of bringing one into the states?

You can always make a taller roll bar/cage. At 5' 8" and between 170 and 180 depending on the size of dinner, I obviously fit with no probs. I've even driven the car wearing Red Wing workboots. And have amazed Tom G (YellowSS7) by getting into the car in one motion with the top up and the wheel on.

See previous post. (bump)

When I watch vids like Dennis' here and Jeff U's track time, I understand that some folks have a lot higher threshold for speed than I do...and that's even when I'm behind the wheel, Mazda Impressive stuff.

I think the peak season of summer would suck in the Lake George area, especially for driving....so perhaps Fall? I think the Mid-Atlantic's VIR thing (in conjunction with some other group) is in the Spring, so a Fall date would work. I'm supposed to be going to the Philippines for a few weeks in the summer, so anything longer than a long weekend over the kids' break is going to be tough. Of course, there's always 2009....

You mean you didn't enjoy getting pulled over by the constabulary in Shenandoah the most?:jester: Yes, Jon W.'s hospitality and openess to a guy he's only met/corresponded with over the web is pretty amazing.

There's also a Car Museum in Saratoga Springs...and they seem open ot hosting a Se7ens visit.

I'm here in the office and have a crapload of work to get done so that this Monday doesn't suck worse than it has to, but thought I'd write a few thoughts on what I see as the current strong momentum/traction that the forum and associated club seem to be exhibiting now. Great to see Jon making a pilgrimage down to MD for the recent Auto-X — not to mention offering West Coaster and dues-paying member Club Member Martin a guest drive...glad that Tom G. got to meet some of the guys behind the founding of the club too. And damn if just watching Norm's car rip and snort through that course didn't get me excited about Auto-X. Well maybe just a little...have to say that I may prefer "spirited drives" more, Box. Different strokes and all that. We'll see if the guys can con me into tracking Orange someday. Also, a shout out to Jerry E. and the WCM/Stalker/Deman contingent for representing LSiSs in Run 'N Gun...the coverage and pix were great. I encourage everyone to follow suit if your Se7en is involved in some fun activity, whether organized or impromptu. The Automobile article will probably get some new eyeballs looking at the forum, and pix and write-ups of the various goings on will only help to spread the word/excitement about our little cars. As Bernie L. prepares to run another SW7s Festival (the first under the USA7s banner!), I'm struck by how much this group and forum have grown in just a year. The camraderie is just inspiring. Many new folks seem to be reaching out...I recently fielded a phone call and some random emails to my personal Se7en site...and everyone seems really jazzed about the cars. I'm really amazed how people with and without cars are finding us/me. Well, that's enough for now. I just wanted to say "Good on ya." to everyone...the oldtimers and newbies a like. I look forward to meeting you all at future events...including the next national in 2009. Maybe I'll get out behind the registration table more this time...:flag:

Speak for yourself Mazda! Besides English and a very little bit of Tagalog (Filipino), French is the only other language I can read. Busa et Seth, merci pour la petite laçon (I sure hope that's correct!)

I met John Hartley at Carlisle...I think that motor is about $28k...but still cheaper than the RST from the UK. John's got one in his car and now Dennis of DP cars has one in his Atom. I do not know of any other roadgoing installs yet...maybe Ed H. will be next? As for me, $2800 in engine mods is more like my ceiling — head and cam here I come!

Thanks for all the updates, well done boys! I knew about 4 turns into the Dragon that one morning that Paul was very fast...

Maybe I should unload Orange and get Dennis & Justin to build me a truly fast car...:jester:

JOP- DO you have the Cat 6 speed box? Regardless, does putting the clutch (even if you're in neutral...no load) in kill the rattle? I say all this, because I have the 6 with a lightweight flywheel and my box rattles a lot when you have the clutch out and are in neutral. So much so that my very experienced mechanic (though not necessarily with Se7ens...he only services one other) didn't want me to drive it at the Dragon. But a quick search on BlatChat (the UK club site) revealed that TADT="they all do that". Especially apparently if you have a lightweight flywheel. Scott L. had a similar rattle and I think they wanted to take apart his gearbox. When I was down at the Dragon, I left my car idling and some of the guys asked me "What the hell is wrong with your car?" Seth of BAM (Canada), asked about the flywheel, and when I told him I have a lightweight one, he said..."Yeah, that's typical." That said, check your gearbox fluid too. Oh, and welcome aboard. I certainly hope this thread's not your last.:thumbs:

Thanks for the updates and pix....for a "motley" crew, we do pretty well.

Saw this at the LOONY site: http://lotusowners.com/ForSale/97%20Caterham%20For%20Sale/index.htm

President Rohaley? Hmm...I may nominate you at the 2009 election....

Yes, but is he wearing the "wing hat" in the pits?

I think you have a few folks up your way Mike R., Mike M....maybe Frank F. will want to sell his crossflow when he gets done building the CSR? Or is his wife taking that car when he's done?

Thanks for the updates guys...try and post pix and vids when you can. Reading this and seeing the little green seven sticker on Jon W.'s car in Martin's post on his visit makes me all nostalgic. The US Se7ens (inclduing USA7s) community seems like it's really getting some good traction/momentum. Best of luck to all RnG participants.