Al N.

Russ- Welcome! I hear that John Meyers is putting out 400 hp...so beware. I spoke with Dennis today at VIR, he was his usual charming and funny self. There are several Stalker owners on the forum...I'm sure they'll be in touch. -Al

I'm back at Chateau Ebrahimi for a quick bite with Mazda and my pal Jim (who made the trip to NC/VA with me). Great to see all the Se7ens and owners. John M., Jeff U., and Kevin B. (driving for Deman USA represented by Dino) were competing. Bob D., Daniel Mann (the creator of the SR27), Dennis B., and Justin S. were on hand too — as was Folis J. (who is running the NASA event over the weekend). Michelle B and Evelyn J kept us well hydrated. It was really great to see everyone and the cameraderie was, as usual, awesome. Of the Se7ens, John's Stalker was in the top 3rd, Jeff's Locost in the middlish, and Kevin wrestled with overheating problems in the lower third of the grid. We left before the last run session, but hopefully one of the guys will fill us in. The FTD that we saw was pro Tommy Archer in a race prepped Viper. Chip Herr, who races an Audi in Speed Touring Car was also there, in his street car. I have to say that I was not a little bit pleased to see that Jeff U. passed him. Anyway...I should finish my meal so I can get on the road. VIR is a bit remote, but looks like a great place to hold one of 2008's regional meets. I hear plans are already in the works.

Tom and any other interested parties... For more info, please send an email to me at al at mintadv dot com. The internal PM and email engine does not allow attachements.

I just got to Mazda's...he's letting us crash here since it's so late. Traffic on 95 SUCKED. No, I am not in the Se7en...the good old TT. Leaving early tomorrow to hopefully catch AM practice session. If Jeff, Kevin or Dino see this before hitting the track...knock 'em out fellas. I'll be there shortly.

This just in...if you want to buy the full weekend (Friday-Monday), you need to call Donna Lloyd at LRP directly: 86-435-5000. Tell her your with the Lotus Group. Note that the Corral is only for Sat and Sun. Sat, Sun, and Monday tix are available online through the affiliate program.

Folks- I am going to put in the order for those larger , trailer-sized "7-Tail" stickers first week in August. I have made a list of people who have requested them in this thread: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/Default.aspx?g=posts&t=1072 As well as via email or PMs. So if you've already asked me for some one way or another, you're on the list. Your last day to request them is next Tuesday, July 31. Note that I am planning to watch Kevin & Jeff show the world why Se7ens rule on Friday and will be out of touch (computerwise) for most of the weekend. I'll cover the cost of the stickers and postage. Just buy me a non-alcoholic beer the next time we see each other.:cheers: -Al

I've been a Mac person since late 80s (the all in ones in the rectangular box)...and finally saw them in person at the apple store last week. So thin! I told myself I was going to wait for the second gen (bigger drive, better battery, cheaper price, etc.)...but could be convinced otherwise....

Spoke with the appropriate people regarding Lime Rock. It's a go! Started new thread in NE Events section... http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/Default.aspx?g=posts&m=8476ℜ

Okay folks, it is official! All Lotus Sevens and LSiS vehicles are welcome in the Lotus corral/paddock being arranged by the Lotus East folks. To get parking in the paddock (which beats parking in the remote lots), you have to buy tickets via www.limerock.com and use a few passwords that I will forward to you upon request. If you already have tickets, you need to call Donna at LRP and tell her you're part of the Lotus group. Not only will you save 10% on the weekend pass, but you'll get some great little goodies TBD. Oh, and get this, the possibility of a Parade Lap on Saturday late AM. Since the track is prohibited from racing on Sunday, that is traditionally the car show. All Se7eners are welcome to enter...$30 entry fee, but some great prizes (including a Rolex Daytona watch!)...may even have a separate class for Se7ens. If you are interested, it's imperative to chime in here so we can tell them how many from our group are coming (for logistics purposes). Here's who I have so far: Bruce W. - Birkin, CT xflow - Caterham, NY t39 - Caterham, NY Jon C - Caterham, NY Lance M - Caterham, PA Al N - Caterham, NJ Ken G - Lotus S4, NY I have additional details that I will share with these folks. If you are intending on coming, please set up housing ASAP. I am staying in Hillsdale NY with friends (who have an esprit) and am planning on being there both days (don't know if I'll enter the official car show, though!) --- BTW, contrary to appearances, we're still looking for a NE regional coordinator!:leaving:

I don't actually know...had to put in the full windscreen to pass NJ registration.

Mike- Not the retro look, but the aeroscreen I have for sale in the parts is probably a lot easier to swap in and out than the brooklands. It was designed ot be interchangeable: Two snaps and two screws (although you still have the hassle of taking off the regular windshield). Note that it is different than the original JPE screeen..the sides go down the scuttle more. FWIW, when I drive longer distances in the car, I've worn a full face helmet...to protect from stones and minimize fatiguing effect of wind buffeting. -Al Some pix: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/420865287_AeroThreeQuarter.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/246984409_aeroside.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/489401647_AeroRear.jpg

Se7eners.... I got a call from the Lime Rock people today, still need to sort out some details, but will update as soon as I get them. Please chime in if you think you'll be able to make Labor Day weekend in Western CT. I will definitely be there either Sat (spectator for vintage and car corral) or Sun (car show, car corral, no racing)...we will get a break on tix too. -Al

Pete- It may depend on the height of the screen. I'll look at my paperwork, so I don't lead you astray... Keep in mind that I hear that some inspection stations are a bit easier than others. I think I had a more difficult one....btw, I have the "exhaust shield" for the 4 into 1 for anyone that will be trying to get a Se7en registered in NJ...this covers the part forward of the normal heat shield (black and perforated on my car). -Al

That's good to consider Michael...I think we went with the 6.5 wide bed...

Not me, my friend. Though now I'm all curious like... I'm still planning on coming down if the weather doesn't call for rain. -A

Tx for the tips Cherik...your build site is a great read, btw. Hey, can you tell me which of the heads (Cosworth vs. Ford Racing) has better flow from the numbers? I can't tell and didn't quite understand your explanation of the inches of water...(forgive my ignorance). In the end the bare head is about the same price...so I'll go with whatever has best flow (I do know that the Ford Racing head has slightly larger valves than the stock head...don't know what the focus sport head valve size is yet.

Regarding the E-track...my trailer came that way...I did not specify. I use the special 6,000 lbs attachement hooks and conventional ratchet straps and padded loop thingies. I was thinking about adding fore-to-aft e-track, but don't know how that would actually help...I can't used those tire tie down harnesses that go over the tires since my fronts have less than zero clearance from the cycle fender lips. I'll take a pix some time. I think I posted in a separate thread that that I ended up going cross on the back tires and straight on the front lower A arms.

Did you go on any of the AM drives or try to keep up with Mazda and Scott at Skyline last year? :jester: You guys are right, of course. In truth, the whole spending hours in a hot parking lot is not entirely appealing to me....but I think my car is set up very well for Auto-X (with the motor and tranny I have) and it will be fun to see how it compares to other Se7ens and how I can improve my times. I'll probably be like that Corvette that ran at the ETR/SCCA & Se7ens combined Auto-X...driving well below my car's ability. August 19th, although I did have a family obligation which I am bailing out of, is still looking okay. I will probably trailer in case I break anything.

I'm going to do this project in the "off season"...so pulling the head shouldn't be an issue. My car sits from Nov to March. Cody got back to me with some info...I may try the Ford Racing head with Kent Focus 2s...still not crazy $$, especially if someone takes my current head, which it seems like I have a few takers for.

Here is the Ford Racing data...though it is NOT apples to apples (28" to 50" of water...whatever that means). TYPICAL AIRFLOW (@ 28" OF H20 DEPRESSION) AS DELIVERED LIFT INTAKE FLOW(SCFM) EXHAUST FLOW(SCFM) .050 38.0 32.8 .100 80.7 74.9 .150 119.1 109.1 .200 153.7 144.6 .250 181.0 167.9 .300 193.0 186.0 .350 204.8 188.5 .400 214.0 193.1 .550 220.3 195.2 Can someone smarter somehow factor in the difference in "water" and let me know if the Ford Racing one is comparable?

Cherik (have I told you enough how much I dug the Illinois/Wisconsin posse and your cars?)...I have the head which was used on the "Supersport" Zetec setup. I don't know how ported/polished that head is...according to a few people it's just milled to bump up compression... If that's so, then the Cossie head seriously outflows the stock (and also the Ford Racing head: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/2124883889_fshead_vs_stock.jpg Note, I did end up going Raceline water rail....no problems so far. And, as you know, it was HOT down in NC.

p

Folks, this is touched in other threads, but I wanted to explore it some more... If I do get a new set of dedicated auto-x rims and tires...should they be all the same size or wider in the back. My car is the standard Caterham USA "Supersport" 200 hp Zetec set up. Would 8" all around work? Caterham sells the 6" and 8" 13-inch wheels...and I think they fit the narrower 6" ones upfront as semi-standard issue (like Scott L's) when 13" wheels are fitted to Superlights. I figure if I'm going to do this, I might as well buy wide as semi-reasonable to start.

:hurray: Ding, ding, ding...Mr. Ebrahimi you have won a prize. It is exactly that...no amount of non-abrasive cleaning seems to get them out. I did notice some crazy wear on the EVO mag long term r400 fenders, but thought it was because of amount of mileage/wear they put on those cars. I guess there's nothing I can do about it and will just have to tell the concours judges "Oh, they all do that...":jester:

I figured this was semi-technical so I put it in this section. Has anyone had an issue with water spots on their carbon fenders? Especially the front ones? I finally got around to washing my car after 7-7-7 (it was a mess down there after the Friday AM drive in the wet) and noticed that I have a few water spots that are pretty hard to get out...think a clay bar would work? Would that be safe for the finish of the carbon?