Al N.

Is that ether based starting fluid bad for the Mass Airflow Sensor? And should I spray it into the trumpets or just on the foam filter (if this is the stupidest question ever, feel free to beat me)? I was going to try it this past weekend, but the weather prevented me from even getting the car out of the garage...I had to make about 6 passes with my snow plow to get the frozen sleet cleared from our driveway...then I did my neighbors' drives out of courtesy (it was pretty much near unshovelable in our neck of the woods...like shoveling sand).

I think Laura is happy that the car is my only vice these days. Though I think she'd be happier if I hadn't put so much money into it, post purchase (getting it up to snuff for registration/inspection, the fuel cel, etc.). She doesn't ride in the car that much...but we had a GREAT drive up to the Delaware Water Gap this past May on our anniversary. Over 100 miles in the Tilletts can put the hurt on your back, so she's quite the trooper. She has never driven it herself, despite having taken Skip Barber with me many years back. Laura actually encourages me to use the car more than I do (still under 3000 miles), and is constantly pointing out good gaps in the weather...I should listen to her more often. I know she likes that our daughters both enjoy riding with me, though it scares her a little to put them into such a small car. She had a good time meeting everyone at Skyline last year, and is looking forward to 7-7-7. However, the multiple recon runs (with and without her!) and late night database entry sessions I think she could do without. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gifAl Navarro2007-03-19 06:38:34

That's a nice homage. We should make more of these types of things. Perhaps after 7-7-7, I'll have some nice footage. to cut to. I was wondering about the vocalist...thought it may have been the Brit-band Massive Attack.

XPOST: Thanks to everyone with reservations at Tapoco Lodge who has called or emailed them to confirm your arrival and departure dates for the 7-7-7 event. If you haven't done so already, please do so as soon as you can. Marsha said that the best way to get in touch with them right now is by email: info at tapocolodge dot com. The hotel is officially closed for the season, but you can leave a voice mail - however, email is a better option. Finally, I will ask that if there is anyone who made reservations at Tapoco Lodge but now does not intend to come to the July meet, please contact Tapoco and cancel your reservations soon. I know there is a waiting list of people who have back up rooms at other local hotels but who would prefer to stay at the primary host hotel. BTW, did I mention that the slot track is on its way?

Thanks to everyone with reservations at Tapoco Lodge who has called or emailed them to confirm your arrival and departure dates for the 7-7-7 event. If you haven't done so already, please do so as soon as you can. Marsha said that the best way to get in touch with them right now is by email: info at tapocolodge dot com. The hotel is officially closed for the season, but you can leave a voice mail - however, email is a better option. Finally, I will ask that if there is anyone who made reservations at Tapoco Lodge but now does not intend to come to the July meet, please contact Tapoco and cancel your reservations soon. I know there is a waiting list of people who have back up rooms at other local hotels but who would prefer to stay at the primary host hotel. BTW, did I mention that the slot track is on its way?

I've checked into those Longacres...you're not kidding about pricey-ness. Maybe it would make a smart "Club purchase"...and something that could packed up and sent to members on request. How important is finding a truly "flat floor"...and how does one determine what is "flat".

I'm with Keith on weighing with full tank. Sure, i know we all have different tank sizes...but the whole "weigh with 4 gallons" thing...does that mean you to run the car dry or siphon, then add 4 gal? Keith...will FM lend 7-7-7 some scales? How about if I beg?

Cross-post: I got a message today from Marsha at Tapoco - she needs to know ASAP when people are checking in and checking out. If you reserved early in the process, you may have just specified the weekend of July 7th - and not your specific check in days/check out days. I think there is a rafting group who may want to get in to any available rooms on Sunday. Since the working schedule for "USA7s at the Dragon" has been circulated, hopefully you'll have a better idea of when you'd like to arrive and depart. I'm waiting for a reply from Marsha on whether or not she wants a consolidated list from me or is fine with you all calling to confirm your own reservations. To err on the safe side, you may as well send me your arrival departure dates (PM or al at mintadv.com) and I can start a list. Just so I don't miss anyone, I will cross post this in the event forum as well as on the se7ens.net list...Al Navarro2007-03-15 05:05:38

I got a message today from Marsha at Tapoco - she needs to know ASAP when people are checking in and checking out. If you reserved early in the process, you may have just specified the weekend of July 7th - and not your specific check in days/check out days. I think there is a rafting group who may want to get in to any available rooms on Sunday. Since the working schedule for "USA7s at the Dragon" has been circulated, hopefully you'll have a better idea of when you'd like to arrive and depart. I'm waiting for a reply from Marsha on whether or not she wants a consolidated list from me or is fine with you all calling to confirm your own reservations. To err on the safe side, you may as well send me your arrival departure dates (PM or al at mintadv.com) and I can start a list. Just so I don't miss anyone, I will cross post this in the event forum as well as on the se7ens.net list...Al Navarro2007-03-15 05:04:47

There's a pic of a black one (I think) at killboy.com this week. 7-7-7 gets some props. http://www.killboy.com/

A reminder to all paid registrants...don't forget to send me your contact info by this Friday, March 16th. I'm working on updating the database and want to make sure we have everyone entered correctly. Thanks to the many folks who've already shot me an email.

Anyone? Anyone? Would love to hear about new forum members...who are you, where are you, and what are you driving/building/repairing/restoring?

I think the topic may have been broached at lunch — or in the bar, after our run in with the local constabulary. While we pulled over, we were not allowed to congregate, remember? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif Brings back memories of a fun rendezvous and the start of something bigger than a few guys getting together for a blat! Thanks Mazda!Al Navarro2007-03-13 08:06:40

Jeff-the way your car spools up revs makes my Zetec mill seem positively anemic! Very cool, and another reason to have 2 classes at the 7-7-7 Auto-X, Novice and Not-so-Novice/Prepared. BTW, if it is not too much trouble for Mr. Site Administrator http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrinjester.gif , I'm putting in a formal request for a "Videos, Pix, & other media" section of the forum. One stop shopping for all your multimedia pleasure...

Skip - Thanks for the update and cross-marque info. Hopefully we'll be able to get one of these to make a showing at 7-7-7. I'm keeping fingers and toes crossed — as I feel the Westfield/FM combo will be a very appealing one to people who aren't yet dyed in the wool Se7eners.-Al

And this time, I went for some Brooklands. http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070309_063931_Green_Cat.jpg (Note, it's a 30th Anniversary car - celebrating Caterham's assumption of Lotus Seven production.) These little guys are pretty rare these days...might make good prizes at 7-7-7 instead of actually putting them on the track. We'll get some Porsches and Ferraris for that!

I have one lead on a scales set up, but I wanted to reach out to the community and see if anyone had some Longacres they could bring (or send?) for the 7-7-7 Tail of the Dragon event. It would be pretty funny to have a weigh in. Chime in here or write to me or Mazda off board. Thanks in advance.

Dean-We will push your car up the hill to and through the Dragon, if that's what it takes! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/hurray.gif

!!!Monthly Organizers Update - March!!! The Monthly Email was sent out earlier today. For Paid Registrants, it included a revised working (ie. it may change) Schedule of Events for July 6, 7, and 8 2007. Paid registrations continue to flow in, and we’re now at 65 drivers and 113 total attendees. With the exception of one Europa, all Se7ens so far — including a few original Lotus Series 2 cars added just this week! To date, 29 brave souls have signed up for the Auto-X scheduled for Sunday. [i DELETED THE DAM PHOTO ABOVE AFTER SPEAKING WITH THE TVA...WE WILL NOT BE ABLE TO FILL THAT LITTLE TEARDROP SHAPED LOT AND WILL USE THE GRASSY AREA ON THE SIDE OF THE ACCESS ROAD INSTEAD.] Al Navarro2007-03-08 09:27:12

Given Gert and Mazda's recent thread regarding insurance, I wanted to introduce the concept of joining/supporting the USA7s club and this site even if you aren't going to one of the larger events. When the weather starts to warm, I'm sure there wll be several smaller regional get togethers...and to be covered under the club's policy, the organizers and all event attendees should be USA7s Club Members. One person has already contacted me regarding this sort of membership, please chime in here if you are also interested. We'll get a link to a PayPal shopping cart for this type of membership (not tied to 7-7-7 or PNW Tour) in time. Here's a draft of the USA7s Club Benefit Statement: USA7s Club Benefits Statement USA7s, Inc. is a new marque-inclusive Club dedicated to the appreciation, ownership, and enjoyment of Lotus Seven-inspired Sportscars (LSiS). Members of this non-profit organization are entitled to participate in national, regional, and local events — which may include some or all of the following: group drives, tech sessions, shop visits, car shows, and autocross events. Members who organize and run USA7s Club events are eligible for umbrella liability coverage for non-autocross events under the Club’s insurance policy. Out of pocket costs for the events are to be shared by all participating members. Additionally, USA7s Club members are entitled to access to members-only areas of the USA7s forum, hosted at USA7s.com. This site is one of the primary sources of LSiS information on the Internet, and is the only national-level site that is truly marque-inclusive. Whether you own an original Lotus 7 or one of the many cars built in the spirit of Colin Chapman’s “four wheeled motorbike”, USA7s.com has something for everyone. If you are thinking about buying an LSiS, are looking for advice or support for a car you already own, or just want to connect with like-minded enthusiasts, USA7s.com is a great place to start. Finally, members of the USA7s Club will be eligible for any group discounts negotiated from vendors, as well as access to any Club publications (newsletter, registry, etc.) — whether online or printed. To join, select the last item on the >shopping cart.slngsht2007-03-11 08:58:54

No, but it cheered me immensely when I was having a down day. That should count for something!

Rob- Vote early and often, no? I think we have a winner...so I'll shut that down now.-Al

http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070307_094620_fontana_dam_7.jpg This photo will be explained shortly.Al Navarro2007-03-07 09:46:50

I for one, like the looks of that car. It's better in the vid than in the static photos I've seen before. I don't hate the Donk, either. Truth be told, my favorite Se7en in terms of looks is the Dax Rush. I had a good laugh about the lap belt. My crotch strap only fits if I have the seat all the way back...so I just run with the "4 point" system. It's never as loose as it was on that driver, though.

Felin- The Auto-X is, of course, optional. And the roads were not all that congested when Mazda and I visited in Nov. Of course July will be different. Perhaps you'll want to join the 6 AM "Early Bird" drive on Saturday AM? -Al