powderbrake

It appears that in Canada, they can check license plates in real time. There is nowhere to hide. Big Brother is watching you. The digital world is becoming a world without privacy for crooks, and for the rest of us. Mazda: Thanks for the posting procedure YouTube Video powderbrake2007-02-20 16:32:02

For help in registering your car, The SEMA action network was instrumental in getting some model legislation for kit cars in various states. see them at http://www.semasan.com/main/main.aspx?ID=/content/SEMASANcom/HomePage http://www.dmv.org also has some info.

You may have found a way to get me more religious about a diet - from 220 back down to 200 would equal a lot of carbon fiber and alloy parts!! I'll second that!!! I've been on so many diets over my lifetime, I've lost my whole body weight several times.http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cryin.gif

having seen the Deamans run, I find no shame in being passed by a lighter car with a better #/hp ratio. The BEC se7ens are great cars.

great video!!! There is something about the BEC that sounds like there is something very ANGRY under the hood. Seroius se7en owner, did you all notice the snow at the side of the drieway? I suggest that you did not run out of gas, it's that acceleration that pinned that gallon of gas against the rear of the tank, and away from the intake.

Spotcheck: Your comment about the torque curve is pertinent. I was amazed at the flexibility and the torque capability of the S2000. I regulary took my C5 Vette convertible on some blats through the winding roads in the Ozark mountains ( hills to you guys in the Rockies), and I enjoyed "stirring" the 6 speed box, and working the brakes into the corners, trail braking, and rolling on the throttle as I came out. Then I took my se7en on the same roads. It was much faster, and I was running in 5th and 6th gear, without a lot of shifting, and I was moving a lot faster than the C5, with a lot less effort on my part. There is no replacement for displacement, but with the light weight, that 150 -160 lb-ft of torque will do the job in a se7en.

Spotchck: Welcome to the USA7s forum. New guys are always welcome, and as you noted, the members are willing to help in any way possible. Keep asking questions, and take up the offers of rides and info. As is evidenced by the replies, there are great differences of opinion, yet they are put forward in a way that doesn't demean the other marques. One thing about a se7en, it is a car, but boiled down to the basic functional parts, and is made as light and as powerful as possible or affordable. That means there is likely to be some minor maintainance required, but that doesn't mean you need a mechanic to do it. The people here can walk you through repairs that may be needed. I believe some soul searching is called for before you buy. The questions of build or buy, do I want a cruiser, a street car, an autocross car, a track day car, an out and out racer, do I want to take long trips, luggageroom, what if it rains, can I get weather gear (top and sidecurtains),and so on. Am I concerened about the pedigree, or the closeness in appearance to a Lotus, do I fit in the car, can I drive it with my regular shoes on, license and registration details, and so on. By asking the members about these characteristics, and matching them to your desires, you can find a se7en that fits you perfectly. I'm driving an Ultralite because: I wanted to assemble my own, as assembling a car was the the primary project, not necessarily owning a se7en. ( I am so happy I chose a se7en, instead of a cobra or a hot rod.) If the build wasn't the objective, I would have bought a finished car. I did not want to have to weld up my own frame and running gear. I also didn't want to have to buy a donor car or components. I was (when I was looking at se7ens) about 260 pounds, and I didn't fit well in a normal sized se7en. My car has an 18" wide drivers seat, and a 16" passenger seat, and lots of footwell room. I was not locked into the "close reproduction" looks of a Lotus, and was not concerned with the pedigree. ( I fully appreciate the pedigree aspect and likely might have gone that way if I could fit comfortably in one) I wanted a street car, for fun, that could work as a daily driver, to pick up groceries, and for an occasional "blat" through some twisty roads. I thought about autocrossing it when I bought it, but haven't done it except a couple occasions. I din't think too much about track days, but found out after I got the car, they are a ton of fun. I have been to four events. I didn't need or want a top or rain gear, as I didn't plan to drive it in the rain. If I get rained on, I simply will get wet. ( Only happened once, and it was so light so it didn't count) I liked the suspension system, and the fact it is all heim joints and no rubber bushings, as well as the Wilwood brake systems. I liked the Honda S2000 engine and transmission. It is virtually bulletproof, and I have never done anything to the engine, except change oil and filters, I have not even taken out a spark plug. All I do is gas it and drive it. The trunk space is useful for the tonneau, and it holds luggage for two people for a few days. ( we did a 3 day trip last year) Like you, it only took one test ride to determine I had to have a se7en. Rather than advise you on which car to get, I offer these comments as an example of consideraions you need to make to decide on your se7en. If you can get to St.Louis, you are welcome to experience my car.

I got a kick out of the camera man laughing and giggling at the beginning of the ride. That is the essence of a Se7en.... it's realy a "good time" machine.

Them's fight'n words pardner!! I'm not Lite, but i'm not Ultra Heavy. I'll keep my foot on the brakes as I pass you, so you can clearly see my "lites" Jerry LITEhearted, but Heavyweight owner of WCM Ultralite #36powderbrake2007-02-02 08:35:12

Dennis Brunton and his family have been to my home as has RdRocket. They are nice people. I suggest you call Dennis directly. He is an upstanding guy, an accomplished racer, and a firm believer in Se7ens. He will tell you what you need to know in preparing for the building of a Stalker. Call him, discuss it with him , he will NOT lead you wrong on what to pre-purchase for a Stalker. I met Dennis, his son, Dave Seybold, Jack Banker, John Meyers , Cliff Speck and other Stalker owners at Run N Gun, and they all love their cars and, like all us kit car builders, will talk with you, and help you and do everything they can to insure your build is as smooth as possible. His website, http://www.bruntonauto.com/ has great detail on the car, and should answer many of your questions. Dennis and RdRocket are both friendly and helpful people, and are both well versed in the building and driving of competitive cars. Let's keep this forum a friendly and helpful place as well.

Mike: Have your buddy pick up a copy of the latest Kit Car magazine, it lists some of the times for the sevens and the Cobras at Run N Gun 2006. Note the 1st and 2nd fastest times were se7ens. There were 8 se7ens there, and 7 of them are in the top 16 fastest road course times. Except for about 5 cars, it was all Cobras, GT40's and se7ens that were there. James Yale in the Daytona Coupe was the fastest street tired car there, and I was second fastest ( the S= street tires, PR = prepared tires ( slicks with grooves) and p=pro ( slicks) email me with your address, and I'll send you a cd of a Run N Gun 2006 video that was shot by James Yale, the awesome cover car on the latest issue. The Daytona coupe has 605 HP, 589 lb ft of torque, and in the video, about 1/2 way through, I'm the seven in front of him, and he ain't passing me, until I wave him by at the beginning of the oval. You can show it to your Cobra buddies. He and I were both in street tire class, and we spent two days slicing and dicing on the road course. There were several other Cobras in Street and we passed them all. There is no question that he is faster than me, but not ALL the time. I just couldn't hold him back on that long straight.

Jack: Your car looks great, and since I have seen it in person, I know it is perfect. I really like the Brooklands Screens. Very British and racy, of course you need the proper British clothes,driving cap and perhaps a monocle when using them.

Chuck: What is that round silver thing with the wires coming out of it? Is that a fuel pump? I tought you were running an in-tank pump. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/confused5.gif I looked at it some more, and that must be the power seat actuator.... I think http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/blush5.gifpowderbrake2007-01-18 12:51:10

Thanks for the kind comments. I like red and yellow, it's my "Ronald McDonald" car. I am not sure of the muffler brand, and yes I am running a catalytic converter. That way I could hook up the standard Honda front and rear O2 sensors, as I am running a stock Honda S2000 computer. Basically the engine/ecu/transmission are completely stock Honda S2000. No tuning, no adjusting, no wrenching, no hassles, just lots of reliable horsepower. Here's a shot of the cat and headers as I was wiring the O2 sensors http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070114_102021_IMGP4359.JPGpowderbrake2007-01-14 10:21:09

Yes,it is wider than a standard Caterham, and is needed for my posterior width. The race seats are Ultrashield drag seats, 20 degree layback model, one 18" wide, and one 16' wide.( the drivetrain is offset to give the driver more room) It's 44" across the cockpit outsides. The color is 2004 Mustang Screaming Yellow

Here's a few shots of my car, with track and autocross pictures. Engine...Honda S2000 Trans..Honda S2000 6 speed Diff & rear axles.. Subaru WRX limited slip Brakes... 12" Wilwood, 4 piston calipers Shocks...QA1 http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150003_1.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150036_2.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150104_3.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150129_4.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150149_5.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150248_6.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150308_7.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20070112_150335_8.jpg

Sorry I can't aanswer the technical questions, as I'm not a Caterham guy, but WELCOME to the USA7s. We are looking forward to stores of your build process.

Ultralite S2k Wheel base= 88" Length= 122" Rear tread & fender width= 67" front tread & fender width = 65.5 Cockpit width (outside)= 44" Roll bar height=44.5"

Woooooooonderfuuuuuul! There is no replacement for displacement

shotgunslade: I gave myself a WCM S2k for my 66th birthday. I love it. To answer some of your questions. The 95/5 track/street is probably OK for an XR7. I really don't think of it as a street car, and I believe it was originally conceived as a track car. when you see it next to the S2k, it will be obvious that it is a race car. it is LOOOOOOW, with almost a prone driving position. Why bother with lights and the registration hassle if you are really getting a track car? How user friendly? I can only speak of the S2k, and it's as reliable as any stock Honda, meaning it's bulletproof. Performance wise, like your incident with your Subaru, don't jump on the throttle in 1st or 2nd with the front wheels turned and cold tires. That's just normal for almost any Se7en, particularly one with a 240 hp engine. Fragility. I believe it is quite rugged. I was running a NASA HDPE event when I allowed Woody Harris to drive my car at Motorsports Ranch at the Southwest Se7ens Festival a couple years ago. I was a passenger when on the second lap, he attempted a turn at about 70-80mph that I was taking at 50-60mph,( I was thinking to myself.. We are definitely NOT going to make it")we didn't make it, and we slid offroad through the gravel and grass, and found some larger rocks. It bent my right rear wheel, and bent the lower shock-suspension strut mounting bolt. There was NO damage to the car. The bolt was a standard high strength american 1/2 inch , so there was no problem with a replacement. The 10 link rear suspenion, with all adjustable steel rod ends makes repairs and/or alignment adjustments quite simple. As to the wheel, lightweight aluminum wheels get bent whenever you abuse them. If you want some first hand knowledge of an XR7, RDROCKT on this website has one. You can PM him, or email me at geddens at charter dot net, and I can put you in touch.

Great auction idea, I'll have to steal your idea at the next auction at our church.

I'll be 70 this month. I got interested about 15 years ago, and never did anything about it, until I dedided to build "something". That something turned out to be a se7en. I started my Ultralite kit is Feb of 2004, and have thoroughly enjoyed the car ever since.

Mike: The car is streetable. Heck, it's a great reliable Honda, just hit the start button and go. I use mine to run errands, pick up the groceries (you can stuff 4 12 packs of soda in the passenger footwell) and also drive it just for the pure fun of it. Since I drive it regulary on the street, I insured it just like my other cars, the only limit on my insurance is 7500 miles per year. I also use it for the occasional blat on the back roads. This is where the true value of the car really lies. The sense of freedom and the incredible roadwothiness of a seven make cruising the roads a sheer pleasure. If you have spent a lot of time on a street bike, then you will have all the understanding to avoid the drivers who don't see smaller objects. I do not worry about trucks, I just make sure I stay in areas where they can see me. I don't have cupholders or other comfort devices. I do take a couple bottles of water or soda when on a blat, and it's no problem. I do mount my Valentine 1 on the hood between the windscreens, and I use an ear plug in one ear so I can hear the radar detector when it goes off. It has saved me on numerous occasions. powderbrake2007-01-01 10:52:27

I used coroplast, which is like corrugated paper box material, but made of polypropylene plastic. It is used by signmakers for temporary yard signs etc. Cheap, about $15 for a 4 X 8 sheet, cuts with a mat knife, is very very light, and comes in lots of colors. It is available from your local plastics store, or try a sign shop. >coroplast website I insulated the passenger compartment on the side and front with Cool Mat from JEG's, then cut the coroplast to fit. I also use the coroplast for floormats.they are expendable. I did not insulate the transmission tunnel, as they get pretty warm, but there is a lot of room for you legs, and mine never touch the tunnel walls. Also, since the aluminum is available painted or clear, Brian Anderson, the WCM kit builder, used red painted aluminum to skin the transmission tunnel. I also did not insulate the driver's outside wall, but it is covered in coroplast, which is riveted to the frame bars. I also insulated the passenger compartment on the engine side with the metallized film with fiberglass backing. The passenger compartment never gets too warm. Here's some pics ( I also made the trunk liner from coroplast) http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091522_IMGP4620_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091540_IMGP4622_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091603_IMGP4624_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091633_IMGP4631_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091658_IMGP4656_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091720_IMGP4657_Medium.JPG http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061228_091736_IMGP4660_Medium.JPG

It certainly takes pretty big brass ones to do that. It appears that he has 4 model airplane jet turbines on the wing. I didn't see any smoke when he jumped out, I assume he is smart enough not to light off 4 jets inside the plane. It takes a lot of faith to believe all 4 jets will start, insuring parallel thrust, but I guess that's why he wears a parachute (Besides the high stall speed) Just when you think you have all the neat toys, some guy gets a new one. " The guy who dies with the most toys, wins"