Mondo

Amen to that:willy: I have ridden in Kevin's car:thumbs:

That's funny... I really checked out the WMC because I thought it was the best looking and most reliable drivetrain, then found out about it's performance and parts availability. Like it was said.... there's definitely a 7 out there that will meet your needs. Two things to consider are registration (don't know about NC)and how well sorted it is. There have been some really nicely done cars come up for sale lately.

Congrats:thumbs: Seeing the progress on your car I knew the exhaust pipe issue wouldn't slow you down much. Have fun!

I look at it as a notch above my old sportbike.... while the bike could be argued as more visible (higher) and more nimble (needing less space to get out of harm's way) I always felt it would only take a little oil,sand etc.. in a corner to have me sliding off the road. And I think the 7 is more visible when it comes to making left turns in front of opposing traffic. I wouldn't commute in the 7 or a bike (maybe if gas keeps going up and there are less and less big cars on the road). So, for me, it comes down to having fun in the twisties and on the track. The 7 is safer to me. The most I would do is put on some side bars but I'm not there yet.

Except for the headlights I'm ok with it. So much technical stuff... don't know how much would actually get used or cause more problems. Kind of like the simplisity of our cars. I do like that blue car, Noble? Something to be said for these type of coupes... they're really my favorite but budgetwise it's hard to beat our cars.

Can they use a slipper clutch in these bike engined cars?... seems if you had that and quickshift kit that allows you to shift at full throttle you'd pretty much only use the clutch for token downshifts and taking off.:yesnod:

Rutan's company is a little over an hour away. Our new airport has a mock up of his spacecraft/plane hanging in the lobby. He does have some serious sideburns;)

From an old "Cheers" episode.. The Buffalo Theory "Well you see, Norm, it's like this . . . . A herd of buffalo can only move as fast as the slowest buffalo. And when the herd is hunted, it is the slowest and weakest ones at the back that are killed first. This natural selection is good for the herd as a whole, because the general speed and health of the whole group keeps improving by the regular killing of the weakest members. In much the same way, the human brain can only operate as fast as the slowest brain cells. Now, as we know, excessive intake of alcohol kills brain cells. But naturally, it attacks the slowest and weakest brain cells first. In this way, regular consumption of beer eliminates the weaker brain cells, making the brain a faster and more efficient machine. And that, Norm, is why you always feel smarter after a few beers"

If you look closely, in the backround.... I live next to an oilwell. Just wish I had some mineral rights;) Oh, I fixed that gap in the windshield too http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/69938348_motorcycle gear 014.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1636398655_onionmagazine 1.jpg

I agree Gislutz. I really don't see how a global economy helps our society in the long run. It basically will lower our standard of living until we reach some common denominator (and that may not happen with other government's goals). Uncontrolled capitolism is just as bad as over-regulation. Not everyone can be entrepeneurs, professionals or investors (no money to invest). Where have all our manufacturing workers gone? I think most are eeking a living in sales/service. There has to be family supporting salary jobs for these people. Sooner or later a lot of people won't be able to afford the cheap products we get from other countries, especially with the dollar going in the dumps. My 2 cents...

I read where they wanted AB because of it's branding in the marketplace and they know it has a lot to do with the sponsorships/advertising AB does. It wouldn't surprise me if they sale off some of AB's product line. I guess it's one of the perils of being a publicly traded business and successful. In-Bev is saying all the right things now.... we'll see in a year or two what's what:cheers:

neat idea..... sound-looks heavy (sounded solid when it closed). Definitely would be the easiest way to get in/out a closed up 7. Now just make it out of carbon fiber with some quick releases:) Reminds me of a fighter plane... maybe they can work on an ejection seat next;)

Well at least he doesn't need a lot of space to show his cars;)

:lol:

Looks great! In this particular picture there's a reflection off the rear of the hood bump for the motor. I was thinking that would be a great spot for a screened vent to let the hot air out (air pretty much has to go out the bottom).. just don't have the nerve to consider it:skep:

Yeah, shame on those guys thinking they can do something that serious and get away with it again and again... that's why I'd only murder 1 wife...:shocked:

The above won't cover track use.... most have a clause specifying no competitive events (doubt trackdays are covered). I don't know of any insurance for track events.... imagine it would be pretty high though it's only for 1 day. I've always wondered if anyone towed the wrecked car out to some rural road and then called in the accident;)

Terry, :bs: Your probably just trying to get a rise from everyone... come on, "..does not compare to a Caterham in any way..." really?:rofl: funny stuff...

Not to :_deadhorse:... but it seems that the first time buyer takes the big hit no matter what the brand, then things level off for all the main brands. And if you look at the price of new Caterhams vs used an argument could be made that they take the biggest hit of all as they are now so expensive. The good thing is there's a price range for all and you'll probably get little depreciation on any high quality 7 if you buy a previously owned one.

I don't see how they would need to raise gas tax as it's a percentage of the cost (not amount of gas purchased).... with the current prices, they should be having a similar "windfall" as profits from oil companies....

Except for the ticket, sounds like a very enjoyable trip.... especially the lack of other cars getting in the way.

If you get some, I recommend Kics. I've used these as you don't have to mess with your studs. It's a straight bolt up deal (just locktite & torque). Don't know about hub strength but they use them on drift cars and they work fine on my Infiniti G35 coupe. An inch is a pretty big spacer.. though I do have 1 inch spacers on the rear of my 67 Chev Pick Up. http://www.evasivemotorsports.com/merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Category_Code=Kics_Wheel_Spacer

Nice driving Kevin! So was that a video of the last session? Curious if you lowered the tire pressure on those slicks after John mentioned their typical heat range... It was fun hanging out with the two of you. There's an open invitation to dinner next time your this far west.

That's exactly the idea I had when buying a 7:cheers: . Not so sure about the all weather/commuting part though as it's the heat here in Btown, not the rain, that limits the fun factor. But that just means getting up early, not too big a deal:cool: Did notice how they didn't show that gal getting out of the car in her business skirt:rofl:

Yesterday I was thinking about my G35 coupe's gas mileage, which is terrible, averaging about 18 miles per gallon. But to make more sense out of it (for me anyway) Looks like I'm getting about 4 miles to the dollar:ack: That's figuring I'm paying $4.50 a gallon (actually more now).