RDROCKT

After fussing around with bent and totalled wings for some time, I decided to make these from thin wall steel tubing. The end have flat stock welded to them and screw into nut serts in the framein hidden locations. I think the bolts are teeny weeny (something like #8). Weight is less than 3# each and negligible effect on ground clearance. Not a single bent or removed wing ever since

Geez!!!!

Scott, As WestTexas says, that's a coarse 1/2" bolt. I can see it should be a castellated nut and definitely I would support replacing it AND using Loctite and cotter key. Tighten to 30-50# to allow the cotter key to be inserted. HTH

John, Reducing the height of the outboard end of the upper control arm will reduce your camber gain on the outside wheel when cornering and increase your camber loss on the inside wheel. Although it is no picnic to do it, lowering the inboard pick up points by an amount equal to the lowering of the outboard end will be the right way to maintain design camber gain. Better yet, when lowering the inboard pick up points, make them adjustable so you can experiment with the camber gain for different anti-sway bar settings. HTH

Ok Spaz, what kind of chemicals have you been exposed to down there? ;^)

John, I do not want to confuse or dispute anyone by relating my experience. If you are going to get serious about autocrossing, the conventional wisdom today is to run 13" bias ply slicks on aluminum wheels. This will be consistent with the inboard brakes devised to reduce the unsprung weight in the rear of the car. When considering the needs for this purpose, I have found that the 4.11 LSD rear axle ratio is pretty much optimal. Launches in 2nd gear are all the tires will stand for grip and a short shift to 3rd gives you a top speed somewhere near 70mph. On all but the tightest courses, you will be able to avoid time consuming gear changes. This same set up has given me 141 mph on the front straight at Gateway Internationals' road course still pulling in 6th gear. I have no idea what the street use rpm will be but I am sure you can calculate it for any speed range. My car weighs 1432# driver, fuel, ballast and all.

.....of course I'll pay for the service AND a few days in the 70s and 80s is likely to do wonders for the wintertime blahs.

I left my Ultralite XR7 in Temple, GA to have it made even better but now need it hauled to Naples, FL. Anyone have an enclosed car hauler headed south? Respond here or call Chuck at 2484449470

John, The XR7 engine is laid over to a 42 degree angle, standard is 12 degrees, I think. My attempt at baffling to keep oil in the sump was poor and I found I would lose pressure in hard left handers. I installed the Accusump and the problem seemed better until running around Gateway and the banked left hander. The turn there lasts too long and, inspite of the extra oil stored in the Accusump, I managed to turn on the low oil pressure light. The problem of oil starvation is exascerbated in the XR7 by the shallow angle of the laid over block. Oil simply flows up the side of the block and away from the pick up. The standard configuration (a la S2K) has never been a problem in that turn. The Accusump is certainly helpful when you need that extra oil for extreme situations with the engine in stock mounting configuration or for a well lubricated cold start. The road race guys have been adding an extra quart of oil or so to deal with this situation. That seems like putting band aids over band aids to me. The Accusump is the better solution cuz you don't have to keep sloshing through all that extra oil in the sump. Can't be good to do. Chuck

John, I have the cut down sump as well and used the Accusump on the XR7 prior to deciding to dry sump the engine. Consequently I have a complete virtually new Accusump and solenoid operated valve just sitting on the shelf if you need it. May even have a sandwich plate as well. Price is half of a new one + shipping.

I think it's too cold here in Michigan for this to work for me just now....isn't it? Jerry, you're the greatest>

Kudos to Phil and Pattie for a wonderful tour. Those of us who participated were treated to terrific views, interesting routes and very pleasant fellowship. Thanks again.

Much as we'd like to see you, the weather really stinks. Forecast for today is clearing , but I have my doubts! Chuck

Two for LOG and we were planning on Branson as well.

Or, for a lot less you can try Speedway Motors generic 13" here: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/13-STANDARD-FLAT-ALUMINUM-STEERING-WHEEL,5683.html