Ian7

Maybe someone "down there" can educate me "up here"... We get to import anything 15 years or older, so there are many Caterhams in England or USA eligible; However, importing a new kit is illegal, and registering a "completely homebuilt" is very very challenging (but can be done). You guys on the other hand, can't import unless its over 25 years old... but can buy a brand new Caterham, modern technology, etc etc etc and except for California, registration seems straightforward. First I wonder why 'new' is ok down there, and secondly, who wants a worn out Caterham :ack: when you can have a brand new Roadsport ( or better!). :hurray:

He can have my Caterham for mid-50's !! :rofl:

While 8mm isn't a lot, be careful changing the scrub radius with spacers too much, as the undesirable change in contact patch shape and additional diagonal weight transfer that results from turning the wheel can offset any gains you get from using the 'better' tires.

While my car is a clamshell Caterham, I'm pretty sure your fenders ride up and down and steer with the wheel hubs right? ie. if there's only 1mm of clearance, that's all you'd need? If your tire of choice is closer than you'd prefer, buy them from The Tire Rack, and get them to shave the tires down for you. Autocrossers do it all the time.

I bought a 7 from a British firm called UKSportsCars back in 2002 +/-. Used an independent shipping agent, he did all the work, car showed up in local rail yard a number of weeks later. Priced reasonably also. PM me if you want details.

... and I've got $1,000 burning a hole in my pocket if the BDA isn't spoken for

agreed, I have Quaife's 'Rocket' box, way less $$ than this sierra box, but thought some of the guys with the upgraded powerplants in their cars might be interested.

http://www.race-cars.com/boxsales/other/1228841552/1228841552ss.htm usual "not mine, no knowledge" disclaimers... I have a quaife in my 7, lovely box.

I built my model at a time when I was in love with 7's, but thought only an idiot would spend 30k on a 'car' like that... HA! I'm on my third now... :ack:

agreed; see above... :yawn:

...if it's a 6 litre, V4, I'm good with it... :lol:

you got a manual... ?!

from Hank's blog... " and I found it after cussing and trial fitting for 5 minutes or so. " if there's cussin' goin' on after only 5 minutes, be thankfull it's not a Caterham kit ... :ack:

Ya got that right; me and the original 7's introduction at the London Motor Show share a common birthday :ack:

real 7's are 4x4's ... 4 cylinders and 4 speeds :lol: (wanted to get that in before thread deleted; ha)

saw a link on another site to this same video, said it was indeed Willow.

Can't be a 7, has more than 4 cylinders...

yup, sure do, quite a difference that perspective makes

Wow, I agree, everything UNDER the skin looks great; the exterior... not so sure. Kinda like a homely Caterham21?

In your photo titled "front shocks inverted..." the angularity of the steering links relative to the AArms looks odd. Arms are almost parallel to the ground, yet steering link points downwards quite alarmingly. Maybe its a photo optical illusion, but suggests potential for wicked roll and/or bump steer. At first thought, the outer tie-rods might be inverted, but these usually have tapered fits so they can't be put on 'upside down'. Just curious...

When I was told about this one, I didn't believe a word of it until I saw it. No tricks, just frikkin' NUTS. Pastrana leaps out without a chute, lets his buddies catch up and strap one on... http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=lDBrdl2sZWs

agreed, exaggeration for effect if you've got a used engine in the corner of the garage, some square tubing, and a month of cold winter to kill, why not have some fun with a welder... but to buy that, ?? more than I can justify for sure. I've seen the ones based on the kiddy wagon in person, serious fun, but even they are 4-grand-ish in price.

$13,500 turn key for 1350 bucks worth of parts ?? :ack: man, I thought my Caterham was over-valued !!

Ditto mattress pad no good. The backsaver is definitely what you want !! $120 at Pegasus for a 16x30 sheet, one inch thick. Worth every penny, we use them in the formula cars.