theDreamer

Anyone here ever drive one of these? I’m sure it shares some characteristics with the seven but I’m also sure it is a very different experience. Comments, criticisms and anyone here going to bid? https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2000-lotus-elise-340r-5/

The Sigma engine was also known as the Zeta but for legal reasons Ford was forced to change the name. They chose Zetec then later they changed it again to Duratec. Ford built them in 1.2L up to 1.7L then jumped to 2.0L with aftermarket performance builders going as big as 2.3L. (At least I do not think Ford released a 2.3L version.) As for the LSD, raise the rear wheels off the ground enough that you can spin them. Turn one and if the other rotates in the same direction and speed it’s a LSD. If the other wheel does not turn or rotates in the opposite direction it’s not a LSD.

EdWills, you must have missed all the posts about my Purple Reign. It is definitely an Arch Motors chassis (see image). Earl is confident that any frame tubes can be brought back into alignment and that no chassis welds will be affected. The upper wish bone will be replaced, lower too if need be. There should be no need to strip the car. The damage appears mostly contained to the left front corner with some force being sent further as I indicated. Earl was quite sure that he would not need to remove anything more than the damaged parts.

So did you buy RickRa’s 280? It should have adjustable seats. They may just be stuck. Also, for now you can use a pillow to sit on. My wife made this one for me and it just does the trick perfectly.

Oh the joys of dealing with insurance companies. Nobody told us that it was our responsibility to find a body shop, a mechanical repair shop and arrange towing. The adjuster should have explained all this to us during one of our numerous phone calls or sent an email. The insurance company wanted the car moved ASAP so as not to pay anymore storage fees then necessary. However, they can’t just give the towing company a credit card number over the phone. Oh no, they have to cut a check and it may take 7 – 10 days to arrive. Meanwhile the towing company isn’t going to release the car until the bill is paid. Catch 22 as the insurance company will not issue a check without knowing the exact amount and the towing company cannot give them an exact amount until they know when the check will arrive. So, I had to pay the bill including the added charges to move the car 4.8 kilometers to the collision centre that will be doing the repairs. Now I get to wait the 7-10 days! The car arrived at the body shop where Earl (the shop owner) and I went over it. WOW, worse than I thought and we did not do a complete investigation. Things like the wheel bearing, tie rod, steering rack, main frame rails etc. all still have to be evaluated. I understood that the rim and tire would be toast. Same for the upper wish bone rod end. What I didn’t see was how bent the upper wish bone and upper suspension pickup points were. You can see in the image how far back the rubber boot on the sway bar has been moved by the amount of exposed bar. The upper shock mount is about ½” back and the upper wish bone shows cracked and flaking paint both on the bars and the welds. The lower wish bone mounting bolt is bent revealing a gap between the washers and the pivot mount. The diagonal bar running past the headers is warped about 3/8” as is the brace running from the top left to bottom right near the steering rack. Now we wait for the appraiser to make his appearance and then hammer out a dollar amount.

DAMN! You are correct, I missed that. We'll have to see what the insurance company says as it'll probably come down to cost.

Thanks for the offer but the rim looks untouched. It will have to be spin balanced once it gets a new tire and we’ll see if there are any problems then.

Looking for an original "Imperial" drivers left front clam shell fender. I'd rather not have them patch the old one.The alloy skin can be brought back to as new. Suspension bits and the rack are a worry but we'll see once the shop as had a chance to really look at it. Still waiting for the insurance appraiser to see the car. No mods, the car is staying as original as I can make it.

“Excrement Doth Occur!” We didn’t make it to the Stirling Car Show. Not four minutes from our home we were hit by a neighbour who cut the corner while making a left hand turn. He admitted it was his fault, not paying attention and turning directly into us in our lane. I saw the truck coming so stopped just back from the stop sign thinking he’s seen me and will change course. But no, with the wife and I both yelling and me trying to get into reverse and honk the horn at the same time it was over before we knew it. The car is inside at the towing yard awaiting instructions from Hagerty. Hopefully things will move quickly but I'm not holding my breath. If I didn't have bad luck I'd have no luck at all. Left front suspension is mucked up (tie rod bent back and everything is skewed) fender is toast and the body panel from front to the exhaust cutout is rippled with paint missing. I suspect more damage will be found like the suspension mounting points will be bent/broken.

WOW! That is a find for sure. Looks great with the clam shell fenders and the 16” wheels but then I biased. I see you’ve changed the wheels and tires already, good call. They look the part and most say the smaller diameter rim is a better choice. You just need to get a matching one for the spare. As one who is searching the history of my own seven I wish you good luck in learning more about yours.

Sorry, I’ve been out of racing over 20 years now plus I’m in Ontario. I’d suggest you talk to people in the know like Time Attack clubs or other track day groups in your area. They will have the inside scoop on where to buy products and get services done specific to track use.

“Ken used some kind of goop on the bead which may be necessary for track use.” Say whaa??? As you now know: Always use wheels and tires that YOU KNOW are suitable for purpose. Always use trusted technicians who KNOW THEIR JOB! Back in my day, if I wasn’t doing the work myself I almost always was looking over the shoulder of the guy who was. He might not have liked me hovering but out on the track it was my investment and my well-being at stake not his.

So many nice cars it is hard to pick just one. I bet most will go over market. P.S. Very disappointed that there are no photos of the engines and drive trains (underside) for the majority of the cars. Also, cars that are stated as running when stored were not brought up to at least start and idle condition.

Don't you just hate when this happens! I know it has happen to me and I'll be danged if I know what I did wrong, if anything.

Mmmmm... Mandalorian you quote, Words wise these are!