Winston

That's good. That alone probably eliminates any chance of ignition since gasoline vapors need about 1000 degF to ignite. Theoretically, yes; however, since gasoline vapors are heavier than air it is a lot more likely when the tailpipe is directly below the filler. And I'm not talking about spilled gasoline so much as the vapors that can cascade out of the filler neck when refueling. Even Stage II vapor recovery units don't capture 100% of the gasoline fumes generated. I think this event would have to be exceedingly rare. Anyway, :_deadhorse: I doubt you'll have a problem. The setup looks really great, and I'm glad to hear that it made a difference in noise level. Thanks for sharing. Do you happen to have a part number for the resonator, or does Hushpower only make one model?

I understand that; I am concerned about the ignition of gasoline vapor, not the liquid gasoline. With the horizontal orientation of your tailpipe and its position almost directly below the filler, It is possible to get gasoline vapor to flow *inside* the exhaust pipe during refueling, which can then be ignited further up the exhaust tract (especially if you have a catalytic converter). Take a look at this abstract for a research paper published in the Journal of Applied Fire Science: (Unfortunately, I don't have an account to get the entire paper.) Granted, the engines upon which the research was performed likely have higher exhaust temperatures than your typical Se7en engine, but the presence of a catalytic converter (not sure if you have one) would provide a ready ignition source in the 550+ degC temperature range. Now, I'm not saying that this is a *likely* scenario, but I think that it is possible. It just struck me as a danger when I first saw it. Source: http://baywood.metapress.com/index/0ENW464057AMJ92V.pdf

Ack! Hot exhaust tip right below fuel filler! Danger Will Robinson, danger! :willy:

Agreed, especially since it would cost you money to fit one. I think that the full windscreen appeals to more potential buyers. I personally wouldn't spend money on weather gear if I were trying to sell the car. Anyone who is (realistically) looking at buying this car is looking for a fair-weather car. If they want weather gear, let them buy it. I doubt that would be a deal-breaker for most buyers since the gear is readily available from Westfield. However, perhaps you could negotiate with a buyer that really wants it -- offer to pay half?

Wow, congrats Paul! I didn't realize that you had a new one on order. :cheers:

I would have to say 'yes'. Not only is it sturdier, but I think it looks better as well!

If that doesn't work to your liking, you might look into a oil-water cooler as used in the Toyota MR2 and probably other vehicles. It's basically a tube-and-shell exchanger, so it can be mounted anywhere in the engine bay without the need for an ambient air source. Of course, this does transfer the heat to the coolant -- but if you overwhelm the radiator's capabilities you can always fit a thicker radiator.

BTDT.

Yeah, that's a good one!

Did anyone ever call on this? Last I checked (a day or two ago) the ad still shows up on Craigslist. FYI, I used to have a Swift GT with the 1300 twincam, and it's a sweet little engine. Uber-lightweight and very rev-happy. I was about to build my current Se7en with that engine until I found and purchased my Miata-based package.

Probably a Caterham.

Wow, Orange is a gorgeous car. Almost makes me want to sway from Isotope Green for my locost... almost. (Though I am considering some of the other wild greens as seen on other Lotus/Caterham models). Thanks for posting, Morgan, it gives me additional motivation to work on my car!

A large animal like that could be a real hazard to a Se7en driver (not just the car)... yikes.

The Toyota 20v is a non-US (i.e. Japan and other countries only) engine. The USDM 16v computer will not work. HOWEVER, due to the large number of 20v swaps you can sometimes find them in the junkyard... just wanted to give you a heads-up in case you weren't totally on the up-and-up in regards to the 20v. If you already know this, my apologies

Not true, federal gas taxes are a flat rate per gallon -- not a percentage. Some states have a flat rate tax per gallon, and some have it as percentage-based. Since the article refers to the federal highway funds, and Ms. Peters is the U.S. Transportation secretary, her comment regarding reduced (federal) highway funds from taxes is a valid one if gasoline consumption drops. Not so sure about the increased congestion comment, however. (Although I can see a scenario where the total number of cars on the road continues to increase, but each car burns less gas gasoline per mile, and therefore your federal highway funds are fewer on a $ per car basis.)

I used to have a 20v silvertop, and I'm fairly sure that the A/T computer works on a manual trans car just fine with a couple of wires jumpered. Visit www.mr2oc.com and they can confirm. -Winston

Not mine: http://houston.craigslist.org/car/713266352.html $14,500 2001 Westfield SEi, 1300cc twin cam four valve injected suzuki swift engine,5 speed gearbox and limited slip 3.23 diff. yokohama tires, titled and inspected. fully adjustable coil over irs suspension, full wet weather gear, heater/defroster and willians belts. wicked track car, really good street touring car, weighs 1000lbs, produces 100hp on mild engine. Add a couple of good cams and see 130 hp or more. still get 40+ mpg. Phone 7132549276

Excellent, I now have a target completion date (no, not the night before leaving for Branson!) --6/1/2009.

Vulcantire.com has them (RT-615) for $59 each if you can wait a couple of weeks (currently backordered until mid-May).

Very nice, I'm envious! My goal is to join y'all on next year's drive, in my own Se7en.

Hey guys, I just joined usa7s a short while ago, but I've been a bona fide Lotus nut since I first found out what the marque is all about. A real Lotus/Caterham Seven is out of reach for me (being a pure toy), but I recently started a blog that chronicles my build of a Se7en. I found a great starter project that a builder in Nebraska was selling on locostusa.com. www.addlightness.blogspot.com (My apologies if you've already seen this on Lotustalk.com or locostusa.com)

Recaro makes some nice child seats. I really like the side impact protection they offer over other seats. We have two, and are about to purchase a third one for the in-laws' car. They're not cheap at $250 a pop, though. The good thing is that they convert to a booster later, so once your kid fits in one, they're the last seat you'll have to buy. http://www.recarochildseats.com/sportChildSeats.asp

I'm enjoying the "So Fresh, So Clean" color scheme.

Yes, at the time I was trying to find a "family Lotus" that we could all enjoy... though I recall mentioning that the Seven is the one I'd really love to have. I decided to go ahead with the Seven (inspired) instead, after my wife got her MINI I'll give you a call soon.

Hi Paul, thanks for the invite! I'd love to see the Cat sometime. We have actually met before, a little over a year ago when my son and I came to a LOST meeting at the now-defunct Lotus of Clear Lake. I live in Clear Lake. I emailed Hayes Harris yesterday morning to let him know that I wasn't going to be purchasing the car. Call it serendipity, but shortly thereafter I got an email message informing me of a deal that I couldn't pass up. Stay tuned... Thanks for the information, everybody. Those are indeed some good links. I have Tanner's book and Champion's book. Looks like Tanner's book is about to come in very handy...