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Croc

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Everything posted by Croc

  1. In the absence of cleaning I’d say that was dirt flavored? Could you know maybe clean it a little so we can see original surface….. Suspect a Team Leos which makes sense from a timeline perspective - let me search emails if Microsoft Outlook ever gets restored….
  2. Have a read of the attached PDF - it will help you understand the component and its location. Then inspect your car: Black anodized - likely original Caterham part Blue anodized - Beachman Racing replacement part Stainless steel - Team Leos replacement part My vague recollection is Darren replaced the part but I cannot recall where he sourced the replacement from? He and I kept up offline correspondence on CSRs so he was aware of the issues given he tracked his car. BR+Caterham+CSR+Damper+Bracket+Install+Instructions-V1.1.pdf
  3. I really like the color combination you selected for your Caterham.
  4. The K series engine is actually a very well suited engine for a seven. Its very light in weight. Rev happy. Quite durable for the most part. Its main pain point was in standard production guise it used plastic head dowels which made for head gasket issues. However, if the engine was rebuilt and proper replacement part from a quality manufacturer was used in reassembly then the engine hardware should be good. Some very standard Caterham installations used a foam baffle in the sump which over time, high temps and oil, broke up and went into the engine. There is a well known fix for removing foam and modifying sump so that foam never is used again. @yellowss7 has been running his 25 years without an issue although it is fun to bust his chops, it is quick and reliable. Other than head gasket your likely issue will be some odd ECU with a dubious tune or some electrical issue. Unless you are really up to speed on this stuff you will find these issues a pain work through and resolve. @slowdude any words of wisdom/sadness/choice of alcoholic beverage on this one? A lot of the K series cars were paired with the Caterham 6 speed gearbox. These are a little fragile as they get old and the rebuilding path is now difficult. Make sure this is good as you are likely looking having to replace it with a 5 speed T9 should it break.
  5. @Vovchandr@FasterThanVov did you ever find the group photo that Geoff took please? @mccasksl Is writing an article for LowFlying and will need it. Many thanks!
  6. That would work just fine. Lotus Twin Cam would be an excellent choice too - bit pricier though. No. A regular 4 speed Ford Rocket should work. T9 should work. Cortina box would work. Bellhousings to mix and match are available. I doubt the original is still available and even then I'd suggest you upsize it for additional cooling capacity. A Cortina radiator should fit. Maybe another Lotus model one from RD Enterprises (wonderful people - great place to explore in an old barn - by appt) might have the right dimensions: https://www.rdent.com/ For ideas have a browse of the catalogs at: Dave Bean http://davebean.com/index.htm and Burton Power https://www.burtonpower.com/tuning-guides.html Lots of good information on these sites to help you think through options. I'd be aiming for a Crossflow with T9 box. One thing - not check the ad but does it have diff in it? May need to modify gearing depending on gearbox ratio choices.
  7. That makes sense - I vaguely recall Darren and I talking about them. They were not there originally and added later once the diff mount weakness became known. Now for videos I used this thing called the internet and did a thing called a google search and it took less than 25 seconds to find: Now these are ALL for de Dion cars. For CSR guidance, I suggest: 1) Read the supplemental CSR assembly manual that I have included in the library 2) Familiarise yourself with these useful posts: https://www.caterhamlotus7.club/forums/topic/264707-csr-road-differential-mounting/ and here https://trackdaytoy.com/2026/10/titan-lsd-rebuild.html
  8. Off to find another coffee then try again thinking through this. I was getting there but then.... Edited to add: OK yes I get the gist of what you are talking about. However, doesn't the bags of extra torque in the CSR present you a different element to solve? You can copy the Zetec gearing but lets watch you light up the rears trying to get off the line. Methinks the taller Caterham 6 speed box (albeit it with revised final drive) will work in your favor then.
  9. Yes the LBI guys in Philly had it listed on Hemmings. Obviously car just headed to Bringatrailer for auction. it’s not been on Bringatrailer before to my knowledge.
  10. Lotus 7 Project - from Hemmings to BAT https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1971-lotus-seven-2/
  11. In case you have not found it, then the library has reference material on Webers: and here I have 9 of the little devils installed on cars. Most of their problems come from modern fuels drying in the carbs and leaving residue. To stop that you want to install a fuel shut off valve so you always run the carb dry instead of using key to turn off ignition. Then the tune you set will be preserved long term. However, that does not help you now since you need to get to a good tune as a base foundation. Lots of old Formula Fords and other types of race cars use Webers - find a race mechanic specializing in old equipment like that. I bet there is one locally to you in Michigan if you ask in a race forum for those SCCA or NASA classes. The pops on liftoff are more likely air leaks in the exhaust manifold as Scotticus notes. @SK400 Do you know a good race shop near you that does older open wheeler stuff please?
  12. Am I reading that right? Final drive changing from 3.62 to 4.71? Not sure what self-help video you need? Switching out diff? Just watch a regular Caterham diff swap video - the principles are the same albeit with a few quirks around mounting points. There are 3 phases of CSR chassis evolution surrounding the diff. 1) inception to 2009 - 2 mount points. The problem with this approach is the torque of the CSR260 regularly ripped the mount points off the diff housing. 2) 2009 to 2014-ish - original 2 mount points plus two extra struts that come diagonally down through the boot area. Originally optional then standard. You used to be able to buy the extra struts via Caterham parts - no longer available 3) 2015-ish on - proper 4 point cage mounting I don't know what year your chassis was - I vaguely recall it was a year older than my 2010? If you only have 2 mount points then you really want to try to fabricate the extra struts that 2) involved. You will want to research the torque measures required for the propshaft bolts and diff mounting bolts and the rear suspension bolts since partial disassembly is required.
  13. Well yes...no more Sigma production. Edited to add: Ford moved to a 3 cylinder ecoboost thing which is too tall for a Caterham. A new engine solutions is needed. Similar for Duratec but they have quite a few years Caterham production of engine stockpiled which gives them time to sort a replacement. They are evaluating options. I think the MZR is still produced in places - thats the Mazda version of the Duratec.
  14. Week Beginning October 22, 2026 USA7s Classified Ads of Cars for Sale USA7s classified pages - USA7s club members have the benefit of selling their cars by listing them for free on USA7s forum. https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/ New Ads Since Last Summary Posted Caterham https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3gG0LWoP/2010-caterham-super-seven-superlite-r400 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/1FXbUwiESK/ Lotus 7 S1 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1959-lotus-st.-louis-mo-2973750 and here https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/1959-lotus-seven/ Birkin https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1963-lotus-mankato-mn-2973030 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/1FBP7PnE53/ RM 8? Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1GrUiDHWXz/ Ads Repeated from Prior Weeks Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/inventory/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/csrtwenty02/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/2005-superlight-260-cosworth/ Caterham https://rockymountaincaterham.com/76907-2/ Caterham https://www.beachmanracing.com/inventory Plus Bruce has a black 420R for sale not listed on his website. Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1957-caterham-jupiter-fl-2947891 Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2025-caterham-seven-costa-mesa-ca-2961070 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/18JNLKG7W2/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1HPdvcpFxq/ Stalker https://www.facebook.com/share/1B4vLzLUKg/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/19oUt2efiy/ Replica https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cjya2Jv7M/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/share/1DbY4JL8Yx/ Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/1ADRPkLWWs/ Stalker Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1DiQDHce4H/ Mitsuoka Zero https://www.facebook.com/share/1FT9eUbfbV/ Lotus 7 https://www.facebook.com/share/19jLzeDF9c/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1EyzrkYrQs/ Ultralite https://www.facebook.com/share/1FDrA5HV2b/ Replica https://www.facebook.com/share/1EiHzk5hDp/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1WfVcXJL2w/ Caterham https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/2026-caterham-seven-miami-fl-2916813 and here Lotus 7 S4 https://www.hemmings.com/listing/1971-lotus-seven-philadelphia-pa-786759 Lotus 7 S2 https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1962-lotus-seven-sun-city-az-2949927 Lotus 6 replica https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/listing/1952-lotus-6-norfolk-ct-2945955 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/1DvP7wNg51/ Robin Hood https://www.facebook.com/share/1BrCExzabY/ Eva Diva https://www.facebook.com/share/1FMxJPQXwD/ Locost https://www.craigslist.org/view/d/north-newton-lotus-almost-new/q7PGzVm13CaLspc81NDwdr and here https://www.facebook.com/share/19nRnV3GW6/ Canada Ads Locost https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/lotus-unspecified-1969-lotus-seven-westfield-clone-gasoline-cat_ma44gr200883-06b194a5-d735-49a7-9e30-16ef5709519f and here https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/edmonton/1969-lotus-seven-westfield-replica/1744818291 Westfield https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/kelowna/1989-westfield/1745192349 and here https://www.facebook.com/share/18nGJCcNhN/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1A8uVTbRwW/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1Da3Jktz9S/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1HUaGn8k6X/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/share/1EAvUVenC7/ Eva Beva Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1HgiW29R8A/ Locost/Dutton? https://www.facebook.com/share/1DzYFUsWxn/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1LWQG7eAoc/ Lotus 7 S4 https://www.autotrader.ca/offers/lotus-unspecified-convertible-gasoline-green-cat_ma44gr200883-ab87a903-b601-4fda-b315-e5cdbd00a240 Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1MwCRpG7Fo/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/19dnwzCxfE/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1Uu2nsE9gp/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/share/1EB3QWLt8f/ Eva Diva https://www.facebook.com/share/18z4EYA8yh/ Fejer https://www.facebook.com/share/19wygSiq8u/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/share/1DPNHjxp1C/
  15. I should add, since some people are coming from CT or outer suburbs for this, should we set a time of 11am on Saturday Nov 21? I'm flexible for meet time as its only 40mins on the subway for me. Happy to shift to make it work for the bigger group. Plenty of places to snack inside the Javitts Center. Afterwards we can find a place in Hudson Yards or Hells Kitchen for a post-show refreshment and a more solid meal if people like.
  16. 🫪. I do believe you. I carry my passport as proof of citizenship just to go grocery shopping as ICE check you on entry or on my commute through World Trade Ctr in Manhattan as they are there daily. Anyway, back to our scheduled program on carpet for seven interiors
  17. You forgot to mention that the patch at turn 12 unsettled the car as it goes over at speed. Take too much kerb then and you are looking very very average. You got off lightly. Please don’t do it again - one car crashing on Saturday was one too many for me.
  18. 2026 - Traditional October Weather at Spa-Francorchamps Track Day - Part 2 of 2 Continued from here Day 2 dawned far more promising and warmer. While damp with the odd puddle out there, it was too dry for race wets so I pulled out the MRFs - the standard tire specified for UK Caterham series races. Ideal for the conditions as an intermediate tire. Phill of TFL Racing talking like an Italian in the background to David from NJMP. My silver 420R is getting its tire swap to the MRFs - eventually.... Coming out of the Bus Stop chicane and accelerating on the Pit Straight towards La Source. Coming out of La Source, accelerating hard down the steep slope to Eau Rouge. Looks like I am exiting Pif-Paf on the lower part of the circuit here. Attacking the third corner in the Les Combes esses. La Source - iconic for photos. 2027 calendar for all UK and European track day events will be issued by Sarah at TFL Racing in December (hopefully) but I am already booked for the Lotus On Track French Frolic in August 2027 (Four circuits - Le Mans Bugatti, Dijon, Pole Mechanic, Ledanon with good food and wine plus touring in between). Just need to fit the rest of the events into my 2027 calendar. Of course if you hanker to test yourself against one of the iconic circuits - Spa, Brands Hatch GP, maybe Silverstone or Cadwell Park, or even Zandvoort then let me know and I can connect you to TFL Racing to inquire about renting one of their Caterhams for a track event. Iconic tracks get booked up quickly so you have to plan well in advance but I am sure I will be back at Spa for 2 days in 2027. TFL Racing https://www.tflracing.co.uk/
  19. 2026 - Mixed Weather at Spa-Francorchamps Track Day I went back to Spa for my annual two day fix with Goldtrack, a very well respected UK operator. TFL Racing were again supporting. They had 4 cars in attendance, including my 2018 Caterham 420R. There were 2 Caterham 420 race cars present - rented by a friend who called NJMP home and his son. I always get to Spa early just so I can shake jetlag and do the traditional track perimeter walk before the event. Spectacular walking through the Ardennes forest. Of course all that walking required some rehydration at the Pit Bar overlooking the Bus Stop corner. I stay in Spa town itself. Its 15 mins away from the circuit. Plenty of restaurants within walking distance of the Van Der Valk Hotel (formerly Radisson SAS) - everyone seems to stay here. Recommend Dominos Steak House in Spa if you ever go - make reservations in advance. Day 1 was brutally cold, wet and generally not nice. But I have paid so I dress warmly and just get out there. Car was wearing full Avon race wets so I had plenty of grip for a drenched circuit. As for the last few years I have family with me - Lucas joined in driving duties - although he bailed out for the wet weather on day 1 as he knows how dangerous this circuit is in wet conditions. Happily joined in on Day 2 when it got warmer and drier. Eau Rouge. Nothing else like it. At the base its like looking up a 10 story building and not being able to see the apex at the top part of the corner - Radillon. It is a flat out corner. From La Source to Eau Rouge I get up to redline in 4th gear. Right foot is on the floor. No lift. No brake. You flick left over the rumble strips, flick right at the Eau Rouge apex and then bring the car back to hit the kerb at the top of the hill, Radillon, then track out. No lift - throttle foot is mashed on the floor the whole way. You want to max the speed out for the Kemmel Straight following. You enter with 120mph and you come out at the top of the hill at around 105mph, losing speed from scrub. Then you slowly build it back up to redline in 4th gear along the Kemmel Straight to reach VMax, around 125mph. No point using 5th gear as it is overdrive and you actually lose speed on the Kemmel Straight as it is uphill the whole way. No issues taking out passengers on UK and European trackdays. Lucas was rolling eyes from me playing slide the tail in the Bus Stop chicane. Depsite the wet, a Caterham on full race wets has good grip. Its not dry track type of grip. You do have to have your wits about you. You will be 'milking the cow' on the steering wheel. You will spin it you are a klutz. But it was clear a lot of Porker and BMW drivers were being massively intimidated by their cars in the wet. They just did not have the steering feel I get in a Caterham - both from wheel and seat of the pants. A small video along pit straight - racing the Bimmer to the La Source corner. Click on video to enter full screen mode to watch Video Oct 09 2026, 1 47 44 PM.mov Part 2 continues here.
  20. Is this just in Texas? ICE sponsored?
  21. Version 1.0.0

    16 downloads

    Lotus 7 Series 2 & 3 Owners Manual I want to credit the efforts of @Darcy for digitizing this manual via OCR and generously providing to include in our Library!
  22. Version 1.0.0

    9 downloads

    Caterham Suspension Set Up Guide by Too Fast Too Race
  23. Version 1.0.0

    4 downloads

    Caterham Workshop Notice - Suspension Set Up Guide
  24. Photos copied across to 4 pages of galleries here https://usa7s.net/ips/gallery/category/2-usa7s-events/ @FasterThanVov / @Vovchandr Geoff borrowed someones SLR for the group photo on the start finish line - was it yours?
  25. Croc

    2026 USA7s at NJMP - Page 4 of 4

    2026 USA7s at NJMP - Page 4 of 4 Photos courtesy of: @savagete2860 @SK400 @FasterThanVov @Vovchandr @Croc
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