Croc

Cockpit of the CSR Not really a fair comparison as the CSR cockpit is not the standard one. I would like to see a 6 speed in the Birkin though. Can it take a Caterham 6 speed? Is it even worth it? I prefer the Caterham seats to the Birkin but quite frankly you can put any seat you want in the cars to suit your personal taste. Both cars are easy to customize. Birkin front suspension. The headlights include daylight running lights and indicators. Much cleaner design and look. CSR front suspension - ok its got inboard shocks but does that make a notable difference? We did not do back to back drives to compare unfortunately as time got away from us. Comparison of engine bays - the Birkin XS. What it does not show is there is a ton of room on the other side for a turbo charger. this is the 2L Duratec. The Caterham has the 2.3L Duratec. The purpose of this comparison is not for power contest but to compare packaging. Very similar layout and placement of chassis bracing. The CSR has a nose duct to take the airflow out of the radiator as it supposedly improves aero. The problem with this approach is that the engine bay becomes a closed cell which pumps hot air down the transmission tunnel and superheats the chassis tubes next to the driver. The regular Caterham matches the Birkin XS and I think the simpler approach is better in this instance.

Yesterday, I put my Caterham CSR next to Tom Carlin of Birkin USA's brand spanking new Birkin XS to compare and contrast the two. Very interesting exercise that prompted debate on which company got it right. First up is the front view. My car is a 2010 kit built 2011. I am flattered Tom copied my paint scheme! The photo is deceptive - it appears the CSR is lower nose height, bonnet height etc, but it is not - maybe a fraction of an inch but the difference is optical. Headlights clearly are lower. CSR has the carbon double chin which visually lowers the look for aero. The Birkin has a different profile intended to reduce lift - looks far more integrated as a unit than the Caterham. Width of front track is about the same. Yes I know the CSR is running directional tires backward - in CR500 it gives better grip plus it evens out the wear on the Lightning track from the bowl. Side on to the Birkin - this shows cowling and bonnet height are pretty identical. Wheelbase is same length (or close enough to not be noticeable). Now side on for the Caterham. Steering wheel in the Birkin is closer to the driver. That could be because the Caterham has the swoopy dash which uses a Rover Metro steering column which differs to the regular dash. I prefer the higher wheel height of the Birkin - the Caterham wheel is too low. Cockpit of the Birkin XS

But then it builds up to the 15 degrees max. Throttle hard down and hang on for a fast ride out on to the main straight. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/111%20IMG_0973_zpsbrxu7keg.jpg The story behind the bowl banking as told by Don Fauerbach at dinner on Saturday night was the original plans showed a 5 degree banking. Carroll Shelby was a consultant to the project and when he looked at it his words were "Not enough f-ing pucker factor. Increase it to 15 degrees." Next day the bulldozer started grading to the new angle.

'Then we get to the bowl. A brilliantly fun corner http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/108%20IMG_0972_zpshvm8oc01.jpg You come in fast to this corner and take it fast the whole way around. For me around 105mph (give or take 5mph). The 15 degree banking helps as you can scrub speed off by going up the banking then build it again by dropping down for the exit. Ideal entry is left 1/3rd of the track before turning in. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/107%20IMG_0971_zpsevkyifqu.jpg but if you get it wrong then you will unload the rear and spin....here is DaveD's tremendous effort! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/109%20IMG_0948_zpsszsn4sku.jpg Initially the banking is not that steep http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/110%20IMG_0950_zpsuerfble2.jpg

Then we get to Turn 5, a bit of a tricky one. Blind crest, apex at the top of the crest with the track dropping away sharply immediately after and sharp right. Turn in is at the beginning of the left hand side curbing. Ignore the orange cone - it was moved after Kitcat attacked it repeatedly on Saturday. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/104%20IMG_0966_zpsy2hbsbu5.jpg If you get it right then the car sweeps around on to the back "straight". Challenging fun corner. If you get it wrong then you visit the Seven Sandpit. I lost count of those who went visiting this patch of sand and doing some "gardening" Kitcat, Ryan H, Dave H, Simon, Norm was heading in that direction once but saved it. This is what they saw just before - love the skid marks! This was a safe exit - fence is a huge distance away so it is safe to run off to the grass here to avoid spinning in a blind corner. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/105%20IMG_0967_zpsx5glcuoo.jpg Turn 7 is a simple 90 degree left. Downhill entry. So simple yet so many spin here because they overcook it going in. Lots of favorable camber built in plus the "magic" curbs - grooved to give extra grip. I will own up to the tire mark going inside the curbing... http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/106%20IMG_0970_zps7ywchavn.jpg

Some more photos to show off the track to those who have not been to NJMP Lightning before. Here is the track map which unfortunately does not show the elevation changes. http://i426.photobucket.com/albums/pp346/Meech355/Lightning-Map.jpg It is a very quick track. Ideally suited to momentum driving and our types of cars. Braking zone into turn one is initially downhill before a sharp up hill to the corner. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/100%20IMG_0963_zpsb5b9ixwx.jpg It is a blind corner where you cannot see the apex until the last minute. The car is light at the crest making it essential you know your line. I aim at the Benningans advertising sign down at turn 2 as that is the first thing I see as I crest. Notice the sand next to the curbing....lots of people miss this one and go wide...and...try to save it and end up kissing rubber on the right. Smart ones keep it on the track or bail left once they realize they have run out of talent. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/101%20IMG_0964_zpsmcg94cy7.jpg Then you get into the turns 2, 3, and 4 esses - great fun as agility is essential. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/102%20IMG_0965_zpsdkjayzi4.jpg

Bring on the 2016 event - looking forward to seeing you all again!! :seeya:

Photo thread opened - please post your photos at the thread in this link http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?10558-2015-East-Coast-Sevens-Event-Photo-Thread&p=95412&posted=1#post95412

Final night dinner was at the clubhouse with the awards http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/29%20IMG_0941_zpsj7wsl8m9.jpg In the foreground are the trophies we awarded. Someone else will have to post the photos as I did not take them but our worthy winners were: Mechanical Sympathy Award - Stewart for managing to disassemble and reassemble his Caterham several times over the weekend. I Can Steer Award - to Roman for being most improved driver over prior year. Not one little hint of a spin. The Golden Skidmarks Award (a golden commode) went to Mike (Kitcat) for his epic effort at spinning. By the end of the first day he had 920 degrees of spins to his credit. No one ever came close to that. Hitting the Apex from Time to Time Award went to Dave D for an absolutely spectacular spin in the bowl in front of me. We had been playing tag on track and having great fun when he went in just a little too hot. The trophy was quite special - it was for lawnmower racing. The Greenpeace Economy Award for lack of fuel saving went to Tom Carlin for his epic drive across the country! The Gorgeous Car Pity About the Driver Award went to Steve for his super shiny Caterham. Every time we looked he was off polishing the car in the pits. Everyone - post your photos!

Now Tom as a rabid Republican was just begging for this: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/26%20IMG_7754_zpsimujyifr.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/28%20IMG_0904_zpshr7bynf2.jpg Oops she is peeking out! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/29%20IMG_3952_zpskuixewwi.jpg

Down in Don's man cave checking out the original renderings of NJMP http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/24%20mancave_zpszrqj4qbj.jpg The weekend had its small incidents. Tom had the new Birkin hit by a rock - lucky there was a windscreen to protect him http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/25%20IMG_0937_zps31c8v8bp.jpg Mike said on a thread how much he like Ted Cruz so I got him a poster to wear with pride. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/27%20IMG_0893_zps6lailhjb.jpg

Ok kids, you all be good while the adults are off at dinner! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/20%20IMG_0891_zpsu3pcbo2v.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/21%20IMG_0892_zpsltuzk9lk.jpg July 4th dinner is always a special event at NJMP Drivers Club as it is the anniversary of its first operation. Don Fauerbach, track founder and all round great guy puts on a lavish event for the NJMP Drivers Club members at his home out on the lawn overlooking the river. He generously opens the event up to the Sevens event participants. The food is superb by one of Millville's leading chefs. This is definitely a highlight of the weekend for me. Don is in the center sitting on the lawn. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/23%20WSPS-untitled-N.J.M.P.%20Drivers%20Club%20July%204th%20Track%20Day%20amp%20BBQ%20July%202015-0001_zpsbxttaxrc.jpg Steve and I chatting at the event http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/22%20Steve%20and%20Mike%20at%20Dons_zps8f5dj535.jpg

Fred brought along his Locost with 1000cc bike engine. It sounded awesome screaming along at 9500rpm. Given the small engine size it was not the quickest but it did not disgrace itself in the slightest. It had beautiful handling. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/17%20IMG_0916_zps3kv4ayhn.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/18%20IMG_0917_zpsvu7iktip.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/19%20IMG_0918_zpshgs74cu3.jpg

Tom Carlin of Birkin USA brought the new Birkin XS along to shake down. Tom and I did a photo comparison against the CSR and I will post that as a separate thread later as it was very interesting to compare the cars back to back. I have to say the car looked great out on track. Tom wins the furthest drive award - 28 hours from Eagle CO to southern NJ. Such dedication and you have to salute that!!!! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/13%20IMG_0908_zpsvb77efz7.jpg Stewart's BDG (?) in its usual half disassembled state. He sheared a carb bolt and was scrambling to fix to go out on track. The offending carby follows: http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/14%20IMG_0909_zpsj8yjswpx.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/15%20IMG_0910_zpsidtaehz4.jpg Jim setting up his Caterham for the day http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/16%20IMG_0914_zpsfcf0b6rt.jpg

Roman and Michael compete in the "I am faster than you" competition next to Michael's seven http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/9%20IMG_0902_zpsefxvzioq.jpg Share the July 4th love on Tom's trailer http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/10%20IMG_0903_zpsu6tcdofp.jpg Steve's pristine, shiny crossflow Caterham http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/11%20IMG_0905_zpsfjagcals.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/12%20IMG_0906_zpssgdwjo1q.jpg

Norm's auto crossing seven. The aero worked well for the record although it was hard to get past him as (a) he was damn quick and (b) he could not see behind him! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/5%20IMG_0898_zpsbetphgvo.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/6%20IMG_0897_zpsuhrx1vfj.jpg http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/7%20IMG_0899_zpsuyrcxftp.jpg Steve's S1 http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/8%20IMG_0901_zpsjhqigjeu.jpg I hope someone got a pic of Dave's S1 because I forgot to.

What can I say? It was another top event. The weather behaved. The track was excellent. The driving standard was (mostly excellent....Kitcat?....) The staff at NJMP made it superb and for that we are all grateful. Don's BBQ was a highlight on Saturday that was hard to top! I met a bunch of new great seven enthusiasts who are my new friends and got to check out some wonderfully interesting sevens. Like their owners they are all unique and special. Thank you to everyone who attended and made it a very special event. Thank you too to my partner in crime - Tom - who put up with my practical joking on his car. Here are my photos - please add yours to them. I guess they forgot Tom - oops! http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/1%20IMG_0940_zpsmb5jgcwl.jpg Morning set up in the pits. Front to back its my maroon Caterham SV roadsport, then Steve's Crossflow, then Tom's orange monster, then MichaelD's BRG zetec Caterham and beyond that Scott's orange Superlight Zetec. We have Steve back to camera explaining to Kathy (Tom's wife) how big the fish was. Then to the right is Tom and Michael discussing how long before Tom's orange car pukes coolant and overheats.... http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/2%20IMG_0920_zpsvtdgq6md.jpg Mike's blue Caterham with Scott's Superlight under the tent behind it. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/3%20IMG_0894_zpsgczaldfv.jpg Roman;s S2000 Ultralite http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/4%20IMG_0895_zpsimlro8eg.jpg

But we did not know! At least that gives me a driver for the photo for the maroon car!

Bit of a mish mash from a design point of view. Front on reminds me of the Panoz AIV. Rear end reminds me of the Clubman race car series in Australia where regular sevens were faired in for aero. Neat idea with the headlights though!

Crossflow or K series. There are not many K series around - maybe 6 or so in the country. Plenty of cross flows out there though as that was the standard engine in the 90s. Price range will be in the $25-31k area depending on condition spec. Maybe even a little lower. This forum will be your best chance of finding a suitable car. Putting a wanted ad up like this is smart as it often flushes on the fence sellers out to actually sell. Which state is your Dad located in? Will there be any registration/emissions issues consider? A Birkin may be an option for him since they looks similar and have similar mechanical specs. Its been a while since I updated this thread so here is what searchbot found for me tonight - not much surprisingly: Locost aluminum mid engined project. It is powered by a 2009 Honda CBR1000rr 1 liter 4 cylinder motor (4400 miles on it). This motor makes somewhere around 180hp. I thought this engines rotated the wrong way to use in a seven project but I guess the mid engined layout cured that problem. Lots of parts and pieces to finish off what is done. Looks very interesting in the pictures. http://raleigh.craigslist.org/cto/5080742395.html Asking $5000 in NC. Locost Rx7 project in OH, previously noted on this thread. http://akroncanton.craigslist.org/cto/5064401096.html Asking $5800 1982 Locost 7. 1.8L Toyota engine. Asking $12500 http://greensboro.craigslist.org/cto/5071403194.html 1969 Lotus 7 S3 clone. Listed on this thread previously. Arch chassis but not a Lotus. Dave Bean build. Lotus Twin Cam engine. http://medford.craigslist.org/ctd/5059660473.html Asking $28995 2004 Caterham 7 SV Zetec in Hawaii. Asking $39500 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/super-7/1742040.html 2012 Caterham Superlight SV. Well optioned car. Asking $59000 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/caterham/unspecified/1729179.html Stalker in AZ asking $28000 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/cars-for-sale/lotus/7/1726421.html And on Ebay today a 2014 Kaipan 57. A Czech version of a seven. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-Roadster-/171838602328?forcerrptr=true&hash=item280260fc58&item=171838602328 Bid is at $10100 with 18 hours to run. One issue is that you cannot legally import this to the US as it is not 25 years old and it is definitely not Federalized. That said it is an interesting ad to look at since it has some unique features compared to the usual ads on this forum.

My condolences for the family. At times like this you have to look after the family first. I hope you can make some of the event but it is understandable if you cannot.

Interesting that a dealer might have bought it to resell. Not sure that they will get that price though. Was this your old car? I recall you had something very similar at one point?

2006 Caterham S3 with SVT Zetec and 5 speed. Bare ali with BRG fiberglass. Looks immaculate - freshly polished. Ad says it has AM/FM 14420 miles. Asking $37995. http://auto-europe-sales.ebizautos.com/plugin-detail.aspx?iid=13376676

For anyone arriving early on Friday and finding no intelligent life in the Lightning pits then chances are that we are at the Garage Mahal which is the building past the villas/townhouses heading towards the Thunderbolt Circuit. Look for garage numbered "7" on the door. For those karting, we are starting at 3pm. Bring your helmet, neck donut, gloves, driving suit or they can give it to you at the karting center at the back of the lightning pits. If you are lost or uncertain or have not read the materials in your sign up email then please call my cell phone - number is in the attachments in your sign up email. For those not karting then we see you at the pool at the NJMP clubhouse at 6pm (or earlier if you need a cocktail!), Looking forward to seeing you all on Friday (or Saturday if you arrive then)! :seeya:

And I thought you were called Michael? :rofl: :leaving: