Croc

Some photos: In the Parabolique: Exiting the Parabolique: Just before the Parabolique: Some track video to give you a taste of the circuit. Like all videos it really does not show the level of vertical terrain change although it does show how I am being thrown around from the cornering forces. So was it worth it? You bet! Dijon is one of those little gems of a circuit which just suits a seven so well. After lunch I had one session where I did 40 laps in a row just hammering happily around the circuit. I would go back in an instant. Next up is Spain in September to visit Barcelona and Valencia circuits.

Dijon-Prenois This is what I really came for. After we had finished the day at Magny-Cours most people had to drive the 3 hours cross-country through rural France to Dijon for the night. So began an entertaining drive along some scenic country roads avoiding cows, deer, tractors, 2CVs and generally anything that was hostile to me driving a German-plated rental car. Of course the Swiss GP was held there as the Swiss Government banned all motor racing in the wake of the 1955 Le Mans tragedy. http://www.allf1.info/tracks/dijon.jpg The map really does not covey the terrain changes here – some of the most extreme I have experienced after Spa-Francorchamps and Mt Panorama. The track sets up some significant G forces as you weave your way around it. It is also one track where it seems like every corner wants to trick you in to turning in early – late turn in is required on nearly every corner. Why did I want to experience Dijon circuit? Well it was because of this race back in 1979: Probably one of the most incredible finishes with the scrap for 2nd place by Giles Villeneuve and Rene Arnoux. The track flows well, it responded well to using just 4th and 5th gears and it encourages bravery in order to be fast. I was conscious that bravery would mean that if you goofed then you would find the gravel pits very quickly. One surprise was the surface when it got wet – a brief shower was all it took for the surface to suddenly have no grip. The transition point of grip was extremely sudden – one corner you would be good but by the next you would be screwed.

Some track video to give you an idea of the circuit

In the latest installment of me exploring different circuits in a Caterham, last week saw me in France for track days at Magny-Cours and Dijon-Prenois in a Caterham R300 with Bookatrack. I try to do a few of these events each year to sample different circuits. While Magny-Cours was a bonus, I really wanted to try out Dijon given its history. The rental Caterham is similar to the one I have used in the past – R300 race car. Full cage, no road gear, standard 2L Duratec with 6 speed gearbox and CR500 tires. There is a fine process for damage – over revs $100 per 100rpm over 6800rpm, fine for putting it in gravel and of course find the wall you are repairing it. Other than that it is fully maintained and supplied with fuel. The car had 291 track miles on the engine before I got my hands on it and the gearbox was showing signs of needing a rebuild as it was baulking into 3rd which is the classic early warning for the synchros on a Caterham 6 speed box. Its perfect for exploring these tracks in a fun way. Magny Cours Located in central France in the Burgundy wine district roughly 160 miles from Paris. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/d1/Magny_Cours_1992.jpg To me it’s the type of circuit which has had its original essence tinkered with to manage Formula 1 races to avoid them being boring and as a result they became boring. The map bears that out as it feels like a sprint between a series of tight hairpins. One thing is clear, make a mistake and you will be getting towed out of a gravel pit! For all that it was a good fun circuit to play on for a day. Some photos: At Adelaide hairpin: Weaving through Nurburgring chicane: Turning into Chateau d'eau

Oh you two wise guys - both about as funny as a fart in an elevator!

This is where a forum is hard to work out when the criticism is literal or non-critical sarcastic humor. It appears my sarcastic humor was interpreted as literal. So at the risk of making the same mistake, I will make the observation that the second photo of the 2012 Caterham R400 SV in the linked ad shows tail lights present on the car. Also, tail lights and wheels are not an option on a Caterham kit - they are standard. That is a well spec'ed Caterham by my standards - enough features, enhancements and carbon to keep 99% of people happy.

Sorry Matt but despite the Megabusa being an absolute track weapon I already have 2 sevens and really cannot justify a third! Please open the sale up to the forum as it is not right I should be greedy!

1969 Lotus 7 S3 in Victoria Canada asking $38800 (I assume in USD?) http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/super_seven/1727779.html 1997 Dax Rush Seven project claimed to be 95-99% complete in Shreveport LA [ATTACH=CONFIG]8853[/ATTACH] Seller gets kudos from me for being comprehensive as to the work needed. However, he is asking $22000 which is really steep for an incomplete non-runner that is not yet titled or registered. Round tube Locost 7 chassis asking $2500 http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/cto/5036415884.html The Lotus 7 replica with arch chassis is still for sale in Oregon asking $28995 http://medford.craigslist.org/ctd/5027283428.html Hawaii Birkin Miata is still out there asking $17000 in Honolulu http://honolulu.craigslist.org/oah/cto/5029606339.html The Hayabusa stroker SCCA Locost track car in Hawaii is still out there asking $35000 http://honolulu.craigslist.org/mau/cto/5004530976.html

On Ebay a Locost 7 in Portland Oregon. Been on this thread before but relisted. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-Lotus-7-replica-open-2-seater-/161712081605?forcerrptr=true&hash=item25a6ca8ac5&item=161712081605 The 3.5L Rover V8 originated as the all alloy Buick engine in the 60s. Tons of parts and hot up pieces for them. The Getrag is probably a T5 box as they were commonly bolted behind the Rover engine. Pretty fresh looking in the photos - looks well detailed. No bids are starting of $19995. This next one is interesting. A 1989 Westfield crossflow. Currently located in Yokohama, Japan. The idea is you buy the car for its buy it now price of $12900 (or make and offer) and then for an additional $2000 they will ship it to the US plus 2.5% import tax. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-Super-7-SE-convertible-/191586208487?forcerrptr=true&hash=item2c9b6d8ae7&item=191586208487 These types of deals concern me as they have all your money and you have nothing for months - the seller has no skin in the game to make this successful for you the buyer. Lots of people have had great success with these deals but there are a number who have had them go sour. Also my experiences with importing cars have had their moments so I am super careful with documentation. For those who are thinking of doing this here are the questions you ask: - see a photo of the build/chassis plates that have the chassis date imprinted to confirm the over 25 year old status. - get a good clean copy of the original and translation of the registration documents showing the car year and description to confirm the over 25 year old status (you need this for state titling anyway). - inquire whether it is RORO or container shipping - lots of things go missing on RORO shipping as it is sitting there open in the hold for crew members to souvenir things. My bet is that it is RORO. - confirm the price of shipping includes full insurance, loading and unloading fees, stevedore fees, port fees, non-import taxes levied by the government and customs bonding and inspection fees. That $2k offer could balloon to double really quick. - find out which port they are shipping to - probably LA so allow for shipping home to wherever you are in the US. For all of that she is a lovely looking Westfield! Then moving from Yokohama to Moscow (ID!) there is this Locost project - not quite finished but close enough it is registered as a 1965 Lotus 7. He says he has been driving it in a few of his ads on Craigslist. For sale at $8000. Gentleman is selling for house remodeling so I guess the wife won? http://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5036554882.html A 1997 Caterham in LA asking $25000. http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lac/cto/5037751630.html I never realized that wheels and tail lights were options? The Hawaii 2004 Caterham SV Zetec is back up on Hemmings http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/caterham/super_7/1742040.html 2012 Caterham Superlight R400 SV - well optioned http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/caterham/unspecified/1729179.html Its not a Seven but it is a Six! 1953 Lotus 6 for sale http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/lotus/6/1728473.html The 2011 AZ Stalker in red and gray is still for sale. Registered as a 1962 Lotus 7. 3.8L V6 SC. Asking $28000 http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/lotus/7/1726421.html Another seller who cannot be bothered to promote his sale properly...1970 Lotus 7 replica in CA http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/lotus/super_seven/1722760.html

Ted Cruz eh? :devil:

What trackside shenanigans? I have been good and not done anything bad? Have I?

Simple answer is no! I got up at 4am after 4 hours of sleep, on the road by 5am for a 2 hour drive to have a day working on the garage and the Holden. Tomorrow I get a day off so thats when the update will happen! You tell that Suave bird that if he is not careful I will pluck him!

That neg camber sounds right. I did not change it on either of my cars when I switched to 13 inch wheels and ZZRs and the fronts are wearing a little lopsided on track but I will just swap the tires around and run them reverse when they wear too far. Some of the guys in the UK swear by running the Avons backwards in the Caterham race series as the tread holds up better. I much prefer the ZZRs over CR500 although they will never be as quick as slicks. Roger Krause was excellent to deal with - he knows Caterhams well.

Someone on this forum used to own this Stuart Taylor seven replica (or one that looked very similar) but for the life I me I cannot remember this name. Anyway it is for sale on Bringatrailer this week. http://bringatrailer.com/listing/2001-street-legal-stuart-taylor-aries-motorsport-locoblade-lotus-seven-replica/

The silver XS color scheme matches my car so I have to like it! I guess they changed headlights at some point or is the smaller headlight an option during the ordering process? Please post back on the driving experience comparison - I would be very much interested to hear. Cheers mike

I think that is a pretty good purchase. Sure there is some work to do but the fundamentals are there and the price was not that bad when you consider the power potential out of that engine package. Its always concerning though when a seller has no idea of what they are selling! Congratulations on the purchase.

Phenomenal work on that dashboard - I have never seen anything like that on a build thread before.

Sorry Dreamofboost, there was no sale price ever published that I was aware of. I just knew it sold that first go around.

Hi Paul You are definitely welcome to join us and I definitely understand the crazy job issue. You have time before the cut off date for signing up to drive or even just joining us for the dinners. Do you need a sign up link sent to you? If so then please send an email to sevensarefun@gmail.com And if you bring the Accusump with you I (or someone else) might just buy it off you! Cheers mike

I am nervous too! Anytime there is an unexplained incident like this I am concerned. I use a Castrol Semi-Synthetic (Syntec) 5W50. Same as what Jon Nelson recommended and the weight is matching what Cosworth recommend. A full synthetic is also an option in the same weight.

Sorry Bruce, I just realized with my earlier generic comment that you thought was I critical of you which was not the case. I also just realized you are now an authorized Caterham dealer which was not the case when we last talked - I have always thought of you as outside the network. I amended my original post to clarify that. My apologies.

Wrong day of the week but I am on a plane for 9 hours on Saturday and driving 7 hours on Sunday so no chance of listing what mister searchbot found. New Lotus 7 S2 restoration in process. Work done by Yarwood so thats notable and photos seem to show good quality restoration. CA car. I love the plywood seats although splinters must be a pain in the ass without a little varnish? http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-n-a-/281684616394?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4195b624ca&item=281684616394 2 days to run on Fleabay at $18100 current bid. A WCM Ultralite for sale in CA by a consigner. I think it is Joshesh's car previously listed by Jim on this forum? The seller's ad demonstrates that he knows how to use his right hand with quite a comprehensive literary spray. I hope Loren approved being quoted in this ad? On Fleabay with 5 days to run and bidding at $17k http://www.ebay.com/itm/Replica-Kit-Makes-S2K-Ultralite-S2K-/321749606458?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4ae9c5603a&item=321749606458 1985 Fejer Seven for sale in Canada. Toyota Corolla 1600cc. No photos of engine but hey thats not important to a buyer I guess? Bidding at US$5k with 6 days to run. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lotus-Super-Seven-/221771997989?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33a2a42325&item=221771997989&pt=LH_DefaultDomain_2 2005 Caterham 7 SV in Austin TX. Zetec SVT at 220hp - I think that is being quoted by the seller as Caterham USA/RMSC advertised power so discount that to probably 200-205. Nice comprehensive spec. Not sure what wheels are on the car as the photos are not great but car looks a nice package. SV's are rare so who wants one? $42k buy it now or make an offer. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-Caterham-Super-Seven-SV-Convertible-/331548743014?forcerrptr=true&hash=item4d31d85566&item=331548743014 The rotary Rotus is back! 1989 Rotus. This is what Slngsht's car looked like until he got bored and violent one day.... Great color of claret and looks to be well looked after. Asking $13k - a bargain in Mary Land! http://washingtondc.craigslist.org/mld/cto/5021486287.html In Atlanta there is a Locost at $12750. Not quite finished restoration with a Toyota engine. No photos and not much detail - good luck. http://atlanta.craigslist.org/nat/cto/5017918832.html Another Locost, this time in Idaho. not quite finished but has a VIN and is registered so that helps. Asking $9900 http://pullman.craigslist.org/cto/5014607371.html A SC V6 Stalker in Phoenix AZ grey with red stripe. Asking $28k http://phoenix.craigslist.org/evl/cto/5013668249.html

Interesting although it sounds quite defensive in tone. Well oil temp has long been a concern of mine on the CSR but you fix that by selecting a suitable oil for the operating temperature range. I always exceed that temp level (212F) on track. Yet with discussions with Cosworth their view is so long as you use their oil spec you can happily go up to 230F. Duratecs always seem to run much higher oil temps than Zetecs as I don't recall ever exceeding 200F oil temp in one. I don't recall R300 or R400 having oil coolers standard? Do they or is it a user determined extra?

I know Paul and Steve but Neil is a new name to me? Which part of CT is he in and what 7 is he running? :seeya: Maybe a good idea to put an accusump kit on my maroon seven. Asking whoever runs one currently, what pieces are needed to install?

Welcome to the forum Drew! Not at all. You sound like everyone else on this forum and an ideal chap to have a beer with and chat cars.:cheers: 1) I am fatter and shorter and still fit in Caterham's, Birkins, Westfields and even Ultralites so long as those super tight racing shells are not used. I prefer the Caterham SV for touring as it is roomy but Birkin and Stalker have their wide options too now. Even Westfield chassis is roomier than the standard Caterham S3. With the right seat you could be comfy in all. 2) I think Stalkers is a case where if you like the styling then go for it. I prefer the more traditional styling but thats just me but I very much appreciate the ease of getting parts/spares at Napa - something the Stalker beats most others hands down. Also I dont think it is a top speed issue. I suspect my Caterham has a close top speed on track to the V6 Stalker. Its style of driving. The small 4s have a revvier more active style that encourages use of the rev range. The Stalker V6 is a a more torquey style. Both are good in their own ways - but what is your style of driving. There are levels of kit build: 1) Fully complete - only Brunton offers this level of finish by the manufacturer. Even Caterham requires you to find an affiliate assembler to put your car together. 2) Roller - no engine or trans but car is assembled with wiring ready to install engine. Put Caterham in this box. and I believe Brunton and Birkin can organize a build experience from this level too. 3) Kit - Varying levels of pre-assembled bits requiring further assembly. Brunton and Birkin can tailor their kit experience through a staging process. Westfields in a fairly comprehensive kit process. Caterhams can also still be built as kits. 4) Raw materials - Locost type of build. Cost is so difficult to compare that people dont because of the radically varying assumptions. You would have to do that analysis yourself. I did it when shopping in 2008 - not hard but the devil is in the small print as to what the kit includes or does not include. I bet Caterham is the most expensive by a factor of 2 though. If you go back some ways I would have said Caterham may have provided best support. Thats not the case now when I cannot even get the current CA based USA agents to return multiple phone calls. Your best support for Caterham will come through Beachman Racing. Beyond Caterham, today based on my dealings, I would say it is probably Brunton with its Stalker and Birkin - knowledgeable friendly people who are a pleasure to deal with. I cannot comment on Westfield - Davemk1 would be best placed to comment here. If I knew this I would be happily married.... What you dont mention is road registration. Given you are MA then you have one of the more tricky states to deal with. I suspect a Stalker will deal with this better given its ability to make OBDII work. You may want to have an offline chat with Paul (Wemtd) who is in your location. Cheers mike