wemtd

Lotus 7 : Anyone who really knows will spot the difference and you can have a good chat. Trying to go into detail with everyone else will just cut into your driving time.

Apply a heat gun & time to warm things up & expand clearances ?

I strongly prefer the zzs over ra-1. Much better grip & performance for street, autoX, and occasional trackday

I’ll see you in September

Another 👍 for safety/laminated green glass. I had mine replaced with this material. The trick is finding a competent/independent glass shop that will cut a piece to fit the frame & put it all back together.

I have similar one as MichaelD for my Birkin (I sent dimensions to company to confirm fittment & needed a different model #) & have been happy with it.

I previously had collectors via USAA (discount rate). Then consolidated all our insurances with a local broker for a collective discount. (IIRC others have had similar experiences). So I’d say (especially if you need homeowners insurance) to check with local broker to see if they can beat their competitors.

Still waiting on parts: just picked up clutch. Shocks just got to heathrow. Radiator needs a bit of fabrication work… still awaiting other incidental parts & warmer weather so I can put all these nice things back together

All better now: replaced insert & flywheel balanced.

Part identified: (Thanks @Tbox56) it is an FC65354. cross references to 1995 Ford Escort. I was lead astray by smudged part # stamp on the old unit.

Does anyone have a part # for the 2.0L Duratec pilot bearing? I didn't write down the part # when replaced 7years ago, so of course i'm having a challenge finding the correct part # this go-around replacing my clutch. Just thought I'd ask for a shortcut if someone here knows...

Thing I didn’t mention is hydraulic fluid contamination occurred last year… I imagine a happy plate should look like a brake rotor?

We’ve had discussions on how to read the condition of spark plugs & tires but I don’t recall any discussions regarding clutch selections & wear. I can surmise that a shattered metal disk and tangled knot of Kevlar needs to be replaced. However I’m not too familiar with what a happy clutch/friction surface should look like versus the sample below (dust has been wiped off with solvent). Curiosity has gotten me wondering what collective wisdom the group has on this topic?

@11Budlite had a fantastic set of stands. He’ll probably stop by with their specifics soon.

May not help you; but I have a set of ‘spare’ ATpower ITB intake horns. (I received the wrong part, so it’s a spare now)

I think some folks on OzClubbies have been through this before (probably BlatChat too). just in case you haven’t looked there yet..

Wheels. If I correctly recall a prior tire/wheel discussion: our resident boffin recommended 13" wheels to allow for more sidewall. Reporting a better ride/cushioning/unsprung weight without loss of performance in our lightweight cars. Noise. Another Caterham driver observed slight notes of exhaust with rear exhaust not present with side exhaust. I've never had rear exhaust so I take their word for it. Regardless of configuration, or aero/Brookland's/windscreen most here would agree that hearing & eye protection are standard kit when driving these cars regardless of road/track/driveway/parking lot. In my Birkin i primarily hear noise from thet ITB's(driver side) and wind, less so exhaust noise (off-side). Exhaust is more notable at low speeds, especially along wooded backroads where noise can be reflected off trees, etc. People with them report doors significantly decrease wind buffeting. Brakes & etc. When I spec'd & built my car I never anticipated anything other than blatting around twisty back roads. I now find my self sliding deeper into autocross & trackdays. Without going off the deep end with carbon fiber bits & bobs; I don't think you'll ever regret addition of up-rated suspension, roll-bar, & etc. You never know where this addiction will take you in 10 or 15 years. (or re-sale value if SWMBO sees the invoice). Seats: I 'think' the standard caterham seats are pretty comfortable, I always thought the Birkin Sport/fiberglass seats were. I upgraded to a Tillet B6 for a more snug fit and better lateral restraint on track. Despite the minimal padding This is a very comfortable seat even for long drives and one of the best upgrades I've made. - Be patient & enjoy the process. I think many of us find building/assembly to be almost as much fun as driving. I certainly did. Cheers P.

Have you checked car builder solutions in the UK ?

I have aeroquip startlite -8 or 10 (can’t remember) & compression swivel fittings for my cooler [stock 1.9L duratec]. I Didn’t want abrasive SS possibly rubbing against something. So far no complaints in 2 years.

eautotools triumph the classisc 4-post lift

Update… I ordered a 4post triumph lift: Sized for a se7en & most likely to fit my space. Then garage modifications ensued for vertical clearance. Naturally this became exponentially more complicated than anticipated. Now that that’s sorted I can’t even remember what repairs & adjustments the Se7en needed…

Definite possibility… amongst my gremlins in September was a frayed & broken wire in the #4 cylinder coil wire.

Congratulations !! looks great. I did upgrade to a newton “aero” style gas cap. I like the look and found the stock one leaked a little with. A full tank. Tom also had a great fix for the filler neck (if not already done) cut back the lip of aluminum left where the angled filler neck joins the flat tank top. This prevents gas splashing which prematurely shuts off the gas pump.

I’d try calling (or email) Tillett. I believe they make the seats for caterham.

My wife is very accepting, but I think parking that in the driveway just for occasional Seven transportation would rapidly result in bachelorhood