slomove

Easy fix, come to California.

Hmm, I have the free version, too. After opening the file you should be able to click the "play tour" (right arrow) button under the "places" pane on the left hand side. That can only be done if full-screen view is turned off. Actually I have to click it twice, once to get to the tour start and one more time to get moving. You may have to adjust the speed setting in the preferences. Make sure you got the latest update. It made a huge difference in loading speed on my machine. Gertslomove2006-10-03 21:43:41

Did not want to make anyone envious....but as a matter of fact we have some great roads around here. Probably a compensation for the otherwise horrendous LA traffuck. I love that flyover tool. It is getting pretty close to the real thing. Anther good one >here It is a snippet of next year's PNW2007 tour. Must be first unzipped. Unfortunately the resolution is not yet good enough to see if there are potholes..... Gert slomove2006-10-03 20:38:21

Looks like a great trip!! Never been in this area. This was our day ( 2 Caterhams and 3 Birkins) http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20061001_183402_Malibu061001.jpg You can also fly it >Must have Google Earth installed. Gert

Yeah, we were all a bit surprised and part of a possible error may be my >super precision scale setup but I calibrated it and it should be good to some 5-10 pounds per corner. Unlikely that all corners are off in the same direction. But, after all it is not a pro racing scale, maybe the tank was full and maybe I underestimated the driver weight http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gifhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif Gert P.S.: a lot of the manufacturer's weight data seems to be anyway optimistic at best, bullshit at worst, measured with no fluid, etc.slomove2006-09-26 19:48:23

We did a cornerweight session with 4 Sevens a while ago with following results (names anonymized except my own). Since all weights were taken originally with driver I deducted what I believe may be their weight http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Result was: My own car (Birkin S3, Zetec/T9, 13" wheels with ACB10, no spare, 4 gal fuel, 20pound sump guard) :1338 pounds Mr. C. (Caterham (Superlight ?), Duratec/T9, 13" wheels with ACB10, no spare, unknown fuel): 1310 pounds Mr. S. (Birkin S3, Zetec/T9, 15" wheels with Toyos, with spare wheel, unknown fuel):1420 pounds Mr. M. (Caterham SV, Zetec w/ supercharger&6-speed, 15" wheels??, no spare, unknown fuel): 1475 pounds

Hey, what is wrong with 50-something??? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cuss.gif I fold myself into a Seven just fine http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif

From what I heard, Dunnell has high quality stuff, but they are not exactly cheap and communication is at times difficult. I used to have a Dunnell ECU with my previous Weber setup, and while working fine and nicely compact, it ticked me off that I could not change any settings without sending in and paying money. So I sold the Dunnell ECU and bought an Emerald (almost cost neutral). But if you just want an out-of-the-box working quality setup, have no desire for tweaks and a bundle of cash, way to go. Gert

Nowadays it is probably easier to upgrade a ZX3 with all the aftermarket stuff for the older Focus. For the ZX1 there are some slight differences between the US spec Contour version and the EU spec Ford Mondeo version (most upgrade material must anyway be ordered from the UK).The US model has stronger crank bearing bolts, which is nice, but for my upgrade with Kentcam FZ2002 the valve shafts had to be re-grooved to accommodate the stronger springs. Also some aluminum to be removed for the taller cam lobes. AFAIK the FZ2002 are a drop in fit with the EU engine, but they are rare in the US. Gertslomove2006-09-16 09:32:18

Esslinger does not offer Zetec stuff anymore for a year or two, they sold this off to another Zetec tuning company. But there is still the UK makers like Kentcams or Piper. Not sure if the stock ECU can handle the change (maybe with a special chip?). I got KentCam FZ2002 in my ZX1 (like Focus12 for the ZX3) but run an aftermarket ECU and Jenvey TBs. Gertslomove2006-09-11 19:55:00

The Birkin has two M8 threaded bushings welded to the bottom chassis tube going across for the spare carrier to bolt on. That is where the luggage basket is held at the bottom. The top is simply lashed to the roll bar rear stays with a spacer to not mar the aluminum skin. I had considered making one or the other thing for sale but I am just not set up for small series production. It would be inefficient and become very expensive. If that is just for myself and for fun, I don't care about efficiency. Also, I am already speding more time than I should with these gadgets http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Gert

No, that is my peace of mind booster when I don't trust the fuel gage and the next gas station is 80 miles away. Good idea with the canister in the passenger area together with the other luggage, eliminating the need for the basket. But then, I have to strap the passenger to the roll bar http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/biggrin5.gif Gert

Thats mine.http://home.earthlink.net/~slomove/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/boxstrapped.jpg >More pics here: Gertslomove2006-09-10 13:16:45

I guess I kind of agree....but I think there is also a place for the regional idle talk of people who know and meet each other personally and which may be completely meaningless for others. I had thought a local "For Sale" might be meaningful for similar reasons but on second thought I agree a central place is better. After all, with UPS/FedEx something of value is just as easy to get from coast to coast as from LA to San Diego. Gert

For purposes of a stronger overall presence I would prefer a single web site as long as we West-Coasters maintain a regional sub-forum that contains all the sections which have become so valuable for us (events, local racing, chatter, local for sale). Then I don't see any disadvantage but one site less to check. Gert

Yes, dead horses.....I do have an interest in the US Super Sevens Society (or whatever you guys will call it) and very little interest in L7CGB. Gert

I tend to agree. The aerodynamics of a Se7en are so, well how can I say....humble that I don't see much of a difference. Interesting comment about the Rotus design. I know the original Seven had the anti-roll bar doubling for the top suspension arm. Gert

Yes!! It was a nice drive and I did not take pics either...but this is a case of "wow it is great but I do it every so often". We are privileged to have some of the best mountain roads in accessable distance. But I see this as a compensation for the otherwise miserable traffic in Los Angeles. And, of course it does not come free.....just got a ticket a few weeks ago on Angeles Crest Hwy. To get an idea: even if this is not from this trip, the area looks somewhat like that: http://home.earthlink.net/~slomove/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/glendoraridge1sm.jpg Gert

Well, that WAS a funny story.... started out with some ticking valves and the highly qualified repair technician put in new hydraulic lifters. But in the process he screwed up something else that led to a total engine failure (valves, head, pistons crashed). So I ended up with a new (rebuilt) engine on repair warranty. I did not complain but that is now extending the life even more.... Gertslomove2006-09-02 12:24:38

Al, that was not really a serious comment and why I gave it that emoticon. But indeed I can derive no satisfaction whatsoever from my daily commute and shopping trips in Los Angeles even if it was a Ferrari Enzo. And for the fun trips I got the Se7en. But I am actually waiting for one of the junkers to finally break down as an excuse to get a new one. The friggin' cars just don't do me the favor http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/cuss.gif Gert

Jeez, you guys....besides the Se7en I have a junk pile in my driveway. A '94 Galant with broken A/C and stuck power windows, a '93 Escort running on the second engine and as a highlight a '03 Hyundai Santa Fe that I need to tow the Se7en. Did I mention my son is going to college? http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/wink5.gif Gertslomove2006-09-01 21:45:11

Well, California is not much better. When I bought my car I was shocked to see an 8.25% "use tax" when registering. I know many people cheat and state "optimistic" purchase prices here all the time but that is not a good idea for a "Resident Alien". For what it is worth, in my home country Germany used car sales between private parties are not taxed. Does not help me much here, though..... Gert Funny: the DMV inspector asked "what, you paid $15000 for a 35 year old car???"

Well, that was my first speeding ticket after 34 years of driving....that means it sucks but I should not complain. Gert

Stan, my wife (mostly being passenger) would have a very different opinion on that one http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif I think it would be *possible* to install a Duratec but AFAIK nobody has done it so far in a classic Birkin S3. Modifying one of the diagonal chassis tubes is probably required. But first adopters would have to do a lot of research and machine shop work. The new IRS Birkin (only 1 in the US) is supposedly set up for Duratec. Gert

Yes, here it is.....It goes into the place of the volt meter because it has also battery voltage indication (as well as ambient temperature whatever that is good for). I stuck the antenna invisibly behind the GFRP nosecone and the superbright "annunciator" LED in a small aluminum pod on top of the dash. The additional laser pickup is stuck to the headlight carrier. Now I bet the CHP and the Sheriff are going to swith to laser guns sometimes making the whole thing alomost useless. Gert http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20060830_200115_WhistlerNose.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20060830_200044_WhistlerDash.jpg http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/20060830_195949_WhistlerLED.jpg