manik

Mastercraft near Dallas can do a nosecone. However, you will be VERY lucky to get someone to make one for less than $3K. Unless you find a retired fabricator with nothing else on his plate. An even then... >http://www.mastercraftbodyworks.com tm

Shameless plug about the Westfield Megabusa - they are available in the U.S. through Manik. We also are working with a busa engine builder who can produce everything from a stock engine, up to a 300HP mill, tubros, you name it. One neat thing that you can do with the sequential gearboxes on the BECs (and sequential gearbox equipped CECs) is to use a semi-automatic gearshift setup. Get some shifter paddles for the steering column and you basically have the same setup as an F1 car. Basically http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif Requisite Megabusa at the Nurburgring video: http://youtube.com/watch?v=PbVdS101GtM tom www.manikllc.com

That tow vehicle in the last picture should be what we are getting quotes on! http://www.usa7s.com/forum/uploads/solderguy/2006-06-01_190521_silv26.jpg Nice. tm

Very nice, thanks for that. Remind me not to bring a Ford Fiesta or Aspire to any event... Now with a 250HP engine and an 1,100 lb curb weight, one could do a lot worse. (0.227 ?) tm

Since the real differentiation between a 'Seven' and a 'Regular' car is the power-to-weight ratio, wouldn't it make sense to have a weight classification, and then subcategories based on engine displacement? All this talk of windshields, fenders, wings, tires, etc., really doesn't have too much bearing on performance between Sevens (Westfield, Caterham, Birkin, or Locost). Trying to define a 'stock' Seven sounds impossible, so why not classify them under weight, then power (or vice-versa)? Stipulate that all cars must run street tires, or under the assumption that the lightest cars are track-specific cars to begin with and allow slicks in their category? The biggest obstacle, from my point of view, is getting any participants to force the SCCA to create a special class. NASA already has a Se7ens Challenge, no? And yes, I realize NASA racing is not autocross! http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/smile5.gif tm manik2006-11-10 15:03:13

And just to add a little to those sources: B.A.T. said they have some parts, but NO complete T9s for sale. Taylor Race Engineering has several T9s on the shelf. But at between $3,500 and $5,000, they are far more than the application I will be using them for. Quantum Mechanics' prices are actually more expensive than if if I were to directly import a rebuilt unit from the UK. Not sure why that is. Burton and Raceline are good choices, although I think at that level I would opt for a BGH gearbox. Again, more substantial than my needs. Anyone know of a good rebuilder of the T9 here in the States, or can any 'transmission' shop familiar with Fords do the work? Best, tom

Looking for a Type 9 gearbox. Actually, I will probably need two of them, and before I get some shipped out of the UK, thought I might ask around here. Anyone? Used is ok and we can discuss the ratios. Best, tom

A 'Seven' will be about half the weight of a Miata. The same goes with an aluminum trailer versus a steel trailer. The overloaded and swaying evidenced with heavier trailers and cars should not be an issue. Just an FYI. tm

That's the beauty of an aluminum trailer like the one Michael D. had made. There is nothing else similarly available because all other trailers assume you are putting a much heavier car or 'thing' on them. If you've got a racing-spec Seven that is coming in at around 1,100 lbs, even better! The biggest obstacle you are facing with an enclosed trailer is the drag being placed on your tow vehicle. Unless I am missing the point entirely... tm

Trailer with a weight of approx 650 pounds and a car with extra tires & rims of 1,500 lbs is generally much lower in total weight than the maximum towing capacity of SUVs. Brakes might be an overkill (I've never used them with my 4-Runner). http://www.westfieldeleven.com/demonstrator/USA_ELEVEN_19.jpg tmmanik2006-10-26 13:50:12

I think Michael D.'s open trailer design would be great. Perhaps even an option to enclose it, or at least the front section for wheels, tools, etc. Under $2K would be nice as well... Would think a trailer like this would make it easier for people to get their Sevens to and from events across the US (7-7-7 ?) tm

Yeah, the Brian James 'Sprint Shuttle' enclosed trailer is also nice, as it has those slight pockets on the side to fit your rear-end as you shimmy inside the trailer. I would think a U.S. manufacturer could easily reproduce something like either of those Brian James trailers. Has to be less expensive than importing them from the UK! tm

I needs to get me one!! Plenty of ideas on this thread BTW (although not specifically seven-related) >http://forums.autosport.com/showthread.php?s=0c9949c97562e5f893e27983f7d35881&threadid=63980 tmmanik2006-10-26 09:08:51

There is also the option of getting a ZX1 Zetec and then using the Dunnell Engines bolt-on items and custom ECU. Right at 170HP out of the box with no block or head modifications. I'll have more details shortly if you want them. tom

1995-1997.

Anyone have additional gearbox ratios we could add to this spreadsheet? tm

Do NOT get a ZX2 engine. It was a very poor attempt at a cost saving program that Ford put into place. Get either a ZX1 (preferable) or a ZX3. The Emerald ECU is an excellent choice, and there is even a US dealer for them. tom

Better formatted combination of both the gear calculator and the corner weight spreadsheets. >http://www.westfieldsei.com/Gear_&_Weight_Calc.xls Should probably add more gearbox details (like the BGH boxes). tm

How about this: >http://www.diesel-central.com/News/images/gears.xls Needs a bit of formatt tweaking for my tastes, but assuming the calculations are correct, looks pretty good. tm manik2006-08-29 04:31:40

Al, what does it do? tm