Boston area Cosworth Expertise

[lightshift]

Hello all, first post on USA7s, having recently taken delivery of a lovely Seven powered by a Cosworth BDA-based engine, running Dellorto carbs. Thrilled to join the cult. Looking for guidance on mechanics in the Boston area who can help with work on this car going forward. I'll do my best to tackle what I can, but I expect there will be moments when I'll need to defer to someone who knows these cars - and these particular engines - inside and out. More broadly, I suppose shops with experience with classic crossflow Caterhams would be a good place to start. To begin with, I'm looking for a shop that can tune the carbs. Engine runs strong overall though has a mild hesitation at 3k rpm. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

[bball7754]

Congrats on the purchase, and assume this is Stuart’s/Jeff’s Seven.

 

Quick google for vintage race car prep near Boston returned this:

 

https://ktrmotorsports.com
 

Not sure Ayer is truly considered in the Boston area, but still may not be too far from you.  
 

Steve

[TMRL7]

I would second KTR and also more specifically Jim Burns Engines, Inc.   He is associated with KTR, also in the Ayer / Harvard area.    Good luck with your new car, very exciting times I am sure.    Tim

[inchoate]

I'll watch this thread with interest. 

 

I've had a heck of a time finding BD folks in the states.  My motor is good for now but I always worry about what I would do if it became a problem

[lightshift]

Thank you all for your help! I will reach out to KTR/Jim Burns. And yes, this is Stuart's/Jeff's car. Jeff carried the torch and kept her in beautiful shape, continuing the fine-tuning and sorting process that makes these cars fun. I aim to do the same! I'll follow up on this thread to keep @inchoate in the loop.

 

[IamScotticus]

Pics!

[Croc]

12 hours ago, lightshift said:

Hello all, first post on USA7s, having recently taken delivery of a lovely Seven powered by a Cosworth BDA-based engine, running Dellorto carbs. Thrilled to join the cult. Looking for guidance on mechanics in the Boston area who can help with work on this car going forward. I'll do my best to tackle what I can, but I expect there will be moments when I'll need to defer to someone who knows these cars - and these particular engines - inside and out. More broadly, I suppose shops with experience with classic crossflow Caterhams would be a good place to start. To begin with, I'm looking for a shop that can tune the carbs. Engine runs strong overall though has a mild hesitation at 3k rpm. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

 

Congratulations on buying your "new" to you Caterham.  You certainly bought a very unique one with a great history of owners.  

[MV8]

22 hours ago, lightshift said:

Hello all, first post on USA7s, having recently taken delivery of a lovely Seven powered by a Cosworth BDA-based engine, running Dellorto carbs. Thrilled to join the cult. Looking for guidance on mechanics in the Boston area who can help with work on this car going forward. I'll do my best to tackle what I can, but I expect there will be moments when I'll need to defer to someone who knows these cars - and these particular engines - inside and out. More broadly, I suppose shops with experience with classic crossflow Caterhams would be a good place to start. To begin with, I'm looking for a shop that can tune the carbs. Engine runs strong overall though has a mild hesitation at 3k rpm. Thanks in advance for any guidance!

Some questions you will likely get about the mild hesitation at 3k: Already a steady 3k then accel from 3k (delay/slight bog) or starting off-idle passing through 3k and it stops pulling as hard (flat spot)? Using WOT or part throttle? Racing or touring/road car (leaner mixtures)?

All those things are factors and most components have overlapping functions, varying effectiveness based on flow/rpm, and easily throw each other off somewhere in the range. Complicated to say the least and easy to make some aspect worse in the process of making a minor improvement. Make sure they document the existing parts (and keep them) so you can go back if you want to later on.

[lightshift]

Thank you all for this helpful input. I will explore these options and let you know what I learn.

 

Croc, thank you, and I must say that your comprehensive knowledge of the car's history helped me bid with confidence!

 

Scotticus, can't do better than Jeff's gorgeous pics on the BaT listing, but will post some of my own soon!

 

MV8, great questions, and I will have a better sense as I get to know the car. Makes sense that the devil is in the details with this type of issue.

[Anker]

Accel Automotive in Waltham fixed a hesitancy problem on my 1700 Crossflow engine. They fixed it by re-jetting the idle on my Webers. They really know what they are doing and their workshop had a lot of classic gems being worked on. I thoroughly recommend them. Google "Accel Automotive Waltham" and you will see all their contact information.

 

Anker