RGTorque Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 My name is Andrew, some of you may know me from the LocostUSA forum. In march of this year, I hit the ground running on a Locost build. I was an avid reader of Kurt's Kimini blog, and ended up purchasing a lot of the books on his recommended reading page (Carrol smith books, Locost bible, etc). About the time I was half way through most of the books, I was donated a 1984 Celica GT-S (3rd gen, rear wheel drive, 22RE 2.4 I4). I really couldn't find a good reason not to build a 7. I now have a frame, and am probably about 40% into the build. 4 months into my build, while back at home, a friend of mine had previously stalked a 7-owner to his house. We took a drive by, and I ended up getting a ride in it. I want to drive one (especially mine) quite badly now. A little about me. I am 20 years old (supposedly there are some other youngins around here...), and a 3rd year ME at Georgia Tech. Gatech is fun, but I just had a lab last week in which we got to dissect an electric toothbrush to learn how it works. Maybe I can get extra credit if I explain suspension dynamics or intake runner length... I am natively from a town out side of New Haven, Connecticut, but I enjoy the weather down here more. I competed in US First Robotics in high school, and am getting into Gatech's Wreck racing club (for GRM Challenge). Some of my previous experiences in no special order- I've restored a Benelli Moped to running condition, rode it around for a summer, then later killed (accidentally) it by dropping a washer into the cylinder and trying to start it. I've build a pulse-jet engine (reed-valve). I've built a pulse-jet (lockwood-hiller) powered gocart. My only track experience is on little talladega gran prix in Alabama, in my classic Saab 900. I really like the 7 community. Vette guys may be sensical about sports cars but seem to be narrow minded. Classic Saab people tend to have no clue about the cars they are driving. VW guys (from my experience) don't quite get it (I need a 1.8T Jetta with 350 hp and no lsd, I need 3k in new shocks but I've never been on a track). Ferrari guys (Im guessing) have too much money and probably wouldn't talk to me anyways. Import guys...well Colin Chapman would probably cry if he saw some of their body kits. The current crop of muscle car owners (baby boomers) just pay people to work on their cars. Lambo owners are crazy, just crazy. Lotus 7 owners know how to do things- lightweight, low cost, and fun to drive. I think I will fit in here. I look forward to getting to know some of you guys (and ladies). sounds good to me! im new here and a youngin as well (24). comming from the vw side of things i know what you mean. my vw backround is with the old school, mk2/mk3/corrado vr6 and vr6turbo. we know how to build up our cars by hand. good luck with your locost Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
solder_guy Posted September 16, 2007 Share Posted September 16, 2007 My name is Andrew, some of you may know me from the LocostUSA forum. ... I look forward to getting to know some of you guys (and ladies). Mr eVox: It was a pleasure meeting you when you came to visit me at home yesterday! Great blat over to the Tashtanov's Automotive shop too! I like seeing the pics of your Locost build .. You should post those pics over at the Members Ride section .. as a build-in-progress! I know everyone here would love to see your work as you continue! Rob Mitchell Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eVox Posted September 17, 2007 Share Posted September 17, 2007 Agree with everything you said except the Vette guys :skep: :jester: Prove me wrong- let me borrow your car for a week :leaving: Rob- it was great to meet you and your family. I will definitely need to spend some more time with you and your car...for build research. Also, Im going to have to get some muffins for the preserves :thumbs: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jammer Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Hello, I've been interested in Se7ens since I was a kid. Followed Keiths build over on the Miata list and have been surfin the web and lurkin around the various forums for quite a while. Recently went and looked at a Caterham S3 that was for sale here locally (WA) and came away with a fresh itch. The Cat was just a little too narrow for my "normal" 38" American butt, I though my Miata was tight..! I'm 6'2"~ 250lbs (I know I know-way more info than you needed!!!) So I've purchased all 3 books, the original, the revised and Keiths and am going to get serious. I love them all so trying to decide between a BEC, a 442, or something new style like the guys in Texas are building is going to be fun. This forum seems like a good bunch of guys and I reconize several names from the Miata board and others. Maybe I can get together with some of the Washington guys and talk Se7ens and go for a blat... David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted September 21, 2007 Author Share Posted September 21, 2007 Hello, I've been interested in Se7ens since I was a kid. Followed Keiths build over on the Miata list and have been surfin the web and lurkin around the various forums for quite a while. Recently went and looked at a Caterham S3 that was for sale here locally (WA) and came away with a fresh itch. The Cat was just a little too narrow for my "normal" 38" American butt, I though my Miata was tight..! I'm 6'2"~ 250lbs (I know I know-way more info than you needed!!!) So I've purchased all 3 books, the original, the revised and Keiths and am going to get serious. I love them all so trying to decide between a BEC, a 442, or something new style like the guys in Texas are building is going to be fun. This forum seems like a good bunch of guys and I reconize several names from the Miata board and others. Maybe I can get together with some of the Washington guys and talk Se7ens and go for a blat... David Welcome aboard... do you have a pic of your 67 E Type? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted September 21, 2007 Share Posted September 21, 2007 Welcome David! I live in Sammamish, so not that far from you. Westfields are quite a bit roomier than a narrow body Caterham, but smaller than the SV. Unfortunately it sounds like you won't fit in my car though thanks to the Mog seats, which are pretty unforgiving. However, if you would like to see a Westfield up close, then feel free to send me a PM. Oh, and I second Mazda's request for pics of the E-type. -John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jammer Posted September 22, 2007 Share Posted September 22, 2007 The Jag has been in the family since 1967 and has only accumulated about 23000 miles. Dad only drove it on special ocassions. I don't think it had ever seen rain until I brought it to Washington. I grew up in Montana in the days when the speed limit was "reasonable and prudent" and have many fond memories of spirited rides with Dad in this car. http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1104229861_right side.JPGhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/699126353_engine right forward.JPGhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/1582960484_interior.JPGhttp://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/419226295_right front above.JPG Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sean Posted September 27, 2007 Share Posted September 27, 2007 Name's Sean. Don't have a Seven yet, but I hope to some day. edit - Nice XKE there, Jammer. My brother had one just like it in silver many years ago. edit 2 -- Okay, I've got a Seven now, so please disregard that second sentence above (name's still Sean though ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 11, 2007 Share Posted October 11, 2007 We've got a bazillion new forum members. Please introduce yourself here...and your car in the "members rides" section. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 See previous post. (bump) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CobraJim Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 My name is Jim, been a car guy forever, and am currently in the research mode on a Locost build. I ordered a couple of Locost books last week, included Keith Tanner's book and the new Haynes manual. I've always liked the quirky looks of a Super 7, really like the idea of a small light car, and would like to build a car that I could autocross and perhaps take on track days at the local road course. I've currently got a Factory Five Racing replica that I've built, but the Locost bug has bitten me. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted October 15, 2007 Share Posted October 15, 2007 "Quirky" I'm sure you meant '"Classic" Unless you're building one with Cycle wings then I guess "Quirky" would be appropriate. :rofl: Welcome! Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AK Seven Posted October 16, 2007 Share Posted October 16, 2007 Bonjour! I'm a 24 year old Mech Eng Tech student born, raised and still living in Montreal. The plan is to finish my tech program in '09 and follow it up with the BEng that I started in 2002, but was disillusioned by research-focused profs (and way too much time spent in the FSAE lab). The mechanical bug has been in me since birth, with both my grandfather and great uncle being machinists. Another relative was as well, but ended up starting his own company designing and manufacturing food dispensing equipment (still a family run business in Hackettstown, NJ). I'm also a VW/Audi/Porsche addict, but I like to keep things simple; modifications must have a functional purpose. I had been trying to choose between building a VW Golf rally car or track car until I got a ride in a Lotus Elise... done deal. Couldn't afford an Elise, so I decided with the manufacturing capabilities I have at school, a Seven was the way to go. However, I still had reservations about the size of a Seven until I met up with Seth at BAM (SR27.Seth). Hopefully my budget will be helped by a paid summer internship at Pratt&Whitney or doing CAD work at a family friend's engineering firm. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just_Jeff Posted October 19, 2007 Share Posted October 19, 2007 Hello, my name is Jeff. I'm from southwest florida and have always lusted after the 7. I don't own one as of yet but hope to in the future. I'll probably be asking alot of questions about the best place to buy and who makes the most safe and reliable kit. My most recent vehicle which I just sold was a 2nd gen RX-7 with a fully bridgeported engine and custom direct fire ignition. I loved the car but the wife and neighbors complained about the noise. Anyhow I look forward to being an active member in your community. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted October 19, 2007 Author Share Posted October 19, 2007 Hello, my name is Jeff. I'm from southwest florida and have always lusted after the 7. I don't own one as of yet but hope to in the future. I'll probably be asking alot of questions about the best place to buy and who makes the most safe and reliable kit. My most recent vehicle which I just sold was a 2nd gen RX-t with a fully bridgeported engine and custom direct fire ignition. I loved the car but the wife and neighbors complained about the noise. Anyhow I look forward to being an active member in OUR community. welcome aboard. Corrected your message :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbanker Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Jeff wrote: Hello, my name is Jeff. I'm from southwest florida and have always lusted after the 7. I don't own one as of yet but hope to in the future. I'll probably be asking alot of questions about the best place to buy and who makes the most safe and reliable kit. Hello Jeff, There are lots of good kits available. You might want to check out the boys at Brunton Auto, builders of the Stalker V6. They are up in Bradenton, FL. not far from you. Dennis or Justin will gladly take you for a ride in one of there cars. Check out Stalkerv6.com. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just_Jeff Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Jeff wrote: Hello, my name is Jeff. I'm from southwest florida and have always lusted after the 7. I don't own one as of yet but hope to in the future. I'll probably be asking alot of questions about the best place to buy and who makes the most safe and reliable kit. Hello Jeff, There are lots of good kits available. You might want to check out the boys at Brunton Auto, builders of the Stalker V6. They are up in Bradenton, FL. not far from you. Dennis or Justin will gladly take you for a ride in one of there cars. Check out Stalkerv6.com. Jack I found their site from the links page but found no contact info anywhere on the page. I'm actually about 1.5 hours south from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbanker Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 Jeff, Send an email to bruntonauto at aol.com and tell Dennis that you would like to come up and see one of his cars plus take a ride. Dennis and Justin will be more than happy to spend some time with you. It will truly be a fun experience. Jack Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mandurath Posted October 20, 2007 Share Posted October 20, 2007 It never ceases to surprise me how outgoing and friendly the 7 community is. Even if competing with one another, its nothing like many other groups that i am sure some of us have been or are still part of. Very rare cussing, even rarer kill pages with bragging stories. Lots of help and no *look it up yourself noob* stuff. At the very least you are pointed in the right direction. :cheers: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
roll a 7 Posted October 21, 2007 Share Posted October 21, 2007 Hanging with the guys that own the cars is HALF the fun. A lot of good car types that are willing to commit to owning a lunatic fringe sports car. Owning a 7 will change how you spend your spare time and whom you spend it with; along with your personal spending habits. After you have driven a 7 for a while you will realize that all the other stuff on the road are just cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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