Newb here w/ some questions

[aznatama]

So I've been admiring 7 replicas for quite some time, and finally, I will have a garage in which to build/work on one.

 

I have a few priorities that must be met, which helped me narrow down the kits available considerably.

A good suspension system (pretty much narrows the choice down to Westfields w/ the independent rear suspension)

Lightweight economical engine with great (down to s2k or bike-engine such as megabusa)

 

Priced out with all the options I want from Manik puts the kit at about 35-38k all inclusive (kit + engine + wheels)

 

So the questions I have now are:

1. any other alternatives I should be looking at?

2. 4wd variants anywhere? prolly not, but no harm asking...

3. any way to make this thing cost less? I am fine getting a used megabusa, but none found for sale in the states.

 

Thanks!

 

[Ian7]

If you are ok with the high-30's price, and don't have your heart set on building it yourself, you could be driving in any number of cars by next week I should think.

[BobDrye]

I have a few priorities that must be met, which helped me narrow down the kits available considerably.

A good suspension system (pretty much narrows the choice down to Westfields w/ the independent rear suspension)

 

 

Let's see, The Stalker has a solid rear and seems to win most of the events?

 

[JohnCh]

If you are looking for a good suspension, then I wouldn’t say that limits you to a Westfield. When set up right, they do handle very well, but then so do most se7ens. Bike engine vs. car engine always fosters great debate on the WSCC forum. The consensus is that for a road car, a car engine is better thanks to the torque, more progressive clutch engagement, and lower revs when cruising at freeway speeds. The tables are turned for track use, where the lighter engine, sequential gearbox, and the fun of spinning to over 10k rpm make it shine. How do you plan to use the car?

 

-John

[S1Steve]

Well, I have tracked my S1, and have found it to handle very good. There's a Yellow Caterham that I have seen at the auto-x, that is fast as hell and handles great.I have seen old Lotus Super 7's mop up their class . So, I think you have many good cars to choose that have a GREAT Suspension.

 

Have fun Looking !! Steve:7fume:

[aznatama]

Okay... well, maybe the suspension requirement was somewhat vague. heh.

 

I guess I am biased towards independent suspension. From what I've experienced in the "normal" car world, independent suspension handles better on not-so-perfect road conditions, but then again, it may be different for a superlight though.

 

As for the engine, I ride a BMW K1200 daily for commuting, so 5-6krpm cruising on the freeway isn't too much of a concern for me. Of course, if I'm building the kit myself, I'd rather work with a lighter drivetrain. The car will be used a lot on normal roads as well as as many track days as my wallet can afford, which means maybe 2-3 a year. If I had a choice, I'd prefer a higher power to weight ratio, and tq can come in the form of a supercharger or a very small turbo. :-)

[WestTexasS2K]

Man you can buy alot of cars for that kind of money. Most any seven will handle very good if suspension is set up correctly. I have an well sorted Ultralite S2k up for sale I will take 23500.00 as is or repaint it for 25k. That will leave you enough to put a supercharger on it and I would pretty much bet a busa engine car wouldnt have a chance. I have run against bike engined cars with a NA Ultralite with stock motor and it is a pretty close within 1 sec in lap times. Ultralite was faster. Of course it depends on the driver. Bike engined cars most have no reverse unless you get the Quaife reversing box but they are reported to leak and be quite troublesome. BEC guys can chime in on that If I am wrong.

[slngsht]

want to comment on BEC vs. CEC. It's so hard to resist :leaving:

 

Personal opinion: stick with car engine, stick with cars that are well sorted and well known (solid axle or IRS), stick with the car that you fit in well, stick with something that doesn't have all exotic parts that are hard to find in the US.

[aznatama]

I've searched and can't find any info on cars for sale... but I've just recently started going to forums and seems like I might be able to find one used now. :-) westtexass2k, you have a PM.

[Mondo]

Just so you know, a motorcycle engined car can't be registered in California.

 

Also, a California car already registered takes a lot of hassle out of purchasing a 7. Otherwise, join the DMV lottery on January 1st for the 500 annual exceptions. I lost out last year but the odds are still pretty good to get one if you have your paperwork in order.

 

Furthermore, an out of State car with 7500 miles that is registered pre1972 should get thru the system without inspection.

 

You need to read up on this as it can be a real pain in the keester to register a kit car in California.

 

PS- if Loren's deal came up last year I'd probably of taken him up on it (short of WCM's owner, Brian, I don't think anyone has put more S2Ks together). Have him install the SC while your at it; he, and Kevin, got the most experience at that too:thumbs:

[pierats]

Mondo,

 

Sorry, you can register a bike engined car in California. I know because I've seen one. He went through the standard SB100 route.

 

I agree that purchasing a car that has already been registered is a much easier route.

 

Aznatma,

 

Be patient, cars come up for sale somewhat frequently. I know of a nice Birkin for sale in northern CA:

 

http://www.flickr.com/photos/billalow/sets/72157604389150572

 

I can PM you the details if you are interested.

 

Tom

[roll a 7]

A number of good 7s have changed hands in the past few months, including a PA to CA swap that is being delivered to the LA area tomorrow.

 

As far as handling goes, do not limit yourself to IRS cars only. All 7s kick ass on other cars and most 7s are not IRS. There are a few companies in the UK that scratch out a living by making various iterations of 7s handle better. Take a ride in mine one of these weekends. 1266 pounds/210 HP is not sluggish. My brother stalked and dusted a Z06 @ Buttonwillow last month on his very first track day.

 

The mechanical difficulties of a BEC car are not for every one. The reverse in my car is used frequently and you may find such a gear useful, too. If you managed to get the weight down to 1000 pounds and had a 160 HP bike engine would you really gain much? There will be some advantages in handling, but the torque of a 2 liter modern 16 valver will triumph in the hands of a good driver. You will welcome the torque when you have a passenger.

 

Also, check with some Westfield owners on the weight of their cars. There is a gent in the LA area that owns a BEC Westy, works for Virgin Mobile, last I heard.

 

A lot of CA 7 owners can be found on the californiacaterhamclub.com website. Magnus works in Irvine frequently and just installed a 217 RWHP duratec screamer in his 7. Likes to frighten people with rides!

 

Plenty of guys will show you their cars and you are very welcome to join any of our events to learn more. Brad

[Boxologist]

So I've been admiring 7 replicas for quite some time, and finally, I will have a garage in which to build/work on one.

 

I have a few priorities that must be met, which helped me narrow down the kits available considerably.

A good suspension system (pretty much narrows the choice down to Westfields w/ the independent rear suspension)

Lightweight economical engine with great (down to s2k or bike-engine such as megabusa)

 

Priced out with all the options I want from Manik puts the kit at about 35-38k all inclusive (kit + engine + wheels)

 

So the questions I have now are:

1. any other alternatives I should be looking at?

2. 4wd variants anywhere? prolly not, but no harm asking...

3. any way to make this thing cost less? I am fine getting a used megabusa, but none found for sale in the states.

 

Thanks!

 

u need an Atom. I don't think a se7en will cut it for u.

[WestTexasS2K]

I've searched and can't find any info on cars for sale... but I've just recently started going to forums and seems like I might be able to find one used now. :-) westtexass2k, you have a PM.

 

Didnt see a PM might try again. I have had an offer and I countered the offer waiting on answer, but as of now it is still available.

[roll a 7]

I suggest that you look at as many cars as possible BEFORE you write a check to anyone. There are a lot of 7s in SoCal and most of the owners love to talk about their 7s.

 

The new 7 arriving tomorrow will be at some car fest around Irvine on saturday morning, possibly held at a Ford facility. I will come back with the name.

 

Most of the advice given on this thread is very good and can save YOU a LOT of $$$ and headaches IF you use it.

[roll a 7]

www.carsandcoffee

 

And it is in your neighborhood bright & early on saturday morning. Check out the mopho 7!!

[aznatama]

Ah yes, the cars and coffee meet... quite early on saturdays. I will probably try to show up since I'm VERY close by... (405+sand canyon).

 

I'm learning more and more... I used to think that 7 owners were far and few, but it now seems like there's quite a good amount of them in the area (more than I used to think there were at least), and so far, the amount of info I've gotten here is great.

 

Unfortunately, I won't be able to pick one up until my house purchase is complete, which means no check writing for me until August, unless a smoking great deal scomes along. I have to sell my truck as well.

 

I'm glad this forum is quite active.

 

 

[roll a 7]

For a preview of 7 style fun go to autocar.co.uk Scroll down to the pic of the yellow 7 with black stripes and give it a click. When the video box comes up click on "watch now" and double click on the screen to bring it up to full page size. These 7 inventing Limeys are hoot in the cars!!! Enjoy!

[scannon]

For a preview of 7 style fun go to autocar.co.uk Scroll down to the pic of the yellow 7 with black stripes and give it a click. When the video box comes up click on "watch now" and double click on the screen to bring it up to full page size. These 7 inventing Limeys are hoot in the cars!!! Enjoy!

Thanks roll a 7, that's one of the best Se7en videos I've seen.

 

I agree with roll a 7, you need to ride in/drive (if possible) as many different kinds of Se7en as possible, you will know when the right one comes along.

 

Skip

[aznatama]

riding in a lot of different seven's is going to be a little hard since it's not like I can just mosey on over to a dealership and take a test drive. heh.

 

so.... anyone want to give me a ride sometime? :-D