DeanG Posted December 30, 2008 Share Posted December 30, 2008 We will be towing our 7 to LOG 29. With a bit of luck we can participate in all the driving events. Certainly in the autocross and the driving clinic. If the car is up to it I would like to take a few laps at Talladega and the go on some of the back road drives. The big question is if it can generate enough speed to stay in the group. I don't think the car would be allowed in the driver education track event at Barber. No doors, no rollba and no head brace make it a bit too risky. Time and warmer weather will tell. A bit of an update. Since its last outing at the LOG 28 autocross it has received some work. - The leak in the brake line running down the tunnel was found and a new brake line installed. - New fuel line was installed - New fuel pump installed This makes it drivable. The problem I'm chasing is that on hard turns the drive shaft coupling to the differential rubs on the frame. In trying to fix this problem the following has been done: - Shim the A-arm to center the differential - Switch to high strength fastners so the washers don't stick out past the flanges - Turn down the flanges of the drive shaft and differential - New rear springs Its better but still not good enough. The next job is to machine and fit longer shims for the rear springs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian7 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 The problem I'm chasing is that on hard turns the drive shaft coupling to the differential rubs on the frame. Hi Dean, Got me curious, what's your basic rear suspension design? Ian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Ian - The rear suspension on the Series 1 should have two curved upper trailing arms with a lower a-frame on the passenger side for lateral location. This is the best picture I could find: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/501226958_s1raxle.jpg The series 2 had a wider based lower a-frame for lateral location like this: http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/upload/714032500_sevWalters05.jpg Bruce :7drive: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ian7 Posted December 31, 2008 Share Posted December 31, 2008 Yeah, I've got the series 3 style A frame; pretty hard to generate a lateral shift unless one or more of the bushes are worn out, that would be the first thing I'd check. If its a high lateral load car, think about a switch to rod ends... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanG Posted January 1, 2009 Share Posted January 1, 2009 11Budlite's picture is dead on for my (our) S1. It has all new bushings; front and rear, even new engine and transmission mounts. Some of the rear suspension work involved welding up old elongated holes or welding washers over the holes to stop some of the suspension movement. Our current thinking (me and the guy doing the machining and welding) is that as the rear springs compress too much. The flange contacts the tubes at the rear of the saddle that holds the back of transmission tunnel. The seat is not perpendicular to the floor it leans back. So, as the spring compress the flange moves up and gets closer to the tubes. We hope that spacers between the spring and spring perch will help out. Ground clearance measured just in front of the rear wheel fenders is as follows: 6 1/4 light fuel load, nobody in the car, pull up on the back of the car and release 5 1/2 light fuel load, nobody in the car after a bit of a drive 4 1/4 light fuel load, mechanic and myself in the car Our aim is to get it to have 5 1/2 inches of ground clearance with us in the car. The old springs were a bit long (approximately 2" longer than the known specs) and had a stiffness of 55 lbs/in. The new springs are the standard length have a rate of 75 lbs/in. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 All, I'm new to the "car club meeting" business, but would really like to go to the LOG 29. Pictures of the hotel lead me to believe that I will be parked a long way from my room. Is this a problem? I have been very reluctant to leave the Caterham in a motel parking lot, esp. where I couldn't watch it from the window in my room. I understand that if you TOW the car with the right trailer, then you can lock it back up in the enclosed trailer. However, that also means that each of us would need about THREE parking spots. Does anyone know if the Hotel has that kind of parking room? I'd rather drive the Caterham--Birmingham is only about four hours from me. Really nervous about leaving the car in some parking lot for three nights or so. Any info would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted January 14, 2009 Share Posted January 14, 2009 I asked about this when making my reservation at the hotel. They have secure parking for attendees (at $9 per day) and "a lot across the street" for trailers and those who do not wish to pay for the more convenient parking. I will be towing my Caterham in an enclosed trailer and plan to use it as my secure garage during the event. Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparecr Posted January 14, 2009 Author Share Posted January 14, 2009 The parking is in a deck so your car will be covered and there is security. There will be a detail place on site if interested. Trailer parking will be reasonably close. The goal is to limit your concern for your car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanG Posted January 24, 2009 Share Posted January 24, 2009 The latest and greatest LOG forms have been posted on LotusTalk, there is currently a problem with updating the LOG 29 web site. LotusTalk LOG 29 web site notes The zip contains the registration forms: * General Registration * Autocross Registration * Track Registration (think high performance driving education) * Technical Inspection form for Autocross and on-track events Be prepared for some possible news about the on-track that may be of special interest to those who drive Se7ens! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
breezy7 Posted January 25, 2009 Share Posted January 25, 2009 The latest schedule for LOG 29 is available at Lotus Talk http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f220/log-29-a-59987/index4.html#post1204191 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 I'm in the process of registering for Log 29, and as part of that, joining the Lotus Owners Group for a year. A question: Is the Saturday night buffet "worth it" for a 7 owner? Not really into formal dinners anyway, but I could envision an evening of discussing the club administration, suspensions on old Elites, the Formula one seasons (past and upcoming) etc. None of this would be as entertaining to me as a gathering of 7 owners at a less formal venue. What have you guys done in the past? Just looking for guidance before I sign up for--and commit another $100 to--a formal dinner! Taber Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted January 26, 2009 Share Posted January 26, 2009 If its set up anything like LOG27 the banquet will be where the guest speakers do their thing. Not sure who is scheduled but 27 had Emmo, John Egan, Bob Dance and Bob Darley. A very entertaining evening. They also gave out a lot of door prizes and the trophies for the concours as well as the autoX. Get together with other 7 owners and share a table. The only time for discussion is the cocktail hour and during dinner. You should be able to avoid any discussion of Elite suspensions. I recommend everyone attend. Skip Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Taber10 Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 Thanks for that advice! I made my hotel reservations today. We should start a list or at least a count of the LSISs going. Taber Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted January 27, 2009 Share Posted January 27, 2009 John V sent me the registration forms... I will be posting them tonight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparecr Posted January 27, 2009 Author Share Posted January 27, 2009 The Saturday banquet is normally good fair food. At LOG 28 there was the Evora intro, some interesting talks, Clive Chapman gave a talk, then Bob Dance and one of his Lotus shop mates told stories about the "happenings" at Lotus in the late 50's and 60's. This year the orginal drivers of the X180R Esprits will be doing some speaking (I know Doc Bundy is one of them). Clive Chapman will be in there, possibly a really big guest (to be confirmed), and ... Yeah I know a $100 is a lot for the dinner, but there should be some memories included in the price. That being said I am working on an alternative dinner place for those USA7ners that don't want to go to the Sat. night dinner. Please let me know if you are in that group (PM or email is fine) that way I have numbrs to work around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanG Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 A totally revised LOG 29 is up. There is updated information on the schedule, drives, track events... To many of us the big news is that there will be: :7fume: a track day run group for open cars:hurray: That means that our Seven can drive Barber :jonautox: a Se7ens only autocross group :7head: several driving tours Note that there is a lot of information "hidden" in the various web pages. A through read will pay dividens Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 Dean, where are you finding this info? The only reference to 'Open Cars" was that they are allowing those Factory Convertibles with pop up roll bars to participate. I haven't seen anything that is a 'Sevens' only track run group. As for the autox, I'd love to run with the street tired 7's but running on Hoosier Slicks is just too much fun. Do I read the tech inspection form correctly in that it requires an independent mechanic to inspect and sign off on the form? Other than my hotel reservations, I haven't reqisterd for Log29 yet as I'm waiting to see what events the USA7s group may be running that may conflict with the Log events. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeanG Posted January 29, 2009 Share Posted January 29, 2009 I did not mean that Se7ens get their own run group, but that open cars and full convertibles can run For other open cars we will have paced laps at highway speeds -- U.S. not German! I defy anyone to take every turn at 75 mph. You will still have fun. I had previously spoken with Jim Roberts the track day coordinator and he indicated that my Seven would be OK for the track. I would contact him if you had any specific questions. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted January 30, 2009 Share Posted January 30, 2009 My Bad. I had assumed that my FIA rollbar would be fine. I plan on fitting the Petty Strut as well to be extra safe. I will ping Jim re: my seven. However, having never done a track day, I plan on being in the Novice group and getting passed alot. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sparecr Posted January 30, 2009 Author Share Posted January 30, 2009 LOG29 updates New improved website www.log29.com Special Guests (subject to change...) Doc Bundy, Andy Pilgram, David Murray the orginal drivers of the Lotus Esprit 180R's. And all three 180R's should be in attendance and running. Peter Egan Clive Chapman (Colin's son, owner of Classic Team Lotus) Bob Dance (Jimmy Clark's mechanic)-we may be able to get Bob for one of our events is there intrest? Evora Remember Barber's has one of the largest collections of Lotus in the world 45 cars right now (and over 600 motorcycles on display) Most of these guests will be wondering around so LOG29 entry is not required. To go to the dinner to see them speak... For those who are planning to come and don't want to do the LOG and Lotus Ltd entries fees. There is going to be a Car show at Barbers the same day (entry fee no yet released, so you can get into track without ticket and still take part in a show. The LOG co-chair has many LOG29 threads at http://www.lotustalk.com/forums/f220/ if you need even more info. I WILL HAVE A USA7S SCHEDULE BY MONDAY! I PROMISE. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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