scannon Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 As I have said many times, too much hp is just about right. When I built my car the first dyno tune produced 235 RWHP. It was fast and thrilling and I still haven't had enough seat time on the track to use the car to its full potential. However, the acceleration thrill soon became less and less satisfying and after a year I changed out the ECU for a Hydra expecting somewhere in the neighborhood of 260 - 270 RWHP. Instead, I got 301 WRHP. I still haven't had enough seat time on the track to master the handling at the 235 hp level but that doesn't mean the car is a monster to drive. The handling didn't change with the increase of HP, just the ability to get to the next corner. There is no rule that says I have to floor it coming off the apex, part throttle is still faster than most other cars at WOT coming off that same corner. I learned very quickly that it is NOT a good idea to go WOT unless the car is pointed in a straight line. I doubt I will ever get good enough to take this car to the max but that doesn't matter. I can be just as happy without flooring the throttle while carving a canyon at 7/10ths as at 9/10ths. The car is as easy to drive as my Miatas with no bad vices at low speeds or in traffic. But when I need that acceleration rush or need to get around some rolling roadblock, it is there and waiting for me to put the pedal to the metal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West7se Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 A interesting and thought provoking thread, I have to say I am fairly content with my aging old 110 hp xflow despite its age and noise. Yes it would be great to have the latest trick motor in it, but on todays roads (in the UK) it would be a complete waste of money and the chances of using that extra power are very few - where I live you cant go more than a mile without coming upon the first speed camera and with a GPS detector fitted I have had to turn the audio off as it activates seeming constantly and really gets on your nerves. Out in the country is slightly better, but with the increased traffic and ever worsening road conditions , even that can be hard work in a 7. The concept of the car for me really follows Colin Chapman`s original thought of small engine, light weight and reasonable suspension. To get the best out of my car I would need to get it on the track, where I could push the car to its limits (assuming I had the bottle, lol).I did used to race , but my racing days are probably over due to money and other commitments. I do enjoy just crusing about with odd blasts where and when I can, though its funny how people view the car as well. Some folks say `cool car mister` others laugh at it( though these are teenagers, who wont have seen one before), actually I was parked up outside a shop last month and one small child with its mother said` mommy , look at that toy car`, the mother was a bit embarrassed but I did say " yes it was a toy, a very expensive toy". So I will carry on with my xflow for a while yet I think, when it needs replacing then I may think about more power, but will think seriously before I do that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pi7ot Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 A toy car. So true. Several times I've heard kids say to mom or Pops, "Hey I can drive that car!" I just laugh and think " Yeah right son. You best be learning how to wrestle a bear cub in a phone booth first, Laddie." m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Al N. Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 I've got to catch up on this thread, but I think my next Seven will have less power than Orange for sure. Skinnier tires, too. BTW, looking at some of the prices people are asking for used Superlights these days (including one in the Lotus Ltd. mag), Morgan made out very well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
southwind25 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 We have the 1600 xflow in ours.. maybe 110 ponies? it needs about 70 more HP, and ALLOT better tires. i would rather have more fun with more grip myself.. right now she slides around TOO much! then it would be just about right. all it takes is budget.. sigh. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locost7018 Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 I got ya all beat. 1300cc xflow with an incredible 58 HP!!!! Jack M. is the only one that has better HP/smiles Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pksurveyor Posted May 15, 2009 Share Posted May 15, 2009 My 147 hp Caterham is easier to drive than my wife's 205 hp SVT Caterham around town. On the track, the extra horsepower and LSD make a big difference in performance. I don't get left behind on the straight. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted May 16, 2009 Share Posted May 16, 2009 On my first Seven, a 1965 Series 2, the narrower tires and the lack of horsepower (50-60 area) still made for a very entertaining car. It would wonderful to chuck it into a corner as limited grip allowed you to play with the car attitude depending on how you wanted to attack the corner. Lack of horsies (and old rubber) means all the fun was accessible at lower speeds. My current Seven is a 2004 SV with fat tires, big brakes and (supposedly) 185hp (at the flywheel). It is entertaining but the limits are far higher now along with the speeds - not a really good idea on public roads. It is however far more reliable and driveable than my old seven. I had my V8 muscle car phase and it seduced me into losing my license. Give me small & light cars packaged with a nicely performing 4cyl. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West7se Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 (edited) Had an idea regarding this thread, how about we all post the bhp of our cars then after a period we will be able to see what the average power of the 7 is for the USA7`s forum members, maybe that figure what ever it may be is the ultimate?...... Just a bit of fun. I did a very rough count the other day and got 147 ish bhp. I will start 110bhp @ flywheel Weight around 550 kg??..... Rich Edited May 18, 2009 by West7se extra info added Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Had an idea regarding this thread, how about we all post the bhp of our cars then after a period we will be able to see what the average power of the 7 is for the USA7`s forum members, maybe that figure what ever it may be is the ultimate?...... Just a bit of fun. I did a very rough count the other day and got 147 ish bhp. I will start 110bhp. Rich Worthy of its own thread. Should indicate rear wheel or fly wheel hp, as well as weight of the car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
powderbrake Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Mine is supposed to be 240 hp at the flywheel (stock Honda S2000 engine) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West7se Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 (edited) Worthy of its own thread. Should indicate rear wheel or fly wheel hp, as well as weight of the car. True, hadn`t thought of that. Erm I dont have a clue about mine, without getting it on a weigh bridge. I have spent a fair amount of time (and money.....) making it lighter. Will edit my own post with a guesstimate . For those that only know the wheel bhp, can we agree on what percentage is lost in the driveline, I was under the impression that around 20 to 25% was somewhere near, but I will stand corrected if someone has a formula to work it out with. Rich Edited May 18, 2009 by West7se Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 196 at the Flywheel, for mine. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Davemk1 Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Birkin w/Zetec. 136hp at the wheels and 1241 pounds without me in it. dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KStier Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Mine was documented by the previous owner as 192 at the flywheel, Birkin with a Zetec, upgraded cam, flywheel, fuel injectors, emerald management etc. No idea what is lost between engine and wheels but it should be less than in your typical production vehicle since there is nothing drawing off power (AC, radio etc.). Kyle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slngsht Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 i had 295 at the wheels before any engine work (factory rated 350 hp engine) after head/cam, but stock exhaust manifolds: 385 at the wheel after long tube headers... have not dynoed... on my setup, long tube headers generally add 40hp. So I should be around 420 at the wheels. Car weighs 1750 lbs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scannon Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 For those that only know the wheel bhp, can we agree on what percentage is lost in the driveline, I was under the impression that around 20 to 25% was somewhere near, but I will stand corrected if someone has a formula to work it out with. Rich It is closer to 20 - 25 HP, rather than per cent as the loss just slightly increases as the HP rises. My car: 301 RWHP, maybe 321 HP at the flywheel. 1,350 lb How about we throw in lb/hp which then gives us a more relevant figure for comparison than just HP? Using flywheel HP, my car would be 4.2 lb/hp. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
West7se Posted May 18, 2009 Share Posted May 18, 2009 Yes ok agreed, that would be a better system, if its ok with everyone , and due to highjacking this thread anyway I will start a new thread based on the above system, it doesnt give an average bhp figure but would show up what the average bhp per pound would be. If folks want to post actual weights and bhp they still can, but do incude your hp to pound conversion. Rich Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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