S2 Seven suspension / axle Questions

[KYO]

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Edited March 21, 2011 by KYO

[MHKflyer52]

First off let me say I am not to informed when it comes to axles and suspensions and what works and what does not, so with saying that I welcome any advice on this....

 

I am Looking for dimensions for a Lotus Seven S2 Rear Axle

 

I need a rear Axle for my S2 7 Replica I am planning and I have been thinking about the different choices i have..

 

My choice so far is to narrow a 1984-1985 Mazda RX7 GSL-SE

I chose this for

1: Cheap and easy for me to find

2: disc brakes

3: LSD

 

How much would i need to narrow this axle to fit a original size S2 chassis?

 

and from my research this axle has a centered housing..

But the Drive shaft flange is off set towards the right (pass. side) about 1in - 1 1/8th in

Would that affect how much i would need to narrow each side?

 

Would there be a better choice for me to consider??

that is as easy to find with lots of support?

 

And I know Lotus Used Triumph Spitfire uprights up front..

Could I use any Triumph Spitfire upright spindle assembly from 62-80 ??

or is there a year range I need to keep a eye out for..

 

Like I said I am more then willing to learn so feel free to correct me if i am wrong..

 

Cheers

 

Hi KYO,

 

I built my 7 from scratch and I used an MGB rear axle assy as it did not need to be shortened.

 

It measures 42-1/4" from inside brake drum flange to flange and is more closely related to the transit van rear axle that was originally used in the S2's to my limited knowledge plus it is stronger than what was originally used. Also the drive shaft input is offset to the right side or passenger side if your car is going to be a left hand drive 7 so it give you a little more space on the drivers side if needed.

 

As for the trans tunnel that is one of the last things that would get built as you will need to place the engine and transmition into the frame for alignment and shifter location along with the rear differential so that you can get the dimensions you need for the drive shaft.

 

I personally would reduce the amount of clearance on the sides of the drive shaft tunnel to 3/4" on each side as the drive shaft should not move sideways unless you bend something in the read suspension to my understanding. My build the trans tunnel is 6-1/2" across the trans tunnel and that makes for a narrow passenger seat area so if I were to build another trans tunnel would be a lot narrower.

 

Here is a link to some of the photos of my build that might give you some ideas or help you decide on different things so enjoy and have fun building your 7 and ask questions but remember to build it the way you want and not to re-invent the wheel when it comes to the build.

http://picasaweb.google.com/MHKflyer52/ALotus7Replica#

[Alaskossie]

KYO,

 

You might want to get a copy of Tony Weale's book, Lotus Seven: Restoration, Preparation, Maintenance (Osprey Books 1991, ISBN 1-85532-153-X). It is out of print I think, but used copies, and even an unauthorized reprint, may be available.

 

Try Bruce Brammer of Lotus Books (in Germany): http://www.lotus-books.com/

 

There is lots of good historical info and details on all of the Sevens from the Series 2 up through the 1991 Caterhams.

[super7guy]

Hi KYO,

 

Not sure if this is any more readly available, but I used a Datsun 1200 axle, It fits with ease after the mounts are made and is only maybe a 1/2' wider, has a drain plug and much stronger axles. I have a LSD in mine and added a bridge support behind the axle.

 

Wayne

"62 Super 7

[KYO]

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Edited March 21, 2011 by KYO