New and interested in these cars

[NEVERSATISFIED]

Hi, I am not quite sure where to post this here, but I was referred here by a member from another forum. I have been considering a little track car, because I live 3 miles from Road America, and I have another car I am setting up for some HPDE's, but I think this looks more up my alley.

 

I am going to check out the options for power, and other tech stuff here, but if someone can give me a brief intro to what these cars are all about I would love it.

 

Thanks

 

I am looking for this type of body. (type R) is it called? My budget is on the lower end for this right now though, until I sell or trade my vette.

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?t=4761

 

The Super Stalker looks even better.

The MK Indy the best.

Edited April 16, 2010 by NEVERSATISFIED

[Alaskossie]

Neversatisfied,

 

For starters, look up websites for Caterham, Westfield, Birkin, Stalker, and Ultralite.

 

Caterham's is http://www.caterham.co.uk/

 

All of the brands made overseas (Caterham and Westfield in UK, Birkin in S. Africa) have US distributors. Also, there is an active market in used models, which might be the way to go, just starting out.

 

Most of these cars are designed for 4-cylinder engines, though there are motorcycle-engine variants, and the Stalker has a V-6.

 

I hope this points you in the right direction, and gets you started....

[yellowss7]

A brief intro on what these cars are about? Simple. Light weight, handling, and lots of smiles.

 

For the most part it's power to weight, Incredible handling and because of the light weight, really late braking.

 

These factors help these little cars outperform most cars.

 

You don't NEED high horsepower, although it helps on the straights on track. Your corner entry and exit speeds are usually far higher than most other cars, driver skills being equal.

 

You can build a monster, but can you drive it? A well set up 135-150hp seven in a good drivers hands is a very capable machine.

 

Alakossies right, get in a few, and see what they can do. And he's right that you can buy one built waaay cheaper than building your own.

 

There are a couple of nice cars currently for sale on this site for starters. You wouldn't go wrong with either of them.

 

Good luck

 

Tom

[slngsht]

neversatisfied, I'm definitely in the power camp, but got a ride in Mopho's Caterham a while back on some canyon roads outside of LA... I had to ask him to take it easy. Wicked fun on 200 horses.

[NEVERSATISFIED]

Thanks guys, this all has been very helpful. I am looking at all of these models, and used is what I need. I have experienced the Building, stuff just with mods, and I am over it. I just want a fun little car to tinker with, and drive the heck out of. Are there different body styles for these frames. I seen a youtube video of a Westfield with a rac car type body, that is a definite option also if they make such a thing.

[slngsht]

different body "styles"... yes there are. Sevens are somewhat of a Mr Potato Head of cars. You can buy a car with clamshells (the long swoopy fenders)and switch to cycle fenders.

 

In terms of the general look, most look like a variation of the Series 2 or Series 3 Lotus 7. Like the Caterham Superlight you were looking at. The variants that look the most different are the WCM Ultralite, and the Stalker, which has a one piece nose / hood.

 

IMO the most important consideration is being able to fit in the car - specifically foot room to operate the pedals. Then you can narrow down your choices.

[Alaskossie]

Neversatisfied,

 

The Westfield with the "race car type body" that you saw on the film clip was probably the Westfield replica of the Lotus Eleven.

 

The original Lotus Eleven is of the same general vintage as the original Lotus Seven (late 1950's), but the Eleven was quite a bit more sophisticated in its frame, suspension, and enclosed, aerodynamic bodywork.