New guy in VA

[LSSeven]

Hi Guys,

 

For years i have loved the Lotus 7's and all the take offs from various manufacturers over time. I'm putting ideas together right now to hopefully start my own build in 12 months time - unless we buy a house with a workshop sooner than planned.

 

I'm going to go with a McSorely 442, IRS with LS1 / T56 combo from a GTO that I currently have running in another project. I plan on keeping the body lines as close to the original as possible with the exception of the width & length changes due to the running gear. Not sure if i'll squeeze the LS into the 442 yet..guess i'll find out. May have to sell off the T56 in favor of a TKO to give myself as much cockpit room as possible. Tons of variables as always with a self build, but that's the plan.

 

I love these forums. They are full of some very creative, intelligent and friendly people always keen to lend a hand. Some of the builds i have seen so far are very impressive.

 

I look forward to getting to know you all over time.

 

Darren

[slngsht]

welcome aboard Darren.

 

what part of VA?

 

I have a running LS / T56 combo, although the chassis is a one-off - a modified Rotus chassis.

 

TKO will save you a bunch of weight, and probably some room. The engine was no problem in mine, but tranny is TIGHT. The disadvantage, as you point out, is the T56 is already in your hand, and the TKO will require some $$$.

 

Coincidently, at Carlisle yesterday, Burton automotive had a LS3 powered Stalker. I think Dennis told me his finished car, complete with a bunch of radio equipment and roll cage (it was a customer car) was 1600 lbs, which is 150 lbs lighter than my Rotus. I suspect pretty much all of that weight is in the worst place possible in my car... wheels, tires, brakes, and axle.

 

I'm in Maryland, so if you're in NoVA, relatively local.

[LSSeven]

welcome aboard Darren.

 

what part of VA?

 

I have a running LS / T56 combo, although the chassis is a one-off - a modified Rotus chassis.

 

TKO will save you a bunch of weight, and probably some room. The engine was no problem in mine, but tranny is TIGHT. The disadvantage, as you point out, is the T56 is already in your hand, and the TKO will require some $$$.

 

Coincidently, at Carlisle yesterday, Burton automotive had a LS3 powered Stalker. I think Dennis told me his finished car, complete with a bunch of radio equipment and roll cage (it was a customer car) was 1600 lbs, which is 150 lbs lighter than my Rotus. I suspect pretty much all of that weight is in the worst place possible in my car... wheels, tires, brakes, and axle.

 

I'm in Maryland, so if you're in NoVA, relatively local.

 

I've actually just seen some pictures of your car, doesn't seem to affect the front of the car too much, just a scoop. I guess there is more room under there than i thought.

 

Yeah, T56 is a killer. I should be able to sell it for maybe half of the TKO cost, so that wouldn't be too bad. Think i'll put it in first though on the table to get a feel of just how much it will impact my legroom.

 

I am in No VA, or will be July 1st. We are just moving to the area. going to rent until we find an area we like and a house with a workshop

 

It's close enough for a trip to MD to look at one first hand :drool:

[slngsht]

I've actually just seen some pictures of your car, doesn't seem to affect the front of the car too much, just a scoop. I guess there is more room under there than i thought.

 

Yeah, T56 is a killer. I should be able to sell it for maybe half of the TKO cost, so that wouldn't be too bad. Think i'll put it in first though on the table to get a feel of just how much it will impact my legroom.

 

I am in No VA, or will be July 1st. We are just moving to the area. going to rent until we find an area we like and a house with a workshop

 

It's close enough for a trip to MD to look at one first hand :drool:

I work in McLean, VA these days, and drive it to work whenever the weather cooperates... the down side is there is nowhere in that area to "open it up"

[DeanG]

Welcome aboard. There are many car/Lotus/Se7en people and events in the DC area.

[Rick Pierce]

Welcome Darren,I live in Richmond so if you are ever going to be in this area let me know.Also the Gold Cup Vintage race event is in two weeks at VIR try to make it if you can,plenty of Loti will be racing.

Rick

[LSSeven]

Welcome Darren,I live in Richmond so if you are ever going to be in this area let me know.Also the Gold Cup Vintage race event is in two weeks at VIR try to make it if you can,plenty of Loti will be racing.

Rick

 

Thanks, i sure will if i'm in the area. I'm not going to be home for another month so i'll have to miss the event

[race fan]

Darren I am building a 7 using 5.0 ford stuff,I am useing a moified form of 442,chassi is done ,suspention done engine and trans mounted,just finising up the cage,call me and you can come by and check it out,should be about the same size as you need,I am in fredericksburg Va

 

Dave Planakis 540-207-2042

[LSSeven]

Darren I am building a 7 using 5.0 ford stuff,I am useing a moified form of 442,chassi is done ,suspention done engine and trans mounted,just finising up the cage,call me and you can come by and check it out,should be about the same size as you need,I am in fredericksburg Va

 

Dave Planakis 540-207-2042

 

Thanks Dave, I'd love to come and take a look. I'll be in touch when i get back.

 

Darren

[KiwiBirkin]

Hi Darren welcome to USA7s and im sure you will find plenty of help here, anyway good luck with the build when you start it.