New Guy Questions

[spotcheck]

I have read your site for quite a while. You all seem willing to suffer fools trying to learn - thanks for that in advance. I live in Atlanta (not the suburbs - Atlanta). I've slammed my Bimmer and my wife's Cooper S up + down Brasstown Bald and TotD a number of times. I test drove a Cat SV yesterday @ Brit Auto in Ft Worth. 'Nuff said. I'm probably a year out on an LSIS, but I am hoping for a little info. I am mechanically inclined, but I am not and will never be an auto mechanic or assembler. I'll buy one assembled, and go to a shop for maintenance.

 

 

 

1. Does anyone have experience with getting registration + title in Georgia? Anything required beyond extreme patience with DMV? This area seems a little murky to me.

 

2. I am a little concerned about finding a shop in/near Atlanta for maintenance (beyond the basics - fluids, filters, brake pads). Will I have any issues here?

 

3. Assume for the moment that the issue is not $$, and also assume I acknowledge the Caterham as the direct DNA descendant of the Prisoner (I've even stayed in the Village at Portmerion, Wales). Beyond those two points, are there any short-list pro+con points about the Cat v Ultralite? I learned I can get in + out of the SV easily enough.

 

 

 

OH - FYI - I saw a thread about license plate ideas for Georgia. My Bimmer had KAR120C in Michigan. I moved here 3+ years ago. GA DMV - "Nope - that would potentially conflict with a future plate series."

 

 

 

Thanks again. All advice appreciated.

[slngsht]

Spotcheck, Solder Guy is near you... send him a private message. I am sure he'll chime in here soon. Welcome aboard.

[solder_guy]

Welcome Mr. Spotcheck!

 

 

 

I live at LaVista and Clairmont (Dekalb Co side which is still called Atlanta). According to the DMV in Dekalb, it is not a problem to get our specialty cars inspected and licensed. The Dekalb co inspection station is near Stone Mountain.

 

 

 

My LSIS Rotus7 has a Toyota engine and drivetrain .. so parts are readily available from Autozone and the junkyards. According to the TotD sign-up list there are two other cars in the area (Alpharetta) which the owners may give insight into service.

 

 

 

My efforts to get it inspected and licensed have been delayed .. so hopefully in the next two weeks I can address this a little more competely.

 

 

 

As far as KAR120C, I've got that on the front of my Celica! Ordered it from the UK. Too bad you cannot get it for real.

 

 

 

So you've been to Portmeirion, eh? Must be fascinating for any Prisoner fan. Are you a member of Six-of-One? I bought a three CD set of music from The Prisoner. Very enjoyable.

 

 

 

Rob Mitchell, Atlanta, 30345

 

 

 

solder_guy2007-02-10 20:10:05

[Boxologist]

if a pedigree is important, than yes, Caterham is the true lineal descendant of the Lotus 7.

 

 

 

but since u have to drive the car, u should find one tat fits u best. coming to 7-7-07 will give the greatest exposure to all the makes.

[spotcheck]

Good point about 7-7-07. I'll see what I can do.

 

 

 

Did you consider anything other than your SV? What swung the decision?

[solder_guy]

Spotcheck:

 

 

 

Per your pm to me .. you are 15 minutes away from my house (on a good traffic day). You are welcome to come by and borrow my _Lotus 7 and the Independents_ book and see my Rotus.

 

 

 

Rob Mitchell

 

 

 

 

 

solder_guy2007-02-11 08:25:09

[scannon]

 

Did you consider anything other than your SV? What swung the decision?

 

 

 

For me, it was a 20 minute session on the track in RMSC's Caterham SV demo. I was smitten.

 

 

 

I briefly considered the Locost but decided I didn't have the patience or skill set to go that direction. The BECs were not considered since I wanted to use the turbo Miata powerplant.

 

 

 

Skip

[rv-4mike]

I agree with Boxologist. If the pedigree is important the Caterham is the only choice.

 

 

 

If you dont care about that, there are quite a few choices. What engine do you want? There are choices from motorcycle engines to V8s. There is also quite a wide variety in appearance. What looks right to you is obviously a matter of personal choice. A lot of guys I've talked to dont like the Ultralites - too different from the original.

 

 

 

My criteria:

 

1) To me the concept of an LSIS is dominated by light weight and high power to weight. My LSIS has to be 4 cylinder powered. I like the bike engined cars but didnt think I could live with one on the street. If I wanted a V8 I'd have gone with a Cobra.

 

2) I dont care about the pedigree. To my eye the Ultralite is the best looking of the LSIS cars.

 

3) My car will be street driven so comfort is an issue. The Ultralite is wider and roomier than the typical LSIS.

 

4) I wanted to save some $ by building and maintaining the car myself. Had to be able to get the car in kit form.

 

5) I want late model running gear and all parts easily sourced in the US.

 

 

 

You can probably guess I chose the Ultralite. I love the look and the engineering behind it. Compared to Cobra kits I looked at it offers a lot of bang for the buck with many high performance parts standard that are upgrade options on the Cobras. I have a long history with Honda bikes so the S2000 engine was appealing. Taking a ride in one and hearing that engine rip to 9000RPM sold me. Now I just need to scrape up the $ to finish it (my kit is on order).

 

 

 

If you think you are interested in an Ultralite, PM me. I know someone who has one for sale. I'd buy it if I could but I need to go the kit route to spread the cost out.

[slomove]

If you don't feel ready to build one or don't have the time (like myself when I got into this 4 years ago) get a pre-owned car. The market is small but you will see a good Se7en with few miles and a modern engine once a while. This is often the cheapest way to get some nice upgrades because they don't usually get their value back when selling. Contrary to common belief these cars do lose a bit of value from new. However, it becomes pretty stable in the long run.

 

 

 

Another advantage is instant gratification. Instead of only building for anything between a few weeks and a decade you can drive it right away and upgrade and tweak as you go (which I did a lot).

 

 

 

BTW, I bought a Birkin back then because the business transaction side of the heritage was irrelevant for me. I was looking for similarity of appearance and concept, also quality of workmanship.

 

 

 

Gert

 

 

 

 

[spotcheck]

You've raised a point I was wondering about - drivetrain. All the Caterham info I have read talks only about the Kent-Zetec-SVT + Sierra setup. Is it over-the-top effort to go with a different drivetrain? For example, the "service it anywhere" feature of the WCM S2K Honda drivetrain has a certain appeal.

 

 

 

Thnx

[yellowss7]

When I ordered my Caterham, The Zetec wasn't standard, the Crossflow was but I wanted more power so the Rover K series, that was used in the UK was my choice due to the low weight (under 200 lbs) and the different levels of tune available. BTW total build time on mine was 80 hours, spread out obviously but the kit is pretty well put together and I'm no mechanic.

 

 

 

The Ford Duratec looks like a good engine choice now with low weight and incredible levels of power available. On the subject of Power... Becareful what you wish for. I've driven a 135 hp Caterham that was much easier to handle than my 195 Hp beast. In autocrossing I find that the extra power can induce oversteer very easily if you are not smooth.

 

 

 

The power is addictive for straight line acceleration, but that's not what these cars are all about.

 

 

 

I went with the Caterham, but the Birkins I've seen are just as nice. Haven't seen any of the others so I can't comment.

 

 

 

It's definately more cost effective to find a used one. But you are then limited to what's available and someone else speced.

 

 

 

I'm 6'1 220 and fit very nicely in the standard body, but foot room is the limiting factor. That's where the SV is worth it. You can wear normal shoes, as opposed to having to wear dedicated driving/race boots.    

 

 

[scannon]

You've raised a point I was wondering about - drivetrain. All the Caterham info I have read talks only about the Kent-Zetec-SVT + Sierra setup. Is it over-the-top effort to go with a different drivetrain? For example, the "service it anywhere" feature of the WCM S2K Honda drivetrain has a certain appeal.

 

 

 

Thnx

 

 

 

To see what I have done so far to put a Miata drivetrain into a Caterham SV see: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2175152

 

 

 

The wiring was the biggest challenge and I suspect it would be similar using the Honda S2k drive train or any other non-standard Caterham setup.

 

 

 

Skip

[Boxologist]

Good point about 7-7-07. I'll see what I can do.

 

 

 

Did you consider anything other than your SV? What swung the decision?

 

 

 

i had some seat time in a Birkin a few hours before i sat in the SV i would buy. the birkin was a s3 sized car, and had a stero + speakers and other little bits that couldbe nice.

 

 

 

the SV is plenty spacious. i'm not a big guy, but having also been in an actual s3, its nice to actually hav a little space to sort of rest ur left foot. my SV becomes an almost daily drive when the weather warms up, so reliability is a critcial issue.

 

 

 

as much as i find pleasure in working on my cars, driving the 7 gives way more pleasure!

 

 

 

coming to 7-7-07 will allow u to expirience all the different drivetrains and how they deliver power. that will be an immense help in deciding how much power u need and when it occurs. do deide on a v8, v6, 4 cylinder, FI(like skip) or a bike engine.

 

 

 

personally, the duratec is becoming an excellent lightweight tuned engine. and i see caterham is now offing the 6 speed in a touring designation. that probably has an overdriven gear.

[powderbrake]

Spotchck:

 

Welcome to the USA7s forum. New guys are always welcome, and as you noted, the members are willing to help in any way possible. Keep asking questions, and take up the offers of rides and info. As is evidenced by the replies, there are great differences of opinion, yet they are put forward in a way that doesn't demean the other marques.

 

 

 

One thing about a se7en, it is a car, but boiled down to the basic functional parts, and is made as light and as powerful as possible or affordable. That means there is likely to be some minor maintainance required, but that doesn't mean you need a mechanic to do it. The people here can walk you through repairs that may be needed.

 

 

 

I believe some soul searching is called for before you buy. The questions of build or buy, do I want a cruiser, a street car, an autocross car, a track day car, an out and out racer, do I want to take long trips, luggageroom, what if it rains, can I get weather gear (top and sidecurtains),and so on. Am I concerened about the pedigree, or the closeness in appearance to a Lotus, do I fit in the car, can I drive it with my regular shoes on, license and registration details, and so on.

 

By asking the members about these characteristics, and matching them to your desires, you can find a se7en that fits you perfectly.

 

 

 

I'm driving an Ultralite because:

 

I wanted to assemble my own, as assembling a car was the the primary project, not necessarily owning a se7en. ( I am so happy I chose a se7en, instead of a cobra or a hot rod.) If the build wasn't the objective, I would have bought a finished car.

 

 

 

I did not want to have to weld up my own frame and running gear. I also didn't want to have to buy a donor car or components.

 

 

 

I was (when I was looking at se7ens) about 260 pounds, and I didn't fit well in a normal sized se7en. My car has an 18" wide drivers seat, and a 16" passenger seat, and lots of footwell room.

 

 

 

I was not locked into the "close reproduction" looks of a Lotus, and was not concerned with the pedigree. ( I fully appreciate the pedigree aspect and likely might have gone that way if I could fit comfortably in one)

 

 

 

I wanted a street car, for fun, that could work as a daily driver, to pick up groceries, and for an occasional "blat" through some twisty roads. I thought about autocrossing it when I bought it, but haven't done it except a couple occasions.

 

 

 

I din't think too much about track days, but found out after I got the car, they are a ton of fun. I have been to four events.

 

 

 

I didn't need or want a top or rain gear, as I didn't plan to drive it in the rain. If I get rained on, I simply will get wet. ( Only happened once, and it was so light so it didn't count)

 

 

 

I liked the suspension system, and the fact it is all heim joints and no rubber bushings, as well as the Wilwood brake systems.

 

 

 

I liked the Honda S2000 engine and transmission. It is virtually bulletproof, and I have never done anything to the engine, except change oil and filters, I have not even taken out a spark plug. All I do is gas it and drive it.

 

 

 

The trunk space is useful for the tonneau, and it holds luggage for two people for a few days. ( we did a 3 day trip last year)

 

 

 

Like you, it only took one test ride to determine I had to have a se7en.

 

 

 

Rather than advise you on which car to get, I offer these comments as an example of consideraions you need to make to decide on your se7en. If you can get to St.Louis, you are welcome to experience my car.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[spotcheck]

 

my SV becomes an almost daily drive when the weather warms up, so reliability is a critcial issue.

 

 

 

coming to 7-7-07 will allow u to expirience all the different drivetrains and how they deliver power. that will be an immense help in deciding how much power u need and when it occurs.

 

 

 

 

First - you guys are all terrific - thanks very much for your kind consideration - which I expect to end when the green flag drops, and resume when the checkerd flag drops. I'm trying to learn the posting protocal - sorry if I foul it up.

 

 

 

Next - boxoligist's points above are targeted on my concerns (and powderbrake's - came in as I was writing this). Solder Guy now has me comfortable about GA DMV.

 

 

 

When I'm climbing up Brasstown or the Dragon, my 528 does great - its all about riding the TQ curve. The Cooper S 6-speed is even better, but its my wife's car, I can't go without her, her idea of sane driving differs greatly from mine, and I can't handle the glaring looks. I want something more to happen when I lower my right foot on an uphill turn. When I replace the 528, I figure that a 530 (or 550) AND an LSIS will be a reasonable alternative to the M5 as a daily driver and its pending leagal bills. I can see occasional track days, but mainly I just want to haul a** on winding mountain roads with the air blasting in my smiling face.

 

 

 

I have contacted slngshot + Al N about "student" participation at TotD, and I have a roome reserved - hope y'all don't mind a gawker hanging around asking rookie quesitons.

 

 

 

 

 

Keep the opinions and advice coming, please - great info.

 

 

 

Kent

 

 

[WestTexasS2K]

Well don't know if I can add anything to what has been posted. I just tell you what made my mind up. I chose the Ultralite for multiple reasons. I bought the book Lotus 7 and the independents. I looked at all the cars and read all the comments. .I bought the Ultralite because.

 

1. it came in kit form and I wanted to build my own.

 

2. I went for a ride and was sold by the shear velocity that the car could generate in such short order. I had a grin on my face for a week afterwards. ( and I have had some pretty fast cars)

 

3. Car was built in Texas.

 

4. The high quality of the parts that were standard on the car. All are readily available in the U.S.A. .

 

5. The Honda engine is just unbelievable. I dont think any other manufacturer can get the performance from 2.0 with the same reliability. 240hp at 9000 rpm is just a pure mechanical symphony. I absoulutely run the snot out of my car and have only had to change the oil a few times. I did replace the plugs with Iridium units but didn't have to.

 

6. I prefered the looks of the shorter nose and cowl bumps on the hood over the long skinny nose of the more original looking kits. To be honest I did not know what a lotus 7 was before seeing the Ultralite in kit car magazine.

 

7. The total cost to build was similiar if not cheaper than alot of the other kits out there.

 

 

 

I know alot of the Ztec engines make good power and can be pumped up to substantial levels, but with alot of money just to get it to the point the Honda is out of the junk yard. The huffed v6 in the superstalker is very fast and I am sure the v8 versions are faster yet.

 

 

 

 

 

The TOTD would be an excellent oppurtunity to get a look at a wide range of vehicles and I am sure a test ride in everyone will be possible.

 

 

 

 

 

I would encourage you to do a track weekend with the cars when you can. I recommend this for several reasons. The first is that it is just about as much fun as you can have with your close on. (and almost tied with the clothes off option). It will also teach you how learn the car limits in a safe area. You will be amazed at what these little cars can do. (You will piss some people off with really expensive cars when you continually pass them on the track.) You will gain a vast amount of car control. This will save you from getting yourself in a bad situation that the cars can put you in.

 

 

 

Happy hunting hope that you find the car that is right for you and your intended purpose. Any question is just a short email away from the helpful folks here. I would have liked to have had this wealth of info when I started my project.WestTexasS2K2007-02-11 16:10:29

[Deman USA]

Check out the SR7 at Deman-Motorsport.com (which is a Hayabusa or a Miata motor) it comes in kit form and turn-key, and also the 200-350rwhp SR27 do-it-yourself kit and turn-key version. coming soon.

 

 

 

Dino

 

Deman USA http://www.usa7s.com/aspnetforum/images/emoticons/mad5.gif

[powderbrake]

Spotcheck:

 

Your comment about the torque curve is pertinent. I was amazed at the flexibility and the torque capability of the S2000.

 

I regulary took my C5 Vette convertible on some blats through the winding roads in the Ozark mountains ( hills to you guys in the Rockies), and I enjoyed "stirring" the 6 speed box, and working the brakes into the corners, trail braking, and rolling on the throttle as I came out.

 

Then I took my se7en on the same roads. It was much faster, and I was running in 5th and 6th gear, without a lot of shifting, and I was moving a lot faster than the C5, with a lot less effort on my part.

 

There is no replacement for displacement, but with the light weight, that 150 -160 lb-ft of torque will do the job in a se7en.

[spotcheck]

WestTexas + solder guy - thanks for recommendation on "Lotus 7 + Independents". Amazon has a copy coming my way.

[Al N.]

Guys, I'm just emerging from a weeked filled with a big charity auction event and finalizing the 7-7-7 Feb Organizers email.

 

 

 

What great advice and feedback (and very marque inclusive, I might add) for spotcheck. I have nothing really to add besides that I considered a Cat, a WCM, a original (well, quite modded, actually) Lotus S2, and a Birkin in my search, and decided on the Caterham SLR because one popped up in my price range (miraculously) and I like the lines of the narrow cars.

 

 

 

Having gotten to know few of the folks here better in real life as well as through web correspondence, I think there's no better "support group' for people considering getting into a Se7en of any type. This thread is proof. We'll get around to having a "New to Se7ens FAQ" some day....for now I'm concentrating on making the Tail meet memorable.

 

Al Navarro2007-02-12 09:38:14