Martin H Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Following on from my post about being new to the US, I see that the range of 7 type cars over here is somewhat different to the UK (which is mainly Caterhams and Westfields, with a few Locosts thrown in). I did see the forum rules which ask us to avoid making adverse judgements on the different models, so maybe I'm on dangerous ground here, but I'd be keen to know what the common models are, and their advantages (hopefully that will keep the conversation positive!!) Perhaps if I put it into context - my main use would be on track (so I would want full rollcage, harnesses etc., or the ability to add them fairly easily), and a reasonable spec - 130-150bhp minimum perhaps. I'm not massively strong on the mechanical side, so would want something with good availability of parts and with a reasonably standard build (i.e. I'd prefer to avoid something that needs parts fabrication or personal "design"). Also reliability would be important, and I wouldn't want to go too old (perhaps 10 year old max). I've enjoyed some time with BECs and as much as I loved it, would prefer to go back to CECs for this one. Road legal would be good, but not essential. Sadly Caterhams look very expensive here (compared to the UK) and may be beyond my price range. The Birkins interest me as the pricing seems keener, and I've heard good things about them. Hard to say what my budget might be at the moment, but probably not more than $25k. Interested in your thoughts... Thanks all Martin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hudson Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 From a Caterham owner, if you don't want a Cat, you will not do better than talking to Dick Brink at http://texasmotorworks7.com/Home.aspx . As others have said welcome to the States. Ed Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BusaNostra Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 "I did see the forum rules which ask us to avoid making adverse judgements on the different models" Does work though. I never read anyone post like, "mine is better than yours". 7 Owners simply "wanna have fun" & could careless what type of 7 you are driving. Take your time to pick your 7. I have a Westfield, I'm willing to let you drive the car. Ask the Birkins, Caterham, Ultralight, Superperformance, Locost, Stalker7 owners maybe they will let you drive too. So, good luck choosing one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slomove Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Since these preferences are extremely subjective and often tilted towards what people own, you may be better off meeting other drivers and hitch a ride or drive. I personally can vouch for the Birkin but you will find other folks preferring the Stalker or S2K or whatever. I guess they all can be made excellent track cars or they can be ruined by a shoddy build. A pre-loved car will usually save you serious money and give immediate satisfaction but that puts you at the mercy of the (small) used market. It may take a while until something pops up that fits your bill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hudson Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 Different all fun Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WestTexasS2K Posted January 27, 2011 Share Posted January 27, 2011 A used Ultralite will go for 25-28k. Comes standard with a stock Honda s2000 engine which is 240 hp in stock form and very reliable. Superstalker is a good track car and easy to find parts both are manufactured in the US. You will find both of considerably wider than a Caterham. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
locost7018 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 There is a V6 Stalker for sale here in Kansas City. If you are interested his email is acc1947@hotmail.com. His name is Harry. Russ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ruadhd2 Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Double ditto on the Stalker. Very strong track car and easy parts availability. One of the most popular 7 variants currently made in the U.S. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
snookwheel Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 We have a Super Stalker and I highly recommend them... of course I may be a tad biased. Fast, reliable and inexpensive to maintain. We use it on the street a lot as well as autocross as often as possible. Here's a link: http://www.bruntonauto.com/ Scott Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TxCoyote Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 +1 on the Stalker Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 Ditto what others say. Fastest se7en in US is a V8 Stalker. Used Caterhams are available at more reasonable prices than new-see this Forum's For-Sale section. A nice track ready BDR engined Cat is there, ditto 2 lovely Duratec SV's. The good thing abt the relatively steep price of used Cats is that you can sell them for not a lot less than what you bought them for. The depreciation hit is mostly at the first resale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
supersportsp Posted January 28, 2011 Share Posted January 28, 2011 At $25k, you will be looking at a used Caterham. I bought my '97 with 5k miles on it for right around that amount a few years ago. It has a 175hp Zetec. The prices people ask for them here are all over the board, mainly I think because there are so few, it is tough to judge the market. There have been some good deals on them lately, thanks likely to our continued economic woes. Westfields aren't nearly as common here as you likely have noticed. If you want the low-down on the state of Westfields here in the US you should talk to member JohnCH. After Caterham, Birkin's seem to be the most common Seven variant here in the US. At least those that are more closely based on say an S3 Lotus Seven. They have a good rep, are well supported by Dick Brink and the build quality seems to be quite strong. If you are willing for further departure from the look of an original Lotus, then you can start considering Stalker's and Ultralites. One thing to consider is how much you want to tinker yourself, vs how much you want to just rely on an existing aftermarket. Caterham and Westfield have by far the biggest box of toys you can either get from the factory or aftermarket. But, since everything is built in the UK or mainland Europe, the shipping gets pretty brutal on bigger items. If you are willing to develop parts yourself, the other makes might be a good entry point. For example, if I wanted to upgrade my car (standard Roadsport deDion) to the equivalent of a brand new R500, all I need is money. Everything I need is available via Caterham or an aftermarket company. If you wanted to do the same amount of development to a Birkin or Stalker, then you will be doing fabrication/development yourself. You can certainly make a Stalker and Ultralite boogie on a track though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest speedcraft Posted January 29, 2011 Share Posted January 29, 2011 ...and not to confuse things too much...there hasnt been 2 caterhams that ive driven that drive exactly the same, even with similar specs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notakit Posted January 30, 2011 Share Posted January 30, 2011 What?!? Do you mean to tell me I could have just bought a car rather than build one from scratch? Dang it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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