Intro, need advise

[rag1998]

While you are in Des Moines go out to Dallas Center, just outside of Des Moines and check out Sugar Grove Custom Cars. They have several Stalker Se7ens for sale.

http://www.sugargrovecars.com/

Great bunch of guys with some wild rides including Stalker turnkey cars.

Tell them that Jack from Indy sent you. They will treat you like a King.

 

Jack

 

Thanks for the info Jack, just looked at their website, sadly they are closed on Saturday, which is the only day I am planning to be there!! Will call them up tomorrow and see if they will be available by any chance that weekend..:cheers:

 

Take a look at this link &scroll down: http://www.bruntonauto.com/turnkey/turnkey.htm

 

I think the basic kit starts at $9,995, with you sourcing the engine, trans. guages wheels etc....

 

Thats what I was looking for, price for a completely done V6 is just right under my budget, which is great :cheers: Will try to find out if there are in Houston/Dallas..

[slomove]

Go to the Southwest Sevens Festival in May

http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6185

 

You will see all brands there and I suppose there will be ample opportunity to talk with owners, hitch a few rides and compare.

[rag1998]

Go to the Southwest Sevens Festival in May

http://www.usa7s.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6185

 

You will see all brands there and I suppose there will be ample opportunity to talk with owners, hitch a few rides and compare.

 

Want to but, getting Married on May 27th and will be out of the country from May 18th until June 20th

[480rider]

I bought my car from a great seller in Houston, and I know there are several in that area. TX seems to be one of the better locations for numerous Caterham owners, so you chose the right spot.

 

As for women, it seems you are on the right track. I've been married twice. After years of dreaming/talking about race driving, my first wife gave me a three day open wheel school (Jim Russell) as a birthday gift. I thought that was the greatest gift ever, and that she really understood me. Until I got home. I was, of course, more excited than ever to race, and all she could say was "now that you've done it, I hope you're over that whole car racing thing." Ouch.

 

In contrast, my second wife comes to the track with me and provides crew and team support, agrees with any car buying decision I make, and is glad that racing makes me so happy. I knew I'd met the right one when she agreed to spend our honeymoon at an F1 race.

 

Best of luck with your car search, and with the marriage. Sounds like she "gets" it.

[Kitcat]

Dick Brink doesn't respond to e-mails. I bought my car from someone else while waiting to hear back from him on an e-mail I sent. Years later I talked to him and he said:"Oh right, that website email address doesn't actually work, I need to get it fixed." Don't know if he ever did.

 

He is a very nice guy and very knowledgeable abt Birkins and Caterhams. If I were in the market for a new se7en, I'd look hard at the Birkin. They sell for $10-15K less than a Caterham, similarly equipped. Also come with IRS, unlike the Cat's.

[rag1998]

I bought my car from a great seller in Houston, and I know there are several in that area. TX seems to be one of the better locations for numerous Caterham owners, so you chose the right spot.

 

As for women, it seems you are on the right track. I've been married twice. After years of dreaming/talking about race driving, my first wife gave me a three day open wheel school (Jim Russell) as a birthday gift. I thought that was the greatest gift ever, and that she really understood me. Until I got home. I was, of course, more excited than ever to race, and all she could say was "now that you've done it, I hope you're over that whole car racing thing." Ouch.

 

In contrast, my second wife comes to the track with me and provides crew and team support, agrees with any car buying decision I make, and is glad that racing makes me so happy. I knew I'd met the right one when she agreed to spend our honeymoon at an F1 race.

 

Best of luck with your car search, and with the marriage. Sounds like she "gets" it.

 

Austin is also luckily turning out to be a very good motor-sports hub with tracks in Houston, Dallas, College Station, San Marcos and F1 circuit under construction right here. Hoping F1 circuit will be open for club racing, the convenience of driving from home to the track and back is just unbeatable. :hurray:

 

Thats a big ouch with the first, glad you found the right one. Fiance, is definitely not like the first, she is glad that cars and racing makes me happy, but at the same time is not herself into HPDE's, trying to change that and get her into the world of thrills and joy, will have to see that goes after marriage.

 

Dick Brink doesn't respond to e-mails. I bought my car from someone else while waiting to hear back from him on an e-mail I sent. Years later I talked to him and he said:"Oh right, that website email address doesn't actually work, I need to get it fixed." Don't know if he ever did.

 

He is a very nice guy and very knowledgeable abt Birkins and Caterhams. If I were in the market for a new se7en, I'd look hard at the Birkin. They sell for $10-15K less than a Caterham, similarly equipped. Also come with IRS, unlike the Cat's.

 

Read a lot of good reviews about Dick Brink in couple of forums, I will call him up today to get some accurate quotes. Thanks the info, I would have been waiting on the email forever.

 

Thanks everyone for your knowledgeable responses, glad that I found this forum :cheers: Please keep them coming, more I learn the better

[Ruadhd2]

Frankly, the inexpensive availability of the Honda S2000 (S2K) engine and tranny should be taken very seriously as a bullet proof solution to significant power in a 7.

[rnr]

Frankly, the inexpensive availability of the Honda S2000 (S2K) engine and tranny should be taken very seriously as a bullet proof solution to significant power in a 7.

 

If you want to go the S2K route you should talk to Loren (WestTexasS2K) at World Class Motorsports. He recently put up an Ultralite S2K kit for sale and may be willing to build it for you if the price is right.

[rag1998]

Frankly, the inexpensive availability of the Honda S2000 (S2K) engine and tranny should be taken very seriously as a bullet proof solution to significant power in a 7.

 

If you want to go the S2K route you should talk to Loren (WestTexasS2K) at World Class Motorsports. He recently put up an Ultralite S2K kit for sale and may be willing to build it for you if the price is right.

 

How does an S2K compare to Caterham, Birkin, Stalker for all weather road use and occasional tracking? Does one of the kits have an advantage over the other for my usage?

 

Sorry about my stupid Q's, Please bear with my ignorance!!

[snookwheel]

You are going to get a lot of different opinions on that question! Each brand has it's own set of fans. The all weather situation would lean you towards a S7 that has an option of weather gear or a creative solution. I can speak only for the Stalker.

 

I drive mine around town quite often as well as run many autocrosses. The 3.8 supercharged engine has great manners and with it developing close to 300 ft. lbs of torque at around 2500 rpms, I never need to push the engine hard, even at an autocross. It is a low maint. machine. The Stalkers do very well on the track and hold a few records (see their site). The factory support is terrific too.

 

Your best bet is to find a few different types and see how you fit and get an up close impression. All the ones you mention will be a blast. Non of them will have the creature comforts of your Vette, but all will leave a grin on your face.

 

Scott

[rag1998]

Thats great info, appreciate that.

 

Just called up Dick Brink @ Texas Motor Works, he was very helping and filled with tremendous amounts of knowledge, chatted close to 45 mins on the phone about 7's . Will be meeting him on May 8th to look at a few of his cars. Looking forward to meeting him and another member that weekend in KC.

[rnr]

How does an S2K compare to Caterham, Birkin, Stalker for all weather road use and occasional tracking? Does one of the kits have an advantage over the other for my usage?

 

How much weather do you get in Austin? I've been documenting some of my Ultralite ownership at http://www.rahulnair.net/blog/tag/setting-up-a-seven/

 

Your best bet is to find a few different types and see how you fit and get an up close impression. All the ones you mention will be a blast. Non of them will have the creature comforts of your Vette, but all will leave a grin on your face.

 

+ 100000000

[rag1998]

How much weather do you get in Austin? I've been documenting some of my Ultralite ownership at http://www.rahulnair.net/blog/tag/setting-up-a-seven/

 

Just started reading your blog, very detailed reports I should say, enjoying it, but looks like its mostly used for track days, rather than cruising??

 

Weather in Austin varies highly, say a day/two of snow in a year, 2 months of below 40's, mostly bright summers with 2-3 months of above 90 temps and occasional rain.

 

Will be driving with the weather gear(top at least) in place, as I am not planning on a bald/sun burnt look. Already lost half my hair and fiancée is complaining(go figure)!!! :deadhorse:

[rnr]

Just started reading your blog, very detailed reports I should say, enjoying it, but looks like its mostly used for track days, rather than cruising??

 

Primarily bought it as a track/autox car that I can drive to events without needing a tow vehicle. I do drive it around for errands, work and club events around once a week but since I always wear a helmet it does restrict the places I can visit.

 

Since I live in California I dont have any weather gear on the car and just dont drive it during the month or two it rains. Mondo on these forums has an Ultralite with a windshield and full weather gear.

[rag1998]

Primarily bought it as a track/autox car that I can drive to events without needing a tow vehicle. I do drive it around for errands, work and club events around once a week but since I always wear a helmet it does restrict the places I can visit.

 

Since I live in California I dont have any weather gear on the car and just dont drive it during the month or two it rains. Mondo on these forums has an Ultralite with a windshield and full weather gear.

 

California is a great place to be with a 7, perfect weather all the time. Will try looking up Mondo's profile.

 

Thanks for the info.

[locost7018]

Rag1998, there is a Stalker for sale here in KC do you want me to have him bring it over when you come by for you to look at also? Russ

[rag1998]

Rag1998, there is a Stalker for sale here in KC do you want me to have him bring it over when you come by for you to look at also? Russ

 

Will call you tomorrow, thanks for the info.

[Mondo]

I think this S1 would be the best car for you, it's the most civilized.

http://usa7s.net/vb/showthread.php?t=6298

 

As far as 7s go, keep in mind, there's no real dealer type service on these. Basically have to find a good mechanic or have good mechanical skills. The "direct feel" we all talk about comes at the expense of cup holders, radio, insulation, rattles etc.. (3:30 in)

You really need to drive a few before you commit to making it a daily driver. Most likely, you'll love driving it... but not in traffic, on hot days, or really cold days etc.. You don't want to put yourself in a position that you dread driving what is really such a fun car.

 

Besides the S1, Birkin and Caterham probably have the best weather kits.... but think old jeep rather than miata when it comes to tops/doors. I bought a weather kit with my Ultralite but never put it on... I like the full windshield & want to put on a shade top (bikini) instead. Also want some side protection (adding to the roll bar) and this will eliminate the use of the weather kit.

 

I'm not trying to disuade you... just want to give you some things to think about. A corvette is like a cadillac as far as comfort & convienance in comparison (and handling!)

Hey, I was going to put A/C in my car (it is an option). But when you truly see what a 7 is about, it would almost be sacraligious.

 

Loren does have a kit available and his experience building/racing S2ks could certainly give you a car that's dependable & fast (can't beat a honda drivetrain for that)... But I doubt you'd be driving it to work most of the time (any 7 really).

Edited April 20, 2011 by Mondo

[rag1998]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts, after hearing the views of several members, I am now seriously considering getting the 7 along with another car that can be used for extreme weather conditions.

 

Heard from Dick Brink @ Texas Motor Works, that there are couple of shop's in Austin that will be able to work on 7's, will have to get that info and inquire about those. I have experience with most of the basic stuff like changing oils, filters, rotors, pads, brake bleeding and other routine maintenance, not much more than that.

 

To and fro from work is less than 9 miles and mostly on freeway with not much traffic hence I am not that worried about that. Rain, cold and summer heat are the only buggers, and like most have said I will have to see, feel and drive a few to get a better picture, I might be totally off by thinking I can drive this to work daily.

Edited April 20, 2011 by rag1998

[rnr]

I'd also suggest that you try driving an Elise/Exige. Its not as raw as a Seven but is infinitely more practical and can be your only car (as long as parallel parking is not required). Plus you can easily get a used Elise for $25k.