Keeper Posted February 7, 2016 Share Posted February 7, 2016 The S1 looks nice, but what do you do about parts? Superformance switched to Caterham, right? I've been looking to get once in MA since getting a sticker here is nearly impossible from what I can gather. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorider Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 Dave at Superformance got the odd part I needed for my S1. They fabricated a parking brake bracket for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 The superformance would be a deal as a road car, but you must be or know a good fabricator if you own one. Also $ quite similar to my xj8 sport in that respect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 They have no trouble keeping up with comparable Caterhams at our annual track event at NJMP. The owner just needs to add a track worthy roll-over bar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off Road SHO Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 I wonder if a track worthy roll over bar could be adapted on a temporary basis? Maybe bolt onto the existing double hoops? I sure like the looks of the double hoops and my top fits right over them. I don't know if a high bar will fit. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted February 8, 2016 Author Share Posted February 8, 2016 (edited) The S1 is a very capable car on track. Not many people have tried it there so it does not get the reputation it deserves. The chassis has roll bar mounts built in. DaveD on this forum has done 2 bolt in roll bars for S1s for the odd track day. They can be easily installed for the day and then removed afterwards so you are not spooling the looks. I am sure he could share the plan/specs if you PM him. http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/8%20IMG_0901_zpsjhqigjeu.jpg Here is a photo on S1Steve's car http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/8%20IMG_0901_zpsjhqigjeu.jpg Dave has a different shape on his car that works well http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-untitled-N.J.M.P.%20Drivers%20Club%20July%204th%20Track%20Day%20%20BBQ%20July%202015-0174_zpsekcwlsij.jpghttp://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a354/mjohnson555/seats/CSR/2015%20Sevens%20Event%20at%20NJMP/WSPS-untitled-N.J.M.P.%20Drivers%20Club%20July%204th%20Track%20Day%20%20BBQ%20July%202015-0174_zpsekcwlsij.jpg Edited February 9, 2016 by Croc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted February 8, 2016 Share Posted February 8, 2016 All this talk of S1's being track worthy, bolt on roll bars and such. The proof is in the pudding…skip to 12:32 to see what TWO S1's look like on track. Then watch the complete video. Surprised Dave hasn't posted this yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorider Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 The S1 was designed to be a street car, though with modification it would certainly be a capable track car. The car is well built in a factory, and has many good parts from the factory. I bought my S1 simply because it was half the price of a Caterham. It has a tube frame, Zetec motor, Weber fuel injection, Wilwood four piston calipers on all corners. It is a reliable driver, corners like a slot car, and has lots of suds in stock form. It even rides pretty good. What more can a senior gear head ask for? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 (edited) The S1 was designed to be a street car, though with modification it would certainly be a capable track car. Sorry if I am missing your point but no modification is needed unless you are referring to bolting on the roll bar? The little known secret to S1's is that it was designed to go on track as well as the road - the chassis needs no modifications for a roll bar - check your car out for the manufactured mounting points. Standard suspension and set up works just great on track. Superformance just never did anything to make this known to owners - which is good for buyers today. Edited February 9, 2016 by Croc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Did not mean to infer that the Superformance S1 is a poor handling car. it is though quite comfortable on long trips. I no longer race but can attest that the car handles quite well and is more adjustable than most to suit your style. but as a run of 50 it is more expensive to maintain due to lack of replacement parts and support. Mine has rotory turboed power with a gm 8 bolt rear and is even more so. But had I built a "track T" roadster that handled as well with full top and heat good enough to drive in a blizzard the maintenance could well be worse. The car will be with me when i croak. john Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
retrorider Posted February 9, 2016 Share Posted February 9, 2016 Yes, I was referring to safety equipment. Roll bar/cage, fuel cell, Fire suppression, and of course tires and suspension tuning. I understand the Hans device is something a track driver should consider. For autocross the car is good to go as is. Just need a good driver for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted February 9, 2016 Author Share Posted February 9, 2016 Just need a good driver for that. Ain't that the heart of the problem!!!! :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveD Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Thanks guys for the good words for the S1. Thanks Mike and Shane for posting the pics and video. I really like my S1. The car as delivered is a great car, but I have spent a lot of time on mine to get it where it is now. I lucked out in that the original owner did a great job with the engine setup (Zetec), and type 9 trans with a Quaife Clubman Semi-helical rally gear set. It does really well on the track. I found with this setup though, it is only mediocre for autocross. My red-line, 8500 rpm, takes me to 65 mph in 1st gear. As far as what do you do about parts, so far I have had to take care of everything on my own. I tried the Superformance guys 3 times and did not get any help. I still have stuff I would like to take care of, but everything I have done so far, I have had to figure out on my own and find someone to fabricate parts that I could not do myself. The worse one was the front spindle carrier that broke when an instructor at the autocross school at the Carlisle Import/Kit car show put it into a chain link fence trying to show me how to take the chicanes (NOT!:banghead:). So for anyone considering buying an S1 be prepared to do most things yourself or find someone competent that can do it for you. I have pictures posted of the roll bar(s) here http://www.usa7s.net/vb/album.php?albumid=28 you need to be a USA7s member to see them. I would be happy to talk to anyone who would like to know more or has questions. Just send me a PM. Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kitcat Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Dave: You have a very special Zetec. You are up there with the exotic Cosworth Duratec rebuilds, like Croc's and Yellow SS's. Without a total rebuild, most stock, or near stock Zetecs, top out a bit before 7000 rpm's. My SVT Zetec hits the rev limiter at 6800. I listened to Shane's post of your car blasting around NJMP and it didn't sound like any Zetec I have ever heard either (It was much better). I'd love to see some dyno results. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheDingo8MyBaby Posted February 10, 2016 Share Posted February 10, 2016 Someone got a pretty good deal (imo) at $15K for this Series 2 in scottsdale through Russo and Steele. The color scheme isn't my favorite and there are other cosmetic things to fix, but it should be worth at least low to mid 20's I think. One could argue it was not the right venue to sell a Seven - especially a S2 that is far from original. https://russoandsteele.com/vehicle-details/?show_vehicle=139112¤t_index=1&total_results=4&auction_pk=162&=&caryear=&caryearto=&search_text=&page=&showpage=1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 . . . Thanks Mike and Shane for posting the pics and video. I really like my S1 . . . It does really well on the track . . . . Dave, You're welcome, and, yes it does. And I do like watching your video with my earphones on...your car sounds so...angry! :devil: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted February 11, 2016 Author Share Posted February 11, 2016 Someone got a pretty good deal (imo) at $15K for this Series 2 in scottsdale through Russo and Steele. The color scheme isn't my favorite and there are other cosmetic things to fix, but it should be worth at least low to mid 20's I think. One could argue it was not the right venue to sell a Seven - especially a S2 that is far from original. That is a screaming deal! Great find! Sure there are things to fix but the sale price allows that. I could not find the auction buyers fee but allowing for that a $16.5k area price is pretty good compared to the market price range you mention which I agree with. Russo and Steele are not my favorite auctioneers for buying and selling. Their websites are always loaded late with all information so as a buyer you are scrambling to get your paperwork in and processed and then find a way there (why go unless the car you want is on the auction roster). Late promotion has to hurt the seller prospects. They won't tell you detail information on the car you want in advance - so you have incur the expense to go there. An example might be that you want to know the chassis number of this Lotus 7 (since it is not in the auction lot listing) but the only way you might be able to do that is go there for the pre-auction physical inspection since I have found my advance phone calls rebuffed. But if you are lucky the stars will align on great deals like this. Not sure which auction company would be best suited for this car but R&S is possibly the best of a really mismatched bunch of major auction houses since their auction roster is more eclectic than Mecum's all American, less high end than Gooding/Christies/etc, and less billionaire playground than Barrett Jackson. I would argue that it should never have gone to auction as that is not the best way to sell a seven, witness the Stalker that went through Mecum... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
airboy808 Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 1984 Caterham http://seattle.craigslist.org/see/cto/5442760404.html not mine Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Hill Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Dave: Curious about the discoloration of the nose in the 1st picture.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Off Road SHO Posted February 11, 2016 Share Posted February 11, 2016 Dave: Curious about the discoloration of the nose in the 1st picture.... If you click the link in DaveD's post above, you can see the album that has pics of his crashed S-1. I think that probably explains it pretty well. DaveD, Did you have a fab shop bend up that shorter roll bar? It looks good. I'd like to do some HPDE days but need something like that for mine. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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