theDreamer Posted August 24, 2023 Share Posted August 24, 2023 On 8/23/2023 at 8:35 AM, wdb said: I'm intrigued by that Cars&Bids Caterham but there are a couple of things bothering me. How did it get that fender gash, plus another fender was replaced? Hm. Current owner only added 200 miles. Not confidence inspiring. The cold start video sounds to me as though the car is running on 3 cylinders. Definitely a project. Even more so than my car, I suspect. Just a couple of things? How about the seller?? He doesn't seem to have a clue. Is that because he really doesn't know or is this an act? I mean really, who mistakes aluminum for stainless steel? Quote from the seller: "...The pictures tend not to show very much, however, as the underside is just the stainless steel skin with the rear diff and the sump poking through it" Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
thewebgal Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I'm intrigued by the Caterham Rotary powered car on BAT - https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-caterham-super-seven-3/ Its not like the Rotus cars that were built in nearby Frederick, MD - and not as well finished as the S1 that recently sold in DC ... I gather the weight to HP ratio is quite good with rotary engines, but Its listed as a 4 speed, when 5 speed cars seem more typical these days. And I'm wondering about the fragility of older rotary engine, compared to the more typical ICE 4 cylinder power plants. How common are rotary drivetrains? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MV8 Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 (edited) The apex seals, equivalent to ICE piston rings, do not last as long. They are commonly carbon and lubricated by thin oil directly injected into the combustion chamber or require mixing with the fuel at each tank fill like a two-stroke. The internal wear surfaces are chrome plated which can fail for a number of reasons and replacements are rare. Rechroming is expensive. Add to that the difficulty in finding fuel that is not watered down with ethanol that works against the added oil and it doesn't bode well. They tend to be noisier too for the same exhaust (like a two-stroke). Somewhat equivalent to a six cylinder ICE but they tend to burn more fuel/oil. The pluses are weight, output (though low rpm torque is typically much lower than ICE), size, smooth operation, and high revs so no overdrive is less of an issue. Because it is modular, an engine can be made bigger by adding sections and fitting a special crank but the rev limit comes down. Edited August 26, 2023 by MV8 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 I currently own 2ea 7ish cars with rotaries. One is a superformance s-1 with a fresh street ported 87 13b t2, it has the na 5speed because the turbo trans will not fit. Engine conversion is still in process. "it is a keep for ever car". The other was built as a prototype for a kit that never flew. The body was patterned after a 1960 Lola mk-1 (not quite as pretty as the original Lola). The chassis is a Rotus slightly modified, but still obviously a 7. engine is also a turbo-2 13b and the chassis has the stronger turbo transmission. going to part with it soon and it just begs to have a Chevy ls in the engine compartment. the car we are looking at likely was mated to the ford transmission for size reasons. and also has a modified starter location on top of the engine. The rotary engines are becoming scarce to acquire now, and parts are also hard to come by. With good care good for 200k, but very easy to over rev that will hammer the seals and housings as there is very little to limit the rpm except the driver. The car would be great fun to drive as it is and very likely to outlive the new owner. john (and last I checked the price is right. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speedwagon Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 12 minutes ago, MV8 said: The apex seals, equivalent to ICE piston rings, do not last as long. They are commonly carbon and lubricated by thin oil directly injected into the combustion chamber or require mixing with the fuel at each tank fill like a two-stroke. The internal wear surfaces are chrome plated which can fail for a number of reasons and replacements are rare. Rechroming is expensive. Add to that the difficulty in finding fuel that is not watered down with ethanol that works against the added oil and it doesn't bode well. They tend to be noisier too for the same exhaust (like a two-stroke). Somewhat equivalent to a six cylinder ICE but they tend to burn more fuel/oil. The pluses are weight, output (though low rpm torque is typically much lower than ICE), size, smooth operation, and high revs so no overdrive is less of an issue. Because it is modular, an engine can be made bigger by adding sections and fitting a special crank but the rev limit comes down. What he said. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted August 26, 2023 Share Posted August 26, 2023 And, rotary engines produce way more waste heat. They get hot. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted August 27, 2023 Author Share Posted August 27, 2023 Week Beginning August 27, 2023 Craigslist is now blocking USA-wide searches via third party search websites and where a VPN is in use. Until this changes, I will no longer be including Craigslist ads within this car for sale summary. Think twice before electing to use Craigslist to sell your items. USA7s Classified Cars for Sale https://usa7s.net/ips/forum/26-cars-for-sale/ New Caterham https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rj4PpRgY/1986-caterham-super-seven-cosworth-bdr Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1977-caterham-super-seven-3/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/187907627636212/ Caterham https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-caterham-310r-s3/ Repeats Stalker https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/lotus/unspecified/2631787.html Westfield https://www.ebay.com/itm/166275080713?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=fbJmRN0DTES&sssrc=2047675&ssuid=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY and here https://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/dealer/westfield/se/2610959.html Caterham https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/583858490501013/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1482642472549776/ Caterham https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/149199501163740/ Lotus 7 S4 https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/593067882983971/ Replica https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1076617119852751/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2440784879436899/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/655763246441864/ Locost Project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1498358520995349/ Canada Caterham https://7cars.ca/cars-for-sale/caterham-s3-360.htm Eva Beva https://www.autotrader.ca/a/lotus/unspecified/roxton pond/quebec/5_59266058_20230425130945855/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=22_15_49&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1 and here https://www.kijiji.ca/v-voiture-collection/granby/eva-beva-lotus-super-7/1667803489 and here https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/188308534231376/ Birkin https://www.autotrader.ca/a/lotus/seven/calgary/alberta/19_12371976_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=35_15_49&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1 Caterham https://www.autotrader.ca/a/caterham/super 7/ancaster/ontario/19_12643591_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=1_2_2&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1 Caterham https://www.autotrader.ca/a/caterham/super 7/vaughan/ontario/19_12525939_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=2_2_2&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1 and here https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/markham-york-region/caterham-lotus-super-7-hayabusa-sv/1668687794 Replica Project https://www.autotrader.ca/a/lotus/seven/campbellford/ontario/19_12643083_/?showcpo=ShowCpo&ncse=no&orup=34_15_50&pc=T4N 6S6&sprx=-1 and here https://www.kijiji.ca/v-classic-cars/city-of-toronto/lotus-super-seven-replica/1667258482 Replica https://www.kijiji.ca/v-voiture-collection/laval-rive-nord/lotus-seven-1967/1667779626 Dutton https://www.kijiji.ca/v-cars-trucks/kawartha-lakes/1976-dutton-lotus-7/1667580100 and here https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/622395363325372/ Westfield https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1283424638974966/ Locost https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/298700612586762/ Replica https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1198192400840027/ RM 7 Project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/675102021197942/ Diva 7 https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/563328625842779/ Donkervoort https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/2482305621952213/ RM 8 Project https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/243680774667919/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JohnCh Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 Caterham 310R: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-caterham-310r-s3/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDreamer Posted August 27, 2023 Share Posted August 27, 2023 8 hours ago, JohnCh said: Caterham 310R: https://bringatrailer.com/listing/2020-caterham-310r-s3/ This is the car that Time Machines sold earlier this year, correct? It was to new and too expensive for me then, however would I be able to afford it now with the extra 5% buyers fee and shipping from Arizona? Well, perhaps if someone was willing to store it in the Buffalo area for 6 months of the year it could then come visit Canada the other six. Ya, that might work. Now to figure out how to come up with the cash... Where's that head scratch emoji? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vovchandr Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 On 8/22/2023 at 6:23 PM, Vovchandr said: I don't see that listing going high at all. Maybe 20 tops? It's on cars and bids, older and has issues. Lots going against it. Looks like $24.5k. A bit higher than my guess but still in ballpark Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDreamer Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 That was a lot of money from where I sit for a dodgy pile of parts. Looked like it had either been left out in the elements for a long period of time, (and collected rain water) to the point that the seat rails were rusted solid. Or... It had been in a flood. The seller wasn't very forthcoming and seemed to go from smart to dumb in his answers (as I noted before). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
theDreamer Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 Now, what about that Birkin in Alberta? Same money as that BDA/R whatever? in NM went for for but a newer, completely turn key car. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted August 28, 2023 Share Posted August 28, 2023 6 minutes ago, theDreamer said: That was a lot of money from where I sit for a dodgy pile of parts. Looked like it had either been left out in the elements for a long period of time, (and collected rain water) to the point that the seat rails were rusted solid. Or... It had been in a flood. The seller wasn't very forthcoming and seemed to go from smart to dumb in his answers (as I noted before). I asked for underneath photos of the chassis and never did see any. I hope for the winning bidder it's not a rusty mess. Certainly the Cosworth motor added some value but without a visual inspection I wouldn't have bid to $24.5k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce K Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 (edited) On 8/13/2023 at 9:07 PM, Cueball1 said: Seller accepted my offer on the Birkin! 2 happy 7 buyers today! 😁😁 @Cueball1 - congrats again on your Birkin purchase. I wanted to anoint you regarding an article in the new fall issue of the splendid Magneto magazine. The inspiration for your marque, "Bentley Boy" Tim Birkin, is prominently featured in this very interesting article. It is amazing what that small clique of men accomplished in nine brief postwar years, including Le Mans records unbroken to this day. Your marque was founded by a descendant of Tim Birkin named John Watson. It is intriguing to note that the Le Mans-conquering Bentleys were giant machines, and Tim built and drove some of the biggest among them (at the time, Bentleys were sometimes disparaged as "extremely fast lorries"). Yet John Watson chose to follow Colin Chapman and produce cars at the opposite end of the size spectrum. In any event, have fun with your excellent example of the storied Birkin marque. Edited August 31, 2023 by Bruce K Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cueball1 Posted August 30, 2023 Share Posted August 30, 2023 (edited) Just unloaded the car off the transporter. It was on a truck with a Porsche gt2 RS, a gt3 RS, m4 and a viper. Sheesh. First impressions? Beautiful. Rear wings have some chips and cracks in the paint (an excuse for installing carbon wings! 😉) but the rest of the car is in fantastic shape. The engine compartment is just flat sexy it's so well sorted out. Definitely going to take some time to relearn how to drive! It's quick, direct and feedback galore. Will take a little time getting to know the car and do a proper write up in the members rides thread. Couple of obvious changes needed. 1. Earplugs or a more effective muffler is in the cards. That exhaust is loud even standing away from the car. With your ear 2' away while driving? Stupid loud. 2. Drivers seat is on sliders and sits a few inches higher than the passenger seat. It's also floppy. Looked and it needs additional reinforcement where it bolts to the runners. 4 little bolts and tiny washers are not adequate for that thin fiberglass base. Edited August 30, 2023 by Cueball1 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jbcollier Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 Congratulations!! I had to tame my exhaust as well. A carefully thought out system can be reasonably quiet and have little to no negative effect on power. Fibreglass moves on its own with temperature fluctuations. Some deterioration of the finish is normal. I’d say relax and enjoy it! 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bruce K Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 (edited) 2 hours ago, Cueball1 said: Just unloaded the car off the transporter. It was on a truck with a Porsche gt2 RS, a gt3 RS, m4 and a viper. Sheesh. First impressions? Beautiful. Rear wings have some chips and cracks in the paint (an excuse for installing carbon wings! 😉) but the rest of the car is in fantastic shape. The engine compartment is just flat sexy it's so well sorted out. Definitely going to take some time to relearn how to drive! It's quick, direct and feedback galore. Will take a little time getting to know the car and do a proper write up in the members rides thread. Couple of obvious changes needed. 1. Earplugs or a more effective muffler is in the cards. That exhaust is loud even standing away from the car. With your ear 2' away while driving? Stupid loud. 2. Drivers seat is on sliders and sits a few inches higher than the passenger seat. It's also floppy. Looked and it needs additional reinforcement where it bolts to the runners. 4 little bolts and tiny washers are not adequate for that thin fiberglass base. Exciting moments! Your car is indeed a looker. SOUND. Your are on the right track (pardon the pun) in targeting sound reduction. Most urban tracks today are very fussy regarding decibel levels, with the heightened conversation level of 72 in force at some. A friend of mine produced a series of carbon fiber shrouded resonators for Caterhams that very successfully dampened the sound, while looking great. The carbon fiber surround moved, so it converted some of the acoustic energy into harmless motion. You could look at that option. My Superlight was acceptably muffled with a big steel R500 unit, so that Caterham option might also suffice. My friend who built the CF resonators is unfortunately deceased, so his contact info is useless unless your windbreaker conceals a big pair of wings. Also, I have never driven any Seven, or the Lola, without foam earplugs. To prevent chafing, I roll them between my fingers with one drop of hand lotion. This practice extended to adequately muffled examples like the Superlight. SEATS AND SLIDERS. Your seat MUST be firmly anchored. If it comes loose in an accident, it could break apart and stab you, or cause you to bounce around and damage some bones and/or organs. Removing the sliders should lower your center of gravity in the car by as much as 1.5 inches, improve your center of vision in the windshield, and reduce the car weight a couple pounds. Once you know how far you need to sit back, that measurement won't change, so you won't need sliders on your side, and passengers can always sit all the way back. A subsequent owner can reinstall sliders if preferred. Sometimes, to get the full benefit of slider deletion, a different set of seats is required that can properly flush mount to the floor - you'll have to figure that out yourself. I pulled the factory seats out of my Backdraft and replaced them with fixed Cobras for all the aforementioned benefits. When I examined the factory seats, the shells were made of fiberglass, which was already cracking. In an accident, they could have caused serious damage. TRACK RE-EDUCATION. For various reasons, I was not able to attend track days for nearly 10 consecutive years. At my peak, I was running very hot laps around Waterford Hills in the advanced groups. When I returned, at Gingerman Raceway, I had to descend to the novice group. I could go very fast in a straight line, but couldn't read the turns efficiently. Track driving is NOT like riding a bicycle. Fortunately, you can reacquire your skills with a bit of sincere effort, blended with a heap of humility, and within one year I had obtained my novice SCCA competition license. Images of the R500 muffler on my Superlight: Edited August 31, 2023 by Bruce K 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cueball1 Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 Thanks Bruce! Was going to ask if there is a popular muffler folks use. Thankfully there is a 2 bolt joint just ahead of the muffler. Easy to remove to have someone duplicate it. Used to do a lot of track days in my old turbo'd Miata. Knew that car inside and out. Knew exactly what the expect from it at or near the limits. Will take a lot of seat time to get that comfortable with the 7. Seat is my #1 priority. Definitely insufficient and potentially dangerous as is. Already moved the pedals back. Will remove slider and add bracing tomorrow. Will likely get a kirkey for track days. Just need to figure out what size fits best. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
11Budlite Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 7 hours ago, Cueball1 said: Thanks Bruce! Was going to ask if there is a popular muffler folks use. Thankfully there is a 2 bolt joint just ahead of the muffler. Easy to remove to have someone duplicate it. I installed a Raceco silencer on my old Birkin and I was happy with the way it turned out. It was lighter, repackable, and had a mellower sound. If I was just doing a local drive I didn't feel the need to wear ear plugs, but I usually did anyway just because of the wind buffeting. I have some photos at home I can post later. Details here: https://racecoexhausts.co.uk/products/k-series-vauxhall-and-zetec/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Anaximander Posted August 31, 2023 Share Posted August 31, 2023 Hey all you wild and crazy guys and gals. If you want to be able to hear anything as you get older, wear ear plugs, always, even before startup! The mufflers combined with the wind will eventually damage your hearing and could do it rather quickly. The only time that I don't wear earplugs in my sevenesque cars is when I am wearing a full face fully padded helmets and doing autocross which lasts for about a minute a run or less. I figure there is still a fair amount of racket but the helmet is attenuating a lot of the damaging frequencies to my tender inner ear physiology and I need to hear the groans and chatter of my tires/suspension. On my motorcycles, I still wear 29 dba attenuating earplugs with my helmets due to the wind and muffler noise. Just sayin'... From all that I have read, hearing loss is cumulative and most often does not come back after physiological damage. I have over 450k seat miles on motorcycles/open cockpit cars and I can still hear you softly sniggering that I am overly paranoid about protecting my hearing 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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