jevs Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 (edited) Any advice? I am taking a family vacation to Florida soon and they said they might be able to get the parts together for a kit in time to take it home with me if I make a decision quickly. I am just on the fence if I want to invest that much money in one of these. Initially I was looking around at used stuff that I could buy and let someone else lose the initial hit, play with it for awhile, and then resell for about the same price. Of course that led to finding the newer models, and now a supercharged V6 with an S10 axle just isn't as attractive as a 480HP LS motor and independent rear suspension and the other updates I know I will lose money and I may lose interest quickly after it is done (which I tend to do once I finish a car and drive it a couple thousand miles). This is weighing on me. I hate losing money on stuff. Maybe this one is different because it is so quick that it might keep my interest? I have car A.D.D. I always want something else, and sometimes even get tired of working them and take a break. I have not had a cool car for about a year and now I am getting an itch again. I live in the Midwest, so it will just be sitting in the winter time collecting dust I assume? If I were to get something with a full cabin, I can drive all year. I was looking at muscle cars, but most of those have issues, are junk buckets for a fortune, or a nice one is ridiculously priced. I am also having a hard time getting past how ugly any of the seven style cars are in the back. They look awesome everywhere else. So if I did build one, I cant decide on the classic back or the M-spec looking back, or make my own rear pieces. I can do custom fiberglass work, but I hate it (built a GTM, what a nightmare body). I don't care if it stays true to representing a Lotus 7, I am only interested in these strictly because I love the way they look (except the back), and how quick they are. Any thoughts on the M spec back vs classic? I have to start with one of the other, even if I do remake my own. I can decide that later. I am not going to be a dedicated racer or anything. I might do a couple auto crosses, or who knows I might even go back and get my road race license again (expired) and do a couple events. Mostly I will just cruise the streets here and there or drive to work and home (50 miles away). This will make me kick one of our newer cars out of the garage also Another thing to consider is whether or not to get the Larger XL, or one of the smaller ones?? I didn't even realize until talking to Glen last night that the XL is much wider than a corvette even. There has not been much feedback if any of this affects autocross, but I would think it is better on the street and road courses. He did say it rides a lot nicer on the streets. Also, I don't know how much they actually weigh. I do want to keep whatever I build as light as I can. Anyway, I just thought I would kick off a little discussion and see if anyone has any advice/thought/opinions. I am even open to other cars I may have not seen yet. It is a little hard to research these cars because you don't have access to the builders forums without buying one. Normally when I start looking into a car to build or buy, I spend days reading about them in the forums to make more educated decisions etc. Even that doesn't work sometimes. I did buy a 355 Spider as my last toy..... talk about a money pit. Thank god I got it cheep and I can do all my own work. Those things could bankrupt a person. However, cruising around in a convertible Ferrari is pretty cool, even if a new corvette could take you down performance wise Edited July 11, 2014 by jevs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MB7 Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 You won't regret getting the XL. I've had both the supercharged V6 and now have the XL with an LS3. I've burned thru many cars over the last 10 years, Ariel Atom, 2006 Ford GT, Nissan GTR, but none could hold a candle to the fun factor that a Stalker provides, the performance will astound you. On top of that the maintenance costs on the Stalker are pennies compared to the other cars. I will blow thru many more cars in my lifetime but I plan on keeping the Stalker for the long haul. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Of course that led to finding the newer models, and now a supercharged V6 with an S10 axle just isn't as attractive as a 480HP LS motor and independent rear suspension and the other updates What about buying a V6 used and then giving it to Brunton Auto or someone local to transplant a V8 and other selected modifications (obviously no IRS) that updates the car at a modest cost without the new car depreciation slug? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 (edited) I won't try to sway you one way or the other, but I'll share a brief bit of Stalker (often referred to as a Storker by myself the guys on this forum with a great sense of humor) ownership and provide you with some food for thought via photos and videos. I own a straight axle Stalker (chassis #85) with an LS6 (started life as a SC V6 car). I went through a job change, sold the car and bought the car back five years later from the same guy that bought it from me; I think he wants it back . . . but. Like most guys/gals? here, I've gone through my share of cars throughout the years. I've built cars only to turn around and sell them fairly quickly after the build for a basket full of reasons; family, finances, itching to do a new build, etc. My Stalker is the only 'specialty' car I ever wanted back and is the only car I've never wanted to sell. While my car is not a late-model IRS car, it is well sorted, not bad on the street (ride wise) and is descent on track (track events only-I don't race) especially with an experienced run group. Stalkers are relatively easy to maintain and parts are readily available from pretty much any parts store. However, I want to stress that these cars (any of the Seven family-all makes and models) are not investments; they are therapy for guy/gals that enjoy driving. And all are fast and tons of fun. But, FWIW, here is a whole bunch of Stalker stuff for consideration. Thousands of photos (building/playing/tracking/etc.) here: http://www471.pair.com/stalkerv/gallery2/main.php Lots of Stalker videos on YouTube. You can browse my channel; all my vids are public: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqN3RG-eqixUAmhJrmaoshw This link will pull up Stalker vids galore: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgPmdSxPe_cxkMNorbaJ8KA/videos More Stalker V8 vids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgPmdSxPe_cxkMNorbaJ8KA/videos And more Stalker V8 vids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzszMMsbI3D0KvkAj0ypehQ Still more Stalker V8 vids: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzszMMsbI3D0KvkAj0ypehQ More: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjM-vHxGV2HsKGsoQblaavg And: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-3U_pdRLVphFAQFJBGQbIw As for the rear of Sevens, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. If you behold Sevens as being ugly from the back, then just imagine the 'other guy' sharing the day's experiences with his wife, buddies or others, when he says "Man, I got punished today by what has to be one of the ugliest cars I've seen from behind." :jester: Good luck . . . . . :cheers: Edited July 11, 2014 by xcarguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 What about buying a V6 used and then giving it to Brunton Auto or someone local to transplant a V8 and other selected modifications (obviously no IRS) that updates the car at a modest cost without the new car depreciation slug? Totally . . . . :iagree::iagree::iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Not to be a Debbie Downer, but just be careful. ANY 7 car even a modest crossflow powered one, is More than can ever be used on the street. You can get yourself in trouble really quick with the application of the throttle, and unlike on the track, there might not be ample run off room. I can assure you that after our last weekend on track that the V8 stalkers are right up there with any supercar for lap times and speed. It might be docile on the street as Shane says, but if you get stupid, it will bite you. :svengo: But they are Fun. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Not to be a Debbie Downer, but just be careful. ANY 7 car even a modest crossflow powered one, is More than can ever be used on the street. You can get yourself in trouble really quick with the application of the throttle, and unlike on the track, there might not be ample run off room. I can assure you that after our last weekend on track that the V8 stalkers are right up there with any supercar for lap times and speed. It might be docile on the street as Shane says, but if you get stupid, it will bite you. :svengo: But they are Fun. Tom Adding to what Tom has said here :iagree::iagree::iagree:; ANY Seven will have more power than you can posibbly use on the street. Driving these cars means using good judgement. To run on a track where there (as Tom stated) is adequate runoff room is one thing vs. driving on the street where the road ahead is always an unknown. I'll also add that what makes my car easy to drive is a VERY progressive throttle linkage. If not for that, it would be like an ON/OFF switch and totally unusable. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rnr Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Fixed that for you ANY Seven will have more power than you should sensibly use on the street. Driving these cars means attempting to use good judgement. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NVP66S Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Adding to what Tom has said here :iagree::iagree::iagree:; ANY Seven will have more power than you can posibbly use on the street. Driving these cars means using good judgement. To run on a track where there (as Tom stated) is adequate runoff room is one thing vs. driving on the street where the road ahead is always an unknown. I'll also add that what makes my car easy to drive is a VERY progressive throttle linkage. If not for that, it would be like an ON/OFF switch and totally unusable. I'll second that about progressive throttle linkage. I had a Lotus Elan that was difficult to drive smoothly. One motoring journalist of the era complained about the throttle making the veins in his forehead stand out. But, duh, the problem was caused by the linear-to-rotary link on the carbs being nearly over center. It took me about 1 hour to design/make/install a machined plastic disc that solved the problem. Instantly easy to drive and far safer. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevs Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 The ultimate decision, and I really need to make it by today is: Classic rear end or the new looking one? The frame is different, and if I want to pull this off by my vacation, it has to be started asap. This is a tough decision. What do you guys think?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 The Classic R (I think?) and the M-spec both have the the IRS setup in the rear; old look with IRS underneath. Confirm this with Glen . . . More choices. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jevs Posted July 11, 2014 Author Share Posted July 11, 2014 Yes, they can do the classic look on the XL They are doing one now. I can only guesstimate what it looks like because it will be wider than the one on the website, classic R... So far most of the people I work with like the classic....but think they are all ugly LOL. I think the classic gives more option to customize and try to hide or enhance the ugly?? For example the attached one looks nice to me, but it may have better lines? It seems to be shaped different than the bruntons. Like not as much flare coming down and even more square, if that makes sense. Either way, I like the way this one looks. It matches the rest of the car to me. Think the Classic XL could look this nice? I would be happy with that look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 That looks like a Caterham to me. And I have two in my garage right now. :driving: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 (edited) That looks like a Caterham to me. And I have two in my garage right now. :driving: Tom, That is a Cat; think jevs was just making a comparison and commenting how pretty a butt that car has. Oh yeah, you DO have TWO in your garage now. :drool: Are they gettting along okay? Edited July 11, 2014 by xcarguy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 Yes, they can do the classic look on the XL They are doing one now. A quick peek at the Stalker web site confirms all models as having IRS now. I now remember Glen telling me earlier this year that it's been around two years since they have produced a Classic model (my old straight axle design). Dang, I’m driving a dinosaur. :svengo: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 The little guy is on top right now, trying to exert his dominance, but I think the Big dog is gonna kick his butt. Sorry for the Hijack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 The little guy is on top right now, trying to exert his dominance, but I think the Big dog is gonna kick his butt. Sorry for the Hijack. LOL!!!! :smilielol5::smilielol5::smilielol5: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 :jester: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xcarguy Posted July 11, 2014 Share Posted July 11, 2014 jevs, I know you’re thinking Stalker, but that yellow Cat is lightning quick, very well sorted, and, may be available . . . hint, hint. I can vouch for the car. :iagree: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toedrag Posted July 12, 2014 Share Posted July 12, 2014 Yes, they can do the classic look on the XL They are doing one now. That one should be mine; so you know where I stand. :hurray: Do it. If you ever get bored with it, there is no hope for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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