BlownCoronas Lotus Seven

[BlownCorona]

Discuss here, 

 

Make sure I don't completely dissemble this one so I can actually drive it this summer... 

[rusty360]

Very cool, I've all ways wanted one of these!! I went for a ride on a rotary powered one farrk it was awesome!!

[BlownCorona]

There's a rotary powered on trademe, super cool. Not cheap though! 

Ever since I did a little work on some formula ford's I though a high revving rotary would be awesome in a FF or lotus 7. 

[FraserNZ]

I have been through the rollbar thing on my Fraser.  When I bought it the car already had a log book but with the approved bar I was still not allowed to enter dual sprints at Ruapuna as it was deemed too low.  Getting a new taller one made was a bit of a mission as the structure of the car simply doesn't allow a (technically) compliant MSNZ bar to be attached, the rear stays would end up way behind the car so have to be steeper to mount in the boot.  The forward bar is an issue if there is not somewhere on the chassis to mount it to already.  It took quite a lot of communication with technical staff at MSNZ to get it done.  Of course if the isn't log booked then you will probably get away with just make something taller and it won't be an issue.  Let me know if you want more details.

Good luck. 

 

[BlownCorona]

I'd be real keen on some photos of your setup. 

 

The cars not log booked and I'm not too interested in entering anything bigger than sprints. 

[FraserNZ]

Here is the original bar

And here is the new bar

Obviously I put the bolts in them when using it for real!

The car is out in North Canterbury, you are more than welcome to have a look sometime if that is useful.

 

[BlownCorona]

i may take you up on that offer when it comes time to build one. 

the boot in the chevron is actually behind the rear seats and the gas tank is where your rear stays go, my rear stays (and seat belts) bolt onto the very rear most lateral bar. and im not too sure whats underneath that. hopefully its a strong area. itll need some investigation.

[yoeddynz]

What a cool seven. Its a viva front end? Good engine choice eh.. Suitably oldschool looking. 

Your wife looks very young btw. But very happy. 

[BlownCorona]

Yes, Viva front end with I'm told Victor disk brakes. I'm very new to British stuff though. 

Has an LJ Torana rear end which is awesomely oversized. 

The engine looks yuck at the moment but will post some pics once a it's been cleaned up and had some paint thrown around. 

[yoeddynz]

Yeah its possible to fit the largest 3.3 litre Victor FD discs onto a viva front end if you use the victors lower arm, upright and hubs. I had that setup on my V6 Viva.  But some of those parts are getting hard to find- especially the lower ball joint and the inner hub bearing is almost non- existant now. Its an odd size.

When you ever come to needing bits just swap in the Viva magnum 1800/hc ohc front parts and discs. Only 12mm smaller but way way lighter and easy to get parts for.

There are vented disc options that can be had using renault 21 discs etc- but you might not need that cooling on such a lightweight car- especially if you changed to a wheel style with more airflow eh.

 

 

[BlownCorona]

That's great info cheers! 

There's every possibility that I'll need to do that in the future. It stops petty great for an unboosted system. Front brakes will lockup if you try to, but great pedal feel so you won't do it accidently 

[NickJ]

I can only imagine how good this must sound!

+1 for wof and run as is

[BlownCorona]

15 minutes ago, NickJ said:

+1 for wof and run as is

you have no idea how much this is true, 

i dont want another major project, it can get made safe and legal and sent.

hoping that air filters dont upset the sound too much, but i suppose they are required though. have to figure out what to buy and what works with the really nice cast trumpets it has 

[NickJ]

3 minutes ago, BlownCorona said:

you have no idea how much this is true, 

i dont want another major project, it can get made safe and legal and sent.

hoping that air filters dont upset the sound too much, but i suppose they are required though. have to figure out what to buy and what works with the really nice cast trumpets it has 

For a weekend car, are filters really needed......

[BlownCorona]

weekend car?

you better believe im driving this thing to work every chance i get

[FraserNZ]

Personally I wouldn't want to drive around with a standard diagonal belt. The Fraser has a quick release turnbuckle race harness with crotch strap on the drivers side and one of those ones you posted on the passenger side. 

The race one is a bit of a faff to use but you get used to it. In some ways they are easier than those 4 point ones because all the straps are loose so when you are sitting on them it is esier to deal with plus the crotch strap stops you submarining which can be an issue. My car is logbooked but have never needed it to get a WOF with the harnesses. Even if questioned I would be happy to argue the safety aspect. Finally if you want to do any motorsport with it then the diagonal won't cut it.

[BlownCorona]

Oh diagonal absolutely wouldn't be used for Motorsport. Even the low levels I plan on. 

The belts I have in it now are a normal style race harness and there's just not enough adjustment in it. So at any rate I'll have to change to something. 

Thanks for the input! I have plenty to think about 

[FraserNZ]

Standard harnesses are probably too long. I had to shorten mine so the adjustment was in range for where my seat is.

[BlownCorona]

yup they are too long for sure and the excess belt is cumbersome. 

sticking with race harnesses would probably see me looking at single seater harnesses or similar

[azzurro]

1 hour ago, BlownCorona said:

I think some form of ear protection may be a good idea as the wind rush can get quite loud, if anyone has any suggestions for something that can sheild my ears from the wind, but wont mean i cant hear surrounding traffic ect making it dangerous id love to see them. i tried some old ear phones but they blocked out too much surrounding noise for my liking. ive driven with a hoodie over my heat and its much better, but often not practical. 

 

i use these https://www.torpedo7.co.nz/products/-0S8AN6SE/title/ear-plugs-2-0 for surfing as i have bad surfers ear.

They cut out the wind but still let you hear, and come with various bits to let you size them to your earholes - recommended

They have come out with a v3.0 now, so wait till T7 puts the v2 on  special (the price is more than i paid from a proper surf shop a couple years ago, just first link i found)