Shelby Club rides again @ the Streets Sep25-26

[Roll a 7]

The track's website indicates that the Shelby guys will again be @ the Streets for the last weekend of September. Because of the distance from SD and the two day nature of the event that time works better for me than the 17th. Any other 7ers care to join up with the Shelby Club again? 8)

[slomove]

Brad, I am going to sign up.

Gert

[magnusfeuer]

Miwako and I will sign up, at least for Saturday. Shall we look for a trailer?

/Magnus F.

[michael bedard]

I'm going and this time I'm bringing my own car if it's still working.

[slomove]

I suppose my car will be in working condition again for the Shelby Club event (right now it is down with a broken clutch release shaft).

Looks like the repair will be very expensive. I mean, the spare part (4mm AN3 bolt) to fix the release shaft is only 50 cents. But since I will have the engine out anyway it would be a waste not to install the lightened flywheel. And while I am at it also to put a semi-close ratio gearbox in. Which, of course only makes real sense with an LSD.

Isn't it a shame that the clutch let me down :-)

Gert

P.S.: There will be another T9 available soon......

[magnusfeuer]

This is a hip shot.

I will probably have a more or less complete chydraulic clutch over when I've installed my racing clutch in about two-three weeks time.

If these parts can help you out in any way, you can have them really cheap.

/Magnus F.

[slomove]

Thanks for the offer Magnus. But there is nothing really wrong with the clutch except the broken C-pins to be replaced with beefier AN3 bolts.

Actually, I will take the car to the Birkin dealer tomorrow and have them do the whole job while I am in Europe the next 3 weeks. They are going to charge me about $800 for the labor to install the new gearbox, flywheel and clutch plate, to rebuild the diff with the LSD componerts and repair the clutch shaft. I think that is fair and will save me days of crawling under the car, borrowing equipment that I don't have and breaking my delicate fingernails. 8)

I am really curious how the closer ratio gearbox and LSD will make a difference in the car's track performance.

Now I just need to upgrade the driver.....

Gert

[Roll a 7]

The entry forms are now available on the Shelby club website: www.lasaac.org Mine goes in this week. Once again the event will be limited to sixty cars on a first come first served basis. And, as always, I'm gonna beat the bushes and bug every 7 owner that I know of to attend. It IS more fun with more 7s. If we can turn out enough cars we may be able to get our own run group every 60-80 minutes. If you are planning to attend please post on this thread when you sign up so that I can stop bugging you and start on those who ain't signed up. The cost is still a very reasonable $165 for the weekend. Bring sunscreen :!: 8) This is what 7s are made to do :!: :lol:

[Michael Murphy]

Brad, if I am still in Southern California at the end of September, I will attend the Shelby meeting. I like the club's relaxed organization and approach. The passenger sessions are particularly interesting and of course we all take it easy in those sessions don't we.

I will know in early September if I can attend and I'll take my chances with the sign-up then.

[Roll a 7]

Michael: Well, I hope that you and your family are where ever you want to be come the end of Sept. All of the choices have some benefits.

If you do make it to the Streets a few laps behind the wheel of my car will tell you how well you like my Freestyle set-up. It's a major improvement in the handling, performance and drivability of my car and if it will help your car you should at least try it to see if there is a difference. With the adjustability I think I could set up the car so that left turns would have terminal understeer and right turns would have deadly oversteer.

In the event NoCal is in your future there are probably more 7s up there than down here; so you should be able to find plenty of playmates. There are also 3 good tracks and the Golden Gate Lotus Club.

Hope to see you again @ the Streets :!: 8)

Brad

[Roll a 7]

SOAREYES: If you have not bought a 7 yet (almost unimaginable to those of us that have done so!); renting one for the Shelby Club weekend will tell you if a 7 is for you.

Touge Seven: I know that you would enjoy such a weekend :!: 8)

Join us :idea: :lol:

[magnusfeuer]

I'll mail in my wife's and my registration today.
She will run in the novice group while I will do intermediate.

/Magnus F.

[soareyes]

I called and there are still openings for the Shelby event, so my registration went out in today's mail. I need to mount a fire extinguisher in the Birkin, and I found the previous thread on extinguishers so I will take care of that shortly.

I need to get a full face helmet now (my old one is open face). Does anyone have a recommendation on where I can go in S. California to try them on to get the right size? I bought my old helmet online and it was just too tight, so I don't want to make that mistake again. Thanks!

Stan

[Michael Murphy]

Simpson has a store in Torrance. They stock helmets, race suits, shoes, and paraphernalia.

[soareyes]

Thanks Michael!

I found their website too:

www.simpsonraceproducts.com

Their street address is 22632 South Normandie Ave, Torrance, and they are open M-F 9 to 5, Sat 9 to 2, and closed Sunday.
The Voyager helmet looks nice, and I'll go try it out soon.

Stan

[moosetestbestanden]

I visited Werks II in Burbank. They're on a side street just off of Victory near Olive. They had a decent selection of helmets there - Arai, Bieffe, Stand 21 etc. That was months ago however so I'm not sure about what's there today.

Phone number is 1 800 4 WERKS 2

[Roll a 7]

Chris: Muy excellent license plate!! Will you be joining us again @ the Streets? We want to check out your ride. 8)

[Roll a 7]

A rough head count of the 7s that will be attending: Miwako & Magnus, Michael, Doug, Slomove, Clark, Jon, Stosh, hopefully Murphy's Law Mike, possibly Ross, and myself. This would be a "record" for our group! A couple of owners without their cars have also indicated that they will be present. Aspiring owners, especially Tim, are also invited. This is a great chance to hitch a ride around a really fun track and get an idea of what 7s are all about. Others owners we'd like to see there include Venom7, Chris, DaveG, Gene T, Ronbo, Griffca, Wally J ( a series VI ) and Mr. Darling. Sign up for the fun :!: 8)

[slomove]

Yes, I signed up. Still pondering if it is worth to trailer the car again or to just drive up....

But then, if I don't bring all the tools, spares and bolts, who is going to fix Brad's trailer hitch coupler? :mrgreen:

Gert

P.S.: I will try to assemble a nice Sevens track movie. Hope we can arrange for some interesting scenes. Maybe we can get some skidpad time for a silly donut contest :P

[Roll a 7]

And could ya try to inventory enough bolts so that the next one will color match the rest of the trailer? :lol:

[Roll a 7]

For those who have not yet signed up: The Shelby Club seems to have reduced the price to an even more reasonable $150 on their website app: www.lasaac.org

[slomove]

Anybody interested in checking out the corner weights between the track sessions? I could bring my set of scales along. Not super precision racing scales but good to about 5 pounds accuracy. We would just need to find a smooth and level patch of pavement.

Gert

[soareyes]

Gert, I would be interested in doing the measurements, so you can count me in (assuming the Birkin is running by then!).
Stan

[Roll a 7]

Gert: I'm looking forward to seeing the new, improved version of your car. With all that you have done to the car I have the feeling that, "Things are going to be different this time"! You probably win the award for doing the most to your car between sessions @ the Streets. And Magnus ain't far behind. Prospecive 7 owners: Beware of "UPGRADEITIS", a financially lethal malady :!:

[slomove]

Well, I think Magnus and I are quite even: Gearbox, flywheel, clutch, LSD, new track tires....He was just a little more radical ad spent even more money :shock: 8)

That means I am possibly ahead of him in terms of new 13" wheels, springs and a racing fuel cell.

Let's see if I can find another pit without a bottom to shovel money in :roll:

Gert

[magnusfeuer]

That bottomless pit can easily be found by replacing the small Birkin logo on your nose cone with one that says "Caterham".

[slomove]

no kidding......

But even with the existing badge I could shell out another $2-3k easily with new cams, throttle bodies and injectors. But then, for most cars the best thing to upgrade (and probably cheapest) is just sitting in the cockpit :roll:

Gert

[moosetestbestanden]

I'll be coming up in the car but I canna do any trackin (use your best Scottish accent) unfortunately.

Two issues: Item 1 - no helmets to be found to fit my elongated and rather pointed head. I've tried many but all were not quite right. I'm waiting for an XL Arai to arrive for a test fit before I pop w/ the dough.

And, speaking of pop, item 2: the car has recently developed a 'POP' coming from (what I believe to be) a half shaft. Track stresses might therefore result in something very expensive happening. Soooo, I'll be there, but only to watch. Waaaaa.

[Elv15]

Chris,

When do you get this "pop"? What does it sound like exactly?

Tom

[magnusfeuer]

It seems like I will get my car together in time.

Since this is is a complete rebuild of the drivetrain, I plan to bring the following tools, which will be freely available to anyone who needs them during the weekend:

Complete socket setup (imperial and metric) with a number of socket wrenches (two torque wrenchces).

Complete set of wrencehs.

Complete set of Van Allen keys that plugs into socket wrenches.

Jack.

Jackstands.

Nylocs and lock washers.

Computer.

Screwdrivers.

42mm socket for the rear wheel nut.

Infrared temperature sensor to check exhaust header temps, tires etc.

Caliper.

Did I miss anything?

/Magnus F.

[Anonymous]

I too will have a tire temp probe. Not the IR type but the subsurface type.

Doug

[slomove]

I'll bring my usual box of bolts and nuts (maybe even including black ones for Brad :roll: ).

BTW, the infrared thermometer does not work well on metal headers unless ceramic coated. Especially if new and shiny.

If you like I can bring a J-K thermocouple thermometer from work and some glass fabric tape

Gert

[DaveG]

Since this will be my first Track Day. For all you veterans out there, I was wondering if there was anything that was NOT on their Tech inspection list that I need to know about, so I can take care of it before I leave home? For instance, do I need a headrest or other foam padding on the rollbar? Catch cans?....Anything?

Thanx,
Dave Ganzer

[Roll a 7]

Dave: It's great to hear that you will be joining us. The items that tech will be checking are listed on their website app. Nothing unusual comes to mind and none of us have had any problem, as I recall. Is there any chance that Venom7 will be joining us to inject some exhaust fume venom into any Cobras in attendance? Bring sunscreen! 8)

[Michael Murphy]

Re your last question - yes, a trailer.

[moosetestbestanden]

Tom,

See new thread I started under the Q&A heading for this problem.

Thanks!

[slomove]

FYI, supposed to be 91-92 degrees F. Not too bad, but better bring water and a canopy.

Gert

[magnusfeuer]

There is a risk that I will not make it.

Yesterday I was finishing up and tried to start the engine. The starter spun, but did not make contact with my new Fedanza lightened flywheel.

Apparently you need a manual transmission starter for that particular flywheel. I'll pick one up this morning.

If anything else is seriously wrong, I am more or less toast, though.

/Magnus F.

[Roll a 7]

Magnus, The quality of the event would be seriously diminished without our webmaster. You paid to attend and are most welcome to take my car for a spin---I drove your car last time out!! Just show up and you'll have a good time. Brad 8)

[magnusfeuer]

Things are looking good.

Engine starts (with a new starter).

No errors from the ECU which means that the sensors are happy.

All gears can be engaged while the car is jacked up, which means I got the basic installation right.

The engine response is much snappier with the new flywheel.

I just got the wheels back with their new Kumho V710.

Later tonight I'll install the wheels and take it for a spin.

If nothing major shows up there, I believe I am good to go tomorrow.

/Magnus F.

[magnusfeuer]

It works!

After installing a new starter and tracing down a connector not pushed in all the way, the car fired up.

There was some very minor contact between the flywheel and the bell housing due to the fact that I had not machined up the latter before installing the former. I got that information after the engine was in the car.

Two laps around the block got rid of that.

The gearbox is still rough, but you can feel that it will very, very nice once its broken in. Clutch works like a charm with the previous hesitation on full throttle release completely gone. It now bites as it should.

Tomorrow I will leave for Willow Springs. If I can rent one of Will's cars for my friend Tony, he will join us as well...

/Magnus F.

[Roll a 7]

This info should be useful to anyone going for the first time OR again.