Lotus 7 S4 1974: light restoration and modification
Discussion
Wishbones will be welded up by tubes, just like the ones pictured earlier in the thread. Should be easy and it looks like it is the standard methode for the locost builders. It wil also fit on the original chassis without modification.
Not sure if I will do it this winter though. Roll bar is probably first up..
Not sure if I will do it this winter though. Roll bar is probably first up..
czechmichal said:
Mate, you´ve done a good job.
My way would be to restore the car in shape as original as possible (clamshells, wheels, colour, RHD, engine), but that´s not a criticism of your way. You worked hard, thumbs up
I looked at the original route in the start, but I know i would not be satisfied. I use my cars hard, and dont mind If they brake or have small impacts. If i went original/concourse route I would just not use the car as it was ment to(in my hands)My way would be to restore the car in shape as original as possible (clamshells, wheels, colour, RHD, engine), but that´s not a criticism of your way. You worked hard, thumbs up
Mick & Farlig: you guys have too much money. Titanium rear axle.....
Ok, some updates on the car:
My side windows were quite badly worn. You could hardly see through them when it got a bit misty, so I figured out that I would by new ones. But being the cheap b
d that I am I thought I could just buff it out. I relay like Scholl Concept products, an gave it a about 10min with some help from my youngest son.
Here I have done a test with both the Scholl 3Gold, and the Scholl 17. I went for the 17 compound but either works. As you can see the windows were horrible, and you can the effect of the compound. The screens looks almost like new!
Work crew:
After:
Not that easy to see, but they look amazing compared the the before state.
My side windows were quite badly worn. You could hardly see through them when it got a bit misty, so I figured out that I would by new ones. But being the cheap b
d that I am I thought I could just buff it out. I relay like Scholl Concept products, an gave it a about 10min with some help from my youngest son.Here I have done a test with both the Scholl 3Gold, and the Scholl 17. I went for the 17 compound but either works. As you can see the windows were horrible, and you can the effect of the compound. The screens looks almost like new!
Work crew:
After:
Not that easy to see, but they look amazing compared the the before state.
Went to a track day today, just to get a fell for what I need to do over the winter.
First I was stopped in scruiteny for having 102db. After some negotiation I ended up at 99 and was let out on the track.
I had a friend with me, which has never driven on track before so the car was a bit heavy but it works! In the twisty bits it is realy good. Managed to keep up with all the other cars. On the straights it is just too low geared. This was on original tyres, about 15 years old! Original bushings in the front and standard xflow engine.
Based on this experience the winters plan wil be:
Bolted cage
Zetec with 150+bhp
Type 9
Shocks
bushings
Stay tuned
First I was stopped in scruiteny for having 102db. After some negotiation I ended up at 99 and was let out on the track.
I had a friend with me, which has never driven on track before so the car was a bit heavy but it works! In the twisty bits it is realy good. Managed to keep up with all the other cars. On the straights it is just too low geared. This was on original tyres, about 15 years old! Original bushings in the front and standard xflow engine.
Based on this experience the winters plan wil be:
Bolted cage
Zetec with 150+bhp
Type 9
Shocks
bushings
Stay tuned
Comadis said:
boah...what a bodge!!! and those cycle wings....they look horrible on a S4....anyway, as this car will suffer from further modifiations and "abuse" in the future i think its no worth anymore to regret the transformation from a original unmolested S4 to "something"
I don't necessarily disagree with you, but I never planned for this to be a concurs project. I find it more fun to try things and be creative. Sometimes I do quality work, sometimes I emphasis speed. For me to be able to do this car I have to work fast, hence some quick fixes. The main thing for me though, is that it works.As far as the cycle wings, the opinion differ. Some like it, some don't. You apparently don't. If you look at function, clamshells are better at protecting occupants and rear wings from stone chips. Cycle wings on the other hand are way lighter and more fun to watch while driving, since you can see the movement of the wheel/wing.
As for further modifications that is what MY car hobby is all about: I like to try new things and continuously modify and change. Sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. Some like to polish and detail their cars, others again like to keep it 110% original. I can appreciate that, but it is not what MY car hobby is about.
This winters I will swap the engine. Why? Because I find it fun to do the job, and learn new stuff. This time it will be Megasquirt and TunerStudio which is the "new" thing for me.
And I'll guess I will find a 560kg car with 200bhp more fun than a 580kg car with 100(old)BHP, but that is just speculation.....
Here are a few other modified S4s taken of the net. I guess I am not the only one modifying these cars...
PS: If you own these pics and want me to remove them please PM me
Not much happening, but have manged to fabricate my engine harness for the Duratec and almost finished with the oil pan.
But i have encountered another problem: i bought a new steering wheel, and managed to chase down The last Momo boss available. This was the last GAC6016X in the world! What are the odds that the currier looses it? Well, they did and now it is gone. So what do I do? I could weld something, but would rather keep the original splines....
Anyone have a boss laying arround? Any other boss known to fit? Any ideas out there....
But i have encountered another problem: i bought a new steering wheel, and managed to chase down The last Momo boss available. This was the last GAC6016X in the world! What are the odds that the currier looses it? Well, they did and now it is gone. So what do I do? I could weld something, but would rather keep the original splines....
Anyone have a boss laying arround? Any other boss known to fit? Any ideas out there....
anp said:
Hi Knut
Thanks for your reply my car is missing the rear axle I have a standard axle (not mexico with link lugs) I made templates & took dimensions for the tie rods & a frame and the axle link lugs & shock absorber mounts but have lost the dimensions to fix these brackets in a track axis and also in a radial manner
I think if the axle diferential flange was vertical the shock absorber mounts would also be vertical ? but the link lugs would not and be a number of degrees of vertical ? or some dimesion from the axis towards the front of the car ?
Maybe you could advise
Thanks Paul
If I understand correctly, you have a standard english axel which you are going to weld on all the different brackets?Thanks for your reply my car is missing the rear axle I have a standard axle (not mexico with link lugs) I made templates & took dimensions for the tie rods & a frame and the axle link lugs & shock absorber mounts but have lost the dimensions to fix these brackets in a track axis and also in a radial manner
I think if the axle diferential flange was vertical the shock absorber mounts would also be vertical ? but the link lugs would not and be a number of degrees of vertical ? or some dimesion from the axis towards the front of the car ?
Maybe you could advise
Thanks Paul
If you indicate in the pics what measures you want I will be happy to help.
No point in checking in daily. This is a project which is supposed to be finished at easter.
Some things are happening,though but not that much. I have just finished installing the wires permanently. Have relocated the ECU and relay board to inside the footwell, and some other small things.
Car is cranking, all sensors give right values and spark is now good. Only issue is no fuel pressure. Why? Well, in a quest to save time I bought an adjustable fuel pressure regulator off ebay. Installed and ready to go, the Adj FPR gave 8 bar!! before one of the connections gave. It seems the spring inside the regulater is just way off. Dont by critical parts from China!
If I should give a review of the project so far:
1. Duratec is expensive
All parts are more expensive an harder to come by, than equivalent Zetec parts.
2. Duratec is tall
The Duratec is taller than I expected, and a lot of fiddling to get it to work
3. Microsquirt was wrong choice
I chose the Microsquirt ECU since it has all the options I needed and is small and weatherproof. The V3 was supposed to be able to fire wasted spark but after not getting a spark I read the specifications again. It can only fire certain coilpacks, not Ford and 90% of the normal packs. I than had to get hold of an EDIS which I didnt want to in the beginning. This meant I had to rewire the ECU triggering, firing etc.
4. Raceline might not be the best vendor
I have quite a few parts I want to by, such as LSD, proper exaust, water rail +++. Its about 2k in parts.
The only vendor which have all of the products I want is Raceline. After sending them 4 mails, Calling them and explaining, I still get no offer from them. Now it has been 4 weeks and I have to move on...
My issue is that I after this experience I dont want to by from them, but they are the only vendor...
5. Gearbox is bigger issue than Engine
The biggest issue is the 5 speed gearbox. I have solved it without cuting the chassis, but it might cut it in the future depending on how it works out.
So for I would say that this engine swap is quite straight forward, but it might be more cost efficient to go Zetec. I dont know the performance difference between the two, but on paper it doesnt look to different.
I will put in an order for all my parts this week with a vendor, so there should be some updates in 2-3 weeks
Some things are happening,though but not that much. I have just finished installing the wires permanently. Have relocated the ECU and relay board to inside the footwell, and some other small things.
Car is cranking, all sensors give right values and spark is now good. Only issue is no fuel pressure. Why? Well, in a quest to save time I bought an adjustable fuel pressure regulator off ebay. Installed and ready to go, the Adj FPR gave 8 bar!! before one of the connections gave. It seems the spring inside the regulater is just way off. Dont by critical parts from China!
If I should give a review of the project so far:
1. Duratec is expensive
All parts are more expensive an harder to come by, than equivalent Zetec parts.
2. Duratec is tall
The Duratec is taller than I expected, and a lot of fiddling to get it to work
3. Microsquirt was wrong choice
I chose the Microsquirt ECU since it has all the options I needed and is small and weatherproof. The V3 was supposed to be able to fire wasted spark but after not getting a spark I read the specifications again. It can only fire certain coilpacks, not Ford and 90% of the normal packs. I than had to get hold of an EDIS which I didnt want to in the beginning. This meant I had to rewire the ECU triggering, firing etc.
4. Raceline might not be the best vendor
I have quite a few parts I want to by, such as LSD, proper exaust, water rail +++. Its about 2k in parts.
The only vendor which have all of the products I want is Raceline. After sending them 4 mails, Calling them and explaining, I still get no offer from them. Now it has been 4 weeks and I have to move on...
My issue is that I after this experience I dont want to by from them, but they are the only vendor...
5. Gearbox is bigger issue than Engine
The biggest issue is the 5 speed gearbox. I have solved it without cuting the chassis, but it might cut it in the future depending on how it works out.
So for I would say that this engine swap is quite straight forward, but it might be more cost efficient to go Zetec. I dont know the performance difference between the two, but on paper it doesnt look to different.
I will put in an order for all my parts this week with a vendor, so there should be some updates in 2-3 weeks
Thanks guys for following this project and contributing with useful tips. I promise that you all will be surprised by the final look of the car
To clarify on the Microsquirt: I think it is the wrong chosise, since I wanted to have the ignition inside the box. Whith the Microsquirt I have it on the outside. If I should do this again I would have gone Megasquirt II, V3. That has the capability to run the coils directly. I didn't want the EDIS since I want to play with ignition settings, but then again it is a proven concept.
About the Xflow: Yes! fantastic sound! Just lacks the punch. I actually plan to map the Duratec to get fuel overflow on decel just to get the puffs and bangs
Clams are stored if I want to go back. One interesting thing: Clams gives better turning circle, since the stays for the cycle wings interfere with the body at full lock.
Progress:
The vendor Raceline never got back to me eventhoug I spoke with them on the phone and sent them 5-6 mails. Really annoying people! Even more annoying is that one of the parts I bought from Burton Engineering is a Raceline part!
It means that I will have to wait with some bits such as proper exhaust, cams and LSD for next year. But I need to get the car running for easter.
To clarify on the Microsquirt: I think it is the wrong chosise, since I wanted to have the ignition inside the box. Whith the Microsquirt I have it on the outside. If I should do this again I would have gone Megasquirt II, V3. That has the capability to run the coils directly. I didn't want the EDIS since I want to play with ignition settings, but then again it is a proven concept.
About the Xflow: Yes! fantastic sound! Just lacks the punch. I actually plan to map the Duratec to get fuel overflow on decel just to get the puffs and bangs
Clams are stored if I want to go back. One interesting thing: Clams gives better turning circle, since the stays for the cycle wings interfere with the body at full lock.
Progress:
The vendor Raceline never got back to me eventhoug I spoke with them on the phone and sent them 5-6 mails. Really annoying people! Even more annoying is that one of the parts I bought from Burton Engineering is a Raceline part!
It means that I will have to wait with some bits such as proper exhaust, cams and LSD for next year. But I need to get the car running for easter.
Ugly, please post som pics of your race car
As far as sparese, I think Hajo knows where there are some molds for the fenders..
Here is a nice vid I found with an S4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RYAnWNX8mw
As far as sparese, I think Hajo knows where there are some molds for the fenders..
Here is a nice vid I found with an S4.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RYAnWNX8mw
Farlig said:
1966 Lotus 38, Indy 500, his holiness Jim Clark 
ETA - http://www.oldracingcars.com/Images/nelson/Lotus38...
No, its not that one....but it was nice ETA - http://www.oldracingcars.com/Images/nelson/Lotus38...
Edited by Farlig on Sunday 6th April 21:31
Mirrors:
I used some aluminium soldering on the mirror stays. Worked briliantly
The mirrors is also part of the livery...
Today I welded up a cross-member. This chassis is a 1300 chasis, which doesn't have the round tube under the engine. I have made one, and it turned out ok. I planned on making it removable, but it was just too easy to weld it in place.
Edited by Kghaas on Monday 7th April 21:36
No turbine, still Duratec 2.0 with ITB's
I have now been on my first 1 hour drive with mapping. Some first impressions:
1. Type 9 gearbox is nice
The gearbox is a standard Type 9 previously fitted to a K series Caterham. It is also fitted with a short shift and extension turret.
It is much smoother to operate than the 4 speed and the short shift makes it more fun to change gears. I have extended the gear lever which I also feel give a much better feeling. Having 5 gears makes the car much more comfortable. It is a perfect upgrade, but it is a lot of job on the S4...
2. Microsquirt with autotune function is nice
Microsquirt works realy well, and the autotune function tunes the VE table as you drive. After 15 min, the car is now all sorted in the cruising range, and it is only above 6000rpms which I have issues.
3. ITB's= fast response
The throttle is now a very much on/off switch. I will have to get used to it or see if there is something in the tune which can sort this out. On a track you wouldnt care, but for street it just too aggressive.
4. Duratec is powerful
There is a lot of power in the engine. It pulls from 700rpms in 5th all the way to 6000rpms where I currently stop. If you change 2-3 gears down and floor it, it really goes. Mind that this is currently in mapping mode so I cant be too wild..
5. Exhaust is too silent
I made up an 2" exhaust with only one silencer. My initial fear was that it would be too loud. It isn't. Its too quiet. I can still get some sound, but not the xflow scream and backfires. Maybe I will have to go to a 2.5"....
I have now been on my first 1 hour drive with mapping. Some first impressions:
1. Type 9 gearbox is nice
The gearbox is a standard Type 9 previously fitted to a K series Caterham. It is also fitted with a short shift and extension turret.
It is much smoother to operate than the 4 speed and the short shift makes it more fun to change gears. I have extended the gear lever which I also feel give a much better feeling. Having 5 gears makes the car much more comfortable. It is a perfect upgrade, but it is a lot of job on the S4...
2. Microsquirt with autotune function is nice
Microsquirt works realy well, and the autotune function tunes the VE table as you drive. After 15 min, the car is now all sorted in the cruising range, and it is only above 6000rpms which I have issues.
3. ITB's= fast response
The throttle is now a very much on/off switch. I will have to get used to it or see if there is something in the tune which can sort this out. On a track you wouldnt care, but for street it just too aggressive.
4. Duratec is powerful
There is a lot of power in the engine. It pulls from 700rpms in 5th all the way to 6000rpms where I currently stop. If you change 2-3 gears down and floor it, it really goes. Mind that this is currently in mapping mode so I cant be too wild..
5. Exhaust is too silent
I made up an 2" exhaust with only one silencer. My initial fear was that it would be too loud. It isn't. Its too quiet. I can still get some sound, but not the xflow scream and backfires. Maybe I will have to go to a 2.5"....
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff