AF Super Seven Group Build!

As any of you who have been following the one design group build thread know, we're starting the first ever single kit non-contest group build on AF. We're building Tamiya's Lotus Super Seven kit (kit# 24046). This build is open to everyone, so all are welcome to join in!

http://www.buy-model.com/pics/tam24046box.gif

Rules:

1. Everyone starts with the same kit. Do whatever you want with it.
2. The due date is 3/21/07. We'll have a combined completed thread in the gallery to show everyone's builds.
3. Have fun.

If you have thoughts/questions/concerns etc. about the group build, bring them up in the original group build thread (http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=594000).

If you have thoughts, questions or ideas about the kit, the car itself, have references or inspiration pics to share, want guidance on upgrades/wheels/engines, want to talk about what you're planning for your build or post a link to your build thread, please post it here!

Here's some inspiration for ya:

Lotus 7 cutaway (http://www.sandsmuseum.com/cars/seven/assembly/sevencut.gif)- this is the configuration of the stock Tamiya kit (Except the kit is right hand drive. Feel free to convert it to LHD!).

7 Gymkhana video (http://www.ihateaol.co.uk/misc/ChrisEvans.wmv)- The Super 7 is a spectacular car for gymkhana/autocross type events. This vid will show you why. I had to open it in IE, couldn't get it to work in FF.

I'm still planning my 7. I'm going to convert it from wing fender to cycle fender, change the wheels, give it a serious brake job, and tweak the engine a bit. :rolleyes: I've been considering replacing the engine with the 2L inline 4 from Tamiya's BMW 320i kit- but I'm still not firm on that. The kit's stock Cosworth is cute, very well done, and seems to have alot of detailing potential. But I would also love to put in a Zetec if I could find a suitable one.

Anyone got some other cool engine options/ideas they're considering?

Question- those 8 spoke wheels that 7's are often seen on are 13" Panasports? I've long assumed they were Watanabe's. Anyone know of a decent set of Panasports for the 7? Fujimi makes a set, but they look to have studs along the rims, and pics I've seen of 7's don't have them.

So what are you planning for your 7?

I'm definetly in, since i've sort of built this one before!
Cycle fenders, not sure how to do them tho, bigger brakes, a rollbar, extra lights behind the grillie and bucketseats. I hope I can manage that :cheers:

Cool I have this kit in the stash. Guess I'll have to start it and join in on the fun.

Wow. I guess I can walk right into this one. I was just resuming work on my Cat. Good luck to all in your builds:)

The kit's stock Cosworth is cute, very well done, and seems to have alot of detailing potential. But I would also love to put in a Zetec if I could find a suitable one.

Anyone got some other cool engine options/ideas they're considering?

Question- those 8 spoke wheels that 7's are often seen on are 13" Panasports? I've long assumed they were Watanabe's. Anyone know of a decent set of Panasports for the 7? Fujimi makes a set, but they look to have studs along the rims, and pics I've seen of 7's don't have them.

The 'Cosworth' in the kit & as shown in the cutaway is an early Ford Kent (otherwise known as the pre crossflow, as opposed to the later Crossflow, which had an altered cylinderhead with the carbs on the otherside) that has been tuned by Cosworth. I've had the pleasure :rolleyes: of decoking one.....

The 8 spoke wheels are almost certainly Minilites, the original wheel of this design.

As for engines, I have a 1:24 Tamiya Jag 3.8 in the spares box - I wonder if that will fit? :eek: :evillol: :naughty: ;)

well as for power, as many of you on here are into nissans, how about a RB25, 0r 26? but for you honda guys the motor from the S2K would go right nicely in there, and slap a turbo on it. OOOO OOOO how about a boxer motor from a STI kit? if I can get in on this I'd probably like to see if I could build a coupe out of it, much like the old chevy powered cheetah or something along those lines.

you are indeed right about this car having alot of potential. could go street rod style, or open wheel race, custom, wow I never thought about this kit untill now. I'll have to find one and get in on this.

I'm planning on giving mine a bit of a British "twist" so to speak. I already have a color and upholstery picked out. I'll probably rim it, and throw on a roll-bar/cage.

Other than that, I have no idea.

ooooohhhh... i just came up with an idea for it... kinda inspired from wheelin7r's rat syle vw bus.. a rat rod style 7... oh i can see it now... im just hoping i can do it well... but we'll just have to see...

Well ive got a 300z V6 Twin Turbo ive been neglecting..... lets see if it fits! Nice choice Andy as i think we all have one of these in the stash. Dont count me out but dont count me in... too many builds planned right now:banghead: But i think SC has this comp in the bag.:lol:

I am full of enthusiasm and void of ideas :(((

Does OTB qualify for entry? :)

Didn't the "Prisoner" drive one of these in the 60s or 70s TV show? Have to check that out on google. Maybe slap a big Number Six on the hood...? Have big bubble in a Diorama...? Does anyone even know what I am talking about...? :confused: :rolleyes:

I am full of enthusiasm and void of ideas :(((

Does OTB qualify for entry? :)

Didn't the "Prisoner" drive one of these in the 60s or 70s TV show? Have to check that out on google. Maybe slap a big Number Six on the hood...? Have big bubble in a Diorama...? Does anyone even know what I am talking about...? :confused: :rolleyes:

I must admit that I will probably be doing an stock build too.....

The Prisoner did indeed drive one - how about using a Tamiya original Mini as the donor for a scratchbuilt Mini Moke to go with it? :grinyes:

How wierd is that?!?! This is the second tome in a week the Moke has been through my keyboard!

Is this a sign?

Or is it the same Moke, by any chance? ;)

I'm in; I got the kit a few years back to build for a "you buy it here/show receipt with model" in-store contest and then didn't build it :shakehead But hey, the receipt with tax showed I only spent a bit over $10 and it was a pricey store.

I'll keep mine pretty simple, along the lines of a vintage racer which is one of the 2 building options inside the kit.

It will be interesting to see what engines you guys stuff under that tiny hood; the engine compartment is really narrow. That Subaru boxer someone mentioned would be a great idea if it were transverse :icon16:

Anyone going to stuff a 12A or 13B under there :naughty: ?

There is of course the mighty BMC A Series engine*, as fitted to some early 7s ;) :rofl:

*Available in Tamiya Mini Coopers, but needs a new sump & gearbox for rear drive. I have already converted one to fit in a Gunze Sangyo AH Sprite, so it's not tricky!

And I've just bought my 7 on eBay - should arrive next week :)

Ok, I have this kit laying around here, so I guess I will join. I have a nice idea for turbo setup I saw a while ago :D . When can we start our progress thread?

Gerwin

And I've just bought my 7 on eBay - should arrive next week :)


I too bought mine on ebay, I can't believe the prices model shops want... :banghead:

Any ideas on how to convert an engine from front wheel drive to rear wheel drive?

What are some thoughts on engine conversions?

My two ideas, haven't decided yet:
- the first is a kind of LM Caterham S7 Barchetta Aero RR : a phantom entry for LM like those real Morgan:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/Morgan.jpg

- second is the Caterham R500 in this color scheme:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/r500_4.jpg
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/r500_6.jpg

It will be interesting to see what engines you guys stuff under that tiny hood; the engine compartment is really narrow.
yes: it could be a trouble: see just how the small Kserie engine fill all the space in the R500
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c159/gionc/r500_5.jpg

Speaking of engines, as said in the old thread I'm wondering on a little bike's engine, like the Hayabusa7 in GT4 or like the Suzuki GSXRRconcept car (another supercool subject to do one day).
I guess a L6 Nissan (RB26) or 2.5BMW (that I've in the stash) are too big: I've also another cool idea....
Never seen a turbo V4 1,5Lt. 300HP? I'm wondering to half-cut a V8 :grinyes: An half Ferrari engine would be cool to do and have the great thing of a central and simmetrical air intake: I guess I'll fill my S7 belly with one of those ;)

Imagine how cool should be a sticker in the hood saying "Powered by" and only 1/2 italian pony, obviously the ass portion ;)

Or.. ever the great 4 cylinder Abarth stuff from deltas in a revisited way.

I haven't the 7 in my stash so I've to buy one before start to game with engines in his belly, also I guess could be quetly hard find out some 14/15 inch rims!

The 'Cosworth' in the kit & as shown in the cutaway is an early Ford Kent (otherwise known as the pre crossflow, as opposed to the later Crossflow, which had an altered cylinderhead with the carbs on the otherside) that has been tuned by Cosworth. I've had the pleasure :rolleyes: of decoking one.....

Perfect, this helps alot! Hmmm, Crossflow....:rolleyes:

I expect we'll see a good number of out-of-box and near-out-of-box builds, but that's totally OK. Having two out-of-box options was another reason I thought the 7 was a good subject for a group build. But I'll be disappointed if we don't get at least one 'Prisoner' 7! I also think adding a set of ballon tyres and making a beach buggy out of it would be a cool look for the 7. :grinyes: I suspect the STi boxer and 300 V6 are going to be a bit wide, but if you can fit them in they'd be cool to see! A Jag 3.8 would be awesome- but I've already verified that a BMW 3.5 inline 6 is much too long (but then again, a streched 7? :naughty:). A popular option on real 7's is to build a 'Rotus'- a 7 with a Mazda rotary engine. Bring 'em on! :bigthumb:

Thegs- you can start as soon as you're ready!

88Porsche944- I expect it's just a matter of transmissions. Maybe you can graft the kit transmission onto the transplanted engine?

... I suspect the STi boxer and 300 V6 are going to be a bit wide, but if you can fit them in they'd be cool to see!
I've been thinking about that. Maybe in the rear? But it would still not fit right. Moving the motor to the rear tho..might mean the interior would have to be moved up. Throwing off the whole balance of the car.
We shall see;)

TowerHobbies has some if anyone needs them. As of right now, they are $9.49+ shipping.
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXGS92&P=W

i found a thread to a Super 7 powered by a V-8 created by grafting two Suzuki Hayabusa engines together. :eek: 327 hp. wish i'd bookmarked it. :(

I'll join the build... not sure what I'll do with the kit, but I'll probably clear out what will by then be quite a box of spare parts.

I'll enter with probably an OOB build, but is anybody crazy enough to try this?

http://freespace.virgin.net/seven.workshop/v8.html

A caterham with a high reving 420 hp V8 engine(I think this is what CeeElle means) Lots of extra hoses, wires, .... this would be something for the big builders here. (or the insane ones)

more info on the engine on

http://www.rst-v8.com

with pictures of caterhams with the engine installed (and with one hell of an ugly hoodscoop)

greets

I might throw in Viper buckets right now. Heck, I ruined the body... lets see if the Viper V10 fits in the engine...

do we all have to start at the same time? I might join and build/ get the kit later on in the year.

I guess I won't be part of this but this is what I would do:
Convert it into a Westfield Megabusa!

Engine: GSXR1300R Suzuki Hayabusa
Capacity: 1299cc
Max Power: 180ps @ 9800rpm
Max Torque: 138.29nm @ 7000rpm
0-60: 3.48 seconds
http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk

I also saw a car like this with 2 engines. One for the front and one for the rear wheels. 2 seperate gearboxes and such. Was on I believe top gear or something. Both engines in the front.

Also heard about Westfield making plans for fitting a V12 but that was years ago and never heard anything after that.

I guess I won't be part of this but this is what I would do:
Convert it into a Westfield Megabusa!

Engine: GSXR1300R Suzuki Hayabusa
Capacity: 1299cc
Max Power: 180ps @ 9800rpm
Max Torque: 138.29nm @ 7000rpm
0-60: 3.48 seconds
http://www.westfield-sportscars.co.uk

I also saw a car like this with 2 engines. One for the front and one for the rear wheels. 2 seperate gearboxes and such. Was on I believe top gear or something. Both engines in the front.

Also heard about Westfield making plans for fitting a V12 but that was years ago and never heard anything after that.

Have you found out a GSXR engine in 1/24?

oh, I kind of thought it would just be made...
Well, maybe not. Well, the site that I posted shows some options. Also a Rover V8. No idea if it is available in 1/24 though

A caterham with a high reving 420 hp V8 engine(I think this is what CeeElle means)

Nope. This (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/02/09/hayabusa-v8-engine/) is it: a V8 engine built by grafting two Hayabusa engines together. I still can't find the link to the Caterham 7 build around that engine.

Performance results (http://www.super7cars.com/speed.htm) of a Caterham 7 powered by a standard Hayabusa engine. (http://www.super7cars.com/Super7_Hayabusa_engine.html)

Nope. This (http://thekneeslider.com/archives/2005/02/09/hayabusa-v8-engine/) is it: a V8 engine built by grafting two Hayabusa engines together. I still can't find the link to the Caterham 7 build around that engine.

Performance results (http://www.super7cars.com/speed.htm) of a Caterham 7 powered by a standard Hayabusa engine. (http://www.super7cars.com/Super7_Hayabusa_engine.html)

nice, but mine RST V8 engine is more powerfull;-)

Okay, I'm changing already. Viper buckets and an LS2. I like the way the LS2 has a transaxle; it makes me feel a little better about weight distrobution.

Also, any hints on where to find some OZ rims would be great. Especially OZ rims with lots of spokes, Superlegoza or something like that?

Can't find this kit...

Hey guys, I love this idea. I picked up a Super 7 kit awhile back for next to nothing with the idea of doing something cool and different with it. I haven't been building for some time, but now I think this project might restart my building. Now off to step 1, define "cool and different" for my build.

Edit : Does any know any aftermarket companies that make the cycle fenders for 1:24 Super 7's? Resin or another kit I could bash? One thing I definitely want to do is put in cycle fenders, but scratchbuilding an even curved shape like that might be a bit difficult.

The kit is $13 with a $6 shipping charge on the Tamiya US site if anyone is having trouble finding one.
I'm going to have to check my LHS tonight.

Edit : Does any know any aftermarket companies that make the cycle fenders for 1:24 Super 7's? Resin or another kit I could bash? One thing I definitely want to do is put in cycle fenders, but scratchbuilding an even curved shape like that might be a bit difficult.
How to scratchbuild cycle fenders
http://www.automotiveforums.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=270910

Good news! A certain Boxer engine does fit!!!....But lets just keep this betewwn us;)

I just did a test fit and the Nissan V6 twin Turbo totally fits but the turbo is going to stick out of the left side of the engine cover, talk about cold air intake! Im in this is going to be fun!

Edit: nevermind... ive cut down the intakes and it all fits in the hood but ive had to channel the tunnel and now the oil pan is going to drag on the ground with stock wheels. Im loving this group build already LOL !

So we have a boxer engine, a Nissan V-6 TT, my LS2, and the Viper engine is going to another guy who should be posting soon.

Talk about hot rodding!

I'm new here, but I've done a few models in my time... Most were rushed and looked wanky and terrible, but I had a viper GTS that looked ok...
Many thanks to Deltableh for offering to send the Viper engine and some other parts from said Viper, it should look completely badass in the car.. I'll be keeping the rest of my "cards" close to my chest for now on my other ideas :smile:

Oh, and for those looking to pay less than Tamiya prices...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280007536293

Oh, and for those looking to pay less than Tamiya prices...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280007536293

Ordered mine. This guy is going to be in shock when all ten of his copies of this sell so fast!

Wait 'til you see my engine choice. :P

I would love to join this group build.... If only my brother give his' to me... then I'll join... :lol:

I just started mine a few weeks ago but I might pick up another kit or two from that eBay link.

Where are the WIPs going to be posted?

Best of luck with this very exciting concept guys. Let me know if you need any assistance with managing or stickying threads and the like Andy.

Don't think I'll have the time to join in, already too many other things I want/need to find time for.

Awesome. Nissan turbo V6's, STi boxers, Viper V10's, double Hayabusa's and rat rods are exactly what I hoped people would do with this build!

ive cut down the intakes and it all fits in the hood but ive had to channel the tunnel and now the oil pan is going to drag on the ground with stock wheels. Im loving this group build already LOL !
Sounds like you need to cut off that stock oil pan and dry sump it. :grinyes: No sensible maniac would drop a Nissan turbo V6 into a Super 7 without converting it to a dry sump!

Thanks for the offer, Phil- I'm sure it will help. But come on, you know you want to join in! You can put a BT50 engine in. :naughty:

As for mine, I first got this kit to do some kind of wild conversion with it. But the more i'm learning about it, the more I'm wanting to build an actual Caterham out of it. AmazonSprite has given me some pointers about the kit engine, and I'm thinking of converting it to a twin cam crossflow, and maybe dy sumping it. The chassis I'm thinking of upgrading to a Series III- I just need to come up with a Ford Escort rear differential! :dunno:

How do you guys feel about idea sharing? Personally, I don't mind at all if someone else (or several people) convert their 7's to crossflow S3's- or uses my 320i engine idea (ahem, Phil). In general, would you mind if someone else builds an idea you've suggested, or do you want to 'reserve' your idea by 'calling' it here? Just a thought....

I think people will do their own threads in street/show (unless you're doing a Motorsports 7), and links to build threads will all be in a common sticky. I'll announce when details are a bit more finalized- meanwhile if anyone has any ideas or thoughts on thread structuring, please post in in the other group build thread, or PM me.

A In general, would you mind if someone else builds an idea you've suggested, or do you want to 'reserve' your idea by 'calling' it here? Just a thought....

I think people will do their own threads in street/show (unless you're doing a Motorsports 7), and links to build threads will all be in a common sticky. I'll announce when details are a bit more finalized- meanwhile if anyone has any ideas or thoughts on thread structuring, please post in in the other group build thread, or PM me.

I left to you the production design of those thread :grinyes: I'm more in in tech stuff now (and it's dammn hazardous for my current projects :grinyes:)

1- Personally I like the "brainstorm" idea sharing, than anyone could use or mix all ideas: at least often a kind idea is due to precedents toughts.

2- a couple more cool today's tought:

the half cutted L4 from a V8 ferrari make me think to a 1/2 4L from a turbo V8 Toyota (T88C-V) or Nissan R89/90: it would have approx 350/400 HP

My coolest horny idea: think just a 1000cc testastretta from a SBK ducati: a twin (huge torque at low rpm) with 200 hp at 13.000 rpm!!! and the weight of a couple of big watermelons:grinyes::grinyes: I'm searching for a 1/24 twin or at least I'll burn my mill over this stuff!!!

I've had this ambitious idea of building a black LHD S7 with cycle fenders and a BMW I6 for a powerplant...

In general, would you mind if someone else builds an idea you've suggested, or do you want to 'reserve' your idea by 'calling' it here?So far mine seems unique enough that nobody else has mentioned it, but I wouldn't mind if someone else started the same thing. There are so many things you can do to this car. Do a search for "Locost".

http://www.rcb7.de/fotogalerien/index.php
http://www.cckbell.f9.co.uk/index.htm
http://www.pbase.com/paulgreen/lotus_7
http://www.bradford7.co.uk/

I'm searching for a 1/24 twin or at least I'll burn my mill over this stuff!!!Maisto has a line of 1/24 scale Harleys. Being toys the engines are not as great as a model kit's, but it's a decent starting point. I got mine for $3 but they aren't easy to find in stores. You might need to get someone to mail you one, or check eBay.

BTW it's been done in 1:1.
http://www.kineticvehicles.com/whippet.html

The kit is $13 with a $6 shipping charge on the Tamiya US site if anyone is having trouble finding one.
I'm going to have to check my LHS tonight.

I got mine from my LHS, they didn't have it in stock so they special ordered it for me. I still paid the $13 list price, but I didn't have to pay shipping.

(Plus I had a $10 member reward certificate from the LHS, so the whole thing came to $3 :evillol: )

I've almost finished a build that I'm working on, so I'll be starting it very soon - hopefully this weekend!

Well all I am a boring old fart....:)

I'm a purist and am going to go with the original 1960s Super 7 "Prisoner" edition. I did a kwik bit of Googlin' last night and it hooked me into the idea - turns out that The Prisoner has an on-going cult status, they are going to remake the TV series and there si even talk of making a film version?!?!?!

http://www.locustenthusiastsclub.fsnet.co.uk/other_stuff/kar120c.jpg

It was this TV series that "launched" the Seven and I'm going to pay it homage with my build - working title for thread is "at Sixes and Sevens" (get it? get it? :lol:)

I am also going to bore everyone to death with interesting trivia about the prisoner series and do my best to start an AF "prisoner" fan club with oiur own sig and t-shirt!! ;)

Here's the T-shirt design...

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/f/f9/Prisoner_sm.jpg

KAR 120C heeeeere I come!!!!

Hopefully I'll come up with a couple ideas to make it slightly less 100% OOB but no slicing 'n splicing for me :D

I'm getting so excited about this build! I've been thinking about supercharging the stock engine, maybe upgrade the interior a bit. Wheel swap, nice paint... oh, and a 1/24 Triumph Bonneville to sit next to it! :)

This is gonna be great!

I was never a huge fan of the seven's not disliked but not liked, kinda just there lol ;) . But seeing the great ideas has led me to my own great ideas and seing that the kit is pretty cheap n simple ii might be able to have time to squeeze it in later.

More than anything i am a fan of the idea, The giant group build will be a great way to bring together an already close group of great modelers here on AF! This should be successful and hopefully can lead to others in the future.

Ok...Not the STi boxer tho Andy. It would work, but I would've had to modify the body even more. It's a Brat motor that is going under that sexy, slender hood. I'm trying to use the carbs from the kit's engine. The boxer block looks sooo bare tho:( I was even thinking or AWD..but the front axle shafts would have to be at an extreme angle...but it's still a thought;)

AKA: Project BoxCat

I'm in, gotta order one. I'm thinking maybe the 6 from the AMT Prowler kit might work. but then I thought about it, something just seems off about it. gonna have to think about it for a bit before I build it.

Aren't all the Prowler kits 1/25? The Tamiya 7 is 1/24, but then the small engine may work to your advantage.

The 1/24 Citation has a turbo V6 in it if you're looking for a low-cost V6, and so does the Revell NSX. Whichever one you choose you'd need to convert it to north/south configuration.

Aren't all the Prowler kits 1/25? The Tamiya 7 is 1/24, but then the small engine may work to your advantage.

The 1/24 Citation has a turbo V6 in it if you're looking for a low-cost V6, and so does the Revell NSX. Whichever one you choose you'd need to convert it to north/south configuration.

thats why I was thinking of the AMT Prowler. would be easy to fit it between those close together fenders. or I could stuff a HEMI in it out of the Monogram 71 cuda. i'm thinking that motor is as wide as the car though

Any Revell motor will be about 1/25th. And I don't mind if you wanna borrow my ideas, just ask first, please! Though, I do admit I haven't played all my cards yet, so mine will still be pretty unique. Only Teran knows all of my plans.

.....would rebodying the 7 in a 21 stylee be a bit too much?
I mean, does it have to keep the 7 shape?
Am i allowed to shorten/stretch the chassis? Wheelbase? Track?
How much modifying is allowed?

This isn't really a contest, and there aren't really any rules except that you have to start with that particular kit...

I got mine from my LHS, they didn't have it in stock so they special ordered it for me. I still paid the $13 list price, but I didn't have to pay shipping. +1 Special ordered mine tonight to be here some time next week.
AKA: Project BoxCat CatBox? :evillol:
.....would rebodying the 7 in a 21 stylee be a bit too much?
I mean, does it have to keep the 7 shape?
Am i allowed to shorten/stretch the chassis? Wheelbase? Track?
How much modifying is allowed? a. We all start with the same kit.
b. ???
c. Profit!!

Anything goes in the "???" part. ;)

a. We all start with the same kit.
b. ???
c. Profit!!

Anything goes in the "???" part. ;)

Did you steal my underwear????????? It better not end up in your 7 cus that was my idea LOL ;)