Lotus Super 7

This is a Tamiya Lotus Super 7, I converted it to newer Caterham specs by installing a Ford ZETEC motor.

This particular one is actually the SVT variant. The conversion is relatively simple, you hot knife the transmission off of the old Cosworth motor, then remove the FWD transmission off the ZETEC. Using a dremel remove the tab off the block that holds on the transmission. Next remove the oil pan and using a dremel smooth that surface, also remove the Focus motor mounts. The Cosworth carbuerators fit nicely on the ZETEC head, however the very end of the flange hangs off the head and needs to be removed. Also the chassis brace that comes off of the fire wall has to be cut off. The driveshaft has to be cut down. Then remove mouning tabs from the bottom of the transmission. If you flatten the bottom of the tranny it can be glued to the floor. All of this with-out and major modifications. The hood does need to be scooped, and I put in a side duct so I could use the horns on the carbs. The stock Focus header will work as well you just need to cut it where it begins to turn down and then adapt it to the sidepipe with solder or sprue. I know this is a lot of writing but it is a lot simple than most motor swaps.





The color is actually left over paint from my Fiat. I am using stock rims because nothing else that I had would fit.

[pre98zetec]

mmm zetec..

that motor looks big in there

if you really want to convert it to caterham specs you'd have to remove the vct on the motor

what is vtc? BTW it is just a psuedo conversion, what I meant was it was based on reality. I did this car because I had a ZETEC around, and I have seen 7's with ZETECs, its not like I put an RB26 or LS1, or L88 for that matter in there.

[pre98zetec]

vct is variable cam timing, offered on the svt zetec (non-svt focus are non-vct zetecs).. ive never seen a zetec w/ vct used in a caterham. it was always pre-98 Contour zetecs (same one in my car) or non-svt focus zetecs..

Good conversion though. I'd like to build one someday.

[G-man422]

Woah! nice, that color goes well w/ the car.

Thanks for the nice comments guys

[675datsun]

Great idea!

[MPWR]

Hey, what kits have ZETEC's? I've got a 7 in my stash, and I've been hoping to find a ZETEC to stuff into it. I've been looking, but appearently in the wrong places- this is the first I've heard of a ZETEC in 1/24.

[pre98zetec]

revell has a Focus SVT with a full detail Zetec.

Yeah thats where I got mine.

[Scale-Master]

Very cool. Can't go wrong with a blue Seven... - Mark

[KTem]

Looks cool I may build one with a BMW i6 engine in it... wooo! Performance!

They were fun with the 85HP cosworth a ZETEC or especially BMW I-6 would be insane. This car is coming along and pics will be up soon.