LocostUSA.com

I am thinking about building a seven, using a s2000 as a base car, instead of the more common miata.

Here is the initial starting idea:
-Buy coveland7 IRS miata chassis with control arms, aluminium,
fibreglassparts, coilovers etc. (~5k of parts)
-Buy Miata 1.8 uprights and brakes on all corners.
-Pick up miata 1.8 torsen rear diff
-Make custom drive shaft to mate the s2k tranny with the miata diff.

I was thinking that this would be the easiest way to put the f20c into a seven, as this is the engine that I fell in love with when I owned an s2k.

Here are the initial concerns:
-need to make a modified hood, as the s2k engine appears like it will sit taller, and be tilted to the side, as compared to the miata engine.
-due to the extra power (stock hp on f20c is 200rwhp), what structural mods do I need to make to make sure that there is no drivetrain flex?

Thanks to Heikki Rinta-Koski for some interesting discussion on this subject.

Any thoughts/suggestions on this project idea?

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Brian

so basically you want a miata locost with an S2k motor?

should be easy enough, just figure out the mounting

Exactly what I want to do. I feel the need for the 9k redline and VTEC that the f20c has.

I added another concern that I initially forgot. I was wondering that due to the increased hp, do I need to worry more about the additional rotational forces of the drivetrain on the chassis? I know that the s2k has quite a rigid chassis compared to the miata, and I also saw one miata build where they greatly reinforced the diff mounting structure of the seven chassis, differing from the original design.

Primary use of the car will be autocross.

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Brian

There are fairly high power turbo miatas that don't have driveline problems. The S2000 mill makes good HP but doesn't make that much more torque than a Miata. Not to mention the fact a lighter wieght car should take some stress off the driveline. I'm no expert but to me it seems that unless you are planning 9k clutch dumps with fat hot sticky tires you should be OK.

yeah, clutch drops are done at 6-7k.

Thanks for the info.

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Brian

the S2000 is a big lump - I'd see if you can get some solid measurements or look into an over sized chassis (McSorely 442). There was an outfit selling S2000 based Sevens in Texas a couple years back. Anyone remember the name. Another option would be a Stalker build with the S2000 motor.

Yeah, I was wondering about the fitment of the engine. Is there anywhere that I can find drawings/dimensions of the same chassis sold as the coveland7 IRS chassis? Is this the same as the one in the book?

I should be getting a donor s2000 in the next week or so if all goes through as planned:
http://www.briangt.com/gallery/blues2k

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Brian

Damn, that car looks like an easy fix. I imagine that's not cheap but if you can afford it, go for it. Would definitely be a screamer!

Worried about flex go with the Aussie Frame mods.

Everyone dreams of the s2000 locost and has nightmares about the cost. If your build budget permits GO FOR IT! I for one would be envious.

There are solutions to everybuild problem and concern! (Cheif amoung them is CASH.....)

The Texas firm went under, or never managed to tread water depending on how you look at it.

UK builder search for
"texas seven"
"texas s2000"
"texas firm"
"texas locost"
"texas company

...turn up nothing

Google found this though
WCM Ultralite Project
http://hstrial-jdespelder.homestead.com ... alite.html

I also want to use the s2k motor and trans. Just havent found a decent price for that setup. Got any other links to some salvaged cars?

ask and you shall recieve ...notice the bottom links

http://www.readytofix.com/Inventory/List_2.htm

http://www.salvagedirect.com/asp/catego ... 5&Keyword=

http://www.digi-go.biz/cgi/DisplaySite. ... ed&dated&0

http://www.publicsalvage.com/

http://racersauction.com/auction/catego ... tegoryID=3

honda s2000
http://www.publicsalvage.com/vehicles/c ... aspx?id=56

yahoo s2000 LA, CA
http://auctions.yahoo.com/auction/90905725

there is an unfinished big money S2000 Seven on eBay - some pics to look at if nothing else - http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Lotus-Su ... dZViewItem

Badass to be sure, but he's dreaming if the thinks he cas start that auction at $35 and gets some action. I could be wrong, what was that quote PT Barnum was famous for?

He claims over $100k invested but I don't see how it adds up given his list of components.

yeah no is spending $35K on that. Probably get complete and working used Caterham, Birkin, Westfield, etc for that. I guess if buddy paid a shop to do all the labour his costs could have got really high but $100K .... doubtful - probably more like $35K that he thinks he's going to get.

yeah, I can't see more than 25k invested in that project from what I see in the pics... I surely wouldn't buy it.

I am going to try to get my project done for 10k total, which should be possible if I get decent money from parting out my extra s2000 parts.

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Brian