Lotus 7 America
Lotus 7A
Chassis # SB1722
948cc BMC A-Series rebuilt in 2017 by Brian Waters of BWR Motorsport LLC.
8.8 hours on motor
4-Speed BMC Smooth Case Austin Healey Sprite Close Ratio Gearbox
Impeccable upgrade, maintenance, and racing history maintained by current owner.
Included is an extensive collection of spares & documentation
Scroll to bottom for photos
CHASSIS
- Number: S/N SB1722 /Frame B 1541
MOTOR
- 948cc BMC A-Series
- 4 Cylinder Bored to 1098cc
- Last rebuilt July 31, 2017 by Brian Waters of BWR Motorsport LLC
- 8 hours
- Castrol 20/50 May 30, 2019
GEARBOX
- BMC Smooth Case Austin Healey Sprite Close Ratio
- 4 – Speed
SUSPENSION
- SPAX Adjustable – Front AS180-303/Rear AS180-309
- Front Bushings replaced 2017
- Rear suspension trailing arms replaced with custom- made adjustable trailing links (necessary to clear Hoosier Tires)
FUEL CELL
- Fuel Safe SM108A fuel cell – 8 Gallon
- FACET Silver Top fuel pump installed May 1, 2015
BRAKES
- Front: Correct Triumph Spitfire disk brakes
- Rear: Correct Triumph TR10/Herald drums
- Very good condition
- Major upgrade to a dual circuit system 2017
- Master cylinder was replaced with a late MGB/MG Midget dual master cylinder with custom made reservoir adapters.
- Replaced original brake lines with Teflon/CRES flexible lines and rear wheel cylinders in 2017
- Installed custom non-locking handbrake (push forward to operate, lock with large bolt). Installed as another brake option and to assist with trailer loading/shop movement.
- Castrol DOT4 Brake Fluid (changed with installation of dual brake system April 2019)
WHEELS
Racing
- Triumph Spitfire Steel 13X5.5 Wheels- very good condition – yellow powder coating
- Hoosier A70-13m Street TD Tires
Storage
- Mag Products UK 13X5 SM Aluminum- good condition
- Dunlop Racing 4.50L-13 Tires
BODY
- Paint is in good condition with the following exceptions:
- Paint chips on edge of bonnet
- Crack LR Fender (Below Taillight)
- Rear fender have the traditional rock chips on leading edge
- Front fenders finish is rough
- Fiberglass Fenders/Nose
- Aluminum body- no damage
INSTRUMENTATION
- Tachometer/Oil Pressure/Water Temp/Volt Meter/Hour Meter
- Equipped with a transponder
SPARES
- Stock windshield with AMCO wind wings
- Stock rear axle trailing arms
- Stock speedometer
- Stock ammeter
- Stock mirror – center cowl
- Stock rear radius arms (RH/LH)
- New Rear axle seals (Qty 2)
- Used rear brake cylinders (Qty 2)
- Used rear brake return springs (Qty 2 sets)
- Used windshield wiper wheel box (Qty 2)
- Used Girling BS12 5/8 Brake Master Cylinder
- New Old Stock Wheel Brake Cylinder Kits: Girling SP 2044/3 (Qty 2); Girling SP 2027/3 (Qty 1); Girling SP 2030/1 (Mixed new/used seals) (Qty 1)
- Rattle can touch-up paint (Qty 2)
ALSO INCLUDED:
- Lotus Shop Manual – copy
- Lotus 7A S/N SB1722 Data Book
- Glens Triumph Repair Manual – Poor condition but contains information on differential and brakes
- Transponder
- Lug nuts for steel wheels with Hoosier tires
RACING AND OWNERSHIP HISTORY
All documents and Log Books in Binder. No recorded significant victories or races. Car was in the hands of amateur racer ownership.
Imported by Span Motors Highland Park, Illinois October 1963
1st Owner: William Hendrick, October 1963 – July 1965
2nd Owner: John Gabriel – Completed MWCSCC driver’s school 23 April 1966, July 1965 – ?1971
3rd Owner: Jay Busse, ?1971 – June 2005
4th Owner: John Connell, June 2005 – June 2009
5th Owner: Mike Kaleel, June 2009 – October 2012
Current Owner, October 2012 – present
MORE INFORMATION
- Oregon Region Tech Inspectors found the SCCA number 75-058, covered in paint, stamped on roll bar. 75 is the Northern Indiana region. The region could not find any mention of the three, original Chicago area drivers having competed in any SCCA events. Did not contact Chicago or Milwaukee regions.
- Recommendations for next owner
- Check safety belt replacement dates. Stamped May 2014.
- Check extinguisher inspection date
- Rewire electrical system
- Refinish front fenders, repair LR fender crack and touch up paint overall
- Remove inner panel on driver side to add accelerator pedal foot room
- The brake reservoir was split with a self-made divider. It passed tech but I planned to change to two individual reservoirs.
- New steering wheel
History of changes, maintenance, and races:
DATE |
METER HOURS |
NON RUNNING HOURS |
MOTOR RUNNING HOURS |
COMMENT |
| 13-Apr-14 | 0.0 | Primed oil system. Started engine 1st time | ||
| 13-Apr-14 | 1.5 | 0.0 | 1.5 | Engine ran with 60 PSI oil pressure. Found several oil and water leaks. Carbs were not responding. Throttle cable not operating. Water pump was noisy at 3000 RPM |
| 17-May-14 | 2.3 | 0.0 | 2.3 | Rebuilt throttle cable bracket. Added side guard to throttle pedal. Ran better with a rough carb adjustment. 1st test drive – everything works – brakes, clutch, trans, etc. Throttle response is better but still not quick. |
| 23-May-14 | 3.0 | 0.0 | 3.0 | Changed water pump. Readjusted cable and throttle position. Extended the test drive to could get into 3rd gear. There is still an issue in throttle response. Adjusted fuel pressure regulator when it was display 1 psi not at the required 2.5 psi. Torqued the head bolts 3/8 – 45 ft lbs; 5/16 – 25 ft lbs when engine cooled. Changed the valve cover gasket. |
| 4-Jun-14 | 11.2 | 8.0 | 3.2 | The cut-off switch was left on draining the battery. A quick recharge and the motor started. Replaced the pressure regulator gauge which was changing pressure with every reading and readjusted the regulator. A quick drive verified that the properly adjusted pressure regulator greatly improved acceleration. Now it is time to tune the carbs and timing. |
| 14-Jun-14 | 12.2 | 8.0 | 4.2 | Checked timing and adjusted carbs. Runs much better. Fuel 3/4 tank |
| 18-Jun-14 | 12.4 | 8.0 | 4.4 | Bled clutch, added oil to dampners and sealed fuel pump. Happy 51st birthday. Everything works and declared finished. |
| 20-Jun-14 | 0.0 | On trailer for 1st time for a trip to the DMV | ||
| 5-Jul-14 | 13.3 | 8.0 | 5.3 | Passed SCCA tech inspection. No Issues. |
| 9-Aug-14 | 13.8 | 8.0 | 5.8 | Changed oil, 5.5 Qts of 20/50 Castrol, and filter PH8A. Car started but dumped the oil because the old gasket was still in place. Remove gasket; added more oil and everything was fine. It is ready for the event in two weeks, an SCCA Regional at PIR. |
| 20-Aug-14 | 14.1 | 8.0 | 6.1 | Final prep and check out. I raised the idle to 1500 RPM to overcome the low speed lag. The tank has approximately 7.5 gallons of premium with 108 Octane Booster. |
| 26-Aug-14 | 16.7 | 8.0 | 8.7 | Post Race Triage – Fuel tank had 2 gallons remaining. There are several oil leaks, one major. The car ran poorly. The Huffaker carbs will be rebuilt to replace the stock SU carbs. |
| 16-Feb-15 | 17.8 | 8.0 | 9.8 | Started the car to trace the oil leaks. The carbs are running very rich with some gas spray coming out of the throat. The Huffaker carbs will replace these carbs. Found and corrected three oil leaks – Oil filter gasket leak/replaced filter; block fitting for oil pressure gauge was installed without Teflon tape/installed with Teflon tape; block fitting for main oil line was installed without a washer gasket or teflon tape/installed washer and tape. The oil leaks are fixed. The water overflow pipe leaked/tightened fittings. Ran engine to charge battery. |
| 20-Feb-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Removed carbs, exhaust and cables. Plan is to work on crankcase breathing vent changes before installing rebuilt carbs. Added flat washers to lower bell housing bolts for clearance to oil pan. |
| 18-Mar-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed block side covers. Modified block fuel pump cover for a crankcase vent. Completed installation of block/crankcase vent lines. |
| 4-Apr-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed throttle bracket. Tried starting with same result – direct fuel to engine; run 3000 RP; stop. Also found leak in thermostat housing. |
| 5-Apr-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Removed thermostat housing for repair. |
| 9-Apr-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Talked to Arnie Loyning about starting problem. He recommended that I remove the regulator and fuel filter. He also recommended that I replace the fuel pump with a Facet Silver Top plus add the damper springs and damper pistons. |
| 1-May-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed new fuel pump and fuel lines |
| 12-May-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed new choke cable bracket. Added plate to retain throttle pedal bolt and replaced springs on the throttle return bracket. |
| 18-May-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed carbs. The car started and ran. |
| 22-May-15 | 34.2 | 8.0 | 26.2 | The car is running. Carbs need adjustment. Noticed hesitation 1500-3000 RPM. |
| 1-Jun-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Huffaker pistons into carbs. Reamed carb cap vents to 1/8 inch diameter. Checked brake/clutch master cylinders – fluid levels OK. |
| 18-Jun-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Car would not start. Battery had a bad cell probably from all of the start attempts and charging during spring. New battery installed but car would not start. Symptom of starter problem. |
| 22-Jun-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Installed new starter and starter switch. Car started and ran well. Decided to enter SVRA race at PIR in July. |
| 29-Jun-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Patched fire wall and trans tunnel holes including brake/clutch pedal and throttle pedal. |
| 7-Jul-15 | 36.1 | 8.0 | 28.1 | Changed needles to stock. Replaced clamp on side cover vent. Torqued wheels. OK to race. |
| 12-Jul-15 | 38.0 | 8.0 | 30.0 | Returned from race. Must fix ignition and oil leak issues. |
| 19-Jul-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Torqued head bolts. Found pressure sensor for oil light on back o oil pressure gauge. Repaired valve cover and side cover oil leaks. Test drive – still hesitates 1500 – 2000 RPM. Seems to rev ok at 5000 RPM w/o rev limiter. |
| 8-Aug-15 | 38.3 | 8.0 | 30.3 | Took car to Brian Waters shop to fix oil leak and to remove Pertronix and replace with points. |
| 22-Aug-15 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | The good news is the timing and ignition adjustments worked. Brian Waters said the car screams to 7000 rpm. The bad news is the oil leak soaked the clutch disc. When he took it to 7000 in the street the clutch was slipping in each gear. After some discussion we agreed that it will not be ready for the SOVERN race so I will be withdrawing my entry. The car will remain at Brian’s shop so he can pull the engine for the oil seal and clutch repairs. He also said the front end needs work. The car was drifting badly at speed. I never was that fast on the track so I did not notice. That is added to the winter projects which includes a dual circuit brake master cylinder. |
| 31-Jul-17 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 0.0 | Car returned from Brian Water’s shop with complete engine rebuild. We start from zero again. |
| 7-Aug-17 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 0.0 | Checked gearbox oil; Tightened throttle and choke cables; Checked safety wire sump/trans/diff; Installed motorcycle air cleaner filters; Checked /Repaired lines; Checked brake/clutch hydraulics; Installed fuel overflow lines. Will enter Oregon Regional |
| 10-Aug-17 | 44.0 | 44.0 | 0.0 | Secured dip stick; secured roll bar padding; brake lights working. Could not install Hoosier race tires because of an interference with the rear axle trailing link, |
| 12-Aug-17 | 45.5 | 44.0 | 1.5 | On trailer for SCCA Triple Regional |
| 14-Aug-17 | 46.5 | 44.0 | 2.5 | Post Race Triage – 4.5 Gallons remining in fuel tank; Added remaining fuel – tank at 7.5 Gallons; photo of plugs to Brian – dark grayish color; water good; hydraulics good; traditional oil drips. |
| 1-Sep-17 | 46.8 | 44.0 | 2.8 | On Trailer for SOVREN Columbia River Classic |
| 3-Sep-17 | 47.3 | 44.0 | 3.3 | Post Race Triage – #1 rocker arm broke in qualifying session. |
| 11-Sep-17 | 47.7 | 44.0 | 3.7 | Replaced #1 rocker arm. Car runs fine. |
| 14-Jan-18 | Started installation of dual brake system. Late MGB master cylinder fits in stock bracket. Reservoir will be replaced with a remote reservoir requiring custom adapters for master. | |||
| 27-Jul-18 | 49.5 | 44.0 | 5.5 | Started engine for final tuning. Mounted Hoosier race tires. |
| 10-Aug-18 | SCCA Regional – Blew Head Gasket qualifying. | |||
| 11-Aug-18 | Pulled head. Found bad head gasket and #2/#3 exhaust valves stuck in guides. Prepared to ship head to Seven Enterprises for rebuild. Noticed front core plug was loose. Replaced core plug. | |||
| 24-Sep-18 | Installed head; adjusted valves. | |||
| 1-Oct-18 | 50.4 | 44.0 | 6.4 | Started engine; no leaks. Torqued head; checked valve adjustment. |
| 17-Mar-19 | 51.5 | 44.0 | 7.5 | Started engine; checked valve clearance. Added Water Wetter |
| 30-May-19 | 51.9 | 44.0 | 7.9 | Changed oil, 5.5 Qts of 20/50 Castrol, and filter PH8A. |
| 22-Jun-19 | 52.2 | 44.0 | 8.2 | Checked water pump and tightened fan belt, Found #3 core plug loose. Reset plug |
| 11-Oct-19 | 52.6 | 44.0 | 8.6 | Started engine; Drained cooling system for storage. |
| 24-Jan-20 | 52.8 | 44.0 | 8.8 | Added anti-freeze; Started engine to charge battery. |
