Dave H

The grey stuff is Aluminium oxide. It's aluminiums natural state when exposed to air, so polishing it just shifts the top layer, exposing another layer of aluminium to oxidise. How about anodising it? :) Dave H

I don't think so - never managed it with mine. The engine and gearbox can be separated enough to change the clutch without taking the engine out (though you do take most of the skin off your knuckles on the bell housing). Dave H

I've always run my live axle with 20 minutes tow in - as recommended by Caterham back in the early '90's, and by Redline more recently (still a few years ago though). As for rake - as said 15mm is a starting point, and a reasonable one, but play around if you don't like it. Remeber though, a lot of factors will change the handling, including tow in , tyre pressures, camber, spring rates to name a few Find a good piece of road, drive it a few times, change something, drive it again. If its better carry on, if its worse or the same, undo it and try something else. Enjoy the testing 😬 Dave H

Chris, No worries - they can stay stored in the dark recesses of the garage until some other poor Xflow user needs them. Going Zetec was the best upgrade I ever made to the Seven Dave H

Hi Chris, I have a selection of old Xflow bits, which should include the pushrods. They are somewhere in the dark recesses of the garage. I'll try and look them out tonight. When do you need them by? Dave H

I can't remember the exact cost - I did some other work on the car at the same time...including replacing damaged wings, getting a respray, upgrade the suspension just for starters. I think the engine replacement along with the additional bits needed to get it to work came to around £3000. That included new carbs and the weber alpha Management unit. Would probably try and get something that could be more easily modified if I was doing the job now, but there wern't many about 10 years ago when I did the change. I have been considering getting a 2l unit and carrying out some head and tuning work before swapping it for the 1800 thats in there, but other projects (or Mrs H) seem to take up the time and/or money before I get started Dave H

Hi Chris, As you said - best upgrade ever I spent a fair bit of time tallking to James Whiting, no big surprises apart from the phone bill 😳 I replaced a tired 1700 Xflow with a similar mileage 1800 Zetec. I did change the carbs from 40's to 45's. Well set up 40's will run an 1800 (according to Jim), but the 45's are better, and if you want to go for more power in the future, or change to a 2 litre then 45's are almost essential. I used a second hand engine from a scrappy, but if I did the job again I would probably try and strech the budget to get a new one (Raceline most likely). Get used to having to actually let the old oil out before putting new stuff in as the Zetec lacks the Xflow's automatic oil releasing and chassis rust prevention system. Give me a call if you want to chat. Dave H

Hi Ian, No danger of breaking through - it was just a trim of the rear edge so the starter would fit. I think it depends on the model starter you have...I fitted my 1.8 Zetec back in 2000/2001 so am stretching the brain cells a little. I'll try and get some photos at the weekend. Dave H

Hi Ian, Dug out the paperwork. It is a Raceline sump, and I have a copy of the Instruction sheet number 4, plus the James Whiting Zetec installation instructions. What I don't have is the verbal bits James gave me to do the job. The one job I do remember doing was trimming up the edge of the sump so the starter fitted, but I can't find it in the instructions! If you are interested I'll scan what I have and forward it. Dave H

Ian, I'm almost certain its a Raceline unit - I'll have to dig out the paperwork for it. I'm sure the combination of Xflow starter and 1.8 flywheel work, but did have starter motor issues (age and wear related) at about the same time, so had to change it, but I'm fairly positive it's a Xflow starter. I also remember James offering me a spacer for the starter, which I didn't need, but the details of why I would or wouldn't need it escaped from my brain long ago. If my Seven Archive coughs up the fitting instructions, I'l get them scanned and email them to you. Dave H

I converted my Xflow to Zetec a few years ago, and I don't think I changed the starter, but I do remember having some long and complex chats with James Whiting about the permutations of starters, clutches & engines. I also remember having to trim the sump to get the starter to fit. Somewhere at home I think I have the original instructions from James/Redline for fitting the sump. I'll try and find then and get them scanned in and emailed if you want to read them. Dave H

Hi John, I'm in the Reuters building (30 South Colonnade). I don't have a window seat ☹️, but was getting a coffee when I saw the Seven. Dave H

Yellow, black wings, roof up, just drove up South Colonnade. Couldn' t get a better look as I am 9 floors up! Dave H

Redline carry parts for all older Sevens, and they know the cars better than almost anyone else I've ever met. Nice guys to do business with as well, always helpful. Dave H

Take a look at blackcircles.com. I think we get a Club discount with them as well. I've used them, and received good service, Dave H

Alex, Give Redline a call and talk to Mick or John, they will know what you want, and if that loom is suitable. If it isn't they should be able to supply you with the correct one. Failing that, why not build your own...it isn't that difficult, and it was cheaper than buying a new one (but took longer than I expected!) Dave H

You won't go far wrong having a chat with these guys here. They supplied the sheeting for my garage roof, plastic coated, galvanised sheeting, 12 years old and still fine. Used them since for shed roofs and they are very knowledgable and extremely helpful. Not sure what their delivery area is, but they may know a local company that can help. Dave H

Pete, YHM Dave H

Or try giving Redline a call. I'm sure they will be able to sort out what you need. Dave H

There are 3 major earth points on most Sevens - near the fuel tank at the rear, under the dash, and up front near the radiator. Its most likely to be the one under the dash,but its worth making sure they are all clean - especially the one at the back of the car, as it is in a position to build up muck and corrosion without you seeing it (and itsa b****r to get at). Dave H

It's worth giving Redline a call - I bought mine secondhand from them, the previous owner had switch to using a cage. Dave H

Sam, When I installed the Zetec, I carried on using the original Sender & Gauge. When cold it does read very close to max, but what are you after from the gauge. Once you know how it behaves, you will spot any unusual behaviour or sudden changes. This advice was originally supplied to me by James Whiting. Dave H

Crumpynut, YHM Dave H

I have a copy of 1993 Assembly Guide, which has a wiring diagram for the Xflow engined car - it matched my '86 wiring, until I rebuilt the loom. I'll try scanning it - drop me a blatmail and I'll send you a copy of what I get scanned. Dave H

Chris, Why not have a chat with Bruce and see what the most common "improvements" are. Then decide which you like the sound of (and which you can afford ☹️) Dave H