SteveP

I was taking the advice from Steve Parker who originally constructed the engine. He told me that 7 - 7.5k is more like it (peak power isn't produced until 6.5k apparently). But, having checked the history, it looks like the original pistons (described as American pistons - does anyone know what these are?) have been replaced but I don't know what for, so I'm now a little cautious to push the engine too hard. I've also disconnected the rev limiter altogether since I couldn't get it to adjust any higher. If anyone has any info on the setting and testing (for which there is a separate spade terminal) of a Micro Dynamics RL3 rev limiter, it would be most helpful since I'd really like to put it back on! What rev limit do other xflow owners have their cars set to? Steve P

Have tried www.lotus-books.com Received reply today saying that Tony Weale's book is out of stock and print - the search continues! Trying Foyles next.

Firstly, thanks for the replies. Gradually things are becoming clearer. bstark - as far as I'm aware you are taking about the same book, although believe that the surname is spelt Weale. Haven't tried www.lotus-books.com yet, but have talked to another supplier (wwww.millhousebooks.com) who told me that the book is currently under consideration for a reprint, but as to when, he didn't know. bol.com have led me up the garden path yet again for this book - they are not recommended to anyone else trying to find it! Ignore what it says on their web site, apparently it isn't very accurate and not updated very often. Hmm, find that interesting for a so-called web supplier... Steve P

So, I've finally taken the plunge after many years of wanting a Seven and got myself a '89 Supersprint with a slightly hotter engine courtesy of Steve Parker Racing. Suffice to say it is fantastic. Well worth the wait. Although found out today that the engine is capable of much, much more but is currently hampered by an over zealous rev limiter set at 5,800rpm. I hoping now to be able to do some of my own maintenance, like replacing basic parts, seals that are worn, refinishing the dials, etc just to spruce it up a touch and generally understanding what's what. I'm struggling to find a decent text that can describe how to take the things apart and more importantly put them back together again! I have the Haynes book on the xflow engine and that's good. I've asked Caterham about a build manual but being so old, it's no longer produced and from what I can gather an owner's manual (if you can find one) isn't going to help a lot. BOL.com keep leading me into a false sense of security about sending me Tony Weale's book and then letting me down at the last minute. Is there anything else out there I'm not aware of? And if you's indulge me a little longer, answers to a couple of quick (naive) techie questions: Cooling: how do I know if I have a header tank? I have a bottle below the level of what I presume is the thermostat housing on the block, but this bottle contains no fluid (should it) and doesn't seem to have any means of real access - is this just an expansion bottle? If yes, the pressure cap on the housing has 'DO NOT REMOVE' stamped on it - if this is true, how do I ever top up / check the coolant level? Gearbox: 5 spd, straight cut, Quaife item (I think Sierra based) - where would I find the cap to allow the gearbox oil to be topped up? Apologies if this is basic to the point of annoying but I need all the help I can get and this forum is an absolute godsend! Thanks Steve P

testing, testing, 1..2..3