Advice needed... my next Caterham!

[Spingo]

So, I ‘ve owned my little 1.4 Super Sport for 4 years now and reckon it’s time for an upgrade. I’ve toyed with getting a Z3M Roadster (I know, I know!!) ‘cos I love that engine, but after driving one, it doesn’t come close to the feeling of my little Caterham! So, another Caterham it is then!

I would love an R300, but they are still out of my price range – I have about £15k to spend on my next ‘toy’. So what do I go for?

I’m not looking for a track day car – road use only with perhaps a track day a year thrown in if I’m lucky. I’ve seen a few nice looking VVC Caterhams on PH recently, but not sure what sort of reputation they have? Also, should I be only looking at cars with a 6 speed gearbox for the money I’m wanting to spend? I also always admired the mighty HPC, but some of the cars being listed now are beginning to look their age (no disrespect to their owners).

My other train of thought is to buy something a little bit less expensive and take it to DVA for one of his upgrades…

Just looking for some thoughts & advice from other Caterham owners really...

Thanks all!

[ewenm]

I upgraded from a 1.6K to a dry-sumped 1.8K VVC (engine swap in the same car) and am happy with the increased power and torque with my 5-speed box. I used to do lots of miles in it (80,000 so far) so the longer 5th gear was of use to me.

[Spingo]

ewenm said:

I upgraded from a 1.6K to a dry-sumped 1.8K VVC (engine swap in the same car) and am happy with the increased power and torque with my 5-speed box. I used to do lots of miles in it (80,000 so far) so the longer 5th gear was of use to me.

Do you have the longer 1st and/or 2nd ratios fitted to your gearbox or is it completely standard?

[ewenm]

Spingo said:

Do you have the longer 1st and/or 2nd ratios fitted to your gearbox or is it completely standard?

Standard 5-speed box. Have been considering the longer lower gears though.

[ghibbett]

I'll probably be lynched for suggesting it, but did you try a Z3M-Coupe? It's still going to be a rather different proposition to a Caterham, but I believe there's a world of difference between the roadster and the coupe.

[Spingo]

ghibbett said:

I'll probably be lynched for suggesting it, but did you try a Z3M-Coupe? It's still going to be a rather different proposition to a Caterham, but I believe there's a world of difference between the roadster and the coupe.

No I didn't although I do like the look of the Coupe. However, I want a ragtop as my 'fun car'.

I have to say though, that the engine in the '3M is stunning and you get a lot of car for your money. In an ideal world I'd have both (Z3M & Caterham), but my wife would probably leave me! ;-)

[ewenm]

Spingo said:

No I didn't although I do like the look of the Coupe. However, I want a ragtop as my 'fun car'.

I have to say though, that the engine in the '3M is stunning and you get a lot of car for your money. In an ideal world I'd have both (Z3M & Caterham), but my wife would probably leave me! ;-)

You could always look at the GKD Legend - 7-esque body on BMW drivetrain...

[Spingo]

ewenm said:

Spingo said:

No I didn't although I do like the look of the Coupe. However, I want a ragtop as my 'fun car'.

I have to say though, that the engine in the '3M is stunning and you get a lot of car for your money. In an ideal world I'd have both (Z3M & Caterham), but my wife would probably leave me! ;-)

You could always look at the GKD Legend - 7-esque body on BMW drivetrain...

Interesting... not heard of them before. Not quite what I'm after though, although I see where you're coming from - thanks for the suggestion.

[ewenm]

Fair enough.

To help choose your next Caterham I'd get along to your local 7-club meet and chat to a few owners and if possible get passenger rides in a few different-engined cars (although the time of year won't help with that as many 7s will be going away for the winter shortly).

Anyway, I'm very happy with my 160bhp VVC and if (when?) I want more power again upgrades are possible.

[Spingo]

ewenm said:

Fair enough.

To help choose your next Caterham I'd get along to your local 7-club meet and chat to a few owners and if possible get passenger rides in a few different-engined cars (although the time of year won't help with that as many 7s will be going away for the winter shortly).

Anyway, I'm very happy with my 160bhp VVC and if (when?) I want more power again upgrades are possible.

I didn't realise that the VVC had 160bhp??? I thought they were 'only' 143bhp? If the former is the case, then that is a healthy increase over my 1.4's output! :-)

When you mention upgrades, I'm guessing you are going down the Emerald route & perhaps a ported head etc?

[ewenm]

Spingo said:

I didn't realise that the VVC had 160bhp??? I thought they were 'only' 143bhp? If the former is the case, then that is a healthy increase over my 1.4's output! :-)

When you mention upgrades, I'm guessing you are going down the Emerald route & perhaps a ported head etc?

Depends on the age of the VVC - later ones had 160bhp, earlier ones had less. The engine in mine is from a MG TF 160.

Upgrade-wise, Emerald is a possibility along with making the "high power" cams in the VVC permanent (so removing the VVC mechanism) and then adding roller barrel throttle bodies etc. Not researched it fully as don't have the cash to commit to it now and don't drive the car enough as it is!

[Dave J]

a couple of grand more gets you onto a circa 1998/2000 superlight R

that would be my suggestion.

[S47]

Don't just look at the power, a 1400K has much less torque than an 1800, with such a light car as a 7 this is significant - in the damp or wet the increased torque of the larger engine becomes a major factor, and the grunt of the larger engine feels ominous in these situations, especially when the rear end loses grip when you ain't prepared for that to happen.
Hope this helps

[Spingo]

S47 said:

Don't just look at the power, a 1400K has much less torque than an 1800, with such a light car as a 7 this is significant - in the damp or wet the increased torque of the larger engine becomes a major factor, and the grunt of the larger engine feels ominous in these situations, especially when the rear end loses grip when you ain't prepared for that to happen.
Hope this helps

That is a very good point S47 - it is so easy to get carried away with BHP figures & I for one am guilty of that! ;-)

My little 1.4K does feel a bit light on torque at times...

What about the 6 speed gearbox - is that suited to road use or is it more for track orientated cars?

[SLR400]

The 6 speed gearbox is supposed to be fantastic and ideal for the track.
I haven't used mine on track just on the road and find it fantastic, perfect ratios, slick action and well suited to my 3.92 diff (you need to consider diff as well)
Been on numerous long trips involving motorways, where things can get a bit busy and noisy so ear plugs are a must, but it's all worthwhile once you get back onto the twisty stuff to put those lovely ratios to good use.
I had 5 speed previously and definately wouldn't go back.
Dave's idea get's my vote, SLR, 6 speed, lsd etc etc

[johnvthe2nd]

I second SLR400, the six speed box just makes the car IMO on the road and track .. I don't even find the motorway too bad, 80 at about 4500, the car's not that noisy at those revs