Noob buying advice please
Discussion
Hi, my dad and myself are hoping to view a caterham over the next few days, pending the sellers response. We both have a few quick bikes, and my dad used to own a few Porsches, so petrol heads seeking a new challenge. Anyway, we have decided it might be time for a caterham as we've seen a tidy example reasonably priced and local, and we've always fancied one.
This is a 1992 car with an 1800 zetec, and a few other creature comforts, heated screen and heater etc.
When viewing what should we be looking for? Do we need an LSD? What are the common faults and weakness's? And what sized tyres/wheels are best?
It'll be a weekend car for some general tomhoonery (scaring the gf and trips to the pondy etc...) and the odd track day. Any help and advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
This is a 1992 car with an 1800 zetec, and a few other creature comforts, heated screen and heater etc.
When viewing what should we be looking for? Do we need an LSD? What are the common faults and weakness's? And what sized tyres/wheels are best?
It'll be a weekend car for some general tomhoonery (scaring the gf and trips to the pondy etc...) and the odd track day. Any help and advice would be appreciated.
Cheers
I'd say you want 13" wheels with CR500's most common size for tomfoolery and a bit of hoonage.
Debate about whether an LSD is necessary for a mostly road car but I'd say it definitely helps to add to the grin factor of everything. If you are into your bikes have you considered a BEC or even a fizzy k-series which might be a bit more attuned to what you are used to. It all depends if you are looking for a totally new experience or trying to retain some familiarity.
Where are you based? Get along to some L7C meets in the new year and try a few cars of different specs on for size and you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for.
Debate about whether an LSD is necessary for a mostly road car but I'd say it definitely helps to add to the grin factor of everything. If you are into your bikes have you considered a BEC or even a fizzy k-series which might be a bit more attuned to what you are used to. It all depends if you are looking for a totally new experience or trying to retain some familiarity.
Where are you based? Get along to some L7C meets in the new year and try a few cars of different specs on for size and you will have a much better idea of what you are looking for.
Buy anything. They're so easy to work on and upgrade with loads of bits for sale on Pistonheads, ebay and Lotus 7 Club. A year ago I bought a 97 Roadsport with a James Whiting 2.0L Zetec with 13k miles. It was immaculate with zero corrosion. Since then I've fitted OMEX 600 with Jenvey throttle bodies, widetrack suspension, Nitrons, Caterham 8 spokes with R888s, JPE aeroscreen, Radtec radiator, rear anti-roll bar, FIA rollover bar, Caterham composite tillet seats, carbon cycle wings, custom built stainless silencer and suspension set-up by Neil Garner.
Cheers so far guys.
I think it it probably a Live axle, I've been reading up on them, and I know they are old skool, but are they that bad on a bumpy road?
The engine is sounding more and more interesting, guessing it's putting out anywhere between 140-180hp judging from the specs. Hopefully if we get to view it a test drive will tell all. It looks to be in pretty good condition form the pics, and bit older so has some classic chic that a 58 plate 7 may not have.
I think it it probably a Live axle, I've been reading up on them, and I know they are old skool, but are they that bad on a bumpy road?
The engine is sounding more and more interesting, guessing it's putting out anywhere between 140-180hp judging from the specs. Hopefully if we get to view it a test drive will tell all. It looks to be in pretty good condition form the pics, and bit older so has some classic chic that a 58 plate 7 may not have.
Hi,
Seeing your location as Merseyside, the MADS area meet (Merseyside & District) takes place on the last Wednesday of the month - this week then! - at Daresbury. There is a thread usually posted on Blatchat to remind folks. http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=209839 Thus saying that, Christmas might upset things although I don't think it will as this Wednesday is a normal day.
With regards the live axle question, a De Dion car does flow more smoothly over a bumpy road if you are travelling at speed but a live axle car is still very acceptable for most situations.
T
Seeing your location as Merseyside, the MADS area meet (Merseyside & District) takes place on the last Wednesday of the month - this week then! - at Daresbury. There is a thread usually posted on Blatchat to remind folks. http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=209839 Thus saying that, Christmas might upset things although I don't think it will as this Wednesday is a normal day.
With regards the live axle question, a De Dion car does flow more smoothly over a bumpy road if you are travelling at speed but a live axle car is still very acceptable for most situations.
T
Supra Chewie said:
Buy anything. They're so easy to work on and upgrade with loads of bits for sale on Pistonheads, ebay and Lotus 7 Club. A year ago I bought a 97 Roadsport with a James Whiting 2.0L Zetec with 13k miles. It was immaculate with zero corrosion. Since then I've fitted OMEX 600 with Jenvey throttle bodies, widetrack suspension, Nitrons, Caterham 8 spokes with R888s, JPE aeroscreen, Radtec radiator, rear anti-roll bar, FIA rollover bar, Caterham composite tillet seats, carbon cycle wings, custom built stainless silencer and suspension set-up by Neil Garner.
What's the total cost so far? LA or DD?BErt
Tango7 said:
Hi,
Seeing your location as Merseyside, the MADS area meet (Merseyside & District) takes place on the last Wednesday of the month - this week then! - at Daresbury. There is a thread usually posted on Blatchat to remind folks. http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=209839 Thus saying that, Christmas might upset things although I don't think it will as this Wednesday is a normal day.
With regards the live axle question, a De Dion car does flow more smoothly over a bumpy road if you are travelling at speed but a live axle car is still very acceptable for most situations.
T
http://blatchat.com/t.asp?id=211889Seeing your location as Merseyside, the MADS area meet (Merseyside & District) takes place on the last Wednesday of the month - this week then! - at Daresbury. There is a thread usually posted on Blatchat to remind folks. http://www.blatchat.com/t.asp?id=209839 Thus saying that, Christmas might upset things although I don't think it will as this Wednesday is a normal day.
With regards the live axle question, a De Dion car does flow more smoothly over a bumpy road if you are travelling at speed but a live axle car is still very acceptable for most situations.
T
Looks like someone wants to meet up
The 1800 zetec is a nice runner but will probably be the limit for the live axle without serious money being spent on upgrades.
saying that mine's an 1800 zetec, running with DCOE 40 carbs and live axle with 150BHP, and is certainly enough to be fun as well as running in the L7C Speed championship.
If your thinking that you might be hunkering for more power later on look for a de-dion based chassis, as it will save you heart ache.
saying that mine's an 1800 zetec, running with DCOE 40 carbs and live axle with 150BHP, and is certainly enough to be fun as well as running in the L7C Speed championship.
If your thinking that you might be hunkering for more power later on look for a de-dion based chassis, as it will save you heart ache.
Earlier Ford 'English' axle cars can take 250+ BHP it's the Ital axle that's the limiting factor on the later 'Live' axle cars'
The car you mentioned in the first post probably has the 'English' axle
The easy way to find out which is to ask the seller the Wheel PCD - Ford 'English' axle [and later de dion] have a 108PCD the Ital I believe has 100mm pcd [though I could be wrong on the exact pcd on Itals - having never owned one]
Hope this helps
Mal
The car you mentioned in the first post probably has the 'English' axle
The easy way to find out which is to ask the seller the Wheel PCD - Ford 'English' axle [and later de dion] have a 108PCD the Ital I believe has 100mm pcd [though I could be wrong on the exact pcd on Itals - having never owned one]
Hope this helps
Mal
Edited by S47 on Wednesday 28th December 11:11
little update, we bought the car! turns out it has dedion rear axle, is long cockpit and has 140hp at the rear wheels, plenty for now, with some scope for tuning. The sound was larvley, in all a really nice car.
Car being delivered tomorrow, and will hopefully have some photos up.
Car being delivered tomorrow, and will hopefully have some photos up.
Edited by jackh707 on Thursday 29th December 21:15
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff