sv handling

[hodgre]

I'm sure its been asked before but deciding between superlight with standard chassis or sv. Tried standard car and a tight fit so if I go for sv will I be sacrificing much in the way of handling agility?
Also I recall seeing one post indicating that sv pedal spacing can make heel and toe difficult.

Will be doing a significant number of trackdays but drive car to circuits.

[huwp]

Try one.

I have no problem with heal and toe in my SV. In fact the wider pedal box has other advantages in terms of the footwear you can use and comfort on longer journeys.

Having driven both the SV is a little heavier and that will compromise braking and acceleration performance. Whether you'll notice is another matter.

Some would say (me included) that handling in the SV is actually better than the standard car.

My one regret at only 5'11" is that I didn't go for lowered floors - at least on the driver's side. Tillets would probably see me sat lower in the car compared to leather seats. I haven't tried the new leather seats.

Best option is still to compare. Can you get to a local L7C meeting?

[jackh707]

I'm 6 foot and no shrinking violet, sans goatee i might add, and I have no difficulty in the standard car, it's snug, but in a good way.

[Tango7]

huwp said:

My one regret at only 5'11" is that I didn't go for lowered floors - at least on the driver's side.

They can easily be retro fitted. I have just had mine done. I would have both sides lowered rather than just the drivers otherwise the headrest height will look a little strange from the rear

[2slo]

I couldn't comment on the handling differences between an S3 and an SV having only driven a couple of different variants of each but, since you're considering an SV, I'll assume you aren't of small build. I'm not comfortable in an S3 although I do fit in. I drove several back to back before ordering an SV and I'm honestly glad I did, the difference in space inside makes it comfortable to drive rather than compromised. Try both before you decide.

[hodgre]

Thanks for comments
just bought a r400 SV and having lowered floor retro fitted as agree it makes big difference.
SV did feel a little more stable (probably my imagination) and as noted I doubt whether I'd notice the extra 25kg.
Overall thought that extra comfort especially being able to rest clutch foot outweighed any slight loss in nimbleness

[chris_speed]

Evo long ago mentioned that it didn't feel like you 'wore' the SV sized Seven like you did an S3. Put the right seat in it though, and that's a moot point. Go for the SV. I would if I had the budget A larger sized chassis doesn't seem to do the CSR260's handling any harm!

[mickrick]

The weight difference is a moot point to, as an SV is still lighter than a VX engined car.
The thing that won me over to the SV was the fact that with two people in an S3, you're rubbing shoulders. I like a bit of elbow room.
Anyway congrats on your purchase!

[Steve-B]

On the issue of braking that's not an issue at all. Just install uprated / bug brakes in front and you're done. With this very easy upgrade, there is -0- difference in braking distances or speed contrary to Huwp's (sorry Huw) point.

Besides, brakes are over rated anyway -- using the right pedal correctly with a six-speed box I don't use them a lot anyway

[huwp]

Steve-B said:

On the issue of braking that's not an issue at all. Just install uprated / bug brakes in front and you're done. With this very easy upgrade, there is -0- difference in braking distances or speed contrary to Huwp's (sorry Huw) point.

Besides, brakes are over rated anyway -- using the right pedal correctly with a six-speed box I don't use them a lot anyway

I have the upgraded brakes on mine. I found the standard set up just wasn't confidence inspiring enough.

However the point that I was making is that (again subject to someone actually noticing it every day) the extra weight in an SV, all other things being equal, will compromise braking performance by the laws of physics. Therefore if you take an SV and a Standard Car and put the upgraded brakes on both the SV will have longer braking distances.

It's trite to say that a SV with the brake upgrade will out brake a standard car without.

On a lighter note (pun intended) if I could lose a couple (or three) stone I'm sure that would help.

OP I think you've made a great purchase by the way.

[130g]

huwp said:

However the point that I was making is that (again subject to someone actually noticing it every day) the extra weight in an SV, all other things being equal, will compromise braking performance by the laws of physics.

7faq disagrees with you on that
http://7faq.com/owbase/ow.asp?HowDoI%2FBrake

Right at the bottom:

7faq said:

The braking efficiency of a Se7en will NOT be better because it's lighter than the average 'tintop'.
The reduced kinetic energy of a Se7en, that 'might' be thought to give it an advantage while braking also gives reduced friction between the tyre contact patches and the road; the two effects cancel-out - Bummer!