Caterham R500k help
Discussion
Hi there
I don’t normally do forums so be gentle.
I am after some help or information about the R500 k series.
I am looking at buying a k series car for some fun. I recently drove an R300 and Then went to look at a Fluro yellow super light and while they were capable cars, I felt like I possibly need a little more. So is the R500 a completely different animal? Or is the R400 far enough?
I have driven a lot of quick cars over the years but never been in a caterham up until now.
Not wanting to start a which is best argument just owners experience with cars.
Thanks in advance
I don’t normally do forums so be gentle.
I am after some help or information about the R500 k series.
I am looking at buying a k series car for some fun. I recently drove an R300 and Then went to look at a Fluro yellow super light and while they were capable cars, I felt like I possibly need a little more. So is the R500 a completely different animal? Or is the R400 far enough?
I have driven a lot of quick cars over the years but never been in a caterham up until now.
Not wanting to start a which is best argument just owners experience with cars.
Thanks in advance
R500 was/is an awesome car, very light and very quick. I had a 2002 one for a couple of years several years ago. It initially suffered poor drivability at low revs so I got it remapped and afterwords it was much better, it still made the advertised 230bhp. They have strong residuals and if you can find a good unmolested well looked after one you'll not lose money.
I have just sold mine. Its an awesome car - but frankly its simply too much. I am glad I have owned one as not many people get the opportunity. You simpoly cannot extract the performance on the road safely and its hard to on a track unless you are very experienced but the pleasure of having one in the garage and being able to take it out whenever is an unforgetttable experience.
Dafyd richards said:
Thanks for that.
Was it on roller barrels or normal Jenvey type throttle bodies?
Was it just as you come off idle it jolts about?
It was completely original on the Caterham Roller Barrels. It originally was a bit kangarooish at low speeds. Most of this was sorted at the remap. Was it on roller barrels or normal Jenvey type throttle bodies?
Was it just as you come off idle it jolts about?
I was in a similar position last year, did all my research and had decided that an R300K was for me, drove a couple but was slightly underwhelmed, once I had test drove the R500K (That I subsequently purchased) I knew this was the one. To me they are not just faster, but somehow feel more special. I know some people say they are a little too much for the road but I think that is part of the appeal. I haven't used mine as much as I would like but do manage the odd road blast and track day, I have really enjoyed it. Mine is standard on Roller barrels and did have a slight flat spot at 3-4000 revs, took it to Northampton motorsport and they re-mapped the original MBE ecu. It managed just shy of 230 bhp and now drives really nicely on road and track apart from some very, very light shunting at light loads, however that may be me .
Dafyd richards said:
I agree, it’s not that the r300 was bad at all, I just felt like I wanted another step more, I would like to try an r400 just in case that is just a little more friendly at the top end of the Rev range and not so hair trigger.
Just need to find one of each for sale...
If you drove it "quickly" like you would most other performance cars the R300 would feel quite mild .... if you'd rung it's neck you'd have had a different impression! Having driven Caterhams from 140bhp to 240bhp, the higher power cars are intoxicating in a straight line, but for driver enjoyment on the road getting a lower powered car on song is much more rewarding. Sevens aren't about straight line speed.Just need to find one of each for sale...
I’ve only been an R500 owner for a few weeks but it’s hilarious fun. I know the purist view is that straight line performance is boring but I find the top-end mania of the K-Series utterly intoxicating. I feel like Fangio in a 250F every time I drive it (without the talent, obviously...). It adds a welcome element of peril to every drive.
I've owned my 7 for nearly 25yrs.
Started as a 1.4K Supersport and gradually evolved...it's around R400K spec now (or what was SLR spec).
I also owned an R500 at the same time for a period (long story).
If you want a car to use on the road for fun as well as the track, the R400 spec is ideal IMO.
I never gelled fully with the R500. Power delivery is quite different to an R400 and, frankly, the extra power isn't fully exploitable on the road. You have to be careful with this IMO, especially these days. The real fun in driving comes from being able to extend a car. If you have to ease off after not many seconds because the speeds are getting too high, or because the roads aren't track smooth and you're bouncing too much, the fun eases off.
For that reason, an R300 (/SL) also works really well. Once you learn to really drive a 7, even that spec is incredibly quick. My only caution there is that on track they can be a little frustrating on longer straights, especially when sharing track time with more powerful cars that aren't as good at cornering - you easily catch them through the corners, then they don't let you past on straights. R400 type spec is enough to mitigate that.
My suggestion would be to take time choosing. Maybe rent an SL/R300 spec car for track days a few times and get some tuition. Get a decent driver to take you round - it will open your eyes to how fast even lower powered cars can go and how much driving technique matters. That technique can be applied on the road without insane speeds.
After that, if you still think more power is necessary, an R400/SLR spec car is probably the landing place.
All IMO
Started as a 1.4K Supersport and gradually evolved...it's around R400K spec now (or what was SLR spec).
I also owned an R500 at the same time for a period (long story).
If you want a car to use on the road for fun as well as the track, the R400 spec is ideal IMO.
I never gelled fully with the R500. Power delivery is quite different to an R400 and, frankly, the extra power isn't fully exploitable on the road. You have to be careful with this IMO, especially these days. The real fun in driving comes from being able to extend a car. If you have to ease off after not many seconds because the speeds are getting too high, or because the roads aren't track smooth and you're bouncing too much, the fun eases off.
For that reason, an R300 (/SL) also works really well. Once you learn to really drive a 7, even that spec is incredibly quick. My only caution there is that on track they can be a little frustrating on longer straights, especially when sharing track time with more powerful cars that aren't as good at cornering - you easily catch them through the corners, then they don't let you past on straights. R400 type spec is enough to mitigate that.
My suggestion would be to take time choosing. Maybe rent an SL/R300 spec car for track days a few times and get some tuition. Get a decent driver to take you round - it will open your eyes to how fast even lower powered cars can go and how much driving technique matters. That technique can be applied on the road without insane speeds.
After that, if you still think more power is necessary, an R400/SLR spec car is probably the landing place.
All IMO
Dafyd richards said:
Really appreciate your comments, very useful and I think pretty much the conclusion I have been leaning too.
NP.Dafyd richards said:
Really appreciate your comments, very useful and I think pretty much the conclusion I have been leaning too.
NP.As a bit of extra insight, not long after getting mine I went on my first track day to Snetterton. I really wasn't enjoying it and had started to wonder what all the fuss was about. Was then taken round in the car by a professional race driver and my eyes were opened in terms of how quick a 130bhp car could could be and how s
t I was at driving The same driver then went pax with me. It really didn't take long to start getting the hang of it. Basically to have much more faith in the car and to lean on it, but to do so delicately. Very importanly t learn the art of carrying speed (something I'd had some experience with in karts). Never looked back (and went back to Snetterton with a friend who was new to 7s to help him out). Was doing 7-8 track days a year at my peak.
Haven't actually used mine for a number of years since having kids. But my boys are now showing an interest in it so it will be going back on the road in the next 12mths or so. I can't wait
One other consideration is that these cars are ripe for upgraditis...starting with something like an SL and then taking it up the ladder to perfectly match what you want to your own tastes is part of the ownership experience IMO.
Worth also noting that that same "configurability" could easily mean cars don't "feel" right initially. I tried a few "factory" cars over time and felt they understeered too much. Just be mindful that this sort of thing can be changed quite readily. These are not "normal" cars
Enjoy the search. I can remember like it was yesterday picking mine up from the hill in Caterham where the showroom used to be. Super exciting.
Dafyd richards said:
Hi there
I don’t normally do forums so be gentle.
I am after some help or information about the R500 k series.
I am looking at buying a k series car for some fun. I recently drove an R300 and Then went to look at a Fluro yellow super light and while they were capable cars, I felt like I possibly need a little more. So is the R500 a completely different animal? Or is the R400 far enough?
I have driven a lot of quick cars over the years but never been in a caterham up until now.
Not wanting to start a which is best argument just owners experience with cars.
Thanks in advance
I have had an R400K for about 14 years, I use other Caterhams for the Track and in the past chased a Exige around Brands Hatch in an 1800 super sport, it was more than a match for the Exige, the R300 is a bit quicker the R400 again and have never felt the need for an R500. I don’t normally do forums so be gentle.
I am after some help or information about the R500 k series.
I am looking at buying a k series car for some fun. I recently drove an R300 and Then went to look at a Fluro yellow super light and while they were capable cars, I felt like I possibly need a little more. So is the R500 a completely different animal? Or is the R400 far enough?
I have driven a lot of quick cars over the years but never been in a caterham up until now.
Not wanting to start a which is best argument just owners experience with cars.
Thanks in advance
As a road car they are all fast, but consider that R's after a few hours of driving they are tiring compared with something like the super sport the R's have been described as all Fur and Claws, and I think that's about right.
Pay your money and take your choice
With all 7 type cars, they are very tyre and spring/damper sensitive. Sometimes less is more. You see a lot running 48Rs or similar and running quite stiff suspension.
Unless you're lap timing, you can have more fun on road AND track running softer suspension and tyres with less grip. Breakaway is more progressive, and it's easier to feel like a hero holding that perfect 7 drift angle.
Something to factor in when deciding on 300 vs 400 vs 500 power.
Unless you're lap timing, you can have more fun on road AND track running softer suspension and tyres with less grip. Breakaway is more progressive, and it's easier to feel like a hero holding that perfect 7 drift angle.
Something to factor in when deciding on 300 vs 400 vs 500 power.
Hmm, that’s all really helpful advice thanks.
I like the softer setup and having progression in the damping. Stuff is great but.
I need to try a 400. I went and drove the
“500 evolution” that was for sale. Yes it was a bit of an on off switch in terms of power delivery, the diff backlash along with quaife box was horrific and kind of ruined the Experience.
The turn in was great but it was way too stiff on damping, for fast country roads.
I’m sure on track it would possibly come together. And sorting a lot of the issues would result in a much nicer package.
I also went to look at F1URO which was a far nicer Experience to go in, but needed a fair bit of work to get to the standard I want.
The R300 that Andy noble took me out in was a beautiful car, perfect handling etc just needed a touch more power...
The search goes on...
I like the softer setup and having progression in the damping. Stuff is great but.
I need to try a 400. I went and drove the
“500 evolution” that was for sale. Yes it was a bit of an on off switch in terms of power delivery, the diff backlash along with quaife box was horrific and kind of ruined the Experience.
The turn in was great but it was way too stiff on damping, for fast country roads.
I’m sure on track it would possibly come together. And sorting a lot of the issues would result in a much nicer package.
I also went to look at F1URO which was a far nicer Experience to go in, but needed a fair bit of work to get to the standard I want.
The R300 that Andy noble took me out in was a beautiful car, perfect handling etc just needed a touch more power...
The search goes on...
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