Caterhams as road cars
Discussion
Consensus amongst most drivers is that 13" are the best. They are lighter than the larger ones (lower unsprung weight and lower rotational inertia) and a good range of suitable performance tyres are available (Yokohama A021R and A048R, Avon CR500 and ACB10, etc.). Caterhams don't seem to like the really low profile that you would need with 15" or 16" wheels as much of the supple ride comes from the flexible tyre walls. Having said that Caterham now fit 15" as standard on the new CSR.
This is it. With the factory fitting 15s now, it makes you wonder whether 13s are actually best, as I had reliably been told.
Is there any chance that the high-walled 60-series 13" tyre is very heavy, compared to a little 45-series tyre on a 15?
>> Edited by V8 OHV on Monday 11th July 17:24
Is there any chance that the high-walled 60-series 13" tyre is very heavy, compared to a little 45-series tyre on a 15?
>> Edited by V8 OHV on Monday 11th July 17:24
Caterham's choice of wheel and tyre combinations has historically had an awful lot more to do with manufacturer tie ups than it has with what's best for its little car (the Michelin Pilot used to be standard fit, and is probably the worst tyre ever fitted to a 7).
Also, the SV is becoming the "bulk" (
) chassis with them now, and these definitely look better on 15"ers (may even handle better).
Caterham do lots of silly things with their cars straight out of the factory - no FIA bar as standard, 15" wheels, fitting wheels with crap tyres as standard, not setting the suspension up properly. It's a damn good job the underlying product is so frickin good or they wouldn't have lasted beyond Christmas 1973.
Now, stop messing about and get looking for a car with proper 13" wheels.
PS There used to be different wing stays available for cars that were destined to always run 13"s. So it's worth looking for a car that has always had this size wheel (they hug the wheel better and look much nicer).
Also, look for a car whose wings have been bonded on, and don't have that stupid indicator on the wing (it's almost bigger than the wing). The little aesthetic differences make a big difference overall (and to that end, don't spray your rims yellow!).
Also, the SV is becoming the "bulk" (
) chassis with them now, and these definitely look better on 15"ers (may even handle better). Caterham do lots of silly things with their cars straight out of the factory - no FIA bar as standard, 15" wheels, fitting wheels with crap tyres as standard, not setting the suspension up properly. It's a damn good job the underlying product is so frickin good or they wouldn't have lasted beyond Christmas 1973.
Now, stop messing about and get looking for a car with proper 13" wheels.
PS There used to be different wing stays available for cars that were destined to always run 13"s. So it's worth looking for a car that has always had this size wheel (they hug the wheel better and look much nicer).
Also, look for a car whose wings have been bonded on, and don't have that stupid indicator on the wing (it's almost bigger than the wing). The little aesthetic differences make a big difference overall (and to that end, don't spray your rims yellow!).
)
I think its fair to say that 13" wheels give you the most options in terms of tyres and wheels.
Generally the only reason to fit larger diameter, heavier wheels is so that bigger brakes can be fitted - not an issue on a Caterham.
The smaller wheels also allow you to boast down the pub about your lower unsprung weight and reduced rotational inertia.
I'd second the suggestion on the other thread of looking for a Superlight R/R400. With 13" wheels, naturally.
Generally the only reason to fit larger diameter, heavier wheels is so that bigger brakes can be fitted - not an issue on a Caterham.
The smaller wheels also allow you to boast down the pub about your lower unsprung weight and reduced rotational inertia.
I'd second the suggestion on the other thread of looking for a Superlight R/R400. With 13" wheels, naturally.
V8 OHV said:
70-series? Blimey, I thought they went out with The Arc.
Probably in the UK you have better roads, but here in Italy they are very bumpy and full of potholes. The ride is way too harsh with a /60 profile tyre.
PS don't the Academy race cars also run on 185/70r13 tyres?
>> Edited by Scalper on Tuesday 12th July 13:24
Scalper said:
[quote=V8 OHV]70-series? Blimey, I thought they went out with The Arc.
Probably in the UK you have better roads, but here in Italy they are very bumpy and full of potholes. The ride is way too harsh with a /60 profile tyre.
My main drive has 35-series tyres on 19s as standard!
70 series tyres are fine, though I run 60s. 70s are a fair bit cheaper and help the ride a bit at the expense of a bit of control. But not much.
14" wheels are OK. I had them on mine for the first year or so. Then I tried 13"s with proper rubber. Significantly better.
The SVs a different car to a standard chassis, and I would urge anyone who can fit in a standard chassis to do so.
14" wheels are OK. I had them on mine for the first year or so. Then I tried 13"s with proper rubber. Significantly better.
The SVs a different car to a standard chassis, and I would urge anyone who can fit in a standard chassis to do so.
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