Caterham 420R Spec Check

[euan_k]

Getting close to pulling the trigger on a self build track focused 420R. Spec check required!

Let me know what you think, anything needing changed? Anything useless and should get rid of. Anything missing?

https://www.caterhamcars.com/en/configurator?pagem...

[The spinner of plates]

Looks lovely.

Personally I preferred 13” wheels, but each to their own.

If you like it, hit that ‘buy it now’ button!

[DCL]

I purchased a very similar spec.

My regrets were buying the heater and weather equipment.

Apart from a few early days I've never use either as the Caterham was only used as fun car. You don't have fun in the wet and cold - or at least you have so much adrenaline flowing in those conditions that you don't need them. Spend the money on 13 inch wheels.

Edited by DCL on Tuesday 14th September 13:58

[The spinner of plates]

Haha, I always thought the heater was excellent!

...at broiling my left shin and nothing else

[euan_k]

Thanks for the thoughts. I should probably qualify this all with the fact that I live in Scotland.

I've heard the heater is basically useless, but thought possibly handy for sunny winter driving when it's very chilly? Not that expensive an option, possibly better to have and not use than to miss it when it's freezing?

Weather equipment wise, I'm keen to have the interchangeable aero screen / windscreen option and full weather kit is included in that. Also, Scottish surprise downpours are a concern.

Have also head the 13" wheels are better for track, but I just love the way the 15" look. I suppose I can get 13s for the track in due course if 15s don't cut it.

[The spinner of plates]

Weather gear / heating for bad weather... I found that appropriate clothing was more effective than anything the car could offer.

[DCL]

I am in Central Scotland and recall my first 'aero' experience was a winter night drive between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Almost freezing conditions in the rain. It was a bit of an eye opener as to how pleasant it was with proper clothes on. A Caterham is really more like a motorbike than a car. Once you've tried the weather kit with its stuffy little cockpit with poor visibility, I expect your thoughts about trying to replicate tin top comforts will change. Caterham only market the kit as most new customers demand it (a bit like yourself), and it's good business for them.

But I think every new Caterham buyer would change the spec if they bought again, so you're on a well trodden path. Enjoy the car

Edited by DCL on Tuesday 14th September 17:41

[PH User]

Get the smaller wheels, they look better and will work better on bumpy roads.

Maybe think about a full cage if it's for track work.

[Tazio77]

Buy the 13 inch wheels, the cars simply work better on them, and surely that's the point?

[jeremyc]

My weather gear and full windscreen has never left the shelf in my garage.

I do have a heater though. And 13" wheels.

[Equus]

euan_k said:

Scottish surprise downpours are a concern.

You'll be piss wet through and the sun will have come out again by the time you get the hood unpacked and erected, so I wouldn't worry about it.

I'm with others: wet weather gear is a waste of time on this sort of car. And the windscreen is most useful as an air brake (possibly also for killing midges, if you're in Scotland).

[Tupwood]

Go for the 13" wheels… better tyre flex over the bumps and more poise in the corners.

The heater does work, but so does the transmission tunnel 'heating', both will keep you warm (ish) but neither is instant heat. I run mine with Brooklands screens (old school aero) and a half-tonneau cover. The cover helps retain most of the heat, and repels some of the water when its wet. A half door on the driver's side works for this too. Heated jackets (motorcylce style) are also quite popular with some owners – good waterproof and windproof clothing is a must.

[Kenty in Weardale]

Am I the only person who finds their heater quite effective (at 50mph or less) and uses it quite a bit?

Has to be said that I am a southern softie exiled in the cold dark freezing wastelands of the North Pennines (and loving it)

Half hoods are good for the weather we get here as well

[agatebox]

Heater yes, half hood yes, full weather gear only when you’ve no other car to drive at the time and the weather’s horrible.
Aeroscreen is great fun and gives you much more sense of freedom but on the road be prepared to be peppered by low flying road detritus, eye protection a must.

[euan_k]

jeremyc said:

My weather gear and full windscreen has never left the shelf in my garage.

I do have a heater though. And 13" wheels.

Awesome looking thing!!

What about leaving in a car park e.g. if you're away in the car for the weekend? You just leave it open to the elements? Surely you'd want something to cover the interior?

[jeremyc]

euan_k said:

jeremyc said:

My weather gear and full windscreen has never left the shelf in my garage.

I do have a heater though. And 13" wheels.

Awesome looking thing!!

What about leaving in a car park e.g. if you're away in the car for the weekend? You just leave it open to the elements? Surely you'd want something to cover the interior?

I have a tonneau cover that protects the interior when parked up (and travelling on my open trailer).

[slime bomb]

13" wheels, aero and a heater has always worked for me.

[BertBert]

Well the full screen v aero screen debate has been done to death, but to add balance to the number of aero lovers on here, I much prefer the full screen and doors, for me much more practical and means I use the car more. But each to their own.

[PH User]

Surely you would need a helmet if you're going aero? The damage that a stone can do on a windscreen would be enough for me to think that sunglasses arent enough!

[BertBert]

PH User said:

Surely you would need a helmet if you're going aero? The damage that a stone can do on a windscreen would be enough for me to think that sunglasses arent enough!

That was one of the practical problems for me, being a glasses-wearer, I never worked that out. You can get protective goggles or polycarb glasses to protect your eyes, but I would have needed prescription ones. And even then if you are nervous of a stone in the head, only a helmet will do. I suspect that having eye protection is fine almost all the time. But it didn't work for me. Mind you that was at the time before the k-R500 engine issues were sorted, so I had the additional angst of whether the motor would be ok and in the end moved on to a lesser Caterham (1600 k ss) with screen. Happy days all round.

And now I am back with even less power and an older one with my new to me live axle 1600 crossflow. Whoops getting off topic now!