Getting to know my first Se7en :)
Discussion
Happy to confirm that ordering an SV after my test of one at Gatwick was possibly one of my best decisions yet ! Now running in my car after delivery a fortnight ago. Fierce clutch gradually easing and/or my left leg acclimatising ..... only stalled once yesterday... steers like no other car I ever met... terrific 
Ford engine pulls like a lion even under low rev 'running in' use. Cockpit so comfortable for me (6'1" and slimmish though no longer a babe magnet). Actually have to pull seat forward to drive it. The normal leather 'street' seats, perfect for me. Very nicely made car. Side screens a boon after cars like Cobras with no side screens; beanie hat stays on @ 60 mph. 5 speed box sweet. Asked for 'street suspension' but I notice it has Eibach dampers... was expecting Bilstein ? Handbook advises 'engine off when checking oil level' (dry sump).. dealer advises 'engine on'. Popper's on 'boot lid' not good for a guitarist's fingertips.. how tight is that cover stretched ? Avon ZZS seemed a little slippy on damp surface at first but scrubbed in now with 150 miles up. Ride not at all bad (De Dion, not CSR independent rear). Would Bilsteins soften it further ? Went for 15" wheels as I like the aesthetic. But overall impression... a truly great car and a keeper ! 
Ford engine pulls like a lion even under low rev 'running in' use. Cockpit so comfortable for me (6'1" and slimmish though no longer a babe magnet). Actually have to pull seat forward to drive it. The normal leather 'street' seats, perfect for me. Very nicely made car. Side screens a boon after cars like Cobras with no side screens; beanie hat stays on @ 60 mph. 5 speed box sweet. Asked for 'street suspension' but I notice it has Eibach dampers... was expecting Bilstein ? Handbook advises 'engine off when checking oil level' (dry sump).. dealer advises 'engine on'. Popper's on 'boot lid' not good for a guitarist's fingertips.. how tight is that cover stretched ? Avon ZZS seemed a little slippy on damp surface at first but scrubbed in now with 150 miles up. Ride not at all bad (De Dion, not CSR independent rear). Would Bilsteins soften it further ? Went for 15" wheels as I like the aesthetic. But overall impression... a truly great car and a keeper ! Very nice! It’s a 420, I presume?
I’ve never heard of Eibach dampers on a Caterham, although I believe the springs are made by Eibach.
Checking the oil level in the dry sump tank is a tricky one & different people seem to use different methods. With the engine running, I find it very difficult to see where the level is, as there is oil streaming in at the top of the tank, obscuring your view.
I have the optional dry sump tank filler cap with an integrated dip stick. I find that does at least give some indication of the level, although it is more variable than a conventional wet sump. I leave the engine running, while I remove the bonnet & nose cone, then switch the engine off & immediately check the level. I’ve heard people say ‘just top up the level until a bit of oil is blown into the catch tank’, so I guess that’s another method to consider. The dry sump has a greater capacity than the wet sump, so I suspect getting the level absolutely right isn’t quite so critical.
I find ZZS tyres aren’t as grippy at this time of the year as they are during the summer months. Like most track day tyres. You might be surprised by how much grip you have in the spring!
Anyway, congratulations & enjoy!
I’ve never heard of Eibach dampers on a Caterham, although I believe the springs are made by Eibach.
Checking the oil level in the dry sump tank is a tricky one & different people seem to use different methods. With the engine running, I find it very difficult to see where the level is, as there is oil streaming in at the top of the tank, obscuring your view.
I have the optional dry sump tank filler cap with an integrated dip stick. I find that does at least give some indication of the level, although it is more variable than a conventional wet sump. I leave the engine running, while I remove the bonnet & nose cone, then switch the engine off & immediately check the level. I’ve heard people say ‘just top up the level until a bit of oil is blown into the catch tank’, so I guess that’s another method to consider. The dry sump has a greater capacity than the wet sump, so I suspect getting the level absolutely right isn’t quite so critical.
I find ZZS tyres aren’t as grippy at this time of the year as they are during the summer months. Like most track day tyres. You might be surprised by how much grip you have in the spring!
Anyway, congratulations & enjoy!
Congrats on your new Seven.
Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
ghibbett said:
Congrats on your new Seven.
Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
Awesome modification. Many check the oil when running though, is that definitely wrong?Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
Blue 7 said:
Very nice! It’s a 420, I presume?
I’ve never heard of Eibach dampers on a Caterham, although I believe the springs are made by Eibach.
Checking the oil level in the dry sump tank is a tricky one & different people seem to use different methods. With the engine running, I find it very difficult to see where the level is, as there is oil streaming in at the top of the tank, obscuring your view.
I have the optional dry sump tank filler cap with an integrated dip stick. I find that does at least give some indication of the level, although it is more variable than a conventional wet sump. I leave the engine running, while I remove the bonnet & nose cone, then switch the engine off & immediately check the level. I’ve heard people say ‘just top up the level until a bit of oil is blown into the catch tank’, so I guess that’s another method to consider. The dry sump has a greater capacity than the wet sump, so I suspect getting the level absolutely right isn’t quite so critical.
I find ZZS tyres aren’t as grippy at this time of the year as they are during the summer months. Like most track day tyres. You might be surprised by how much grip you have in the spring!
Anyway, congratulations & enjoy!
Thanks Blue, I may be mistaken; maybe the springs had Eibach written on them ! Excellent info re the oil level, And the ZZS tyres I’ve never heard of Eibach dampers on a Caterham, although I believe the springs are made by Eibach.
Checking the oil level in the dry sump tank is a tricky one & different people seem to use different methods. With the engine running, I find it very difficult to see where the level is, as there is oil streaming in at the top of the tank, obscuring your view.
I have the optional dry sump tank filler cap with an integrated dip stick. I find that does at least give some indication of the level, although it is more variable than a conventional wet sump. I leave the engine running, while I remove the bonnet & nose cone, then switch the engine off & immediately check the level. I’ve heard people say ‘just top up the level until a bit of oil is blown into the catch tank’, so I guess that’s another method to consider. The dry sump has a greater capacity than the wet sump, so I suspect getting the level absolutely right isn’t quite so critical.
I find ZZS tyres aren’t as grippy at this time of the year as they are during the summer months. Like most track day tyres. You might be surprised by how much grip you have in the spring!
Anyway, congratulations & enjoy!
Yes 420R. Paul ghibbett said:
Congrats on your new Seven.
Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
Superb upgrade, thanks GHibbett Regarding the oil on a DS Tank, the general advice is to run the engine until oil warm, then switch off and check the level immediately. It should sit around/just under the first baffle (horizontal plate within the DS Tank). Keep an eye on the catch tank as this will show signs of overfilling.
Caterham do sell a DS dipstick, and I did have one, but found it pretty useless in reality. I sold it and had the Premier Power sight tube modification added to mine, so can now check oil level without even having to remove the nosecone!
My mistake, yes Bilstein blue sticker on dampers ! Eibach springs. One thing I do notice is noise/vibration from behind me, maybe driveline shunt on closed throttle when changing gear etc. or LSD ? As Captain Slow of Caterham pilots I doubt the LSD is of great benefit to me but that's what you get on the R Pack cars
Edited by paul gee on Saturday 1st January 14:23
paul gee said:
One thing I do notice is noise/vibration from behind me, maybe driveline shunt on closed throttle when changing gear etc. or LSD ? As Captain Slow of Caterham pilots I doubt the LSD is of great benefit to me but that's what you get on the R Pack cars
Ah yes, that sounds like classic Titan LSD noise. Caterham used to fit Titan diffs with carbon coated plates, which were quieter, but the carbon coating would wear off over time. My diff had no carbon left on the plates at all after just 4500 miles. These days they’re fitting Titans with sintered steel plates, which are noisier, but more durable. I replaced my Titan with a Tracsport LSD which is considerably quieter.With regards to the wheels, I had fifteen inch wheels on my car when I bought it. I’ve since changed to thirteen inch wheels & while the car does feel marginally better, I don’t think it’s the night & day difference people talk about. If you like the look of the Orcus wheels, I’d stick with them. I think SVs in particular do look better with larger wheels.
Cheers!
Nigel.
I don't know about night and day, but 13"s give better feedback, and are more progressive to break away, they give you much more control of sliding the car on the throttle. But if you like to look, you like the look, personally I would rather have something that works better, each to their own.
Regarding checking the oil level with dry sump, it's less critical than wet sump. As long as there's enough oil to supply the pump that's all you need.
The sight glass looks like a better option. From the picture above I see they just use compressed air quick fittings, nice cheap easy option.
I haven't driven one of the new Caterham's with the BMW diff, but they will always have a noisy drivetrain compared to any standard tin top. You are sitting on top of it with only a bit of tin foil between you and it. You will find as you drive the car more, you will develop better throttle control and you won't get so much backlash noise going on, and you'll get used to it anyway.
Regarding checking the oil level with dry sump, it's less critical than wet sump. As long as there's enough oil to supply the pump that's all you need.
The sight glass looks like a better option. From the picture above I see they just use compressed air quick fittings, nice cheap easy option.
I haven't driven one of the new Caterham's with the BMW diff, but they will always have a noisy drivetrain compared to any standard tin top. You are sitting on top of it with only a bit of tin foil between you and it. You will find as you drive the car more, you will develop better throttle control and you won't get so much backlash noise going on, and you'll get used to it anyway.
Blue 7 said:
paul gee said:
One thing I do notice is noise/vibration from behind me, maybe driveline shunt on closed throttle when changing gear etc. or LSD ? As Captain Slow of Caterham pilots I doubt the LSD is of great benefit to me but that's what you get on the R Pack cars
Ah yes, that sounds like classic Titan LSD noise. Caterham used to fit Titan diffs with carbon coated plates, which were quieter, but the carbon coating would wear off over time. My diff had no carbon left on the plates at all after just 4500 miles. These days they’re fitting Titans with sintered steel plates, which are noisier, but more durable. I replaced my Titan with a Tracsport LSD which is considerably quieter.With regards to the wheels, I had fifteen inch wheels on my car when I bought it. I’ve since changed to thirteen inch wheels & while the car does feel marginally better, I don’t think it’s the night & day difference people talk about. If you like the look of the Orcus wheels, I’d stick with them. I think SVs in particular do look better with larger wheels.
Cheers!
Nigel.
Thank you all so much, all the comments very helpful, as ever when a complete newcomer to a car its priceless info I certainly felt this week that my throttle control was slightly improved as I begin to bond with the car, plenty of room for improvement though, so that was a very good point. Fascinated to learn about the developments with the LSD, if it's durable then I can live with the noise, and consider a possible upgrade after the warranty expires in 2 years. Another surprise for me was the revelation that any upgrade of the motor, for instance the highly respected direct to head throttle body mod by Premier Power, would void my warranty ! Why would I want more power ? ...I don't, this thing pulls like a lion, but I'm hearing that driveability and mid range are even better, any ideas on this please. Paul
I certainly felt this week that my throttle control was slightly improved as I begin to bond with the car, plenty of room for improvement though, so that was a very good point. Fascinated to learn about the developments with the LSD, if it's durable then I can live with the noise, and consider a possible upgrade after the warranty expires in 2 years. Another surprise for me was the revelation that any upgrade of the motor, for instance the highly respected direct to head throttle body mod by Premier Power, would void my warranty ! Why would I want more power ? ...I don't, this thing pulls like a lion, but I'm hearing that driveability and mid range are even better, any ideas on this please. Paul I felt the same when I got my first Caterham. There’s so much to learn about their various foibles & idiosyncrasies (putting it diplomatically there!) but I think that’s part of the appeal of them.
Although I didn’t go down the Premier Power route, I did have a set of roller barrel throttle bodies fitted to my car earlier this year, along with a remap.
I tend to agree with you, regarding the power, I certainly didn’t feel like I needed more power, but my last Seven had Weber carbs & I did miss the rorty induction sound!
With the roller barrels, I find high revs are now far more of an event, with a proper, snarling growl & noticeably more shove at the top end. I also think the car has a sweeter, mellower tone to it throughout the rev range, that’s more akin to a car running carbs, although I guess that’s a subjective observation. The throttle response is a bit sharper too.
Driveability around town has been marginally improved, although I think the car was good in that respect on the standard intake. I did have a problem that seems to be common with the Duratec cars, where the car would want to cut out for five minutes or so after being started from cold. The roller barrels & remap have completely cured that & it now runs perfectly from cold.
It does have a tendency to pop & bang more stridently than it did before, when you lift off the throttle & I’ve been told that can knacker the catalytic converter over a period of time, but I’ve been running the car with a decat pipe.
At least the warranty period gives you time to enjoy the car as it is for a while & consider if you’d like to upgrade it or simply enjoy it as it is.
Regards!
Nigel.
) but I think that’s part of the appeal of them. Although I didn’t go down the Premier Power route, I did have a set of roller barrel throttle bodies fitted to my car earlier this year, along with a remap.
I tend to agree with you, regarding the power, I certainly didn’t feel like I needed more power, but my last Seven had Weber carbs & I did miss the rorty induction sound!
With the roller barrels, I find high revs are now far more of an event, with a proper, snarling growl & noticeably more shove at the top end. I also think the car has a sweeter, mellower tone to it throughout the rev range, that’s more akin to a car running carbs, although I guess that’s a subjective observation. The throttle response is a bit sharper too.
Driveability around town has been marginally improved, although I think the car was good in that respect on the standard intake. I did have a problem that seems to be common with the Duratec cars, where the car would want to cut out for five minutes or so after being started from cold. The roller barrels & remap have completely cured that & it now runs perfectly from cold.
It does have a tendency to pop & bang more stridently than it did before, when you lift off the throttle & I’ve been told that can knacker the catalytic converter over a period of time, but I’ve been running the car with a decat pipe.
At least the warranty period gives you time to enjoy the car as it is for a while & consider if you’d like to upgrade it or simply enjoy it as it is.
Regards!
Nigel.
Thanks so much Nigel, all understood Cold starts.. yes a little 'hunting' for a minute or two though it hasn't actually stalled. I do notice a little pop and bang sometimes coming off the gas as the car is, I imagine that must be hard labour for the cat ! Otherwise, the roller barrel mod sounds very interesting Best regards Paul
Cold starts.. yes a little 'hunting' for a minute or two though it hasn't actually stalled. I do notice a little pop and bang sometimes coming off the gas as the car is, I imagine that must be hard labour for the cat ! Otherwise, the roller barrel mod sounds very interesting Best regards PaulYour comment ref the warranty is not actually correct; Caterham sell their RBTB (Roller Barrel Throttle Body) kit as a fully warrantied upgrade. +10bhp, more mid-range torque and lots more (induction) noise.
My 420R has this, and was lots of fun, but I've subsequently had it properly mapped at Northampton Motorsport which has made the day-to-day drivability night and day compared with the std Caterham map. It starts instantly and settles to an immediate stable idle whether cold or hot. There's no kangaroo-ing and the throttle response is now instant (sometimes it would hesitate if snapping open the throttle). This is definitely something I'd recommend having done.
My 420R has this, and was lots of fun, but I've subsequently had it properly mapped at Northampton Motorsport which has made the day-to-day drivability night and day compared with the std Caterham map. It starts instantly and settles to an immediate stable idle whether cold or hot. There's no kangaroo-ing and the throttle response is now instant (sometimes it would hesitate if snapping open the throttle). This is definitely something I'd recommend having done.
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