engine upgrades for an SV

[pezzer]

I'm planning on buying a 1.8 140bhp SV (I know it's not a 'proper' caterham...I'm 6'2" with a large backside) but reckon I need a bit more punch. It's very difficult to find a 160bhp out there, so I was wondering if anyone knows how to uprate the power especially if I wanted to use it on a track?
Thanks

[jasonl]

Caterham can do a Supersport R conversion www.caterham.co.uk look under aftersales which takes this up to 160 bhp, or see Dave Andrews @ DVA Power who will be able to accomodate this.


>> Edited by jasonl on Friday 14th April 19:09

[rubystone]

Ex race R400 engines, dry sump systems, radioators and exhausts are available as complete packages now from racers forced to switth to Duratecs - priced at £2500 to £4500 - instant upgrade and you retian your old engine to chuck back into the car come resale time....a recent thread here mentions these at £2500

[pezzer]

Thanks guys. Very helpful. Is there a cheaper way of upgrading the engine. For example, how much would changing the ECU cost, how much more bhp would it give you and would it be worth it? What about air filters or anything that's easy to change at a limited cost. I reckon I could afford about £1000 this year.

[jasonl]

Cheapest route is likely to be via Dave Andrews

[pezzer]

I'm struggling a bit to find the right Caterham for me . Can anyone help. There is an SV for sale at Caterham Midlands. A 140hp ex demo 55 plate for £21,750 that has done about 3000 miles. Seems a bit expensive. The salesman, Scott, admitted that they would be about £2000 dearer than if I bought it privately but said that he could also help with sorting out the pedals (which are really awkwardly spaced on the SV), and the seating positions etc. What else should I ask for as part of the deal? Not sure what other benefits it would have when coming to sell it in a year though. How much do you reckon I would lose if I put on 4000 miles?

I'm can't find decent SVs anywhere on the net. There is a yellow one on this site (yuk) aswell as a 1.6 115hp one (too slow). There are none at Millwoods either.

There are alot more R300 for sale but they've all been thrashed and have tillet seats that I can't fit into.

Any bright suggestions anyone?

Thanks

[Shaun_E]

Have a look at Caterham and Woodcote, for SVs.
The VVC engine (160bhp) would be a good starting point and, even though you would junk the VVC mechanism when you tune the car, it will be easier with the VVC head as it has bigger valves than standard. The 140bhp X Power is still a good engine and tunable.
The cheapest gains to be had are changing the cams, fitting vernier timing wheels and fitting a 52mm throttle body. This will make the best of what you've got and probably cost you a few hundred pounds. Next up look at getting a 4-1 exhaust (or 4-2-1) as the standard Caterham exhaust (single pipe exiting the body) is a bit restrictive. Air filter won't help as the standard Pipercross one flows enough for 230bhp+. Beyond that, visit DVA Power - the K15 kit would be a good starting point similar to the mods I mentioned above.
Also see if you can get Caterham to throw in an FIA rollbar if not already fitted as you will need this to do club trackdays. You won't get a discount but they might possibly throw in some extra kit if you ask.

>> Edited by Shaun_E on Thursday 11th May 09:49