Suggestions for a catherham track slag

[joaovc]

Hi

I'm looking for advice on what specs should I be looking for (esp. engine) for a track only caterham. I am more of a fun-oriented track driver than someone that wants to have the faster car or do the best laptimes, so hp or 0-60 times are not really what I am worried about. I just want something somewhat reliable that handles decently. I am not very mechanically inclined, so should be something that does not require constant tinkering. I'm looking for something around 10 000 pounds, but could strech it a bit for the right car. Any suggestions / advice?

Thanks!

Edited by joaovc on Sunday 9th September 09:37

[snapper seven]

I'm sure someone more informed will come along in a minute but your best bet for that money will be an old Academy car or maybe a grads car, these are the Caterham race series cars. I say more informed as I confess to not knowing the differences in spec between the models.
These will have K series Rover engines which would be your best option so easy to work on, spares availability etc but crucially will have decent track stuff like full roll cage, stripped of all unnecessary heavy items, so will be as light as possible, and most likely will have well set up adjustable suspension for the track.

They tend to be much cheaper than road cars because of their history, spec and the fact that although they would have (hopefully) been well looked after mechanically they probably don't look concours.
The fact that these cars won't look mint means you will have more fun on the track as you won't be worried about damaging paint. Perfect! Useful too if you plan on doing airfield track days which tend to be 'dirtier' with more muck and bullets flying around.

Cheers
SS

EDIT - just having a squizz in the classifieds turns up a few potentials
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/219339.htm 
or maybe this, has better wide track suspension etc.
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/204889.htm 

Talk to somelike like Hyperion Motorsport in Essex, they manage many race Sevens and would know of good ones for sale.

Edited by snapper seven on Sunday 9th September 10:34

[snapper seven]

If you do look for an ex-racer you may like to try here
http://www.graduates.org.uk/forsale/default.asp

[joaovc]

Thx guys

[rubystone]

PM Tango 7 through Pistonheads...he might have what you want....

[Tango7]

Cheers Ruby

[catgreenhorse]

SS That Blue roadsport was my car. In my opinion the best spec for a track biased 7 is the old Roadsport A.Sadly very few around as the class for these went about 4 years ago. What you get is effectively a Superlight with a dry sump and no carbon for between £10-11k.
Typical RSA spec
6 speed & LSD
Dry sump
Stack dash
Supersport engine (135bhp) and 4:1 exhaust (no cat)
Widetrack & Track spec bilsteins and springs and adjustable F&R arb's
Cage and side impact bar and honeycomb floors
Brake bias & Big Brakes
Some also have bag tank
6" wheels and CR500's or 32/48R's

Watch out on Later cars (post 2001 EU3 spec engines) forged pistons are a must have if a lot of track use has been or is anticipated.
On any K series track biased 7 a Dry sump desirable and a near £2k option from Caterham for a full system so try and get this.

Super grads and grads have std track susp IFAIK the mega grad has widetrack.
All these have std brakes (discs all round). Race Season is coming to a close and a lot are up for sale. One caught my eye on www.graduates.co.uk site. Its black and has rebuilt engine and box track biased spec (mega) at £9995 ono.

Look at plenty, go on invoices and history don't be put off by cracked GRP wings (£30 fix)

Good luck
Rich

[RMac]

if you can up your budget to £13k, let me know.

[rubystone]

RMac said:

if you can up your budget to £13k, let me know.

Don't waste your time. This guy says that he is going to be ready to buy in a year