How difficult is it to build a Caterham?
Discussion
Hello all, first time poster, long time reader 
I'm looking into building a Caterham. I've just spent 2 years building and trackday'ing a Honda CRX so I'm fairly proficient with a set of spanners. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
The main concern I've got is the kind of things that are required to assemble the kit. Does everything bolt together or is there fabrication required? Can it be done in a single garage?
I'm also a little unsure about whether or not to go for a Roadsport or a Superlight. I definitely want the 6 speed box and LSD, and I would prefer to have the option to use the car on the road with the weather gear and windscreen. It looks like I can spec up a Roadsport with those options and it's about the same price as a Superlight, but more versatile. Does that sound like a sensible route to go down?
Comments welcome and appreciated
I'm looking into building a Caterham. I've just spent 2 years building and trackday'ing a Honda CRX so I'm fairly proficient with a set of spanners. It's something I've wanted to do for a long time.
The main concern I've got is the kind of things that are required to assemble the kit. Does everything bolt together or is there fabrication required? Can it be done in a single garage?
I'm also a little unsure about whether or not to go for a Roadsport or a Superlight. I definitely want the 6 speed box and LSD, and I would prefer to have the option to use the car on the road with the weather gear and windscreen. It looks like I can spec up a Roadsport with those options and it's about the same price as a Superlight, but more versatile. Does that sound like a sensible route to go down?
Comments welcome and appreciated
No fabrication needed - given your experience I reckon you'd find it quite easy. I haven't built one myself but have replaced an engine and generally worked on mine.
As for Roadsport vs Superlight erm... how long is a piece of string? I'd pick the one that most easily allows future upgrades.
As for Roadsport vs Superlight erm... how long is a piece of string? I'd pick the one that most easily allows future upgrades.
No problem building a Caterham in a single garage. Best to leave things like wings to close to the end and then to roll the chassis out onto the driveway to get some space. Perhaps build yourself a trolley (plywood sheet and some castors from a supermarket trolley work fine!) and this will allow you to push the chasssis sideways to maximise room to work in.
The only specialist bit of kit you will require is an engine hoist for about half a day to lift the engine gearbox in and the 41mm nut and big torque wrench for doing up the rear hubs. Otherwise it will be plain sailing for any reasonable mechanic and will take the 80-90 hours Caterham suggest.
HTH
T7
The only specialist bit of kit you will require is an engine hoist for about half a day to lift the engine gearbox in and the 41mm nut and big torque wrench for doing up the rear hubs. Otherwise it will be plain sailing for any reasonable mechanic and will take the 80-90 hours Caterham suggest.
HTH
T7
When my dad bought his (a 2nd hand '03 Roadsport 140) he wasn't sure either on the Roadsport/Superlight. His car was (and is) mainly used for fast road use with a view to tracking (possibly) in the future. For this he prefers the 5-speed I think (was much nicer to cruise in when we went upto Norfolk for the 50th anniversary) and it doesn't ahve the LSD.
Have a pop down to a Caterham showroom (if you're close) and this is the advice he was given, test drive them there, see what you want and then either buy a 2nd hand one privately or build one.
Bloody great fun it is and hoping on my next insurance policy I can have a blast!
Have a pop down to a Caterham showroom (if you're close) and this is the advice he was given, test drive them there, see what you want and then either buy a 2nd hand one privately or build one.
Bloody great fun it is and hoping on my next insurance policy I can have a blast!
Thanks for your input chaps!
I've been looking at Superlights that are for sale and quite a few of them seem to have Roadsport options like windscreen/weather gear and the heater. I think I may stick with a base Roadsport and enjoy it for what it is, and upgrade bits over the following months (otherwise it starts to get a wee bit expensive!!). The options list is a an evil temptress!
Does anyone have any experience with the the Caterham Insurance people? I like their online form where it asks about previous history of using performance vehicles; do they look favourably on track day experience and use of other 'similar' performing vehicles? I'll be ARDS qualified with a current National B licence when I come to buy, but I'm only 23...
I've been looking at Superlights that are for sale and quite a few of them seem to have Roadsport options like windscreen/weather gear and the heater. I think I may stick with a base Roadsport and enjoy it for what it is, and upgrade bits over the following months (otherwise it starts to get a wee bit expensive!!). The options list is a an evil temptress!
Does anyone have any experience with the the Caterham Insurance people? I like their online form where it asks about previous history of using performance vehicles; do they look favourably on track day experience and use of other 'similar' performing vehicles? I'll be ARDS qualified with a current National B licence when I come to buy, but I'm only 23...
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