thinking of buying a caterham

[nightflight]

I know a lot of people ask this question (which caterham to buy), but what about the 1700 crossflows. What level of power do they put out ? Are they a desirable option ? I would probably do some mild tuning, with a view to fast road use and a few track days. Suggestions appreciated.

[freerange7]

I had a crossflow 7 for ages, 1700 supersprint, good engine and great fun, lots of bottom end grunt, I installed a 4 into one exhaust system and this transformed the feel of the car and the power delivery.

I am sure some will post suggesting different engine styles and there merits at a bit more cost but most crossflows are a good place to start, easily maintained and confidence inspiring.

[Epimetheus]

I had a nice crossflow and am not anti-crossflow. However, I would say these days with Ks being so cheap, they are the better choice at the budget end of the market even if they are typically a bit more that a crossflow/1600VX.

Shyte fuel consumption, fuel additives, and all that weight out front make a stock crossflow inferior to a low spec K IMO. Plus if it breaks you can't replace the motor for a couple of hundred quid like you can with a K.

1600VXs are all live axle (which I don't like) and are also bad on fuel. Still, at least you can get cheap Cav 1800 motors to replace a blown 1600. The 1600VX is an expensive motor to source used as they only came in Caterhams, well - Caterhams and fork lift trucks running on gas.

[SteveCat7]

Well, obvisouly I am biased...but have had mine for 4 years now with no bother at all. Power is "adequate" for road use at 135 bhp, you would probably want more for tack days, etc. but it can get pricey to upgrade.

[nightflight]

Thanks Guys. I obviously need to some research, and by looking at other threads on here, it's all a bit of a minefield. I had heard that the K series engine could be unreliable, but other people seem quite happy with them. A few test drives could be in order, and will try to get to some club events and chat with a few owners.

[stripy7]

K series are great, v light and eminently tuneable. Not suited to heavy vehicles like freelanders but perfect for Caterhams. Use the right coolant, keep it topped up/bled properly and dont rev the nuts off it from cold and you wont go wrong.

[Aeroscreens]

Another vote for the x/flow......... but then that's my totally biased opinion having had an 1800 Supersprint for nearly 10 years and some 46,000 miles. In my eyes it just has that little extra bit of character.

During the time of my ownership it's seen plenty of trackdays and done plenty of touring. As for MPG it's probably around the 25 mark which is very similar to the K-engined R300 Superlight.

Anything to do with my 7 can be seen here

[Rokay]

If nothing else buy a Xflow for the noise alone. Just glorious

Also there couldn't be a simpler engine to maintain when it comes to it. Buy a car running an ECU and throttle bodies and you will have a bit more power over the normal standard Xflow with the added bonus of better fuel consumption as well. These cars may not be in the same league as the likes of the R500 etc but take it from me they will still make you smile everytime you push that starter button

Edited by Rokay on Tuesday 9th December 17:59

[7 Sevens]

In order to protect my model the VX 1.6 is a great little engine. Lighter than others and can be upgraded for 1k to 130bhp.

[davidball]

My Xflow 1700 is great. Easy to work on and you do not need a Mark Evans kitted workshop to look after it. My only gripe is the fuel consumption (about 25 mpg). Avoid the live axle if you can, mine skipps about on cobbled roads like a startled dear (lots of them here in Flanders, cobbled roads I mean). I suspect a 5 speed box would improve fuel consumption too.

Good luck in the search.

Edited by davidball on Wednesday 10th December 13:30

[nightflight]

Thanks again to everybody. I think it will probably be a K series from what people have said here and on other forums. Will start the search in the new year, but need to get rid of a very nice Merc E220 cabriolet first due garage space.