Discussion
Going to look at a 2000 registered VX1600 tomorrow - first time Caterham owner on the menopausal (male) side of 50. Just reading through some of the threads on the engine to go for and there seems to be a view that the VX is a bit heavy for the power. I'm not after a rocketship and it's more about the pleasure of country roads than keeping up with nutters on Firebirds, so grateful for any views on whether the VX1600 is generally considered to be a bad combination?
Thanks
Thanks
I had one.
It was alright, if you weren't in a hurry.
But it had none of the snorty charisma of a Ford Crossflow, nor the zing of a little K Series.
It also seemed to be a bit lost in the model range, an engine that Caterham used simply because it was there, rather than because it had any particular virtue.
Maybe a hairy cam would make all the difference, but mine just seemed a bit flat and reluctant to rev.
To be fair, the VX single cam motor is a solid lump and won't cause many problems. But nor will it set your underpants on fire.
It was alright, if you weren't in a hurry.
But it had none of the snorty charisma of a Ford Crossflow, nor the zing of a little K Series.
It also seemed to be a bit lost in the model range, an engine that Caterham used simply because it was there, rather than because it had any particular virtue.
Maybe a hairy cam would make all the difference, but mine just seemed a bit flat and reluctant to rev.
To be fair, the VX single cam motor is a solid lump and won't cause many problems. But nor will it set your underpants on fire.
had masses of fun in our old 1600VX when we first "found" caterhams. did hundreds of track days in it and other than an A-frame bush every 4 hours or so, it was very robust compared to the K-series we've used ever since.
not at all as refined, but good value for money all the same.
Jonny
BaT
not at all as refined, but good value for money all the same.
Jonny
BaT
I think one of the problems of the VX1600 cars is that despite not being a favoured option they're quite close in price and availability to the bigger (quite well regarded) Vauxhall and the cheaper end of the K-Series spectrum. I think it'd have to be a good deal to persuade someone to ignore the alternatives, but they're probably out there.
Don't confuse the 1600cc VX with the 2000cc model, they are very different cars. People are right in saying the 2000cc VX is a heavy engine but then you get a lot more power with it.
The 1600cc is normally 105bhp and that is the entry power level. Some of the 1600cc's have uprated engine spec that will get you to around 130bhp so they are worth finding.
All comes down to your preference and Budget. I had a 1600vx and it was great little car, however I much prefer my k series.
The 1600cc is normally 105bhp and that is the entry power level. Some of the 1600cc's have uprated engine spec that will get you to around 130bhp so they are worth finding.
All comes down to your preference and Budget. I had a 1600vx and it was great little car, however I much prefer my k series.
Pat H said:
an engine that Caterham used simply because it was there, rather than because it had any particular virtue.
Or rather an engine they got for next to nothing. They were going cheap having originally been destined to live in turkish forklift trucks until the order was cancelled.The 105bhp stock figure (if this is really the quoted figure) is a tad optimistic IMO.
Not a bad engine though . ... and it can easily be swapped for an 1800 *v VX from a Chavalier or something if the unobtanium 1600VX goes bang.
Personally, I just don't like the feeling of a live axle banging about over bumps . . I really hate it. It might not bother most people but I would definately go for a de-dion Caterham in your position . . especially with 1400SS (K-series) and low spec 1600 (K-series) ex-racers being so cheap.
Drove the VX1600 this morning and for what I wanted, it was actually a really nice car. Unfortunately, there was a petrol smell that has ruled it out. However, then drove a K1600 on a 2007 and am veering towards that. Was lovely although to be honest, it didn't feel that much more powerful than the VX1600. Alas, I have gone from being a Caterham virgin to a Caterham tart. And all from a couple of test drives........
I've had 2 ex-academy VX 1600s and throughly enjoyed them both. I've just sold my second www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1186451.htm and I think they are perfectly adequate for most road use and tend to be good value. K-Series cars at the sort of money a VX comes in at tend to be tatty ex-racers (nothing wrong with that - it's what I've upgraded to http://www.pistonheads.co.uk/sales/1158267.htm ), old or poor spec.
If you have the budget then get a nice tidy K-Series but if your budget is more limited you'll have to choose between a nice VX and a tatty K Series. It all depends what you want to get out of it.
If you have the budget then get a nice tidy K-Series but if your budget is more limited you'll have to choose between a nice VX and a tatty K Series. It all depends what you want to get out of it.
Thanks Matt. I've ended up going for an Academy K1600 that's effectively being upgraded to Roadsport spec in terms of the kit. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/1193986.htm Gone way over the original budget, but seemed a good deal and hopefully, it will hold its price. Lovely to drive, though and am looking forward to getting it in a couple of weeks - when summer will no doubt be good and over. Mind you, keep asking myself if I'm mad. But then life's too short......
Edited by philbert on Friday 4th September 19:47
Fraid not although I need to find out more about the rules on that. Haven't got a track rolll bar, so not sure if I can do a standard track day? Was looking at doing one of the Bedford 20 minute jobs in October just to get a feel for the limits, but I really need advice. Mine's the 04 plate in the piccies. http://blackadda.smugmug.com/Cars/Se7en/Blatting/9...
Not sure I can afford the permanent smile. Eating into my 5k miles insurance limit and the fuel consumption seems a bit heavy at the moment ..........
Not sure I can afford the permanent smile. Eating into my 5k miles insurance limit and the fuel consumption seems a bit heavy at the moment ..........
Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff