Roadsport vs Superlight (suspension)

[Elapido]

I know you can order the Roadsport with the Superlight suspension pack, which also includes 15" rims. Now, I'd like to know if the cost of the suspension pack is worth the money. I don't know how "soft" the Roadsport suspension is. I don't plan on taking the car to the track, so slight differences in performance are not important for me, nor the fact that the suspension is adjustable. However, I like hard suspensions, no matter about ride confort. Thanks.

[Nicodema]

The Superlight suspension pack has Watts Linkage on the rear end, instead of the Roadsport's radius arms and the dampers have adjustable spring perches. On a Series 3 chassis, the Superlight also gives you widetrack front, but the SVs all have that IIRC.

The Watts Linkage probably only makes a difference when cornering hard, but the adjustable ride height is very useful for getting an ideal setup. Maybe that's only really needed for track driving. The widetrack front IIRC helps stability under braking and can give a better turn in.

In the end you pays your money and takes your choice.

[mickrick]

Watts linkage is also standard on the SV.
I can also confirm wide track is too.

[Red Seven]

"Roadsport" and "Superlight" use the same springs and dampers.
"Superlight" uses wide track but the same damper and spring rate (which actually reduces the wheel rate slightly).
Standard "roadsport" is likely to be fitted with a weedy 10mm front ARB, but I don't think that an ARB this thin is available for wide track.
If you don't really want adjustable height or 15" wheels, then "no", its not good value for money!

For a narrow track car that has the standard 10mm ARB, then simply replacing the ARB with the red bushed 5/8" ARB is a cheap and effective upgrade!

[Elapido]

So, in summary, it can be said that both cars feel the same in normal driving (in terms of how the irregularities of the road are transmitted to the driver), since they share the same spring and dampers, right?

[cambuscat]

Adjustable platforms are useful in that they allow you to try different wheel/tyre sizes without bottoming the sump.Most people would rate 13" + R500 but might cause problems moving from 15". Why not spec 13"?

[Atomic Gibbon]

Caterhams react very very well to ride height changes. I'd ensure any 7 I bought had asjustable (and wide track) suspension so you can get the setup right - it makes such a difference to the handling and enjoyment of the car.

However, I hate 7's on 15" wheels. I have only driven 1 on 15', but it was transformed from a good looking bad handling car to a great car, when we took the 15"ers off and bought a set of 13's.

Obviously, adjustable suspension is only really a plus if you're they type of owner that likes to tinker - if you never adjust them (to your weight / handling preference), they're not really of great benefit!

[Nicodema]

Heh, I'm delaying gratification and staying with the 15" CR500s for now. I'm sure you're right that 13" is better, but the R300 already handles beautifully and it's nice to have some upgrades left to do

[mickrick]

Another + 1 for 13" CR500's. Very Very progressive breakaway with these. You can chuck the car about, and drift it on the throttle at will! Fantastic.

[redmire]

if you fit the 13" rims, i presume you alter your speedo??
Is there a way round this or is it easy to re-calibrate?
Is there a link to CR 500's...thanks all!
Mike.

[mickrick]

redmire said:

if you fit the 13" rims, i presume you alter your speedo??
Is there a way round this or is it easy to re-calibrate?
Is there a link to CR 500's...thanks all!
Mike.

13's are higher profile, so there's nothing in it.
Linky http://www.avonracing.com/road_legal_page.aspx

[redmire]

Thanks my friend!