R400 Duratec - Caterham 210 to 220 BHP Upgrade
Discussion
Is anyone who has this upgrade able to provide some feedback on this upgrade offered by Caterham.
On paper not a significant jump. Caterham's website refers to improved torque across the entire range, better throttle responsiveness and better exhaust note.
Is this true, and how noticeable are the effects?
On paper not a significant jump. Caterham's website refers to improved torque across the entire range, better throttle responsiveness and better exhaust note.
Is this true, and how noticeable are the effects?
Maybe.
Did this at the beginning of the year and I can only say it was a huge improvement. Maybe a little expensive for an 'on paper' 10 BHP but the car is much quicker than it was - a thread on the upgrade (towards the end) here http://www.scottishelises.com/phpbb/viewtopic.php?...
Edited by David Long on Sunday 7th November 14:32
Afternoon,
I have had this done, worth every penny, more than welcome to come and try it for yourself if you provide suitable insurance!
Better Performance all round, pulls harder for longer and the sound is worth the 'parting of cash' just on it's own!
Based in North East Hampshire
Regards
Paul
I have had this done, worth every penny, more than welcome to come and try it for yourself if you provide suitable insurance!
Better Performance all round, pulls harder for longer and the sound is worth the 'parting of cash' just on it's own!
Based in North East Hampshire
Regards
Paul
My car was upgraded by CC Midlands about a year ago.
Setting aside the usual problems with TPS and ignition wiring looms in both configurations, the roller barrel conversion is a considerable improvement IMHO- throttle response, noise and power.
I can only report my own findings- it's not just about 10bhp!
Neil
Some pics here- http://picasaweb.google.com/gasmans7
I have the carbon filter cover now which seems to help with noise on the sensitive circuits.
Setting aside the usual problems with TPS and ignition wiring looms in both configurations, the roller barrel conversion is a considerable improvement IMHO- throttle response, noise and power.
I can only report my own findings- it's not just about 10bhp!
Neil
Some pics here- http://picasaweb.google.com/gasmans7
I have the carbon filter cover now which seems to help with noise on the sensitive circuits.
Edited by Sevdoc on Saturday 20th November 21:49
Sorry for the delay in coming back to you!
I had the upgrade carried out by Caterham Cars in Dartford back in February of this year.
As for fuel economy, well, when I go out I fill up and when I have changed my undewear several times and the needle is pointing to empty I have to go back to the Shell garage for more go fast juice!
In all honesty, I have no idea what the fuel economy was before the upgrade, let alone after.. but it sounds loads better and seems to pull harder for longer through all the gears, which has to be worth losing a few mpg on it's own!
I had an R300 (K-Series) before the Duratec R400 and that was fitted with roller barrel throttle bodies. When I took delivery of the R400 I missed the noise and it (the R400) sounded tame in comparison to the R300, that was the main reason for the upgrade. Any performance gain was a bonus as I just love the sound of throttle bodies at full chat!
I did also have a decat pipe and R500 rear silencer and the carbon air box fitted the the same time. I haven't run the car without the carbon airbox so I wouldn't be able to say of any sound difference on this side of things. The exhaust on the other hand sounds awesome in relation to the standard one and the flames are considerably larger!
Cheers
R400PM
I had the upgrade carried out by Caterham Cars in Dartford back in February of this year.
As for fuel economy, well, when I go out I fill up and when I have changed my undewear several times and the needle is pointing to empty I have to go back to the Shell garage for more go fast juice!
In all honesty, I have no idea what the fuel economy was before the upgrade, let alone after.. but it sounds loads better and seems to pull harder for longer through all the gears, which has to be worth losing a few mpg on it's own!
I had an R300 (K-Series) before the Duratec R400 and that was fitted with roller barrel throttle bodies. When I took delivery of the R400 I missed the noise and it (the R400) sounded tame in comparison to the R300, that was the main reason for the upgrade. Any performance gain was a bonus as I just love the sound of throttle bodies at full chat!
I did also have a decat pipe and R500 rear silencer and the carbon air box fitted the the same time. I haven't run the car without the carbon airbox so I wouldn't be able to say of any sound difference on this side of things. The exhaust on the other hand sounds awesome in relation to the standard one and the flames are considerably larger!
Cheers
R400PM
Thanks for feedback, sounds like a lot more than just 10 bhp. Did you have your R400 re-mapped once all this work had been carried out or did you just stick with caterhams standard R400 map. If so does it start and idle nicely, when its cold and nicely warmed up. Also did they do the bonnet cut out for you. TIA
Also interested to hear your view on the difference in performance between the K R300 and the D R400 before the upgrade work, in straight line terms and whether the conversion has altered your view on this. The K R300 on TBs was always very sweet for road use
Also interested to hear your view on the difference in performance between the K R300 and the D R400 before the upgrade work, in straight line terms and whether the conversion has altered your view on this. The K R300 on TBs was always very sweet for road use
Edited by SLR400 on Sunday 28th November 14:06
My R400D is going into Caterham Dartford at the end of this week to have upgrade surgery. Will be getting the 210 - 220 upgrade, carbon airbox, dry sump and new ZZR tyres all round. As part of the 210 - 220 upgrade, the ECU get's reprogrammed. Whilst the 220 upgrade doesn't sound like much, there is a clear benefit to both power and torque. Caterham sent me the side by side performance graphs to prove it. Will be interesting to see the difference in performance both in a straight line and round the corners! I'll report back with my findings once I have some data...
I've done a few rolling road sessions now and they are different every time due to environmental and technical variations - eg tyres, tyre pressures, oil type, etc, etc. But you will get somewhere between 220 and 225 BHP, or if you slip the operator a fiver, maybe 230 BHP.
The main characteristic of this upgade is the flat smooth torque graph and mid range is particularly strong over the standard plenum and cams.
The main characteristic of this upgade is the flat smooth torque graph and mid range is particularly strong over the standard plenum and cams.
Edited by DCL on Sunday 21st February 10:40
I can tell you from experience that the first time you floor it after RBTB you will be gobsmacked. I have no idea if it's only 10 bhp - but if it is then they are f***ing big horses.Noise better, response better, tickover better and added pops and bangs. No change to insurance premium and no noticeable change to mpg either. Plenty of people will drone on about it not being worth it - it is the best upgrade I have done by a long way.
thanks guys
its just that i recently purchased a R300 ,
original bhp was said to be 175,
which had this upgrade from new and wondered
if the claim of 220 horses was true,
from here and other sources it would seem caterham
understate the increase.
as of yet the weather has not ( wet roads etc)allowed the
pedal to the metal as it spins rear wheels in 2nd 3rd & 4th
if i try , so the grin factor will arrive with better weather
its just that i recently purchased a R300 ,
original bhp was said to be 175,
which had this upgrade from new and wondered
if the claim of 220 horses was true,
from here and other sources it would seem caterham
understate the increase.
as of yet the weather has not ( wet roads etc)allowed the
pedal to the metal as it spins rear wheels in 2nd 3rd & 4th
if i try , so the grin factor will arrive with better weather
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