Caterham R500 alternative
Discussion
Looking for potential ideas from anyone that has made the move from a quick caterham to something else more civilised...
Do the occasional track day and sprints/hillclimbs in my R500k with sequential gearbox. FANTASTIC on track but, I simply do not get the urge to take it for a run on the road as to be honest it's too quick and with the sequential it's not much fun unless really going for it.
I have thought of swapping it for one with standard 6 speed or swapping the gearbox in this one but also considering something a little more civilised so I might get some more use out of it. The odd run out at weekend etc.
Lotus would seem the obvious alternative but I find the driving position really strange in an elise/exige (perhaps it's just me as they are obviously very popular). I am 6ft 4 though so perhaps that's the issue (although I do fit in the caterham with lowered floor).
Porsche seemed another potential option but I worry anything for similar money won't be lairy enough? So looked at f type but worry about the weight for occasional track day.
Holy grail of perfect for track and road doesnt really exist I know but I'm also sulking with my caterham after it got a soaking on Saturday and wouldn't run right yesterday for a charity parade I was supposed to be doing so humour me haha
Any suggestions?
Do the occasional track day and sprints/hillclimbs in my R500k with sequential gearbox. FANTASTIC on track but, I simply do not get the urge to take it for a run on the road as to be honest it's too quick and with the sequential it's not much fun unless really going for it.
I have thought of swapping it for one with standard 6 speed or swapping the gearbox in this one but also considering something a little more civilised so I might get some more use out of it. The odd run out at weekend etc.
Lotus would seem the obvious alternative but I find the driving position really strange in an elise/exige (perhaps it's just me as they are obviously very popular). I am 6ft 4 though so perhaps that's the issue (although I do fit in the caterham with lowered floor).
Porsche seemed another potential option but I worry anything for similar money won't be lairy enough? So looked at f type but worry about the weight for occasional track day.
Holy grail of perfect for track and road doesnt really exist I know but I'm also sulking with my caterham after it got a soaking on Saturday and wouldn't run right yesterday for a charity parade I was supposed to be doing so humour me haha
Any suggestions?
you know the old saying about Miata is always....
I'll be in the same position myself in a couple of years. My Cat is only a track car as I really don't enjoy the road experience.
Odd that you jumped to big heavy cars like F-types and Porkers, they really are v.heavy after you've enjoyed a lightweight.
Lotus are also scalpels rather than lairy, less fun on trackdays imo though still great obvs. Have you considered a 340R with different seat?
The A110 is at least light, and this shows on track when compared to it's 'stablemate' the Meg Trophy.
My current answer reverts back to the MX5. stiffen the chassis, upgrade the suspension & brakes, and hike the power. they are awesome when modded properly.
It could be argued that the barges are a whole separate challenge to drive round track, where managing the weight fundamentally changes the required driving style. I've tried it, but for track day fun I'd still want the raw pleasure of Cat-like fun. But waterproof!
I'll be in the same position myself in a couple of years. My Cat is only a track car as I really don't enjoy the road experience.
Odd that you jumped to big heavy cars like F-types and Porkers, they really are v.heavy after you've enjoyed a lightweight.
Lotus are also scalpels rather than lairy, less fun on trackdays imo though still great obvs. Have you considered a 340R with different seat?
The A110 is at least light, and this shows on track when compared to it's 'stablemate' the Meg Trophy.
My current answer reverts back to the MX5. stiffen the chassis, upgrade the suspension & brakes, and hike the power. they are awesome when modded properly.
It could be argued that the barges are a whole separate challenge to drive round track, where managing the weight fundamentally changes the required driving style. I've tried it, but for track day fun I'd still want the raw pleasure of Cat-like fun. But waterproof!
CABC said:
you know the old saying about Miata is always....
I'll be in the same position myself in a couple of years. My Cat is only a track car as I really don't enjoy the road experience.
Odd that you jumped to big heavy cars like F-types and Porkers, they really are v.heavy after you've enjoyed a lightweight.
Lotus are also scalpels rather than lairy, less fun on trackdays imo though still great obvs. Have you considered a 340R with different seat?
The A110 is at least light, and this shows on track when compared to it's 'stablemate' the Meg Trophy.
My current answer reverts back to the MX5. stiffen the chassis, upgrade the suspension & brakes, and hike the power. they are awesome when modded properly.
It could be argued that the barges are a whole separate challenge to drive round track, where managing the weight fundamentally changes the required driving style. I've tried it, but for track day fun I'd still want the raw pleasure of Cat-like fun. But waterproof!
Yes, ultimately I think the heavier stuff is more of a daily/weekend fun and would be very compromised on track. They were just examples of things I like to look of really. Keep revisiting Exige V6 but just seem to struggle with driving position in elise/exige so perhaps need to try one with difference seats or an evora perhaps.I'll be in the same position myself in a couple of years. My Cat is only a track car as I really don't enjoy the road experience.
Odd that you jumped to big heavy cars like F-types and Porkers, they really are v.heavy after you've enjoyed a lightweight.
Lotus are also scalpels rather than lairy, less fun on trackdays imo though still great obvs. Have you considered a 340R with different seat?
The A110 is at least light, and this shows on track when compared to it's 'stablemate' the Meg Trophy.
My current answer reverts back to the MX5. stiffen the chassis, upgrade the suspension & brakes, and hike the power. they are awesome when modded properly.
It could be argued that the barges are a whole separate challenge to drive round track, where managing the weight fundamentally changes the required driving style. I've tried it, but for track day fun I'd still want the raw pleasure of Cat-like fun. But waterproof!
I love the caterham and can't help but feel the sequential is perhaps my biggest issue so need to have a think about potentially popping a standard 6 speed in it.
Have a look at a Ginetta G40R and given they have a Duratec, maybe there's a supercharger kit that could be adapted from somewhere like BBR? They are supposed to be able to accommodate tall drivers.
It's a shame Zenos didn't manage to survive long enough to have a version with a roof.
It's a shame Zenos didn't manage to survive long enough to have a version with a roof.
Evora is a GT. Great around Goodwood but not tight tracks. complete contrast to the Exige V6, which is a monster!
I've just sold my Evora, great car but it's a hard top and too capable for most road use. It excelled in Wales or IoM, otherwise difficult to unleash. Replaced with a Chimeara - open top, and a different driving experience
I've just sold my Evora, great car but it's a hard top and too capable for most road use. It excelled in Wales or IoM, otherwise difficult to unleash. Replaced with a Chimeara - open top, and a different driving experience
braddo said:
Have a look at a Ginetta G40R and given they have a Duratec, maybe there's a supercharger kit that could be adapted from somewhere like BBR? They are supposed to be able to accommodate tall drivers.
It's a shame Zenos didn't manage to survive long enough to have a version with a roof.
I actually had a g40r prior to my R500 and it was a disaster of a car. The chassis had some promise but the G40R package was poorly thought out/packaged. Terrible power band and gearing which led me to upgrading it to chase something better. However, I gave up in the end as I had problems with the so called expert doing the work to the car and it took the shine off the ownership experience.It's a shame Zenos didn't manage to survive long enough to have a version with a roof.
Looked at the zenos after the ginetta but got scared off of going for something a little left field again after the whole ginetta experience. Couldn't face the 'I told you so!' from the wife again haha
CABC said:
Evora is a GT. Great around Goodwood but not tight tracks. complete contrast to the Exige V6, which is a monster!
I've just sold my Evora, great car but it's a hard top and too capable for most road use. It excelled in Wales or IoM, otherwise difficult to unleash. Replaced with a Chimeara - open top, and a different driving experience
Funny you mention TVR...Never had one so is a box to tick and always liked the tamora and T350!I've just sold my Evora, great car but it's a hard top and too capable for most road use. It excelled in Wales or IoM, otherwise difficult to unleash. Replaced with a Chimeara - open top, and a different driving experience
AmosMoses said:
S2 Exige?
You can get steering wheel spacers to make the wheel come closer to you.
I'm the same height as you and went to have a look at an S2 over the weekend, I fit fine but my knees are very close to the steering wheel.
They are certainly pretty and could take to work more etc. I actually REALLY like the S1 exige but finding one appears to be a challenge!You can get steering wheel spacers to make the wheel come closer to you.
I'm the same height as you and went to have a look at an S2 over the weekend, I fit fine but my knees are very close to the steering wheel.
HustleRussell said:
2.0L Duratec powered R300 or other. Much more flexible power delivery, six-speed manual gearbox... a civilised spec and still very fast.
This was one train of thought of mine re. swapping to a more road friendly gearbox in the current car or simply swapping it for a more civilised car.Edited by HustleRussell on Monday 4th July 11:09
Olivera said:
Again, what's the issue with the sequential gearbox on the road? I'm curious as I might be looking at R500/620R in future.
Sorry, missed your first message.Sequential is fantastic on track or when nipping on out on the road. However, it is a clunky horrible thing to use when just moving in general traffic.
If usage is mainly track use then it's perfect but if like me looking for more 50:50 it becomes difficult on which side to make the compromise!
I think I'm mainly sulking with it after it not running right yesterday due to getting soaked on Saturday and me then missing the charity parade I was supposed to be doing in it.
D7PNY said:
HustleRussell said:
2.0L Duratec powered R300 or other. Much more flexible power delivery, six-speed manual gearbox... a civilised spec and still very fast.
This was one train of thought of mine re. swapping to a more road friendly gearbox in the current car or simply swapping it for a more civilised car.The highly tuned k-series must be a very exciting engine and you will miss elements of it for sure. The Duratec even in base 175bhp tune is just so brawny- it'll be much more cruisable and have much better road manners whilst still being plenty fast enough for trackdays. You'll have your pick of the six speeds in the gearbox which is lovely to use. The Duratec just doesn't seem to mind. It'll pull 6th from no speed at all.
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