RE: AndrewD's Caterham Superlight R

[bertie]

What a fantastic track car, surely the ultimate track tool.

What spec do you have?
Windscreen or deflector? If deflector, how do you get on with it?

[AndrewD]

Hi Bertie

Yes, it is absolutely breathtaking as a track car. Extremely raw but incredibly quick, in fact I have a track day next weekend and the grin has started already I run it on Avon ACB10's but picking up a spare set of lightweight rims tomorrow so that I can use slicks as well. Now that is going to be something else.

Spec is:
190bhp VHPD engine, dry sump, 6 speed close ratio box, AP limited slip diff, AP 4 pot brakes all round with uprated master cylinder, aeroscreen (stubby thing instead of windscreen), quick rack, fully adjustable suspension and a/r bars, carbon/kevlar race seats, harnesses, FIA rollbar, 4-1 exhaust. Lots of carbon and thin ally bodywork.

I don't drive it on the roads, sump is very close to ground and the ACB10's tramline like buggery, so it gets trailered everywhere.

I haven't found much to touch it, apart from R500's and I decided not to go for one of those (although they are very nice) as I was a little worried about engine reliability.

If I ever get anywhere near the limits of this thing, next car has to be something like a top end Radical SR3.

[AndrewD]

PS. The aeroscreen is better if you want to go faster, but you do need to wear the helmet or something to protect your eyes. I do have a spare scuttle with windscreen but never fit it, I think the aerodynamics of a brick spring to mind. At end of day it is a minimal compromise car so why bother with windscreen?

[bertie]

Interesting...

I know Caterhams well as I had a 1.6 Superlight before the Elise as my track car.

I think I can feel the draw of a Superlight R in the not too distant...

[MikeE]

Andrew,

I've just bought a Superlight (to replace(?) the Tuscan) with the wind deflector and have asked caterham to get me a windscreen and new scuttle panel (I know, I'm a wimp but I want to use it on the raod as well). Do you know how easy it is to fit the scuttel/windscreen?

cheers,
Mike.

[bertie]

Not very easy, involves drilling out rivets etc.

But you can fit a windscreen to the existing scuttle and all you end up with is a couple of spare holes where the deflector mounts.

And at least the paint still matches!

[AndrewD]

Mike
I don't think it is a quick job - you will have 2 scuttles one with aeroscreen and one with windscreen right? (that's what I have)
I don't *think* you have to drill out rivets but could be wrong, but you will have to do lots of fiddly things like connect up windscreen wipers and possibly electrics.
Best place would be to ask on the Technical section of www.blatchat.com, helpful bunch of very knowledgeable people there!
Good luck and enjoy the Superlight!