What about a clubsport

[gridgway]

I have wanted to do track days in a Radical for some time (having done some 8 years in Caterhams). I really can't convince myself to go to the SR3/SR4 level of expense. So what about an 1100 clubsport? Are they fun track day machines? Can they be made quiet enough for track days?

How much would one cost? Where would I get one (apart from Radical themselves)?

Thanks

Graham

[nildram]

Yes, they're great little machines. Lots of fun, and quite cheap nowadays. You should be able to pick up a good one for something in the region of £10-13k.

[Paul T]

They are great for trackdays although you may end up wanting to go racing, thats what happened to me, car is for sale at the moment check it out at www.racecarsdirect.com/ if you like or e mail for details.

[gridgway]

This is probably a well worn question, but how resilient are they? And when they brake, what goes? Do they need professional maint or can an amateur do it?

Graham

[kickstart]

If you are thinking of racing Radicals are now eligible for the bikesports series of the 750MC see www.750mc.co.uk
There is a clubsport advertised on the 750MC for about £7000 if I remember correctly. There is no magic to running one of these cars and you will find lots being run by amateurs in the 750MC this season.

[gridgway]

Just looked at the one on the 750 mc site. Looks good. What makes the difference in values from the 7k that that one is to the 10k and above of others?

What would be the best way to see if it's a good un or needs lots of stuff doing? Any experts about?

Graham

[nildram]

Try calling the factory - they may well know the history and true condition of the car.

[gridgway]

good idea!
Graham

[gridgway]

Can anyone tell me the history of he clubsport regarding any evolution of the car and when it happened. Year introduced, changes, good things that happened to it any things to avoid?

I know buckets about caterhams, but nothing about Radicals!

Thanks
Graham

[dgs]

After being given an idea from NILDRAM what it would cost to run a clubsport I might be interested in going down the Caterham road myself.... A swap possibly? - At least I could nip to the shops in it.

However, I was advised by the factory that the 1100's remained very similar throughout the production run. I believe that there was a vented rear disc upgrade (front as well?? - unsure about this)and that a slide carb and airbox option worth approx 8BHP was available. There is also a newer front splitter. Early cars also had turquoise / blue suspension arms / steering rack. (I suppose this could be a good indicator of accident damage if they have been changed.)
Can you or anybody expand on or verify these thoughts?

Thanks DGS

[nildram]

You really want the flat slide carbs and new splitters. Also, the older cars are less easy to adjust for camber, plus you can't put enough neg camber on to run effectively with the Matador tyres - so you'll probably need to change things there.

Also, on early cars the side protection bars that run from the roll hoop towards the front of the car are lower, which probably means not as safe as the later cars.

[gridgway]

thanks all. when was the change from earlier to later cars?

I was planning to keep the CAterham, but a swap could be on the cards.

Graham

[Paul T]

The flat slide carbs. are a must along with the aero pack (front & rear), roll bar sides were moved up on 2000 year models for added protection. It is possible to get enough adjustment using the older suspension arms, you just have to reduce the locknut size.

No real changes were made after the 2000 model and the older chassis can be made to go as well as the later ones in fact the quickest Clubsport is Tim Greaves 99 chassis altough this is a factory/works car, with all of the upgrades.

[gridgway]

So I am now making progress with my thoughts on a clubsport. One thing that was pushing me toward an SR4 originally is the need for a passenger seat (mostly for instruction). I saw an ad on PH for Ben Elliot and Slipstream racing who have converted a couple of clubsports for 2 seats for instruction and rides. I contacted Ben (he's a nice chap) who directed me to Van Kaiser of Slipstream. I called Van and he is also a nice guy and very helpful.

Does anyone know anything about Slipstream Racing? The reason for asking is that I was warned off a race team/dealer in the Caterham world in the early days and didn't take the warning seriously enough. It was quite a painful experience!

And finally I have to choose a route for a car...private sale or factory. I like the idea of factory "support". It was very good in my early Caterham days before I worked out what was what! However of course there will be a premium in the price, but peace of mind for a decent car. Anyone any thoughts on this?

Thanks to all who have contacted me about their cars for sale, I will be trying to work out what's what in the next few days. Unfortunately, I am off for a couple of weeks on business, so may not be able to get going till I am back.

Graham

[nildram]

You can trust Van Kaiser and Slipstream. Top guy.

[gridgway]

phew, that's good as he was very helpful and friendly on the phone!

[kickstart]

Given that Radical themselves were selling a Clubsport for £9,995 a couple of weeks ago and have got a very good one on for £12,995 what is a normal condition clubsport actually worth. I have seen people asking up to £16,000 for them which sounds very optimistic and also seen them for sale at £7000.
I know that condition is important but the difference in prices sound odd.

[TonyF]

The very good one at £12,995 is my old car which I owned from new and was very pleased with, the differences in prices though are varied and im not sure why really !
If anyone is considering my old clubsport which is up for sale at the factory (Red one!) and would like any further info on it then drop me an e-mail.

Tony.

[activems]

As with anything these days, cars are only worth whatever someone is willing to pay for them.

You have to be careful with race cars as they could have had some heavy shunts and been patched up.

Always best to talk to the factory and previous owners. Factory will be best as they should have a history of parts shipped for that car plus any chassis work done on it by themselves.

Also, what is always worth remembering with race cars is that preparation is the key. Without it you run the risk of hurting yourself and others. They are not like road cars. Bolts do loosen themselves and the wear/tear ratio is WAY higher than any road vehicle.


As long as that is taken into account they are a great deal of fun. Only trouble is, that after a few track days with numpty road cars getting in the way, you'll get very tempted to go racing and then the wallet really will hurt. Cant beat the rush though.

>> Edited by activems on Monday 28th February 10:50

[gridgway]

just had a thought. Does the clubsport go backards? That's in a voluntary, rear gear engaged kind of way, not the whoops, both feet in kind of way!

Graham