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adsvx220
Original Poster
419 posts
53 months
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Finally I am in the market for a 7. I have been looking around the classifieds for a while now and have seen a few that I like and within budget. Now I can seriously start looking and getting myself to meets I would like to ask a few questions here.
I know with 7's that none have the same spec and that I will have to make compromises on what I want in a 7. In a perfect world I would like a 1.8k roadsport
with q/r momo, leather, starter button and harnesses with widetrack and super light suspension at a bonus. Looking around I have seen a few 1.6k supersports around with basically that spec but with a 6 speed box, what is the 6spd like for cruising up the motorway compared to the 5spd. I have got the magnificent 7 book and that indicates that the 1.6k is probably the best suited engine for the 7. Also what are the 1.6k's like to modify and what power could I expect from the 1.6k compared to the 1.8 but still being reliable.
I will be using it for mainly fast road with maybe 1 or 2 track days a year and maybe the odd trip to the Swiss alps so I don't need a hardcore track monster. I have driven a 7 when I hired a 1600 sigma from caterham south for the weekend and loved the 6 speed in that it was a hoot.
Sorry for the long write up but I would like to be sure so I buy the right 7 for me.
Adam
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grenpayne
526 posts
32 months
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Adam, the 6 speed IMHO makes a Caterham. If you've driven it and loved it, then you'll know. The 5 speed ratios aren't best suited to the car, but will give you lower rpm on the motorway and 4th gear in the 5 speed is the same as 6th in the 6 speed so quite a difference. That said, when you're using the car as it was intended  the 6 speed is perfect. Power wise from a 1.6 you can get them to 175bhp and higher (see here for some reading) but 150bhp is probably more realistic. It's all quite subjective though depending on the engine spec such as throttle bodies, cams, exhaust etc. Your wishlist is fine I think for what you want, and you're right when you say no two Caterhams are the same! Buy on condition, not mileage, 3k miles per year is average and obviously look for service history, accidents etc. If you're in Aylesbury then have a look on Blatchat (the Lotus 7 club website) and see if you can get along to a local meet, it would give you a chance to see the cars up close. Good luck with the search! Andrew
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VHPD
295 posts
18 months
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Agree with the post above. 6 speed is great but can make motorways less enjoyable but IMO a 7 is not a motorway car and I tend to stick to A/B roads. In a 7 the journey is more enjoyable than the destination (usually). I think a fair few 1.6 engine have been converted to 1.8 as it is the same bore just a different stroke. Assume a 1.8 crank/rods would be all thats needed???? Maybe someone could correct/confirm that statement? 
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grenpayne
526 posts
32 months
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VHPD said: I think a fair few 1.6 engine have been converted to 1.8 as it is the same bore just a different stroke. Assume a 1.8 crank/rods would be all thats needed???? Maybe someone could correct/confirm that statement? Correct, in fact my Superlight started life as a 1.6 and then was converted to 1.8 by Caterham later on. Although the Supersport R conversion that my car had shows pretty much everything was changed bar the block! Nothing wrong with the 1.6 K series engine though, it makes decent power and has a nice revvy nature. The stroked 1.8 K series in under-square (stroke length greater than the bore) so can have problems with high revs. Ask me how I know 
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adsvx220
Original Poster
419 posts
53 months
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Cheers for the replies so far. Obviously the 6spd is favoured and will probably be the option I go for. The 1.6 looks like it will suite my needs as i love revs and if I decide to modify, 150bhp would be fun, and if I have the funds to go higher who knows lol.
I will probably start attending some of my local penn7 meets so i can get to know some other owners.
Can anyone also give me some good insurance company's to get some quotes from.
Adam
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Alan Carswell
5 posts
14 months
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Adam
Come to one of the Penn meets and ask for either me or one of the organisers. ( Mark or Carl)
Sure we can show you a variety of cars and various engine/ gear box combinations.
I cannot comment on your choice as I had a X flow and now have an HPV with the VX engine.
Alan
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adsvx220
Original Poster
419 posts
53 months
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Cheers Alan.
I did make it along to one last year and had a little chat to mark. As I am seriously looking now I am going to start coming along more often to have a look and get to know you all.
Just so I know when are the meets.
Cheers
Adam
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Mclavert
17 posts
84 months
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Smollet
245 posts
60 months
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Mclavert said: I wish I had done so before I purchased my factory built 7. Would have saved me a small fortune in making after production upgrades. Still I suppose that is half the fun of having a 7...upgraditis 
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pipnjones
110 posts
19 months
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My recommendation.... build your own. But take the build manual with a fairly large pinch of salt. :-)
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Henrico
109 posts
53 months
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I know everyone favours the 6 speed but if you saw a perfect car but with a 5 speed box, would it put you off buying the car or would you upgrade/put up with it?
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Risky
133 posts
95 months
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No - not everyone favours the 6 speed. I have a 5 speed and it's fine. I acknowledge a 6 speed may be better for some things (competition certainly), but I know a lot of people with 6 speed who miss a few gears in normal driving. I would buy a 5 speed and then upgrade to a higher 1st and 2nd gears. For me this is the ideal compromise and great for everyday use and touring. Also cheaper than upgrading to a 6 speed.
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Eric Mc
67,846 posts
135 months
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Eugene7
387 posts
64 months
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VHPD
295 posts
18 months
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Risky said: No - not everyone favours the 6 speed. I have a 5 speed and it's fine. I acknowledge a 6 speed may be better for some things (competition certainly), but I know a lot of people with 6 speed who miss a few gears in normal driving. I would buy a 5 speed and then upgrade to a higher 1st and 2nd gears. For me this is the ideal compromise and great for everyday use and touring. Also cheaper than upgrading to a 6 speed. I Have a 6 speed and think it is fantastic in a 7. But, as Risky says, sometimes I could do with another couple of gears. Sitting on a motorway at 85mph and 5,000 revs is not my idea of enjoyment (thats why I have never done it Officer). I would still opt for the 6 speed though and avoid Motorways if I could choose again but do understand that its not for everyone. Best to try both before you buy if you can. Also diff ratios and tyre sizes have a lot of effect. I know of someone who wasn't enjoying the 6 speed but changed the Diff (3.92 to 3.62) and slightly higher profile tyres. This transformed his opinion of the 6 speed for not very much money.
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one eyed mick
586 posts
31 months
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5000@85 what diff are you running ? sounds like torture to me!!!!
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VHPD
295 posts
18 months
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one eyed mick said: 5000@85 what diff are you running ? sounds like torture to me!!!! 3.92 with 205/60 x13. If I recall correctly an R500k has a 3.92 with 205/55 x 13 ? So even worse. Its a choice thing though as I can buy a 3.62 for under a £100 on fleabay. I like the extra acceleration that this set up gives.
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coppice
648 posts
14 months
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I have had both 5 and 6 speed Sevens. Neither is perfect; the 5 has a stupidly low first and a v high 5th.This is fine for motorway cruising but in my then 1.4K car the only gears usable for progress were 2-4. The 5 speeds suited the character of a VVC car well however. I now have a 6 speed duratec - love the long first but 6th is comically low for motorways.77mph on the Stack is where it settles down to- more than that and you gulp fuel and make lots of noise for not much return. I think the perfect gearbox for the big engined Seven is a five speed with more intelligent ratios. The 6 is huge fun on winding roads although I suspect I spend a lot of time changing gear for the sake of it...
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Charley Farley
232 posts
75 months
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I have a 5-spd 1.8K Supersport that is in the classifieds...
PM me if interested
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adsvx220
Original Poster
419 posts
53 months
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I'm going to take the advice and try and drive or get a ride in a couple of 6 and 5 speed cars. If caterham midlands is open on sunday I will take a drive up there and look at a 1600k supersport that's caught my eye.
Cheers for your help so far chaps.
Adam
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