What is the difference between the 360 - 420 engine ?

[AinsleyB]

Hi, looking at both models, when it comes to the engine, is it just a set of cams, valve springs and mapping ?
Its the same 2 litre Duratec, so I wondered why the base price of both cars was so different at £3,500.

Or is there more to it, like a different head, valves, fuel system ?

Thanks.

[framerateuk]

Dry sump too.

[AinsleyB]

OK, so Dry sump and just a set of cams / valve springs and mapping then.
So if I wanted 420 performance I could just go for a 360 and then change the cams, valve springs and mapping then ?

If so, that would be a saving of a few grand as I don't need a dry sump for road use, or am I missing something else.

[framerateuk]

You'd probably end up paying that much to upgrade anyway, and it still wouldn't be an actual 420 come resale.

If I was buying a new 7 now, it would be a no-brainer to pick the 420 over the 360.

I guess you could add the R pack to a 360 and save some cash if you wanted though, but if it was me, I'd be getting that 420 for the price difference.

[AinsleyB]

Im looking at the specs for one which will be 90% road use, so a lot of "upgrades" I can do without.
Basically I reckon I would only have the composite seats, harness and a stripe down the bonnet.
I can live without the R spec bits for road use.

So given that, I think I would save money getting the 360 and just paying someone to swop the cam, valve springs and remap it.

Im not worried about resale value. It would only get sold when I cant drive it anymore.

[framerateuk]

Keep in mind this is from 2020, so prices will have changed (gone up).
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Premier power would do a lovely job of an upgrade, but it'll cost more than Caterham.

If it's something you're happy to pay for down the line, then it's a sensible option, but it unlikely to save you any money in the long term.

[AinsleyB]

I will go and see Premier Power and get some costs.
If I start with a basic 360, add in the 4 point Harness I come to 37,740.

A 420 with the same spec is 3,500 more. But wont have RBTB and those extra bits and pieces mentioned in that other thread.

But its things like RBTB and a lightened flywheel that will give it some zing as well as the torque improvement. So if I pay a bit more with Premier Power and end up with more performance than a 420, then that sounds like money well spent.

I'm not looking to save money for the sake of it, I'm more interested in spending it on things that I will notice and want I suppose.

[mickeyb72]

I have a 360 s I built 7 years ago, the 360 is a lovely engine and more than plenty for the road.
It has lots of torque and spins up quickly.
I’ve had plenty of serious performance cars and I don’t think you’d be disappointed.
When I bought it I considered the 420 as well.

[tumble dryer]

mickeyb72 said:

I have a 360 s I built 7 years ago, the 360 is a lovely engine and more than plenty for the road.
It has lots of torque and spins up quickly.
I’ve had plenty of serious performance cars and I don’t think you’d be disappointed.
When I bought it I considered the 420 as well.

Top lurking Sir!

[mickrick]

A dry sump could give you several more horsepower. I read somewhere, around 8hp. Sounds unbelievable doesn't it? But there's a lot of windage and foamy stuff going on in a wet sump.

[PiersR]

The wet sump will be close to the ground in comparison to a dry sump. I unfortunately hit my wet sump and cracked it and it was beyond repair. Fitting a new wet sump was expensive.

Piers

[mickrick]

PiersR said:

The wet sump will be close to the ground in comparison to a dry sump. I unfortunately hit my wet sump and cracked it and it was beyond repair. Fitting a new wet sump was expensive.

Piers

Been there.....