K-Series 1.8k states of tune??

[ghibbett]

Hi All,

Quick question: what were the states of tune for the 1.8k from the factory? Would I be correct in assuming they were as below:
1.8k std = 120bhp
1.8k SS = 140bhp
1.8k VVC = 160bhp
1.8k R300 = 160bhp
1.8k VHPD = 190bhp
1.8k R500 = 230bhp

Is the above correct? Also what was the difference between the 1.8k std and 1.8k SS? Just different cams?

[DVandrews]

The SS is just a set of cams and a recalibration of the ECU. Early VVC engines are 143bhp, late ones are 156.

Dave

[ghibbett]

Hi Dave,

Thanks for confirming. Interesting you replied as was looking at your website earlier...

I'm potentially looking to buy a Caterham with a 1.8K 140bhp, so guess I'll be looking at your Supersport tuning kits?

[DVandrews]

There are two '140' engines, the original SS as described and the 'xpower 140' which uses much tamer cams and an ally inlet manifold that is a very poor fit to the inlet ports, these rarely make 140bhp and the cams are way toot tame for any serious horsepower, you would need to upgrade the cams as well if you have those.

Dave

[ghibbett]

Interesting stuff. How can I tell if it's an SS or an X-Power? Purely from the inlet manifold?

[DVandrews]

ghibbett said:

Interesting stuff. How can I tell if it's an SS or an X-Power? Purely from the inlet manifold?

Yup, pretty much...

Dave

[TeflonT]

I think a properly timed R300 K gives a bit more than 160 horses.

[DVandrews]

Mmm.. Proper timing normally improves midrange torque rather than raising peak power. I haven't seen many over 160BHP even with very careful cam timing, normally they are around mid 150s.

Dave

[BertBert]

Were there two R300ks? The original on TBs and then the VVC?

[DVandrews]

Yes indeed.. They made similar BHP, but the torque on the VVC has a wider envelope.

Dave

[130g]

I know you got vast experience Dave, so I am probably meddling where I should not. But just how sure are you about the x-power manifold bit? Reason I ask is that when I bought my 2002 SV second hand, it was stated as an x-power and I got the original receipt and spec. sheet from Millwood where it is also listed as an x-power.
But it had a plastic inlet manifold. Power wise it was at 137bhp.

[DVandrews]

130g said:

I know you got vast experience Dave, so I am probably meddling where I should not. But just how sure are you about the x-power manifold bit? Reason I ask is that when I bought my 2002 SV second hand, it was stated as an x-power and I got the original receipt and spec. sheet from Millwood where it is also listed as an x-power.
But it had a plastic inlet manifold. Power wise it was at 137bhp.

Typical case of badge engineering.. The 'proper' xpower spec. used the trophy 135 engine which had some mild cams and a VVC inlet manifold. I suspect that there were stocks of Supersport bits and standard engines that were required to be shifted , hence they were badged as 'xpower' to fit the latest idiom. Chances are if yo have an xpower badge and a plastic manifold then you are actually a Supersport spec. which has the better cams.

Dave'

[kallegrabowski]

Hi,

I am new to the pistonheads forum, but have been reading the forum about caterhams quite a bit.
Living in Germany it is quite hard to find good (and experienced) resources about the k-series engines so I started out absorbing Dave´s page (excellent source) following the links and comments on this forum.
All those tempting tuning options offered at the DVA homepage have one significant drawback if you live in Germany as they more or less all require a free programmable ECU which is not road legal in Germany. I ended up ordering a remap for my RHD Superlight 1.8 from ZandF since Mark does his work on the standard Rover Mems3.
How is this related to this thread?
Before reading this thread I thought all 140 bhp 1.8k had supersport cams (being the part that makes the difference to the 120 bhp version). I now learned that the x-power labeled engines do not have those cams.

I asked caterham for details and they answered the following:
"The engine came with an VVC aluminium plenum and 52 mm throttle body which is how we got 140 bhp out of it, the rest was standard K-series X-power 1.8 engine with standard camshafts not supersport."

So now I am basically stuck with the wrong mapping for my engine.
Can anyone tell me, if adding supersport cams to my engine (in combination with the long 4 in 1 exhaust that I have) will eventually be a noticeable enhancement?
Where can I get those cams, since they seem to be sold out at caterham?

Thanks for your help,
Felix

[DVandrews]

There are many alternative profiles which are equivalent to the Supersport cams, the 633 piper profile in particular is a better behaved alternative. They will give the same power but better road manners and mid range torque.

I keep them in stock.

Dave

[sjmmarsh]

The VVC engine was originally 150bhp (EU2) with the later EU3 ones being 160.

Steve

[DVandrews]

sjmmarsh said:

The VVC engine was originally 150bhp (EU2) with the later EU3 ones being 160.

Steve

Incorrect, the original VVC was rated at 143bhp. Later ones were 156BHP, as stated in my earlier post.

Dave

[kallegrabowski]

Hi Dave,

thanks for your advice. How much will a set of Piper 633 cost and will the engine still meet EU2 emissions (catalytic converter is fitted)?
I assume that I can keep my hydraulic lifters, but do I need verniers as well?

Best regards,
Felix

[DVandrews]

Hello Felix,

You will most definitely need verniers, if the cams are then properly timed you should have no issues with emissions. The cams use the stock hydraulic followers.

It is probably best to send me a mail for pricing.. [e-mail]. I didn't mean it to come across as a sales pitch.

Rgds

Dave

Edited by DVandrews on Thursday 15th August 15:50

[Manchestergas]

My x power 160vvc was rolling roaded just the other day.
Completely standard with a upgraded exhaust.
It was 172.2 bhp and 143 torques.
Was happy about that bit

[DVandrews]

I'd say the RR is over-reading a bit.

Dave