Engine Upgrade

[BigCol]

I have a Caterham 7 Sigma 140 SuperSport SV. It's fun but I'd like a tad more power. I built the car and as such, the sentimental attachment is great.

I know the pragmatic route is sell/replace with something with a Duratec but that wouldn't be *my* car!

I like the idea of a Premier Power upgrade to the lightweight, revvy (and so ideal for a 7) Sigma but understand they're significant amounts of money.

or I could swap the Sigma for a Duratec... Has anyone on here done that? If so, what is involved in terms of bits, costs, work etc?

All theoretical at the moment but something to cogitate over!

[downsman]

I suspect swapping to a standard Duratec would cost just as much as a Premier Power upgrade to 175 bhp. You'd have to source new bell housing, engine, exhaust, engine mounts etc

[The Orig Fergie]

I had a 140 Sigma Supersport which was originally a caterham car which I purchased when it was two years old. I had the car for two years and after 5k miles in the car it became "my car" so to speak. I then also wanted more power and looked at the premier power type of upgrade (which I understand are very good), however was concerned about resale value. I decided to buy a 420R as you have more power and the choice of more power via later upgrades. Loved the sigma but prefer the torque of the duratec

[CR500Dom]

You could fit a set of cams and throttle bodies, some head work, and that would see you up at 170-180hp.

I would personally speak to Luke Stevens at Team Leos, they have just remapped a 125 sigma to just shy of 150hp, and they could do you whatever you wanted ? a simple remap for a nicer drive and a bit more power, right through to the TB`s / Head and cams with remap for 180ish ?

[framerateuk]

Similar situation here.

I'm not sure how much louder a modified Sigma would be - especially to get 175-180bhp. My 140 was recorded at 92db which is good for pretty much any trackday (with the possible exception of Thruxton).

I do like the idea of a lighter/faster Sigma over a heavier Duratec though. I've only heard good things about the Premier Power upgrades too.

[tomwoodis]

What about the Caterham 155hp upgrade they just announced. Isn't it £1500 for people who have a SuperSport spec engine already such as yours? Surely got to be worth looking at.

Or is yours the earlier sigma without the VVT technology?

[BigCol]

I have the older, non-VVT, Sigma which can't be upgraded with the Caterham option... you're right, otherwise that'd be ideal Tom!