Sigma vs K series + chassis queries
Discussion
Need some help, i'm very close to doing a deal on one of 2 cars, both are 1.6 academy cars, one is an 08 sigma and the other an 03 k series. My queries are
1. is the newer (metric) chassis much better than the older chassis
2. I know there are loads of goodies for the K series and they're cheap and easy to tune but i know nothing about the Sigma, is it a good engine for future power upgrades, what are the benefits
Heart says newer Sigma but head says go with cheaper and better spec K
1. is the newer (metric) chassis much better than the older chassis
2. I know there are loads of goodies for the K series and they're cheap and easy to tune but i know nothing about the Sigma, is it a good engine for future power upgrades, what are the benefits
Heart says newer Sigma but head says go with cheaper and better spec K
Are we talking similar budgets here or the £4k difference suggested above? For me, I would usually always go for age, condition, options and mileage over other factors but with such a big age differential, the 08 plated car looks more attractive assuming it is in decent & straight condition.
The new metric chassis' are meant to be considerably stiffer. For the traditionalist, having an Arch chassis is a major decision point. For others the Caged chassis is equally as competent (or even better!).
What history do the cars have? If the newer car has had a hard track life and suffered various repairs, knocks and dents and the 03 one has been kept as a road car with good upkeep and use, this will help make a decision as well. I don't know much about the Sigma engine and upgrading but the K series is relatively easy to get improved and there is an absolute wealth of experience out there to tap into.
I am not sure I have helped too much!
The new metric chassis' are meant to be considerably stiffer. For the traditionalist, having an Arch chassis is a major decision point. For others the Caged chassis is equally as competent (or even better!).
What history do the cars have? If the newer car has had a hard track life and suffered various repairs, knocks and dents and the 03 one has been kept as a road car with good upkeep and use, this will help make a decision as well. I don't know much about the Sigma engine and upgrading but the K series is relatively easy to get improved and there is an absolute wealth of experience out there to tap into.
I am not sure I have helped too much!
The difference in cost is 3k, the '08 car has only 1000miles, the '03 car has 8,000 miles, so not a huge gulf, the difference in cost in parts alone on the better spec car is probably 1.5k and i'm told the older car is in great condition with new ali panels, so condition wise i suspect they're about the same but the '08 car in 5 years time will be more desirable i suspect outweighing the extra 3k needed upfront, my heart says new but it's that wealth of info that I find appealling.
What is the specification difference on the cars,
ie The 03 car is it std academy or Roadsport B or A spec. If it is standard then the 3k is not enough of a difference.
For a late, good condition Roadsport A spec with all the right bits and road kit you will pay between 10k to 12k so adjust accordingly.
The caged "metric" chassis is superior to the Arch chassis period.
If you plan to race it your options will grow more limited witht the 03 car. Place and advert in the wanted section of one of the caterham racing forums.
Best of luck.
ie The 03 car is it std academy or Roadsport B or A spec. If it is standard then the 3k is not enough of a difference.
For a late, good condition Roadsport A spec with all the right bits and road kit you will pay between 10k to 12k so adjust accordingly.
The caged "metric" chassis is superior to the Arch chassis period.
If you plan to race it your options will grow more limited witht the 03 car. Place and advert in the wanted section of one of the caterham racing forums.
Best of luck.
James.S said:
The caged "metric" chassis is superior to the Arch chassis period.
Why exactly? . . I know it's supposedly 8% stiffer (which is pretty irrelevant once a cage is fitted IMO) but it's also 20 or 30 kg heavier. Plus, how do you get them fixed? Who has the jigs? What does a long front cost from Caterham with a metric chassis?hmmm.....from experience racing with both chassis this year, all fitted with K's the new chassis is more capable at getting power down on exits. I am not aware of any issues in fixing them other than my teammate seems to go thru quite a lot.
I don't really understand the Arch Inside b
ks to be honest epecially when so few have actually used the new one.......
I don't really understand the Arch Inside b
ks to be honest epecially when so few have actually used the new one.......
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