RE: Caterham spots a gap, goes for it
Discussion
Have the new 5 speed Caterhams got revised ratios (particularly 1st & 2nd) compared with my old 5 speed 1.4 Supersport? My first & second is waaaayyy too short for a car that weighs in at c. 550kgs.
Having a Supersport R with a 5 speed box seems a bit of a backward step to me, but presumably Caterham know their stuff???!!
Having a Supersport R with a 5 speed box seems a bit of a backward step to me, but presumably Caterham know their stuff???!!
RichyBoy said:
I cannot believe someone managed to mention a bmw barge in a caterham thread lol.
It was somewhat tongue in cheek, as I think was the mention of a Golf GTI that it was a reply to - but if I hadn't done it in jest, I expect someone would have been along to do it in seriousness before long, it seems to be the way of things round here at the moment.Spingo said:
Have the new 5 speed Caterhams got revised ratios (particularly 1st & 2nd) compared with my old 5 speed 1.4 Supersport? My first & second is waaaayyy too short for a car that weighs in at c. 550kgs.
Having a Supersport R with a 5 speed box seems a bit of a backward step to me, but presumably Caterham know their stuff???!!
Really - my five speed SS managed about 15 in first but at 7600 did something like 68 in second...Having a Supersport R with a 5 speed box seems a bit of a backward step to me, but presumably Caterham know their stuff???!!
coppice said:
Really - my five speed SS managed about 15 in first but at 7600 did something like 68 in second...
Granted 2nd isn't as bad as 1st although I have never revved my engine that high - isn't the limiter set at 7200 or something like that? I do find however that changing from 2nd to 3rd the car is out of the power band again...3rd/4th are pretty good ratios and 5th makes for a relaxing cruise esp. for longer journeys - I brought mine back from Cornwall a couple of w/e's ago and felt very fresh in it after 250 miles (although the rain might have helped!!!)
I really ought to get a long 1st fitted - any idea of the cost of this conversion including fitting? Shame Caterham don't fit a long first as standard... :-(
k me I'll have a well specc'd s/h Bently Continental for that and it'll be quicker.
Spingo said:
Granted 2nd isn't as bad as 1st although I have never revved my engine that high - isn't the limiter set at 7200 or something like that? I do find however that changing from 2nd to 3rd the car is out of the power band again...
A 1400 Supersport should redline at 7600rpm, you may have a red shift light on the dash that lights about 7400rpm (it's the top light behind the steering wheel). If you are changing up early it may explain why the car is dropping out of the powerband. Worth getting a long first or the 6 speed box. 
Fishy Dave said:
A 1400 Supersport should redline at 7600rpm, you may have a red shift light on the dash that lights about 7400rpm (it's the top light behind the steering wheel). If you are changing up early it may explain why the car is dropping out of the powerband. Worth getting a long first or the 6 speed box.
Ah righty - thanks Fishy Dave. I always thought that red light meant something more serious? Is it really safe to rev the engine that high (with the correct oil etc)?I agree, a long first would be desirable and would probably suit my needs (& pocket) better than a 6 speed. I know the 6 speed has good reviews, but I'm not sure I personally could live with the 1:1 ratio in 6th - anyone out there in Berkshire with a 1.4 6 speed willing to demo to me?!! ;-)
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