First test help
Discussion
On top of enjoying and having fun tomorrow that I am testing a Caterham for the very first time... any other practical advice?
I will use some not-very-wide shoes so I don't have any problem with the pedals and I will bring my sunglasses (yeah, it will be quite sunny!). I am bringing also a friend and a telephone with camera so I can have an "external view of how the car suits me" ;-)
Any other advice?
Yes, I am excited...
I will use some not-very-wide shoes so I don't have any problem with the pedals and I will bring my sunglasses (yeah, it will be quite sunny!). I am bringing also a friend and a telephone with camera so I can have an "external view of how the car suits me" ;-)
Any other advice?
Yes, I am excited...
Make sure you strap yourself in tight. If the car is fitted with harnesses, you shouldn't be able to move your shoulders forward by more than about 4". Ensure that the keys to the car and the steering wheel (if removable!) are within easy reach before you do this!
Be aware that you have no ABS or TCS, so take care around low grip road surfaces.
Once the engine is warm, use the revvs- these cars really come alive when you're towards the top of the rev range, because the amount of engine braking you get at high engine RPMs and the engine's response and readiness to accelerate the car are sharper. Due to the low weight of these cars, if you approach a bend in too high a gear, the car will feel like it wants to 'push on' and it won't turn in as well. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns. They are so light that it is easy to get lazy and just grunt along using the torque in a high gear, but I guarantee you'll have more fun closer to the rev limit in a lower gear.
Don't leave the indicators on and don't forget to figure out how to work the immobiliser before you go!
Be aware that you have no ABS or TCS, so take care around low grip road surfaces.
Once the engine is warm, use the revvs- these cars really come alive when you're towards the top of the rev range, because the amount of engine braking you get at high engine RPMs and the engine's response and readiness to accelerate the car are sharper. Due to the low weight of these cars, if you approach a bend in too high a gear, the car will feel like it wants to 'push on' and it won't turn in as well. Get used to downshifting under braking before turns. They are so light that it is easy to get lazy and just grunt along using the torque in a high gear, but I guarantee you'll have more fun closer to the rev limit in a lower gear.
Don't leave the indicators on and don't forget to figure out how to work the immobiliser before you go!
We got a Caterham 7 a few months ago as a none runner. We have now fitted a Zetec engine, MOT'd Wednesday, first drive Wednesday night. It's different! You certainly have to stand on the brakes but the biggest surprise was the steering. Let’s say you’re involved, which is a bit disconcerting to begin with. It couldn’t be much more different to drive than a modern car.
^ As above, Also remember that 7s are very sensitive to set-up. It is worth getting a proper tracking set up done by someone who knows the cars and knows your intended use. If it feels overly unsettled and you feel that it's too responsive, or it is tramlining, you'll want to add some toe-in.
HustleRussell said:
^ As above, Also remember that 7s are very sensitive to set-up. It is worth getting a proper tracking set up done by someone who knows the cars and knows your intended use. If it feels overly unsettled and you feel that it's too responsive, or it is tramlining, you'll want to add some toe-in.
And make sure you have enough fuel.....
Getting m'self a staight cut sequential.
Dave. Spoke to one of your sheep loving pals the other week. He's sending me one of those adjustable ARB's 
Thanks for all the advice. This is a really nice forum 
Maybe no need for earplugs as it is a "continental" car, so extra exhaust silencer, I think. South France, by the way Mick ;-)
I'll tell you ASAP how is my first experience, fortunately with some pictures - and one thousand new questions!!!
Cheers!
Maybe no need for earplugs as it is a "continental" car, so extra exhaust silencer, I think. South France, by the way Mick ;-)
I'll tell you ASAP how is my first experience, fortunately with some pictures - and one thousand new questions!!!
Cheers!
Edited by Benur on Saturday 15th September 00:01
thanks for crane lendage Ben! I have seen the Older Freestyle adjustable bar fail on one or 2 cars.
I used my own for 8 years with no sign of a problem but because of the known issue when I started producing our own version of the ARB we re designed the female end of the blade to forma cotton reel shape. This allows Arch to weld a thin strap around the boss and back along the bar.
Thanks to Bruce and his main engineer they are confident this small alteration will ad a significant step up in the strength of the weld.
So now they should not fail. None of the first 15 have had issues over the past 15 months.
I used my own for 8 years with no sign of a problem but because of the known issue when I started producing our own version of the ARB we re designed the female end of the blade to forma cotton reel shape. This allows Arch to weld a thin strap around the boss and back along the bar.
Thanks to Bruce and his main engineer they are confident this small alteration will ad a significant step up in the strength of the weld.
So now they should not fail. None of the first 15 have had issues over the past 15 months.
and thanks for that Simon. I thought you'd be along soon Gassing Station | Caterham | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff