New to me R400D
Discussion
This is my first Caterham after a disappointing spell with a Westfield FW Duratec (They aren't 200hp, 170 on the rollers and the MT75 box doesn't help)
Anyway.............I LOVE IT! The drive is fantastic, it's so much fun and so far I don't think anyone needs an R500d, though, well I don't want one yet!!!!
It feels light, really responsive, eager for progress down the road and perfect gearing only adds to the fun of using all the gears.
Things I have discovered -
You don't need a heater especially with the roof up, it's like an oven in there when the cars warm and that was with the window zipped out and opening the bottom of the door occasionally.
They are a nightmare to get in and out of with the roof up.
All the suspension components need TLC if the car has ever seen rain, I am currently taking bits off, painting them and refitting with new screws.
The method of number plate fastening on the front is laughable, I have replaced all the velcro and added more! I may get a stick on plate.
Why do Caterham run the brake lines over the pedal box instead of around the back of it? Just makes taking it off more awkward and if you want to bleed the brakes on top of the pedal box is the highest point and a great place for air!
The airfilter is not a great shape as it rubs on the water hose right under it.
Anyway.............back to painting and polishing.....................
Anyway.............I LOVE IT! The drive is fantastic, it's so much fun and so far I don't think anyone needs an R500d, though, well I don't want one yet!!!!
It feels light, really responsive, eager for progress down the road and perfect gearing only adds to the fun of using all the gears.
Things I have discovered -
You don't need a heater especially with the roof up, it's like an oven in there when the cars warm and that was with the window zipped out and opening the bottom of the door occasionally.
They are a nightmare to get in and out of with the roof up.
All the suspension components need TLC if the car has ever seen rain, I am currently taking bits off, painting them and refitting with new screws.
The method of number plate fastening on the front is laughable, I have replaced all the velcro and added more! I may get a stick on plate.
Why do Caterham run the brake lines over the pedal box instead of around the back of it? Just makes taking it off more awkward and if you want to bleed the brakes on top of the pedal box is the highest point and a great place for air!
The airfilter is not a great shape as it rubs on the water hose right under it.
Anyway.............back to painting and polishing.....................
. Never got pulled in mine like this, over 5k milesmike150 said:
T-
They are a nightmare to get in and out of with the roof up.
All the suspension components need TLC if the car has ever seen rain, I am currently taking bits off, painting them and refitting with new screws.
Anyway.............back to painting and polishing.....................
Go for the rat look - my R400D has 32k miles and is usually on the mucky side of grimy. Ever see rain...? Do some people not use them when it's wet ? No fun but inevitable in our climate if you venture away from home in your Seven- as you should They are a nightmare to get in and out of with the roof up.
All the suspension components need TLC if the car has ever seen rain, I am currently taking bits off, painting them and refitting with new screws.
Anyway.............back to painting and polishing.....................
Welcome to the fold!
When I bought my R300 last year, I though the same about the mounting of the front number plate. However, I took someone else's advice and instead of velcro, used the 3M Dual Lock (mushroom head lock) stuff. Very strong in my experience thus far, and removable for trackdays if you so wish.
Agreed that the heater is nice when it gets a little chilly, though mine's a K-series, so I don't have the exhaust manifold right by my feet!
When I bought my R300 last year, I though the same about the mounting of the front number plate. However, I took someone else's advice and instead of velcro, used the 3M Dual Lock (mushroom head lock) stuff. Very strong in my experience thus far, and removable for trackdays if you so wish.
Agreed that the heater is nice when it gets a little chilly, though mine's a K-series, so I don't have the exhaust manifold right by my feet!
Congrats on the r400 - a great choice! Unfortunately, you should expect to be struck down by upgraditis and this can last for several years. Often it is incurable...
Since getting my r400 I have done the following:-
- ditched the roof and now use a softbits half hood- it's great! And get a shower cap too.
- replaced the exhaust back box with a Raceco rear can. It's great and better for meeting noise targets at tracks
- sorted out the air filter problem by... Upgrading to throttle bodies and a carbon air box
- resolved front aero issues by relocating the front number plate to the passenger footwell (always have one in the car just in case)
- switched to zzr tyres on 13inch rims
- got the car properly flat floored and set up by someone who knows their onions
Good luck and enjoy!
Since getting my r400 I have done the following:-
- ditched the roof and now use a softbits half hood- it's great! And get a shower cap too.
- replaced the exhaust back box with a Raceco rear can. It's great and better for meeting noise targets at tracks
- sorted out the air filter problem by... Upgrading to throttle bodies and a carbon air box
- resolved front aero issues by relocating the front number plate to the passenger footwell (always have one in the car just in case)
- switched to zzr tyres on 13inch rims
- got the car properly flat floored and set up by someone who knows their onions
Good luck and enjoy!
I've had Eugene for coming up to 30 years...
Well over 250K miles, and it rarely looks clean.
And as for getting in with a roof, go Aero!
See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre...
Well over 250K miles, and it rarely looks clean.
And as for getting in with a roof, go Aero!
See: http://www.7-dna.com/forums/index.php?action=vthre...
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