Supersport R engine upgrade by CC
Discussion
omg - just had the full engine upgrade done by CC to 220 bhp. It is outstanding - it goes like a bullet, so responsive and sounds absolutely superb with loads of popping and banging and blue flames coming out the exhaust !!!! Brilliant brilliant !!! The car has been transformed into a monster. Definitely worth the money - every single penny !!! My life is now complete.
Edited by onward on Saturday 17th January 19:11
Vat - but she's worth it.That is great, I have ordered the factory upgrade with my new kit. It should be being built next month. I have a few questions if you don't mind.
Has it improved throttle response? my key reason for ordering an ssr and upgrading rather than a R400 without tb's
How loud is it, will track days be an issue?
What gearbox is it mated to? I have the 6 speed on order.
I assume you have the bonnet cut out, is so have you spec'ed either of the carbon airboxes?
Thanks
LawrenceR
Has it improved throttle response? my key reason for ordering an ssr and upgrading rather than a R400 without tb's
How loud is it, will track days be an issue?
What gearbox is it mated to? I have the 6 speed on order.
I assume you have the bonnet cut out, is so have you spec'ed either of the carbon airboxes?
Thanks
LawrenceR
casbar said:
Had a Supersport R upgrade done to my K 1800 a few years back. It also did a lot of popping and banging. But then I went and had it tuned properly on a dyno, that absolutely was the best money I had spent.
A very valid point, high powered Caterhams rarely run their best on the stock engine maps, it's worth investing a little more to get the mapping done properly, it will improve drivability and efficiency. At least have a power run done to check AFR to see how it looks then decide whether to spend the extra for a full remap.Throttle body upgrade totally transforms the R400 D as well. I would re consider if you are seriously buying a new one without this upgrade, it does totally transform the car. CC should really supply it as standard like they used to on the old R400 K (AFAIK) and that was a peach as well. I think there are plenty of means of noise suppression for the induction and exhaust for track days but I haven't done any track days in mine. Someone will be along to confirm very soon 
My R400 D was utterly transformed by the rbtb's. Allegedly 10bhp or something but the difference is jaw dropping and feels a lot more than that; big bangs and pops on demand and despite what you might read on t'internet no real loss of mpg in normal road driving - if that matters to you.Also far more tractable and tickover rock steady even when cold .
SLR400 said:
Throttle body upgrade totally transforms the R400 D as well. I would re consider if you are seriously buying a new one without this upgrade, it does totally transform the car. CC should really supply it as standard like they used to on the old R400 K (AFAIK) and that was a peach as well. I think there are plenty of means of noise suppression for the induction and exhaust for track days but I haven't done any track days in mine. Someone will be along to confirm very soon
Of course, CC don't supply as standard and there is no option to specify and have the cost of the original equipment offset the £2220 cost. In light of this I decided to build the kit standard and I will fit the upgrade as a project later.
Grubbster said:
A very valid point, high powered Caterhams rarely run their best on the stock engine maps, it's worth investing a little more to get the mapping done properly, it will improve drivability and efficiency. At least have a power run done to check AFR to see how it looks then decide whether to spend the extra for a full remap.
Took mine to the two Steve's, it was some years ago, but they did a good job mapping the MBE ECUThe latest cars have have encrypted maps that cannot be altered. If you want to map them, it a start again job with a generic map and new ECU. I've also been told that is not possible to re-flash the ECU now, but clearly Caterham are able to reload new 'upgrade' maps so it may be possible by those authorised to do it.
But my experience of this upgrade is that, provided it is built and set up properly, it is a very consistent and the map is probably as good as you'll get starting again with your average RR mapping session.
But my experience of this upgrade is that, provided it is built and set up properly, it is a very consistent and the map is probably as good as you'll get starting again with your average RR mapping session.
Edited by DCL on Sunday 18th January 09:50
LawrenceR said:
That is great, I have ordered the factory upgrade with my new kit. It should be being built next month. I have a few questions if you don't mind.
Has it improved throttle response? my key reason for ordering an ssr and upgrading rather than a R400 without tb's
How loud is it, will track days be an issue?
What gearbox is it mated to? I have the 6 speed on order.
I assume you have the bonnet cut out, is so have you spec'ed either of the carbon airboxes?
Thanks
LawrenceR
The throttle response is much better - you put your foot down and you accelerate straight away - boom, you're off! - doing about 70 on the motorway in 5th (5GSB) dropping it down to 4th and its off off off - like a bullet !Has it improved throttle response? my key reason for ordering an ssr and upgrading rather than a R400 without tb's
How loud is it, will track days be an issue?
What gearbox is it mated to? I have the 6 speed on order.
I assume you have the bonnet cut out, is so have you spec'ed either of the carbon airboxes?
Thanks
LawrenceR
Its a lot louder but not massively loud - I took off the cat before it was upgraded - I will keep it for track days (if i do any) - so its fitted with a straight through pipe - the popping and banging is loud, but for me thats what I wanted - makes me laugh every time!!
Ive got an SV so the bonnet is unchanged.
I've had the car new since Sept and had the upgrade last week. So i drove about 1000 miles in it without the upgrade. Its a different car now - This is how it should be.
can't wait to get it again!!
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