One size fits all ?
Discussion
Hi All
Appreciate a bid of advice...
Thinking about next weekend car/ possible track purchase and a Caterham is one of a few on the list.
Couple of things - I am 6'4 and big framed (not a fat boy !) - think Rugby No8 size....Am sure I read somewhere a while back that there is a model with a wider / longer seat / cabin to accomodate larger frames - or is that wrong ?
Secondly, budget will be c. 15K - would I get something reasonable for this or am I being optimistic ? - can add to budget if neccesary. Requirements are really just a bit of a fun weekend toy and a perhapd 3 or 4 track days pa, not a serious racer.
Cheers
Appreciate a bid of advice...
Thinking about next weekend car/ possible track purchase and a Caterham is one of a few on the list.
Couple of things - I am 6'4 and big framed (not a fat boy !) - think Rugby No8 size....Am sure I read somewhere a while back that there is a model with a wider / longer seat / cabin to accomodate larger frames - or is that wrong ?
Secondly, budget will be c. 15K - would I get something reasonable for this or am I being optimistic ? - can add to budget if neccesary. Requirements are really just a bit of a fun weekend toy and a perhapd 3 or 4 track days pa, not a serious racer.
Cheers
I am a bit smaller than you at 6'2" but slightly heavier(!!) than I should be...
Anyway I had an HPC with a standard S3 chassis and the previous two owners were 6'5" and 6'4" so I was the small one in the group. Absolutely no problem driving it at all with my size 12 work shoes on either.
There is an SV model which does allow for significantly more interior space (width and length) but its a personal preference as to whether you will like the fit. I know there are plenty of SV owners who are smaller than me and prefer thr roominess and vice versa. I much prefer the snugness of an S3 chassis.
Best get along to a few club meets to sit in some cars or along to Caterham and see what feels best
Anyway I had an HPC with a standard S3 chassis and the previous two owners were 6'5" and 6'4" so I was the small one in the group. Absolutely no problem driving it at all with my size 12 work shoes on either.
There is an SV model which does allow for significantly more interior space (width and length) but its a personal preference as to whether you will like the fit. I know there are plenty of SV owners who are smaller than me and prefer thr roominess and vice versa. I much prefer the snugness of an S3 chassis.
Best get along to a few club meets to sit in some cars or along to Caterham and see what feels best
Well in 6'4 also & 16 stone yet bizzarely found the SV to feel too big... Odd perhaps I know but like the tightness ooerrr of the regular chassis. With big feet do have to wear race boots to drive tho even tight regular shoes are too big for me.
Fergus is taller than me & fatter too
& hes got regular chassis too-(I think) lowered floor tho which gains vital headoom.
Seat choice is another big thing as is pedal position, I can't fit in mine at all comfortably with the seat runners on & have to bolt seat direct to floor, if that is still too tight then bag seat is the way forward.
I've found de-dion car have a lot more foot space than the live axle cars ive driven too- of same years not the old short cockpit antique jobbies.
£15k will but you a lot of fast caterhams as long as you dont buy from overpriced dealers inc Caterham or want something near new, then you will have some underpowered new thing etc.
Fergus is taller than me & fatter too
& hes got regular chassis too-(I think) lowered floor tho which gains vital headoom.Seat choice is another big thing as is pedal position, I can't fit in mine at all comfortably with the seat runners on & have to bolt seat direct to floor, if that is still too tight then bag seat is the way forward.
I've found de-dion car have a lot more foot space than the live axle cars ive driven too- of same years not the old short cockpit antique jobbies.
£15k will but you a lot of fast caterhams as long as you dont buy from overpriced dealers inc Caterham or want something near new, then you will have some underpowered new thing etc.
iguana said:
Fergus is taller than me & fatter too & hes got regular chassis too-(I think) lowered floor tho which gains vital headoom.
I'm 6'5" and currently around 16.5 stone and with size 13 feet, fit fine in my SLR (S3 chassis) with a few mods: & hes got regular chassis too-(I think) lowered floor tho which gains vital headoom.1) lowered floorpan (-50mm)
2) +100mm in the roll cage
3) custom moulded PU foam seat
4) pedals on their 'middle' setting
fits like a glove (albeit a tight one)
You'll be fine. Don't get an SV unless you're REALLY fat
Iggy - cheeky bugger!
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