New R500 Owner
Discussion
Hello all Caterham owners.
Have just purchased a 07 K-series R500. This is an all new exciting adventure for me - I just hope its going to be a pleasant experience? It would be great to hear from a knowledgeable owner as I have quite a long "to do list and question list" and I am real numpty with car mechanics.
I have a dry sump set up, however my main concern is the ride height which is extremely low (can't even roll a coke can under the sump!) The front dampers I believe are from WP Suspension that according to the website are for motor bikes. On the test drive it seemed ok over short steep bumps and the classic wide speed bumps taking care at low speed, however when you actually look under the car it looks too low for comfort and now scares me after reading horror stories on the forums! For now I plan just road use, will try a few track days next year.
I am based in the South France, in Antibes and would love to hear from any local owners down here who can give me a few tips.
James.
Have just purchased a 07 K-series R500. This is an all new exciting adventure for me - I just hope its going to be a pleasant experience? It would be great to hear from a knowledgeable owner as I have quite a long "to do list and question list" and I am real numpty with car mechanics.
I have a dry sump set up, however my main concern is the ride height which is extremely low (can't even roll a coke can under the sump!) The front dampers I believe are from WP Suspension that according to the website are for motor bikes. On the test drive it seemed ok over short steep bumps and the classic wide speed bumps taking care at low speed, however when you actually look under the car it looks too low for comfort and now scares me after reading horror stories on the forums! For now I plan just road use, will try a few track days next year.
I am based in the South France, in Antibes and would love to hear from any local owners down here who can give me a few tips.
James.
Hi James,
Welcome here, I am sure you will have fun with your new R500, well new to you anyway!!
I previously had an R400 K Series, so I have some experience of the marque, but there are some specifics of the R500 that you should get answers to from other people here.
I now have a new R500 Duratec, so welcome to the R500 owners club too.
I am sure you have found it already, but I would also recommend asking questions of the guys on the Lotus Seven owners club forum at www.blatchat.com there is a wealth of really knowledgeable R500 K Series owners over there too.
Have fun!!
Nige.
Welcome here, I am sure you will have fun with your new R500, well new to you anyway!!
I previously had an R400 K Series, so I have some experience of the marque, but there are some specifics of the R500 that you should get answers to from other people here.
I now have a new R500 Duratec, so welcome to the R500 owners club too.
I am sure you have found it already, but I would also recommend asking questions of the guys on the Lotus Seven owners club forum at www.blatchat.com there is a wealth of really knowledgeable R500 K Series owners over there too.
Have fun!!
Nige.
James,
Just thought about the point you made on the dry sump clearance.
It is very low on the R500 and R400 k series cars, so low in fact that on my old R400 I managed to destroy my sump on my old R400 on one of the many UK cats eyes.
It was an easy replacement though, just costs a lot so if it can be avoided, its a good thing.
To that end it would be worth making sure that the ride height is set OK at the front and rear, and perhaps raising the front to give extra clearance on the sump.
On my old R400 I raised the engine using some plates under the engine mounts, that a friend of mine machined for me, it have me about 10mm extra clearance on the sump, and that small amount makes all the difference with the poor roads and damn speed bumps too!!
Could be worth looking at for your car.
Nige.
Just thought about the point you made on the dry sump clearance.
It is very low on the R500 and R400 k series cars, so low in fact that on my old R400 I managed to destroy my sump on my old R400 on one of the many UK cats eyes.
It was an easy replacement though, just costs a lot so if it can be avoided, its a good thing.
To that end it would be worth making sure that the ride height is set OK at the front and rear, and perhaps raising the front to give extra clearance on the sump.
On my old R400 I raised the engine using some plates under the engine mounts, that a friend of mine machined for me, it have me about 10mm extra clearance on the sump, and that small amount makes all the difference with the poor roads and damn speed bumps too!!
Could be worth looking at for your car.
Nige.
Ult-Jim said:
(can't even roll a coke can under the sump!)
Hi James, either an amazing coincidence or you've already checked out Blatchat here. All the figures are there and you've got adjustable suspension. Enjoy your new car.Alan
After grinding through the best part of 3 dry sump pans at the Ring, I've now made a giant 5mm thick aluminium skid pan that fits to the front crucifix and extends about 1/3 of the way under the sump. This also helps the car ride over any obstacles. I run about 65mm sump clearance and this also gives me extra reassurance that something won't try and hit the leading edge of the sump (also protects the pulleys from stones, etc.
Homemade device, but IMHO worth a bit of hassle to make.
On a different note, I took my car on the road for the first time in ages on saturday (to run a rebuilt DVA engine in) and realised why I don't drive it on the road (or run bikes on the road).... saw 4 camera vans (but luckily other motorists seem to live the 7 and flash away to allow me to saunter past at 55mph with a wave each time!!)
Homemade device, but IMHO worth a bit of hassle to make.
On a different note, I took my car on the road for the first time in ages on saturday (to run a rebuilt DVA engine in) and realised why I don't drive it on the road (or run bikes on the road).... saw 4 camera vans (but luckily other motorists seem to live the 7 and flash away to allow me to saunter past at 55mph with a wave each time!!)
Sorting your ride height is the first thing you need to do. Figure out how much front clearance you can get away with and work out the rest of the settings (for the rear etc) from there.
65-70mm under the sump pan is probably OK.
Don't think I've ever hit anything "normal" in mine. Just the odd sump pan grind on the worst speed bumps (but these are at slow speed so no hassle). Speed bumps are often best done at an angle.
65-70mm under the sump pan is probably OK.
Don't think I've ever hit anything "normal" in mine. Just the odd sump pan grind on the worst speed bumps (but these are at slow speed so no hassle). Speed bumps are often best done at an angle.
Thanks for all your positive thoughts, sorry for the delay in replying, my work can get crazy at times. I have joined the Lotus Seven Club so will start posting on their as well. Yes, I read the coke can test on the Blatchat forum.
I went for a short run a couple of days ago - I guess a road trial. Checked all the usual, tyre pressures, coolant, oil, battery. Then started her up
Oil pressure and temp were good and water temp. The K-series needed a good 10 minutes to warm up. The ride height was not a problem and the handling was smooth. My only concern while driving along was the hazzard of stone chips on the windscreen. Have to be very aware of any loose gravel on the road and keep my distance fron the car in front. I may purchase a second windscreen to have as spare as it will only be time before it cracks.
The experience was great. Raining down here in South France all this week so will start those garage cleaning and polishing jobs instead.
Being down in South France, when its not tipping it out of the sky the temperature can rise into the middle 20's in the mid day sun even this time of year. With that concern I am going to have a detailed look at my cooling system, plus research starter motor solenoid heat protection and perhaps coating the primary exhaust to reduce under bonnet temperatures if at all possible? Plenty of comments about this on Blatchat.
I will keep up with my own posts more often
James.
I went for a short run a couple of days ago - I guess a road trial. Checked all the usual, tyre pressures, coolant, oil, battery. Then started her up
Oil pressure and temp were good and water temp. The K-series needed a good 10 minutes to warm up. The ride height was not a problem and the handling was smooth. My only concern while driving along was the hazzard of stone chips on the windscreen. Have to be very aware of any loose gravel on the road and keep my distance fron the car in front. I may purchase a second windscreen to have as spare as it will only be time before it cracks.The experience was great. Raining down here in South France all this week so will start those garage cleaning and polishing jobs instead.
Being down in South France, when its not tipping it out of the sky the temperature can rise into the middle 20's in the mid day sun even this time of year. With that concern I am going to have a detailed look at my cooling system, plus research starter motor solenoid heat protection and perhaps coating the primary exhaust to reduce under bonnet temperatures if at all possible? Plenty of comments about this on Blatchat.
I will keep up with my own posts more often
James.
Ult-Jim said:
The K-series needed a good 10 minutes to warm up....My only concern while driving along was the hazzard of stone chips on the windscreen.... With that concern I am going to have a detailed look at my cooling system, plus research starter motor solenoid heat protection and perhaps coating the primary exhaust to reduce under bonnet temperatures if at all possible? Plenty of comments about this on Blatchat.
JamesThe key to K series longevity is regular oil changes and giving it chance to warm up (the oil will take a lot longer than the water jacket). I wait until my oil is 60 degrees before giving it any stick.
In terms of flying debris, you'd be wise to wear some form of eye protection, even if this is just (non glass) shades, as somethin in the eye at speed at best can be painful....
Cooling is an emotive subject and you will get several varying replies. I have a dry sumped 230hp k series, without an oil cooler and can run at the ring all day (circa 25 laps) without experiencing any issues. This is running the car flat out for 3 -4 laps back to back. The oil goes to around 105 degrees and the water to around 95 degrees. A good synthetic oil will take this no problem (I use silkolene 'pro race' R 15-50).
Unless you experience specific problems, *personally* I don't think you need to worry about temps too much. If you seek the advice of some of the racers, they may be able to provide you with specific solutions to actual problems encountered. I doubt road biased driving is going to require many additional cooling solutions - regardless of whether the solution works or not, in most cases it isn't needed!
Speak to someone like Dave Andrews (DVA power) who can give you recommended water and oil temps for engines in various states of tune and can also advise on oil grades, etc.
I have heard it mentioned that wrapping the exhaust, whilst keeping the engine bay temps down can sometimes make the heat concentrate in the head, rather than dissipate via the exhaust headers. Again, another emotive subject on BC.
You will encounter loads of *personal* opinions (i.e. people defending the 'science' behind their preffered choice/mod), so you need to take all the opinions (only a few of which contain any fact!) and make your own reasoned decision for most issues!
On the starter front, I'd be inclined to get a Brise starter if you have issues (assuming the one you have has the solenoid on top (or is it below) the main body of the starter.
I don't believe painted on exhaust coatings are meant to be very durable.
If your coolant's at the right level, and the fans kick in at the right time, I'd simply use it and just keep an eye on temps rather than mess with it.
I don't believe painted on exhaust coatings are meant to be very durable.
If your coolant's at the right level, and the fans kick in at the right time, I'd simply use it and just keep an eye on temps rather than mess with it.
Murph7355 said:
On the starter front, I'd be inclined to get a Brise starter if you have issues (assuming the one you have has the solenoid on top (or is it below) the main body of the starter.
I don't believe painted on exhaust coatings are meant to be very durable.
If your coolant's at the right level, and the fans kick in at the right time, I'd simply use it and just keep an eye on temps rather than mess with it.
Murph, although not 'painted on', a zircotec coating works well and won't come off in a hurry!I don't believe painted on exhaust coatings are meant to be very durable.
If your coolant's at the right level, and the fans kick in at the right time, I'd simply use it and just keep an eye on temps rather than mess with it.
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