What would you buy? Details below Order now placed

[LawrenceR]

Hi All,

I have approx £30k to spend on my next caterham, my last was a 1.9k 210 bhp which I kept for 4 years.

It has to be a duratec, have a 6 speed box, dry sump, and LSD, be in a colour that is visible on the road.
And finally be quite enough for track days.

Ideally it will have a lowered drivers floor, tillets, and quick rack, but these last three are not essential or can be added later.


Options

I can either buy a new supersport R and spec the sump and box.

Or

Stretch the budget and buy a new R400 and be very strict with the other options

Or

Try and find a nice second hand R400/R300 or even R500


If I go for a R300/Supersport R will I miss the 35 bhp?


Any thoughts or know of any cars coming on the market that fit my tight requirements?

Any replies welcome.

[LawrenceR]

Thanks for all the input guys. Keep it coming

Spedyellow
w.r.t the IRS car I would be very tempted if it had a standard back end. I am sure it is very well engineered but I would worry about resale.

Scz4
I am happy to build myself so I see a new painted R400 at about £34k and given I would not have to pay until I pick it up I could save a bit more.

Tomwoodis
I do think I would miss the power and want to upgrade.... But that is got to be half the fun?

[LawrenceR]

Scz4
My ideal spec would be very similar to yours but I would tell myself that I would not get the cage/track day roll bar or even paint until I am sitting ticking the boxes.

My man logic will help support my man maths.... that way I could still pretend it is/would be only just over £30k

Edited by LawrenceR on Sunday 20th July 19:56

[LawrenceR]

sjmmarsh said:

Have you considered a used CSR 260? It has a nice ride, plenty of power and torque and more space (depending of whether you need it). Most come with the 6 speed, but the LSD was only fitted as standard to the early cars.

With the 260 engine and a 6 speed box you don't need to change gears that often if you don't want to - mine will pull away in 6th from about 20mph and 1st is good for almost 60mph if you want to use all the revs on the road!

It is not as manic as an R500 when you are approaching the limit, but for 95% of the time it is a better ride IMHO.

Steve

Steve please don't take this the wrong way but,

I have never really liked the look of the SV/CSR. They just don't look right to me, I can't quite explain it.

Edited by LawrenceR on Tuesday 22 July 06:23

[LawrenceR]

I have made a decision.

Strangely having asked for a poll I have chosen the lowest option.

Today I have ordered a SuperSport R with following spec:

Additional 220bhp upgrade.
5 speed box
Dry sump
Lowered floors
Trackday roll bar
carbon dash
QR Wheel
Wide rears
Weather gear
Tonneau cover
Painted Caterham Blue (I am assuming Caterham blue is the launch colour of the 620r not the launch colour of the 160)
noseband

I am happy but have a couple of days to change my mind on the spec.

Thanks for all the comments.

Edited by LawrenceR on Wednesday 23 July 20:47

[LawrenceR]

scz4 YHM

Mike 150 Honest answer, not 100% sure yet still a few little bits to spec.

[LawrenceR]

scz4 said:

Also, perhaps it's worth fitting a 12v power socket for Sat Nav, charging your phone or more importantly for a 12v type pump.

Unfortunately, it is only an option on a factory built car.

[LawrenceR]

I had a great day yesterday and thanks to Dom at Caterham south.

My spec has stayed the same as I posted before, a couple of minor changes, but nothing major. It still is going to be a SSR with the 220 upgrade and 5 speed box.

Final choice is what colour???

Thanks for all the input on this thread. Now I just have to hurry up and wait. Roll on Feb.

Watch this space for a build thread.

[LawrenceR]

knight said:

Something bright and lairy so you can be seen easier on the road.

I fully agree

LawrenceR said:

It has to... be in a colour that is visible on the road

I have a few ideas, so I am off to halfords to get some paint and make up a few samples